Biopsy results

Hello and sorry for your loss.  The wait g for results is awful.  I was diagnosed 2015 and I only had to wait a week as that's how they managed the service.  Covid changed everything though and see a lot waiting longer.  Hopefully it won't be much longer x

Hi Carol, 

Thank you so much and for replying .

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis in 2015, hope things are better for you now.

The wait is just awful, I work in the NHS myself, I'm so suprised an urgent sample when I queried with them if its sent urgent or routine, is 2-3 weeks. My department, an urgent sample has a turn around time of a few days so it really suprised me. 

I was trying to see if there was some correlation of negative /positive results, if either comes back quicker than the other. 

Many thanks, 

Jenny 

Hi Jenny,

it is quite normal to wait 3 weeks for results.

I used to work in a pathology lab, the tissue needs to be processed, then many small slices are cut and put onto microscope slides, these are stained and given to the pathologist.

the pathologist looks at them and decides what further tests are required. This all takes time and some test take longer than others.

they may then consult others with more experience in that field.

so although the waiting is horrible it is best to have as much information as possible so that the treatment can be tailored to that particular cancer.

hugs

Hi Jenny

Sorry for your situation, these waiting days are the longest days ever.  Don't be afraid to phone and chase the results, mine came in within 2 weeks but I did chase them to make sure I got results promptly due to another issue where my results went astray.  I have found that unless you as a patient take responsibility for keeping an eye on timelines etc things can get missed due to staffing or procedural issues.  Give them a call, they will understand your anxiety and need to know.  Hopefully you will have negative results, fingers crossed they come through for you soon x

Hi, 

Thanks so much for your reply.  So much of the information online is so varied. Ive read some sources it can take longer, as you say if it is cancer and they need to do additional tests or consultant other trusts.

Im on day 13 now, the wait is just awful, I feel like my mind is spirling out of control.

Thanks so much . 

Hi, this is a horrible time, and it can take a few weeks. Mine was quicker, perhaps because the surgeon had already booked me for a consultation as it was virtually 100% cancer pre-results. But even then, I didn’t have the results of all the biopsy tests, but they had enough for them to start my treatment plan a week later. I think, at the two week mark, I would phone or email to ask if they might know when the results will be available. For me, distraction helped - a complete spring clean of the house was the main activity. Long brisk walks was the other. Xx

Thanks so much, I called them last week and left a message on the answer phone this morning. The wait is horrible, I can't help but think the worst, I just hope and pray its good news and I hear back soon . 

Thanks so much, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Yes I thought being in work would be a distraction but as time is progressing im finding it difficult to focus on my job. I left a message on the answer phone this morning, im hoping for good news.