Hi all, hope everyone is doing ok.
I'm currently awaiting an MRI scan for a lump I've had in my index finger for a number of years. I'm completely blindsided to hear that I've been referred to a sarcoma team as nobody has ever mentioned possible cancer to me. Here is some background, apologies it is quite long!
I developed a lump on the side of my index finger, must have been atleast 5 years ago now, some time around 2018/2019. I went to my GP at the time who wasn't sure what it was and sent me for an ultrasound scan. After several months of waiting I was called for the ultrasound scan to be told that 'it looked just like normal tissue, nothing of concern'. That was that, I was told not to worry and sent away. I assumed it was just some fatty lump and ignored it. Fast forward to July 2022, i decide to go to my GP (new surgery) as it was causing some discomfort (it doesn't really cause much discomfort but if I accidently knock it on something then it gets really painful) explained I had already had an ultrasound in the past but that I want further investigation as its now causing me pain. My GP said it could be a fatty lump or lipoma and said that she would refer me for a scan. I should also note that she could not find any record of my referral with my previous GP and had no record of me ever attending for a scan. This is really odd as I certainly remember going! Anyway, I was referred for another ultrasound scan, which I had 3 weeks ago. (Yes over 2 years after the referral! As I waited so long I assumed it obviously wasn't urgent right) i went for the scan and was told that they didn't know what it was. I asked if it was a lipoma and was told it wasn't. I explaimed I was told years ago it was normal tissue and so asked if I should be concerned? The doctor who was doing the ultrasound said he didn't know what it was soni would need an MRI. However hr told me it was highly unlikely to be anything serious especially as I've had this for years and i would know by now if it was something of concern. I left thinking I'd probably be waiting a while for the MRI as he didn't seem concerned. Now this is where things get worrying, as in the space of 2 weeks since this ultrasound, I've had a phonecall off a support worker from a sarcoma team and a leaflet through the door about why I have been referred. My MRI is also booked in for 10 days time and it all feels really rushed, as if they know something is wrong. I feel really angry that I've had this lump for such a long time and only now are they really investigating it. Could I really have sarcoma for 5 years and not know?! I haven't spoken to any consultant or been given any indication about sarcoma until I recieved this phonecall last week. The lady was a support worker within the sarcoma team, she informed me that I have been referred to them and that after I've had my MRI I will be contacted, but if I had not heard back within 2 weeks of the MRI then to give them a ring. She also said she would send an information leaflet in the post. I recieved that today and that's when I felt sick, its a sarcoma leaflet outlining treatment options etc. Noone has even told me they are checking for this! I have not seen any consultant or any other doctor apart from a GP who made the referrals and the 2 doctors ho who carried out the two ultrasounds both who told me 'not to worry' I have 2 little children and I'm besides myself with worry. I'm trying not go from zero to 100 but I'm really thinking the worst. 5 yeaes after this lump appeared, i'm having a rushed MRI and sarcoma leaflets through my door. I keep thinking that surely I would know if i had cancer by now..is it possible to have a lump for 5 years and no other symptoms? I know I shouldn't Google but I read some people don't know for years and have little symptoms and it's really scared me.
Has anyone else waited so long for a diagnosis? I'm really hoping that whatever it is, it's benign but I can't help but think the worst right now.
Thanks for listening x
