Cancer referral nightmare

[GrouchyBear]

Hello - my name is Kevin and I have just joined this community. As the title suggests, I am currently enduring an anxiety-ridden wait for a yes/no answer as to whether I have stomach cancer, and am wondering if anyone else has/is experiencing something similar?

I was referred by my GP on 5 August to North Middlesex Hospital under the two-week cancer referral pathway, as I was experiencing all the classic symptoms. I had a gastroscopy quite quickly on 27 August, but since then I have not heard a single thing, other than as a result of me pleading/complaining; namely that a virtual clinic to discuss my case was due three weeks ago today; and last Wednesday was told that a letter had been dictated, but was awaiting the consultant's approval. But still no letters received.

Even allowing for the pandemic, I'm appalled that I have not been kept routinely updated, especially when I read that NHS England has a target of 28 days from the referral being made to inform the patient whether or not they have cancer. But I am loath to complain too loudly in case I get pushed into the "difficult patient" and left to fester even longer...

Any thoughts, advice or similar anecdotes all gratefully received 😊

[Angj]

Hi. It’s not unreasonable at all to complain about the wait. I went through a diagnosis in 2009 and although the diagnosis was confirmed within the 28 day timescale, it was an awful wait. It’s not surprising you are highly anxious about the result. I would contact the consultants PA on a daily basis for an update. Shame on them! Wishing you all the best.

[GrouchyBear in reply to Angj]

Thank you for your reply and good wishes. I will certainly try and contact the consultants PA, as well as everyone else. Wishing you all the best in return...