We think Kidney cancer is the primary source

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So my mum has been to see a consultant, bear in mind her pain has been has been ongoing since April, so she went to doctor on the 16th April with back pain & they referred her to gastroenterology & Fuelpumpas called for a scan on the 2nd May, & had to see a gastroenterology on the 13th may, who told us they suspected a large tumour in her kidney which has spread to her lungs & shoulder & she would be referred on to urology, we only actually seen rhe urology specialist on the 19th may, & been told it would be another 2 weeks for a biopsy, is this the normal time frame, as feel they are dragging their feet, seem like a lifetime to try & get treatment, she is 74 years old & in good general health, they said its not a cure, but could probably offer treatment.

  • Hi - sorry to read your story.  

    I re-read it slowly, to derive my expected timescales.  She was referred to urology on 13th May so I would expect her to see urology within 6 weeks which would be the end of June.  She was seen within the week so this is OK.  Time to book at biopsy would be "expected" within 6 weeks.  Speedy would be 2 weeks in my experience of NHS and that's what you got. 

    I think the perception here is that she's been in pain since April so it feels much longer.  But the wait time can only be measured from the time urology became aware which is much later.  I know it's hard, the waiting, and it goes on and on,  The uncertainty ramps up.  But it doesn't last forever and the biopsy is the start of the answers.  I had appts for biopsy and onco on the same day in different hospitals.  The biopsy took preference and I was talking to onco a week later with the results of the biopsy.  I really think you are close to answers you so desperately seek, now.  

  • I agree with that, Mmum. Two weeks between stages of the process, seems to be the shorter side of the norm. It does sound like Jay's mum is close to the treatment plan being devised. 

    A week or two can feel like a month or several, when you are in pain. Also when there is something 'not right' and you can't get the answer straight away, it causes more anxiety and that also stretches out the perception of time.

  • Yes we've been told, we should expect a appointment for a biopsy in the next 2 weeks, & then with a oncology within a week after that, she is also getting referred to a different hospital ( on reading where she is being sent, I believe it's one of the leading cancer hospital in the country).