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all is not well

@lucylocket61 , thinking about you this afternoon, I hope the hospital you are in might have effected an introduction to a MacMillan Nurse. If not, then please do reach out yourself - especially now you have that diagnosis.

When my Mother was diagnosed her MacMillan Nurse was a wonderful woman who sorted out and arranged so many things for Mum. Things she had never thought of from making sure Mum was able to get to appointments on the days I couldn't be there (I am 300+ miles away), to benefits - some of which we had never heard of - to gadgets. She was also incredibly kind to me, when I needed to know "stuff" Mum either didn't want to know, or felt too overwhelmed to take on board.

What a woman.

Even if you don't know what help or support you might need, it's a great organisation to get into your contacts list.
 
Thank goodness! I was imagining much worse, and am very, very relieved for you.
I expect you will get information about the kidney situation soon, and plans on what they will be doing about it.
Hug
 
lucylocket61 said:
There are no cancer cells in the lung fluid sample. Of course, the consultant said to be cautiously optimistic about this, as there is still a small chance it has spread. I may have the drain removed, and then I can go home. The multidisciplinary team meet tomorrow and will ring us to sort out the next stage.
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Thank goodness for that progress is progress and optimism is indicated for sure praying for a good outcome for you.
 
lucylocket61 said:
I have my appointment with the urology consultant, on the 21st January. This seems like a long wait to me. I phoned the consultants secretary to tell her I am available earlier, at short notice, if there is a cancellation.
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Good move Lucy.

I've been thinking about you, hoping you are managing OK. I was also assuming you have escaped to home for the time being?

Look after yourself.
 
Lucy I am unsure of the NICE guidelines for time from diagnosis to start of treatment for your type of cancer. The Macmillan team or the PALS team should be able to answer that question and if your appointment on 21 January is outside of that time then use the PALS team to get the appointment moved forward and if that fails find out who your local MP is and write to the MP and copy in the PALS team and the CEO of the hospital. To give you an idea the time between diagnosis and start of treatment is maximum 8 weeks for breast cancer patients but as I say I am unsure about your type of cancer. X
 
Nicki70 said:
Lucy I am unsure of the NICE guidelines for time from diagnosis to start of treatment for your type of cancer. The Macmillan team or the PALS team should be able to answer that question and if your appointment on 21 January is outside of that time then use the PALS team to get the appointment moved forward and if that fails find out who your local MP is and write to the MP and copy in the PALS team and the CEO of the hospital. To give you an idea the time between diagnosis and start of treatment is maximum 8 weeks for breast cancer patients but as I say I am unsure about your type of cancer. X
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Great shout, @Nicki70 .
@lucylocket61 , this snip is from the Cancer Research UK website:

1670517673310.png

The direct link to it is here:

www.cancerresearchuk.org

Cancer waiting times

There are waiting time targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the different UK nations.
www.cancerresearchuk.org www.cancerresearchuk.org
 
AndBreathe said:
Great shout, @Nicki70 .
@lucylocket61 , this snip is from the Cancer Research UK website:

View attachment 57981

The direct link to it is here:

www.cancerresearchuk.org

Cancer waiting times

There are waiting time targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the different UK nations.
www.cancerresearchuk.org www.cancerresearchuk.org
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Nicki70 said:
Lucy I am unsure of the NICE guidelines for time from diagnosis to start of treatment for your type of cancer. The Macmillan team or the PALS team should be able to answer that question and if your appointment on 21 January is outside of that time then use the PALS team to get the appointment moved forward and if that fails find out who your local MP is and write to the MP and copy in the PALS team and the CEO of the hospital. To give you an idea the time between diagnosis and start of treatment is maximum 8 weeks for breast cancer patients but as I say I am unsure about your type of cancer. X
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This is true, but the reality is that targets are missed due to lack of staff and resources. However, I think I am within the recommended timeframe.
 
Lucy I moderate for a cancer charity and the advice I gave you is the advice I give there and it has meant that people are getting their appointments moved forward (earlier). I have worked within the nhs. They are under dreadful demand levels but that does not mean you should not been seen within target times for something as life threatening as cancer. Unfortunately sometimes it those that jump up and down loudest that get seen on time at some Trusts at the moment and you should not feel that you cannot do that if you need to. Xx
 
Nicki70 said:
Lucy I moderate for a cancer charity and the advice I gave you is the advice I give there and it has meant that people are getting their appointments moved forward (earlier). I have worked within the nhs. They are under dreadful demand levels but that does not mean you should not been seen within target times for something as life threatening as cancer. Unfortunately sometimes it those that jump up and down loudest that get seen on time at some Trusts at the moment and you should not feel that you cannot do that if you need to. Xx
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This seems like a prime example of my mantra,... "There has never been a time when it has been more important to be our own strongest advocates." We all have to fight our own corners very hard.

@lucylocket61 I'm sure it all feels very uncomfortable, but please fight your corner.
 
Nicki70 said:
Lucy I moderate for a cancer charity and the advice I gave you is the advice I give there and it has meant that people are getting their appointments moved forward (earlier). I have worked within the nhs. They are under dreadful demand levels but that does not mean you should not been seen within target times for something as life threatening as cancer. Unfortunately sometimes it those that jump up and down loudest that get seen on time at some Trusts at the moment and you should not feel that you cannot do that if you need to. Xx
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I don't understand. Am I not being seen within the target? At this point, all I have is a short visit from the urologist to me in hospital saying the CT scan says I have a tumour, which in his opinion looks malignant. I don't have a formal diagnosis yet, or know the degree of the tumour. I am happy to fight but want to be sure I am in the right first.
 
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