My oncologist/hematologist noticed a large growth in my neck and the CT scan revealed a mass. I am scheduled for a biopsy next week and then will see a surgeon. It seems like a drawn out process and the aanticipatory anxiety is a disease in itself. How do cancer patients deal with this waiting?
Hi Joe13 and welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but so sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges.
I notice from your other post in the Cancer Chat Group that you live in Virginia.
Macmillan Cancer Support is a United Kingdom based charity so you will find a very high percentage of the people on the Community are UK based (but we do have a good number of folks from out with the UK).
Our health system is rather different from the US as most people are treated through our National Health System (NHS) with a proportion of people having private heath cover….. but as for waiting ti see medical professional and get tests and results the UK is exactly the same……
The four nations in the UK have different referral times. In England last year we had a target of a ‘two week wait' for seeing a consultant but that has now been replaced by the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) of 28 days from referral to diagnosis……. It is stressful.
As for the stress….. my great CNS (Cancer Nurse Socialist/Key Worker) was very honest…….
”Mike, you can stress and fret as much as you want but the reality is you can throw all the stress and anxiety in the world at this and it won’t make any difference to the outcomes but the one certainty is - stress does make you ill…… control the battle between the ears and only worry when you are told there is something to worry about”….. and she has been spot on over all these years.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
I have lived and been treated for over 24 years for a rare blood cancer so have been treated by Heamatology, Oncology and Dermatology……. and so have to say they have all been amazing……. Let’s hope that you can get answers soon…….
Although I will say that getting a clear blood cancer diagnosis can at times be a very long process as some blood cancer can be hard to pinpoint.
In fact it took a year and 6 biopsies for me to get a clear diagnosis and that was with my consultant being 99% sure as to what I had……. you just have look to get answers soon,
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)……,, but as you don’t know what type of cancer you have…….. once you know you have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [ Black - Click to Join - Banner ] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [ + Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week
To get in touch from outside of the UK you can contact us 7 days a week 8am-8pm (UK time) on: +44 207 0912230 email or live webchat
This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi Joe
If you do land on the blood cancer rollercoaster you will need a lot of patience……. I do see that one of my colleagues has highlighted our Head and Neck Support Group on your other post……. this can be a natural route to go initially but if it is a blood cancer (Lymphoma, Myeloma, Leukaemia and a few of the other rarer types)…… the Head and Neck group will not be the place for you….. but time will tell.
