Mother Cancer Scare

[farranccc]

Hi everyone, I hope you are all doing okay.

I have received help and support on this site for a while but am after your thoughts on a different topic if possible, please. My apologies for the vagueness...

My mother, aged 73, went to the Dr for a routine check-up and was called back because of one of the blood test results. She was sent for a liver and kidney ultrasound and both came back as clear but the Dr, at a subsequent visit said that ‘there is a little blockage somewhere but it will probably clear itself’. She was told not to worry but then received a call advising that she has been out on a 2 week cancer fast-track referral with an appointment next Monday.

She is obviously worried and I was wondering if anyone here has any idea of what any of this could mean?

I presume they mean it is a bile duct blockage and want to be cautious that is it not a growth as opposed to a blockage?

Any ideas would be gratefully welcomed.

Thanks

[Isabelle2]

Hi

I’m so sorry I can’t help. However for info for others is she in the U.K., US or somewhere else?

Good luck

Isabelle xx

[Hidden]

I know it's easy to say, but try and calm down. More tests are needed. It is possible to have gallstones blocking the bile duct. So it's going to be a waiting game I'm afraid. Secondly even if it did turn out to be a tumour type mass, then it could be either benign or malignant, so try to remain positive.

Sadly your mothers age could be an issue as she may not respond to well too certain treatments, but lets wait and see what we are dealing with first.

Good luck to you both. I have my fingers crossed.

[farranccc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for all your replies - you guys are the best!

We’re in the UK and will keep my fingers crossed 🤞 It looks like biliary cancer is very rare but like you say, let’s wait and see.

I did read one interesting stat on the NHS website that 9 out of 10 people that are referred via this route do not end up with cancer which is a little reassuring (but of course 10% of people do have it)

Thanks again

[Hidden]

Just to echo what Richards has said. Unfortunately all you can do is wait and try and be positive. The easy thing to say and the hardest thing to do.

[Porphyriamaniac]

Hi farranccc, I've been on 2 of these 2 week cancer pathways via tests at gp on my way to diagnosis, one for the bladder and one for the bowel, all turned out well and ruled things out, thankfully. Its likely Drs had a conversation together and decided on this to be precautionary(better to be safe than sorry). Try not to worry too much, it's good that your mum is being seen swiftly. I hope all goes well. Xxx

[Hidden]

We hope your mum receives the tests she needs and gets reassuring news soon.

Best wishes

Trust1

[farranccc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your messages everyone, you’re all so kind.

It is always a worry when you have to deal with these types of things and being a ‘bit of a man’ it is sometimes hard to talk about it but this forum does provide a great outlet and some great advice.

I have been following the recent difficult conversations and we need to not let disagreements get in the way of the amazing advice that is literally of life and death importance in some instances. We all have our moments but forgiveness, respect and patience is key to ensure the forum remains the safe haven it has become for so many people.

I hope you’re keeping as well as can be.

All the best and thanks again.

[Garyvh]

Hi Farranccc,

They will be just following protocols, it doesn't necessarily mean they are panicking about your Mum having cancer, just following investigative guidelines to rule things out etc.

Hoping she gets some reassuring news soon,

Gary

[Hidden]

Hi

I was referred on the 2 week pathway for a lump of found, I know not the same as your Mum but I soon found out I was and happy it was dealt with so quickly. Wishing your Mum and yourself good luck. Please let us know how you get on. Take care Lynne