to think CAT scan results shouldn't take two weeks - pancreatic cancer.

[areyoumymother]

Just that, really. It's a very close family member. Almost a fortnight ago, an ultrasound showed a tumour in the pancreas. CAT scan has taken place but apparently it's a 2 week wait to get the results. Pain is building all the time.

AIBU to think my relative will now spend 2 extra weeks suffering unnecessarily and possibly miss out on the slim chance that something could have been done?

This happened to me too when I was scanned after my skin cancer diagnosis. However I've also had a scan done privately and the results still took about ten days.

Two weeks is a lifetime when you're waiting for this sort of news

Suggest that your relative tries contacting the PALS service in the hospital. They may be able to facilitate some speed.

Thanks. She won't go privately and won't complain, either. :(

I can understand how terrifying a wait can be but the scan needs to be looked at by the right person. It's not just a matter of quickly looking at it and writing a report, just looking through the thousands of images take a long time. Usually for these things, the scans are also discussed at an MDT so a plan is made about what to do with the results. That's better than being told the results but then having to wait for a plan.

Moreisnogedag I see what you mean. I'm concerned it will be too late for a plan though.

If at the time of the MDT something is really urgent they'll recall patients early. To be honest, 2 weeks is not going to make a big difference. I'm sorry you're going through this.

we are going through similar and are also being told a wait of 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 weeks makes no difference
uk cancer stats are pretty crap so i am not sure it is really true tbh
sorry you have to wait though.

I have heard that some trusts send scans abroad for interpretation. Might explain the delay. Or just a backlog. Its also holiday time.

I agree its not impressive.

Thanks for the sympathetic responses. It's strangely reassuring to know the wait wouldn't make a difference. I hope your relative recovers sanfairyanne

In similar situation at the moment with family member.. Masses found in 3 sites .. Biopsy failed 2 weeks ago waiting for another to determine type of cancer, prognosis & treatment plan.. Been nearly 2 months all in all since 1st mass found.. The waiting is horrible

My FIL was in this situation. There were what felt like unbearably long delays between starting investigations and getting a diagnosis. I'm not privy to all the details, but once a decision was made he had surgery within a few days. He's still very much with us 2 years later. Hoping you have a similar outcome for your family.

I found out last week there was cancer in my ovaries after my hysterectomy. Four week wait for biopsies to be done to see if it has spread then wait for the results and CT scan results. It's horrible and I sympathise.

to all

Would it help if you were explained what is taking so long? Find out when the MDT meet and if the scans are being sent elsewhere for a second opinion. I know it doesn't make things easier but maybe knowing that there is a solid reason for the delay will help a wee bit?

Uncontrolled pain is another issue and needs to be addressed. If your relative in hospital?

scarlet and rainbow: What dreadful circumstances. I truly sympathise.

myfairyking: It would help to have more info. We know a radiographer (?) and will talk to her later today.

My relative isn't in hospital. She's too stoical for her own good.

Is there a cancer support thread anywhere on mumsnet?

My grandad had pancreatic cancer and went privately in the end. When he was diagnosed he had biopsies taken from the tumor to see what his chances were.

Shockingly they lost his biopsy results - it was feared that they had been swapped with someone else's results and that, as a result, that person would be receiving the wrong treatment.

Horrible, horrible disease and I'm so sorry that you and yours are going through it right now. I can only empathise and wish you all the best x

Time is if the essence particularly with this cancer. I won't frighten you with statistics but please kick up a fuss. 2 weeks can make a lot if difference.

Please dont allow your relative to suffer in.silence whilst they wait for diagnosis. Your GP can prescribe powerful meds as an interim if the hospital is no good. Make an urgent appointment and go in with your relative.

I had to fight tooth and nail for my mum to get diagnosis and appropriate pain relief for pancreatic cancer. I am a forceful, determined person and u could not believe how difficult and soul destroying it was to get results.. your family member will need you to do this for them.

Pain relief is key and urgent..that said.. once diagnosed, the system was great and the care was too xxxx
Very good luck to you all.

rounded, fabu and bbc: Thank you.

pigsmightfly: Can I ask where you got the info from that 2 weeks can make a lot of difference?

I'm sorry to hear your relative and family are going through this. My dad had pancreatic cancer.

It is actually amazing how much you need to push and chase and remind, as other people have said. My dad had results lost, tests not booked, delays due to snow etc etc. Probably made no difference in the end but it would have been better to avoid that hassle.

Trouble is when you are going through it the first time you don't know when you need to chase things up, how long is normal etc.

I don't know if there is anyone who can help patients liaise with the hospitals with this kind of serious illness? Maybe MacMillan?

I'm not a medical expert, but had a close friend with pancreatic cancer. As far as I am aware, it is fairly common for pancreatic cancer to have spread by the time it had been diagnosed. In your friends position I would be pushing for quick action, although I'm sure there are good reasons for at least a short delay (proper evaluation and planning by medical team).

CT results do not (should not!) take two weeks. I have seen the scan take place in the morning and be sat discussing the result with the MDT team that lunchtime. Obviously that is if the MDT meet on the same day.

A fairly typical scenario would be CT 1st of the month (for example), MDT discussion (vital) on 6th if not before and then appointment with patient in next 7 days. It seems like a lot of waiting but things are happening in the background.

I am sorry you and your family are going through this, we went through very similar two years ago. I constantly pushed at nurses, consultants asking at every visiting and phoning daily but it took two weeks. I have medical knowledge and I know once the scan is taken the results are immediately available but getting a MDT together, sometimes from different hospitals and specialities takes time and effort.

I could say more about our story but I won't because it's not useful to hear but I will be thinking about you, another family up against this horrible disease

I concur with frontforward- the scan results (the report from the radiologist) should normally be available within a day or two of the scan taking place, although sometimes they want a second opinion which clearly can add on a few more days delay.

Next, the whole MDT have to meet and discuss the diagnosis and plan the next step- and the MDT meeting is usually once per week (every other week in some places), so you have to wait for the next MDt. Then an appointment has to be made with the patient to discuss the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan.

Unfortunately these things take time, and I can totally appreciate that waiting is awful for all involved.