Hi All,
Wondering if anyone is facing similar stressful waits and how they’re dealing with it?
I first went to my GP in October 2019 with symptoms of bleeding between periods and cycles with less than a week in between bleeding. Then the pandemic hit after I went back to the GP in January 2020 after no change.
I’m in my mid 40s now but previously had early stage cervical cancer in my early 30s. It took a year from my smear test to getting diagnosis. Administrative errors caused delays, results and I got lost in the system etc. This time around I eventually got a scan last October (2021). I was initially informed they’d found a ‘shadow’ on one of my ovaries. (There’s a long history of ovarian cancer in my family.) I was referred to a gynaecologist but the hospital said the waiting list means I won’t get seen until 2023. March this year my symptoms changed. The bleeding stopped and instead I needed to pee a lot more often than usual and felt full after not eating very much. My tummy started to swell. Went back to the GP who informed me I’d been given incorrect information and that the October 2021 scan actually showed a tumour in my womb. Apparently I can’t get an urgent gynaecological referral unless I’m over 50. So, I sit and wait, feel more bloated, to the point of being too uncomfortable to sleep. Feel like I’m having a phantom pregnancy! GP has sent me for another scan, which won’t be until the end of July, as that’s all they can do. I’m aware it could just be fibroids. But having been through a similar rigmarole before, it’s hard to be optimistic. Not sure what if anything I can do except wait until next year. Just wondering if anyone is facing similar waits even with previous cancer history.
Thanks
Hi Eliz and a welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to see you joining us and to hear about the challenges you are facing. I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a rare incurable blood cancer stage 4 and have had multiple treatments because I have relapsed a lot - it can be a stressful journey.
I see that you have found and posted in our Womb (uterus) cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
Macmillan have many support platforms so do check out the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Give me a shout if you need further help.
Best regards.
