On 2 week pathway but not been seen yet

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Hi I went to the GP On the 25th April due to having various symptoms. Watery very smelly discharge for 3+  months, Dragging sensation in pelvis and then heavy bleeding for 18 days straight after no period for 49 days which eventually stopped at day 21. Referred and quickly got seen and had transvaginal ultrasound on 7th May. GP called the same day to say he was referring me as an urgent case and would be seen within 2 weeks at Gynaecology as they basically need to rule out endometrial cancer as the images showed a vast area of thickening and also 4 cysts on my ovaries ( I am prone to cysts anyway so this doesn't concern me). I have phoned the hospital a number of times and this week will be 7 weeks since my referral and they have told me it will be at least mid July before I am seen as they are not working to the guideline times at this time. My head is all over the place and not sure if there is anything else I can do?! Just want to know either way and also worried about the length of time this is taking! Any advice would be appreciated:) 

  • Hi CAC79, 

    So sorry to hear you’re going through this. I’ve had a very similar experience so completely get how you’re feeling. I was told by a GP who was new to my area that all cases of post menopausal bleeding are seen within two weeks but it was four weeks before I had my TV ultrasound. Consultant set me down the urgent path and I had an MRI two weeks later and a diagnostic hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic three weeks after that. 

    Unfortunately, the above threw up more questions than answers and resulted in a very worrying and stressful six months which felt more like six years at times! I won’t bore you with the details but it’s all in my profile if you’re interested in reading my ‘story’. 

    The wait for answers is so damned hard, isn’t it? I’d advise you to try to keep busy, spend time doing the things you enjoy with the people you enjoy being with, and afford yourself the odd treat.

    I’d also strongly advise you to keep hounding! If you haven’t heard anything by the 1st week in July, phone and ask for an update - and keep a written record of dates and what’s said by who when.

    Tempting though it is, try to avoid spending too much time on the internet. Dr Google can sometimes be helpful but it’s so easy to allow our imaginations to run riot when we’re desperate for answers.

    I also found writing my thoughts and feelings down a great ‘release’. My diary was a non-judgemental ‘listener’ - still is

    Hope this is of some help. Wishing you all the best. Do keep in touch and let us know how it’s going. You’re among friends here Heart eyes

  • Hi FaithA

    Thanks so much for your reply. Just having a bad day today after the call to the hospital. I have been really calm about it all but the thoughts are creeping in tonight and just want some answers. I have just read your story. Wow what an awful time you have had! Sorry you went through that. I am just back from a family holiday where i honestly forgot all about it( well mostly) for a week and it was just what I needed. Hopfully I get an appt soon but have arranged a GP telephone appt for this week to discuss. He is outraged at the time I have had to wait. I will update once I know more. I hope you continue to be well and thanks again for the support

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and although I've had different cancer diagnoses to you I know how difficult waiting for tests and then results can be.

    The online community is divided into different support groups and I can see that you've already found and joined the womb cancer group where you'll connect directly with others who have had the same symptoms and investigations as you.

    When you feel ready, you can start a new post there in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

    It would be great if you could put something about your symptoms and tests to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

    Community Champion Badge

     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

  • Hi CC79, 

    Sorry for not replying sooner. Yes, they were interesting times but I feel very lucky when I compare my ‘story’ to others I have read. Didn’t make the wait for answers any easier at the time though.

    Hope you’re doing ok and now have a July date for your consultation. x

  • Hi FaithA

    I now have an appt for 16th July. However currently awaiting my GP calling me as have woken up heavy bleeding and in alot of pain this morning. I ended up putting in a complaint and although they did get back to me it hasn't got me seen any sooner. My GP also put in a request for information and the response he got was a bit rude tbh. So on 2 week pathway and my appt is 9 weeks from date of referral. Just worried today my symptoms have changed and just really need to know what is going on Sob

  • Hi CAC79,

    So sorry to hear you’re bleeding and in pain again Cry The wait for answers is long and hard enough when your symptoms are ‘settled’ but when they change the worry ramps up, doesn’t it? We’re only human, something it seems the ‘powers that be’ forget at times, but perhaps I’m being unfair. 

    Glad to hear you’ve at last got a date and, like me, it sounds like you’re really well supported by your GP Practice. The NHS staff I had direct contact with (in three different hospitals) were all excellent but, sadly, the administration seems broken.

    Hope your GP calls soon and you get some good help and advice. Sending big hugs x  

  • I understand your worry. NHS delays happen even with urgent referrals. Keep calling the hospital weekly for cancellations. Ask your GP to try escalating the referral or get specialist advice. If symptoms worsen, go to A&E or see your GP again.

  • Completely agree.

    I was actually recently advised by my GP’s receptionist to keep hounding the hospital. Apparently they’re often forced to ‘hound’ on behalf of patients too.