In March I went to my GP with a lump on my scalp and rough skin in my eyebrow. After a quick look and reviewing my history of having 2 BCCs removed from my face and throat nearly 20 years ago he announced “that is cancer” about my scalp and “that is a precancerous lesion over your eye”.
He referred me to a dermatologist at the local hospital who also said “yes that’s cancer” and said that I would be put on the list for surgery - that the waiting list was 5-6 months. She also gave me some chemotherapy cream for my eyebrow.
Apart from a letter from the consultant saying that I was on the waiting list, I heard nothing so went to the GP in July - he was surprised that I hadn’t had surgery. A couple of weeks later I called at the GPs surgery and saw the secretary who called the consultant’s office to check on progress - she was told that 6 months seemed about right to wait.
i phoned the “waiting list” asking about waiting times and was told that 12 months is about what to expect as they are very busy with more urgent cases. I returned to the GPs secretary with this news who phoned and was told that I could go on the cancellation list and maybe the doctor should write an “expedite letter” - it might not do any good but there was a chance !
All this time waiting is very stressful (I know a BCC is not life threatening but it is still scary) and I’m getting headaches and paranoia about other small lumps and rough patches on my scalp (probably nothing - but it plays on your mind !)
I’m in Staffordshire - is 12 months waiting time reasonable? … what if they turn round and say the wait is now 18 months ? … can I do anything ?
I've posted this in the New to the Community section....but just in case case you don't see it
I’m in Staffordshire - is 12 months waiting time reasonable? … what if they turn round and say the wait is now 18 months ? … can I do anything ?
Hi
I was in the same spot. Referred and seen by dermatologist and it was a year till I had mine excised.
I am in Wales and have no choice of hospital but if you are in England you do. Ring round to see who has the shortest waiting list and see if they will see you. You have the right to treatment at any hospital provided they have the capacity.
You should have been told where in the waiting list you are, by the way. That would give an indication of when you would be seen
Good luck
PS I lived with mine being misdiagnosed for eight years
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
