To think a Dr wouldn't give terrible news in a phobe consultation?

[siring1]

Had a biopsey a few weeks ago to check for cancer.

Has a phone call from GP receptionist saying I had a phone consulration j for Monday - tomorrow.

Would a GP give terrible news over the phone?

I had a call from the GP telling me there was a serious issue with bloods, and a haematology appointment had been made for me the following morning at the nearest teaching hospital.

Sometimes they have to act urgently and phone is best. But when it’s expected test results, and the GP asks receptionist to book a phone consultation, that does not sound like the same urgency. It doesn’t sound like a ‘go straight to oncology/ do not pass go’, but perhaps there is some other (lesser) issue that requires a doctor’s input

Whatever the outcome. the uncertainties of waiting for test results (when you know cancer is a possibility) are hideous. I hope you have people in RL you can lean on

Good luck OP.

Good luck

I was told, over the phone whilst in the back of a taxi with my boss, in a phone call I didn’t know was coming.

I would hope that’s not standard practice.

Good luck OP and take a sleeping pill if you need to x

I had bad news over the phone because the consultant had said they'd email the results of a biopsy, and, I assumed didn't want to leave it in writing when I might have questions. He rang in the evening so I take it he has hoping I'd be in a comfortable place, so this showed consideration. This was right before Christmas so nothing to be achieved by seeing him, though the wheels were immediately set into motion for treatment in the new year.

I didn't and don't resent it, feeling he did the right thing in a tight position.

Hope all goes well for you, OP

I'm in a similar-ish situation. Been having awful attacks, had blood tests and surgery phoned Friday afternoon to say dr wants to see me, that there are no appointments till 8th October but if I phone on Monday morning I'll get a same day appointment. She refused to tell me the results saying the dr will go over them. They do give results over the phone but apparently they had a note attached from the dr saying results will be discussed at appointment.
I've been stressing all weekend so totally sympathise with how you must be feeling. I'll find out tomorrow. Goodluck with your results too

Gps don't give biopsy results?

We now have an agreement where the consultant emails but for ages it was trek into the weekly consultant clinic to get the next update/results.

Good luck op.

I remember being asked once how I would prefer test results delivered (results could have been very bad news) I was offered in person, phone or text. I chose text. I would much, much rather receive bad news when I'm on my own, worse (for me) would be delivery in person.

@siring1
I worked for a GP surgery for ten years and they would never give serious news post biopsy by telephone .

My sister got a phone call whilst on holiday to say she had breast cancer. The consultant had said he was 99% sure everything was fine and the biopsy was only to help him sleep better. He was very shocked when the results came back and felt he couldn't wait to tell her and wanted her in ASAP for a lumpectomy.

When I got bad results from a biopsy, the doctor called in the evening and told me
I had cancer. As soon as she saw the results. Then the next morning her staff called to set my appointment to come in and go over everything.

Wishing you the best of luck tomorrow. 🤞🏻

We've had bad news over the phone but only when we couldn't actually get to the doctors for a week and was time critical. It's not normally done. Fingers crossed,

I know two friends who were given news of cancer over the phone so I wouldn't rule it out.

Wishing you all the best x

All clear!

Thank you so.much for your support.

Phew! That's a relief. Hope you're feeling better now.

I'm also a GP and have given bad news on the phone although not ideal. For example, some people can worry more if they get a receptionist calling telling them to book a face to face appointment and would prefer to know ASAP. Also sometimes it is needed for speed so the patient doesn't receive an appointment from the hospital eg for a CT scan without knowing why. It would be more distressing I think for an urgent CT scan appointment to drop through the letterbox, than your GP calling to discuss something.
But saying all that I often call people to explain results were normal or if mildly deranged, what the next steps are.

My FIL was notified by the hospital by letter that he had Prostate Cancer!! (He had undergone surgery because he'd not been able to have a wee and must have had a biopsy taken during surgery). He telephoned me and read out the letter. I think he was still in shock.

Delighted for you siring1! Have a pleasant evening. 👍🏻

Phew!

Yay!!!!!!! You must be so relieved.

Fab news!

Last time I had a phone consultation on the back of some hospital tests it was just some daft form they had to complete and the nurse wanted to go through it.

🙌🏻Yeah!!

Brilliant news! Xx