Treatment Delays - Anxious

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My husband was diagnosed in December,2023 and since then there have been numerous tests, colonoscopy, biopsy etc. We have had a meeting with the oncologist and all relevant papers have been signed to start chemotherapy. But there has been no date given for starting of the treatment and I am starting to feel anxious now. We are based in UK and all treatments are on NHS.

Does anyone have any experience in timelines for beginning chemotherapy and how long it took from diagnosis to the first day of treatment?

Dulac over 1 year ago

Sam_85

If you click on a contributor's name you should be able to read their own journey (if they have posted it!). You tend to get straightforward answers on these pages.

Dulac

Kareno62 over 1 year ago

Hi Sam_85 It probably varies from hospital to hospital? You could perhaps try ringing the oncologists’s secretary or hubby’s colorectal support nurse to see if that hurries things along a bit.

Hope you hear something soon

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Lucy1382 over 1 year ago

It took ages with me- I had chemo and radio. They did say there were "delays" but a nurse reassured me that most bowel cancers are slow growing. Most of us will have had it for a couple of years, maybe even longer, before getting diagnosed so a few weeks usually doesn't make much difference. Also, the biopsy should have confirmed whether it is an aggressive cancer needing more urgent treatment.

I have to say I WAS getting a bit upset about the delay (didnt actually start until November and had my MDT and decision on course of action in September) but it happened in the end and as far as I'm aware the wait didn't affect anything.

Sam_85 over 1 year ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi!

I have been in touch but they are unable to give any answers on dates except that they are waiting on some reports still and that due to doctors strikes and all things are a little slow. The nurse did assure me that the doctors and team are very much on top of it and are chasing the lab for the reports. So thats that for now.

Trying to control these feelings are just difficult.

Sam_85 over 1 year ago in reply to Lucy1382

Lucy1382 Ohhk thats assuring to hear. Thanks for sharing this. I am just feeling pressure from everyone who knows cuz they keep asking when is the treatment starting and then they grumble and worry. It feels sometimes as if its on me. I know its unreasonable but can't control it. Family and friends are from India where things work out faster due to everything being privatised and everyone is used to everything being done here and now.

Hope you are well and better now Lucy!

Lucy1382 over 1 year ago in reply to Sam_85

Ohh, I know- I'd forgotten about all the endless questions.. It just adds to your own worries- people mean well, but when you already have doubts yourself, it doesn't help! I'd say don't be afraid to chase as well, there probably isn't any chance of an earlier start, but the teams might be able to reassure you about possible timings.