Diagnosis timescale query

I don’t know what the target should be, but my husband had things in the same order as your partner.  The appointment for the biopsy results ended up being 5 weeks after the biopsy.  
I was convinced that with such a long wait the answer would be no cancer detected and was ready to ask what the “something” on the scan could be if it wasn’t that.  Turns out it was, although small and contained.

Good luck.

Hi , it seems to be taking people longer to get through the system now. I think this is due to several reasons - the industrial action, the shortages of staff in all areas and an increasing demand. I was at a meeting a few weeks ago when a local GP said his surgery was seeing more men than ever requesting PSA tests. Obviously, more tests equals more case finding = more further investigations and more need for treatment.

My husband was diagnosed about 15 months ago. PSA raised in June. Second PSA raised in July. Referred to hospital on 2 week wait cancer pathway. MRI August. Results September and progress to biopsy . We waited two weeks for biopstpy result and then there had to be a bone scan. Hormone therapy commenced November. Radiotherapy 20 sessions commenced beginning of February. 

We attend a local PC support group and have been told the wait for radiotherapy is now 6 months and not 3 months as it was this time last year.

the Government target for all cancer treatment is that it should be commenced within 62 days of the GPs first referral but I don’t think targets are being met.

we got through the system by telling each different department that we were happy to take any appointments patients had cancelled at short notice. This really worked well for us because we were prepared to drop everything and go to the hooospital.

hope this helps and hope it all goes smoothly for you! It’s an anxious time.

Hello GreenBird  A warm welcome to the MacMillan online Prostate Cancer forum - we are a decent bunch. I noticed you are also a member of another forum and hope this isn't a "second cancer" in your family.

Worriedwife has already given a great answer to the timeline for diagnosis above and I can't add to this as my personal journey was shall we say unconventional - however I wish you well with your partners results.

Prostate Cancer UK have a cracking booklet "How Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed" and the link to this is attached.

https://shop.prostatecanceruk.org/our-publications/all-publications/how-prostate-cancer-is-diagnosed

Feel free to ask any questions, however trivial - we as a Community are here for you.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you Worriedwife that's a really helpful explanation. And good tip to offer to take cancellations etc, thanks. Everything was moving fast a few weeks ago so we expected an outcome of the tests by now, we'll just have to adjust to the anxious waiting. Interesting re the delays and impact of strikes and also increased demand. It makes sense, thanks.

Thank you Millibob , I'll take a look at the leaflet you shared, appreciate it.

Unfortunately this is a second experience of waiting for results we are going through, my own journey last year was intense and the initial results stage of tests was very, very rapid so I'm just trying to understand why this experience is different and how it works. 

Fingers crossed we get some information soon. 

Thanks Mainly a Mum that's really helpful to know, all the experiences I read on here were so different! I'm trying to analyse what the timescale means....all we want is answers, so I'll just adjust and dig deep for patience....Christmas is a good distraction.

I hope things are going well for your husband.

Hello GreenBird  I think the issue with biopsy results taking longer is that more men are being tested and the system is struggling with the volume of biopsy's being undertaken.

It's been noticed in the last 3 months the number of new Community members joining the forum is on the increase.

The waiting is the hardest part of this journey!!

Best wishes - Brian.

Just rereading my reply, I meant to say it was also because of the speed of the initial blood test/MRI/biopsy journey (which I had to reassure my husband was “normal” and nothing to be unduly concerned about) which left us a bit confused why the results appointment took so much longer.  He did chase a couple of times as well.

Because of his results (Gleeson 3+4, lowish PSA of under 4 - he’s 53) he was offered active surveillance, focal treatment or surgery.  Decided he wanted this thing gone so opted for surgery.  Saw the surgeon in June but didn’t end up having surgery til end of November.  Is now doing amazing well; so much better than we expected.  Waiting for histology results (mid Jan), but feeling very positive at the moment.

Hello Mainly a Mum  Great to hear of someone who's doing well - long may it continue - he's 53, so young enough to fight any issues left behind by the surgery.

I wish you both well with the histology results next month.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Greenbird

I can't see any stats , if u can give these it helps with the advice given.

So,  PSA and what does MRI say.

Looks like you're still waiting for biopsy results until the end of Jan which isn't helpful.

Best wishes

Steve