Hi, I've not yet had a diagnosis, but I've already had a battle on my hands.
I was put on the 2 week pathway as I've got a large, solid lump under my armpit and it's getting bigger. I got an appointment for 21st April!! I was in shock as that's 4 weeks from the referral, so I called up the breast clinic only to be told its a national problem and basically it's tough, also they have cancellationsbut they'refilled in chronologicalorder. So then went through patient relations who were amazing. In the meantime I got back to my gp and told her about it, on econsult. A nurse manager from the breast clinic called me back and said the clinical team had reviewed me and there was no change as I wasn't deemed urgent, even though I told them that the lump had doubled in size in a week. Nope, I wasn't 'of concern' and there were patients mire urgent than me accordingto my referral. Next came a call from the gp surgery who went to online booking and looked at different hospitals, l first offered me 4th April but I've got an mri on my back on that day so got me an appointment for 13th April, still not within 2 weeks but a week earlier than the original. When patient relations called me back to apologise that he couldn't help further I told him that I'd been offered 2 other appointments much earlier, so it's not a national problem as the breast clinic had said. They were lying to justify their decision. I've got the 2WW breast service - 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D- CANCER Suspected.
I'm going to complain to the CCG about the original hospital as they've lied to me and made me feel unimportant and dismissed.
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis journey.
Your story unfortunately is not that unusual at the moment but when it comes to blood cancers like my type of cancer the waiting time for a referral can be months and that is not in COVID times so well done getting a quick appointment.
The most important thing now is to focus on getting through this and talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
The Community is organised into support groups abd I see you have joined our supportive Breast cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To go to the group just click on the link above then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones). You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best
