Biopsy Results

The nurse just rang back. She said she's spoken to the Consultants secretary and she will put my results on his desk first thing Monday, then he will call me.

Doesn't sound positive does it

Hello HerefordDad 

It's just "red tape". It will be the way your hospital works, no doubt a Consultant running the department his way and he's in charge.

Try not to worry - Prostate Cancer is usually slow growing - enjoy the weekend, a few days won't matter (Easy for me to say).

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Brian

That's great mine took 8 weeks 

I was surprised in my case. My Doctor as a web site to communicate with patients and post test results. You would not think it would happen but they posted my biopsy results on my electronic post before I ever heard from my doctor! Not a good way to find out you have prostate cancer! After I read the post I contacted my Doctor, met with him, and discussed the results and his recommendations.   I hope you communication is more personal but thought I’d tell you, just to be on the lookout if your doctor uses a patient posting portal too.

Thank you for replying 

Waiting is definitely the worse part especially as the Christmas season is bound to result in some extra worry. 

It’s so easy to head straight for the worse outcome, but maybe you already have some indication like PSA or MRI information or symptoms to set the expectations. 

If you haven’t heard on Monday PM call the cancer nurse specialists in the department. When I first called I got an admin she said I could not have the results until the appointment, but I had a direct number to the CNS office they gave me the headline result when I called them. 

Best wishes 

Hello Brian (Millibob),

I can understand why they don't like giving results as soon as they are available as which is harder to deal with?  1. waiting a few extra days for your results so that an MDT meeting can be held so that you get a possible treatment plan at the same time, or, 2. getting your results up front then going into panic mode because you have no idea what treatments will be available so start googling away.

I think it would be better if the NHS managed peoples expectations more clearly & that more accurate timescales were available.  If for any reason these were going to be exceeded that they then took the lead & made contact to explain why there was a delay.  

Best Wishes & a Happy New Year - hope the next holiday is already booked

Brian

Hello Brian (Buzzers ) 

Happy New Year to you too.

I can see where you are coming from and I appreciate your reasoning. My personal view (not Macmillan) is that they are your results and you are entitled to them.

* Most people suffer from test/scan worry with sometimes unnecessary anxiety and sleep deprivation.

* I am a bit of a nerd  when it comes to my diagnosis and medication, not only for prostate cancer, but CKD and diabetes. There have been a couple of instances when my GP has marked my test results "Ok for this patient" when this patient wasn't happy with them and I was right both times.

* I make a point of understanding all my results, I know what all my medication is/does and i also check on what/how a treatment works. (I know I am sad!!).

I do agree the NHS should have standards that are constant throughout and waiting times need to be brought down. They should also be consistent in how they deliver a diagnosis good or bad.

 We hope to be off to Turkey for a few weeks in February/March but no dates booked yet. We are checking with Number 3 daughter this weekend about dog sitting. We have a family holiday booked for the first week of Easter in Eyemouth.

Best wishes - Brian.

Millibob, I’m a nerd too.  Want to know and understand the far end of Adam!