My Dad was diagnosed in December with prostate cancer that has spread to nearby bones. The oncology referral was made on 16th December and having chased again today, he has now been given an appointment in the 2nd week of March. When we received the biopsy results in December, the CNS said based on current wait times, the appointment would be at the start of February and having spoken to one of the Oncology secretaries today, it sounds like this has been an admin error on their part.
My Dad is going to call the CNS back tomorrow to see if there is anything that can be done however she is based in the Urology department. We are based in Central Scotland and from what I can see, I don’t think there is a PALS department others have mentioned. Any suggestions on the best way to try and bring this forward?
Mid December until early March seems like a very long wait.
Spoken to CNS and no further forward unfortunately. We have been told the referral was put onto the system in December but it is yet to be typed up and sent to Oncology. Due to workload they have said this is taking 4-6 weeks and then it’s looking like the same again for an appointment. It seems like an awfully long time for results to be typed up?! Really upset and disappointed, it’s not what we were told to expect when biopsy results were given 
Dad is seeing the GP in the morning for some reassurance. If his first prostap was given on the 23rd of December, would this be in his system for long enough now to be working on his PSA? Wondering if asking for another blood test might help to make us all a bit less anxious in the meantime.
Not sure if I should suggest we escalate further or leave it as discussed with the CNS
Hello Daughter93
My thoughts are:
* Yes the HT injection should be reducing his PSA already so yes a PSA test for reassurance. I assume he's on 12 weekly (3 month jabs) so why not get his next appointment sorted tomorrow so it's done.
* As for the delays - yes PASS - SCOTLAND and lay it on as thick as possible. Long delays, paperwork lost, appointments not as promised, anxiety and anything else. Sadly it's the only way to do things.
Once you do finally get your appointment, give them a ring and let them know you will willingly take any cancellation.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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Thanks Millibob 
Yes it's 3 a monthly jab so I'll suggest he asks for another PSA test and get the appointment booked in.
I will mention PASS to my Dad. It would be helpful if they could intervene but from looking at their website, I think they give advice on how to put your complaint together rather than helping with the issue. Is that different to how PALS works? Sorry this is all new to me!
The appointment date he has now been given is at the end of the first week in March so whilst it's far away, we do have one. It will be 10 weeks from biopsy results.
Hello Daughter93
PALS works by taking your case up and finding out why there has been an issue or a delay and reporting back.
The first week in March will soon be here BUT you can still ring up and try for any cancellation and me being me I would still give PASS - SCOTLAND the benefit of my thoughts - anything to get dad's case sorted quickly.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
