Cancer investigations under Covid

Hi Granny met, 

So sorry to hear you're going through this, and with Covid19 it's making everything more difficult and confusing. It seems to vary depending on what trust you fall into, but telephone appointments seem to be common now as it's deemed to be safer, rather than having patients into the hospital. 

I would say write down a list of questions you may have before the appointment call, as once you are on the phone it's easy to forget. Also I'd suggest you have someone listening with you, perhaps to make a few notes for you. 

We haven't had this experience yet, as my husbands consultation was in between lockdown. 

Meantime if your still feeling unwell, contact your gp again, I wouldn't wait until your phone appointment. If you'd like more advice there is a Macmillan helpline number too. 

Take care

Frances xxx

Thank you for your reply Frances. I was thinking of asking the GP to repeat the bloods in a couple of weeks as obviously my HB is dropping and already making me breathless. My impression was it wasn't even going to be an actual phone call but just someone accessing and going over my case on that particular day and time. Meanwhile its when will my colonoscopy be scheduled as that will be the decider. It must be beyond stressful for younger and newly diagnosed people or those waiting for a diagnosis in these present times. At least I've had a ''good innings'' as they say :)

Hi grannymet, 

I believe, if that meeting goes ahead without you, which happens when they gather, usually your Consultant, any specialists involved, the blood people, and together they come up with a plan for you, but it's usually after the colonoscopy so they have a nice clear picture, so I'm not sure what the appointment on 29th is, unless you do manage to have the colonoscopy before this. 

Whatever you do grannymet, make sure you get the help you need at the moment, this breathlessness and your other symptoms sound like you need a but more than immodium, perhaps get an earlier appointmen with your gp and have those bloods checked again, it's more difficult getting seen these days but do push for it, age is just a number after all

Look after yourself

Frances xxx

Hi 

I haven’t had a diagnosis but have been going through the motions under the new covid rules . My GP referral was quite quick and I had an appointment with a colorectal surgeon by telephone within 10 days . The telephone call was to discuss symptoms etc . He then said he would refer me on for a colonoscopy and again would be under the 2 week rule . That’s when things got held up . The Endoscopy department were triage ing who they were inviting and how urgent they needed to be seen even though my colorectal consultant said it was urgent . To be honest I had a bit of a fight and contacted my local hospital pals , anyhow it was sorted and apologies were made . So you now have a covid test 3/4 days before your scheduled colonoscopy. If that is negative you go In . The numbers wIting in reception were severely reduced and the staff said they’d had a 80% reduction as the Endoscopy suite had been taken over for makeshift wards . On my day of procedure as only one room available it was one in and one out so the waiting was lengthy . I’m yet to receive my results of biopsies taken so not sure how long the next stage might take . 

Thank you Takayasu, Its all a bit weird isn't it? I can remember how swiftly things went along in 2004 when I was diagnosed first. I can't understand why my 'appointment' was actually for 3.5 weeks ahead when it is nothing more than someone checking my blood results as that's all I've had done so far?

I'll see how I feel next week as today the diarrhea hasn't really happened, making me worried why not as it's been constant for so long! Ha!!

I'll bear the PALS option in mind, I know they are very good in finding out stuff. I'm also aware there'll be others who also need urgent appointments in this crazy time so I can't expect too much. 

Thank you Frances, I'll keep an eye on myself! I doubt I'll be getting the colonoscopy first as there'll be covid tests and bowel prep involved and time is ticking on? Fingers crossed it will all pan out in the end.