Hello, my dad is 78 and has had a lump on his upper arm for a number of years. No pain. He mentioned it to GP some time ago and was told (without being examined) fatty lumps are common in older people. Fast forward another year or so, he went back to the GP (different one) who sent him for X Ray and referral. XRay came back inconclusive, referred for CT, this came back inconclusive so biopsy arranged. This had to be sent off to a different hospital to be investigated further and my dad heard nothing from the hospital. He then received texts and letters from a different hospital 50 miles away asking him to attend an appointment. He’s 78, has his faculties, but isn’t tech savvy so missed the electronic letters sent via text. Finally he had a telephone call from the consultant at this other hospital who told him it was a cancerous growth. I accessed his letter for him and an appointment has been made for the soft tissue sarcoma clinic. On the telephone the consultant said my dad would need surgery (within 3 weeks) and that he’d get a letter. I am really upset and angry with how this has happened, to be told over the phone, not given any other information, to leave us hanging as to what type of sarcoma he has, if he needs more tests, a treatment plan, what to expect, what grade it is, if it has spread etc - it’s truly worrying and upsetting. He called up the following day and was told he has another appointment (within a week) to see the nurses - but again, no information. We don’t know if this is a check up for his surgery or whether it’s to explain the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Surely this isn’t normal practise? We are at our wits end not knowing all the facts and ultimately are thinking the worst. In the letter it says to ring sarcoma UK helpline or go to their website (which is how I came here - from their website) there’s so much information on there but we don’t know what soft tissue sarcoma he has.
can someone please advise what we can ask at the appointments etc - this is a very emotive time and I would really appreciate some help.
im really sorry for the rambling post.
im so worried - unable to sleep etc
L x
