In March I went to my GP with a lump on my scalp and rough skin in my eyebrow. After a quick look and reviewing my history of having 2 BCCs removed from my face and throat nearly 20 years ago he announced “that is cancer” about my scalp and “that is a precancerous lesion over your eye”.
He referred me to a dermatologist at the local hospital who also said “yes that’s cancer” and said that I would be put on the list for surgery - that the waiting list was 5-6 months. She also gave me some chemotherapy cream for my eyebrow.
Apart from a letter from the consultant saying that I was on the waiting list, I heard nothing so went to the GP in July - he was surprised that I hadn’t had surgery. A couple of weeks later I called at the GPs surgery and saw the secretary who called the consultant’s office to check on progress - she was told that 6 months seemed about right to wait.
i phoned the “waiting list” asking about waiting times and was told that 12 months is about what to expect as they are very busy with more urgent cases. I returned to the GPs secretary with this news who phoned and was told that I could go on the cancellation list and maybe the doctor should write an “expedite letter” - it might not do any good but there was a chance !
All this time waiting is very stressful (I know a BCC is not life threatening but it is still scary) and I’m getting headaches and paranoia about other small lumps and rough patches on my scalp (probably nothing - but it plays on your mind !)
I’m in Staffordshire - is 12 months waiting time reasonable? … what if they turn round and say the wait is now 18 months ? … can I do anything ?
Hi Mickm24 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
I have a completely different cancer although I was initially under Dermatology for 14 years then moved onto Oncology and Heamatology. But my first Derm appointment was in mid 1999 and it took a few months back then so I just don’t know what is ‘normal’ now with regards to getting treatment.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated Skin Cancer support group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support. To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
……. and once 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.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… 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.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community but I’m n the meantime all the very best.
I’m in Staffordshire - is 12 months waiting time reasonable? … what if they turn round and say the wait is now 18 months ? … can I do anything ?
Hi
I was in the same spot. Referred and seen by dermatologist and it was a year till I had mine excised.
I am in Wales and have no choice of hospital but if you are in England you do. Ring round to see who has the shortest waiting list and see if they will see you. You have the right to treatment at any hospital provided they have the capacity.
You should have been told where in the waiting list you are, by the way. That would give an indication of when you would be seen
Good luck
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
