Diagnosis of leukaemia

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Hi, 

A family member has recently been told that they have Leukaemia (unsure which type) and have been referred to Haematology. However, she has now been waiting over a month for an appointment to come through and despite chasing, has just been told that she is on a waiting list. Is it normal to wait this long for an initial appointment? 

  • Hi  and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see you joining us and sorry to hear about your family members diagnosis.

    I am Mike and I help out around our various Blood Cancer groups, I don't have Leukaemia but I have been on my incurable blood cancer (Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) journey for over 23 years.

    Haematology departments are very very busy places so it’s unfortunately not that unusual to hear about these waiting times at the moment. 

    I ‘think’ that the guidelines are no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of treatment and no more than 31 days wait between the meeting at which a patient and their doctor agree a treatment plan and the start of treatment……. but even the guidelines are challenged at the moment..

    I do hope that they get their appointment soon but keep pushing the system to see if there are any cancellations.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge

  • Hello, I need some advice…

    I need some advice about some symptoms I have. I’m concerned that my GP is being too slow in doing my bloods. I’m really quite concerned.

    HB is low & only in the green 2 x in 12 months
    MVC is low has been for 12 months 
    MCH is low has been for 12 months 
    Sweating & hot more than usual 
    Extreme Tiredness
    Aching pain in my body (stiffness)
    Weight loss? (Partner thinks so)
    New cough 
    Watery stools 85% of the time 
    Bloated stomach & it hurts
    Bruising on my lower legs & thighs that doesn’t hurt, in random places & without cause
    Lump on boob been there for AGES & looks different 
    Sore mouth & tongue all the time 
    Low iron levels 
    Eyes going blurry
    Dry mouth
    Changes in urine colour & smell 
    Bad liver & kidney function test before 
    Bad brain fog

    What do you think about these symptoms? Should I push the doctor to investigate further £ quicker? 

    I’ve been having these symptoms for a good few months but more recently been feeling really unwell like something isn’t right. 

    Thanks in advance for helping x

  • Hi Nichola  I have put up a reply to you own post in the group.

    You can find it by using the link below….

    community.macmillan.org.uk/.../2203845

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge