DH lump: appointment cancelled

[Squaffle]

2 weeks ago, DH found a lump in one of his testicles. He saw the GP the next day who referred him under the 2 week cancer pathway. His appointment was supposed to be last Friday at 6:15pm (a phone appointment which we thought was odd, but happy he was going to speak to someone at least). No-one phoned and he couldn’t reach anyone. We assumed they’d overrun their schedule and gone home for the weekend. He kept trying on Sat/Sun but no joy. On Monday he finally got through and they rebooked him for a face to face appointment tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s appointment has just been cancelled by text message “due to unforeseen circumstances” with no indication as to when they can reschedule and again he is unable to get through to speak to someone.

Any advice? I suggested trying 111 or paying for a private scan so that they can at least find out what it is, then reverting back to NHS as we wouldn’t be able to stay private. He’s so worried, I’m trying to be calm and practical for him.

How annoying and worrying. I may be wrong but I was told that if you start down the private route you cant then switch to NHS with results, not sure if that is correct as MIL said it. He will need to call tomorrow to reschedule

Yes I did wonder about that. He’s been trying to call since he got the text but no-one picks up and no voicemail. He’s also tried via the switchboard but the same thing happens.

That's so frustrating OP. Get on to the GP and they should be able to sort it for you.

Earlier this year I had a 2 week referral, GP was very clear that if I hadn't heard about an appointment within 5 days to call them. 5 days came and went with no word. I rang the GP, explained the situation to the receptionist, I had a medical secretary on the phone within 2 hours as she'd spoken directly to the department I'd been referred to and had an appointment sorted for the following day. Literally 10 minutes after, someone from the department rang with the appointment too.
I know yours is slightly different, but hopefully the GP office can give them a kick up the bum!

It ended up being nothing, fingers crossed this is the case for your DH too! Best of luck!

Thank you so much, I’ll get him to call the GP now, fingers crossed! So glad all was well for you in the end.