Hi there.

[JHutton1994]

Still awaiting cancer checks. Still scared about that and the finger deformations since everything I have read seems to indicate that the vast majority of the time clubbing seems to be a harbinger of death. Does anyone know where I can access emotional support relatively quickly? GP said waiting times for therapy is a year to 3 years (not going to be morbid here). Struggling to cope emotionally with all of this, if I am being honest. Keep getting hit out of nowhere with the realisation that there's a not insignificant chance that I have life threatening disease.

[knitter]

Aluk helpline team tomorrow .

Wonder if Mcmillan could help

No panic have a helpline .

Sending best wishes , I know the waiting for test results is stressful

[Ern007]

Hi - I have cancer and I know it's scary. If you are though to have cancer. You will be seen by a specialist referred under the two week rule. I was seen after I think 10 daysj.

Read this...nnuh.nhs.uk/our-services/ca...

As Knitter says, good idea to phone the Mcmillan health line.

Clubbing indicated other health issues, not necessarily you have ,cancer,

Best wishes,

[stravinsky1 in reply to Ern007]

I am also waiting for Cancer or NOT diagnosis. The 2 week wait for diagnosis has been changed to 28 days. There should be a care coordinator at your hospital and your GP should be able to give you their number. You could also try the patient appointments team and if all else fails Pals.

I got a call from a nurse 2 days after my fast track referral who assessed my condition over the phone and told me which tests I need. Then nothing so after a week I started chasing for a date for the CT scan which I eventually got for 8th December, day 25 of the 28 day window. I don't know whether my chasing helped or whether they'd just got to me on the list but it helped me.

Do call Macmillan they are very helpful and understanding. I hope you don't have to wait too long for your diagnosis, I find the waiting part the worst.

I wish you well and am sending you a big hug.

[Ern007 in reply to stravinsky1]

I have cancer but I remember in 2021 the time I had the symptoms until the time almost a year later when I was seen - When my GP knew, she referred me to the then 2 week rule - I wish you well with your diagnosis.

[stravinsky1 in reply to Ern007]

Thank you for replying. I had a mastectomy in 1997 but am still here. I wish you well with your treatment.

[Turnipgirl]

More than likely it won't be cancer and you will be relieved!

Take what you read on the Internet with a grain of salt as a lot of it is rubbish!

[stravinsky1 in reply to Turnipgirl]

I agree, a lot of it is incorrect

[kev60]

hi, I was born with clubbed fingers and often get extra attention when I’m in hospital until I tell them I was born with it. I usually have extra checks on my heart and chest because of the clubbed fingers (always clear) but better safe than sorry. I to had talking therapy (6 sessions with nhs) . Was deemed high risk so was seen quite quickly, after the 6 sessions the therapist referred me to a private service (awareness centre) I have also used Samaritans. Your go should have numbers you can call. There are a lot of charities that have free services so look them up online . Good luck hope you find what you’re looking for. Kevin

[Numptybrain]

Hi

I’m going through this journey. I can tell you once you see a consultant they do numerous tests and scans then for me repeat scans, mine isn’t an easy one unfortunately as it’s involving the pleura so unfortunately they refused more invasive biopsies at last MDT meeting but I’ve now been told due to finding on new CT scan that they may have no choice but to do the biopsies. It all takes time but they really don’t mess about once the ball gets rolling. I am carefully monitored by my GP and the hospital constantly whilst this is happening and have been admitted a few times but refused the last 2 .

Take care

Wendy x

[Ern007 in reply to Numptybrain]

I have to have biopsies 3 times a year because my cancer is aggressive and they need to know has it spread, My GM monitors me, she has been a start Wendy x

[Numptybrain in reply to Ern007]

Bless you but that’s good to know too. Thank you. It’s a long journey but we know we have good care.

Take care x

[O2Trees]

One of the things they check for to indicate if you have finger clubbing is for you to put the same nail of each hand together - kind of like if you were making a heart with your hands. You should be able to see a diamond shape of light showing between the nails.

When I was in hospital a pharmacist who was doing research came round and looked at my nails when they were placed together like that. Then my oxygen nurse looked at the same thing couple of weeks ago. Doesn't seem to matter which fingers you use - Becky (oxygen nurse) looked at my thumbs, rather than my fore finger nails which the pharmacist had done.

[O2Trees in reply to O2Trees]

This BMJ link describes it better than I can:

bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...