Hi, If I'm totally honest I'm not sure if this is the right place to be..... I found a lump in my armpit and after panicking and crying immediately went to my GP. She felt around and filed the paperwork for a fast track referral. She was lovely and I was told I would hear back from hospital within 2 to 3 days. On day 4 I called the hospital as I hadn't heard and was told due to covid they don't have any space or appointments and when one becomes they should contact me. The receptionist wouldn't give a time frame. I am now totally freaking out! I know I havnt had a diagnosis yet but I had a close friend pass due to breast cancer. I have 2 teenage children and I'm alternating between planning what to say on recorded video clips for their future that they can play of me when I'm no longer around to telling myself to get a grip as nothing is official. I don't want to tell friends and family till I know what's happening but feeling so scared and alone..
Hi and welcome to the community although it’s not great to see you joining us.
Going through the diagnostic system at the best of times is hard but the pressure on the NHS at the moment is extreme but that does not make the delays you are experiencing an more easy to handle.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may have to wait longer for your appointment. Some of the UK nations have targets around how quickly you would normally be seen, but there may be delays at this time.
In England, an urgent referral means that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks. In Northern Ireland, the 2 week wait ONLY applies if you are referred for suspected breast cancer.
This 2 week time frame is not part of the waiting time targets for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But wherever you live, you are seen as quickly as possible.
Could I suggest, although you may have done this, is talk with your GP as professionally they can follow this up for you and push this on.
I have lived with a blood cancer for over 22 years now and I have to say that the two week rule to see a Haematologist is virtually impossible to meet and that is not even in Covid times.
A swollen lump in your armpit could mean anything, not just Breast Cancer as you have mentioned that your friend had. But if you find yourself on a cancer journey we have lots of cancer specific support groups in this list where you will be able to connect with others and get support.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Keep pushing the system for this appointment ((hugs))
