Results wait...

Hi and a warm welcome to the online community

I know how hard waiting for results is. How long ago did you have the excision and how long did the surgeon tell you the results were likely to take?

Pre-Covid results generally took between 2-6 weeks with most people getting their results back at around the 4 week mark. If it's been longer than you were told to expect the results you could ring your consultant's secretary to find out if the results are back yet. If they are it's unlikely she'll be able to tell you what they are but she might be able to tell you when you'll be hearing.

Again pre-covid most results were given face-to-face but I'm not sure if that is still happening or whether you'll get a telephone appointment.

As to what to do to occupy yourself I'd say do whatever you can to occupy yourself. I spent a lot of my time indulging myself in my various hobbies as I found that when focused on them I forgot about my worries. Lots of people use mindfulness apps and this NHS page has links to ones they recommend, some of which are free.

Do come back to let us know when you get your results and if in the meantime you've got any questions - fire away!

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Hi Latchbrook 

Thank you for your reply. I had my excision about 2 and a half weeks ago so I know I'm not being patient enough but it's my 40th birthday next so it would be good to know the results and hopefully positive news! The surgeon said it could be 6 weekso but rarely takes that long. I think I'm just trying to second guess things.  

Thanks again for coming back to me I will let you know the outcome x

Mine took 6 weeks to come back but they don't usually take that long. You might be lucky and have got them back before your birthday but, whether you do or don't, I hope you have a lovely day!

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Thank you thats really kind of you. Already I have learnt so much from this but the biggest thing I've seen is the support from people that don't even know you but just want to be there and support each other and I hope I can do the same to others x

Hello , in the past all hospitals have different waiting times, and the same hospital can have different times at different times of the year, and with Covid ?....but actually all my results have come quicker (CT scan and MRI) so fingers crossed for you. It does help knowing how long so you can put the thoughts to one side and get on with making those days count (love your quote). If you have your specialist nurses number you could give a quick ring to ask for an estimate. My nurses have been working from home and from hospital in a rotation I presume because of office space but they pick up messages left on their answer phone. In the past results have taken between 4 and 6 weeks so if you don’t want to bother them now you could wait 4 weeks and try then if you haven’t heard. 

Tips to stay patient, well I write down any worries, one liners and put the list away, you will probably find there’s nothing to add to it so you don’t have to keep going over them as they are already on the list, just park them. Plan something new to do each day or something you know you enjoy, keep busy with that or with things like work, or cleaning etc, but it’s nicer to be something fun. I’ve been growing sunflowers, lettuce, tomatoes, salad leaves and courgettes, all new to me. I’m also watching quite a few box sets on Netflix, and I’m taking advantage of a 3 months free on Spotify offer, I’m discovering podcasts. I like to concentrate on eating healthily and doing some exercise each day.

I hope you find your distraction technique and tell us what it is. 

Hi KT 

Thank you so much for your reply and really great advice. I love your distraction techniques!

That's a good idea to ask for an estimated time that way I can park it and get on with things in the meantime.

I hope you are doing well and I will let you know how i get on 

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Hi

I'm just checking in to see how you're doing and if you've had your results back yet.

x