Well, that's really fucked Christmas!

[NoLongerTheSeasonToBeJolly]

No, it's not the lack of Monty and Mabel, (though that's annoying) or Yodel delays.

DH received a cancer diagnosis this week. We know he's going to need surgery but don't know if he needs radiotherapy or chemotherapy yet, we have to wait until he sees the oncologist.

I know cancer appointments are usually very quick but Christmas is bound to slow things down isn't it, I expect several clinics will be cancelled.

We're not telling the DCs until we have some more information which will be after Christmas.

How am I going to keep happy for them? I just want to cry.

I'm so sorry. Sending him wishes of a speedy recovery.
Shit timing but figers crossed all his treatment will be over by Christmas 2015

I'm so sorry. Sending a hand hold and thinking of you all. Do you have supportive doctor/family who can help in this time?

/hand holding

I'm so sorry this is coming your way.

Not much closes for anything other than the bank holidays, doctors will be working, so the delay should be minimal. And my experience (mum diagnosed twice) is that if they need to act fast, they do, but that sometimes extra weeks wait are to do with getting better opinions, looking at trials, etc. to work out the best combination of treatments.

Both Macmillan and cancer research UK have websites where 'don't read on if you don't want to' messages are clearly written on relevant sites. The Macmillan phone line was also really helpful to my mum in a similar position.

None of this makes a difference to the fact that you are going to be going through a shot time waiting.

It's shit.

I am so sorry

I don't know what to suggest re the DCs but I hope his treatment goes well, such a bloody shit illness

I'm so sorry, what an awful thing to have to cope with while trying to be happy and keep going for the DC'S.

Do you have people in RL to talk to, and could you ring a helpline if not?

I'm so sorry. Have they given you an appointment date to discuss the next step yet?

I'm really sorry to hear about dh's diagnosis. IME oncology clinics run as normal apart from christmas day/boxing day, so things shouldn't be delayed.

What JeniJena said!

Many years ago my dad had a similar diagnosis just before Christmas. They decided they couldn't wait before operating, so we had a hastily arranged early Christmas, before they whisked him in. In the end, he was home again before the 25th and we got a second Christmas. Over two decades later, and despite subsequent follow up treatment, he is still here with us and back to full health. The NHS is truly marvellous in times of crisis, so hope that they manage to get your DH the treatment he needs.

Thinking of you all

Sympathies to you OP. Agree with pps who said wait will be minimal. Take it easy on yourselves as will take time to get over the shock-hope you get some support & someone to talk to IRL. Thinking of you

I think I'll feel better when we have an appointment date, I was waiting for the postman today and was disappointed by Christmas cards.

I have very supportive siblings but am missing my mum who would have come straight over.

I meant to buy tissues today and forgot, I'm sure there'll be a lot of tears to come. How am I going to stop them?

I'm so sorry. I don't have any experience or wise words to add, and I don't know what to say really, but I'm just offering a bit of a virtual handhold.

No wise words, just

Thinking about you NoLonger..

Thinking of you

I'm sorry for you and your family.

Thanks everyone , the hospital have just called. DH was due to be seen the first week in January but they've put on an extra clinic and he's being seen on Monday!

It's good news but we were just trying to blank it out over Christmas. Hopefully we'll get reassuring news and can relax.

I'll be having later!

Hope all goes well.

Fingers crossed for his appointment op

So glad he's got an appt. not knowing is the very worst. Take one day at a time.

I'm so sorry, I can't imagine what you are going through

I'm glad to hear you've got an appointment for Monday, I truely hope you get good news. I hope you won't mind if I pray for you all xx

I'd be very grateful Khalessi

Good luck for Monday. Hope you get the best news possible

Good luck and keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I'll be thinking of you all, my Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer 5 weeks ago, he had the tumour removed two weeks ago and has been home from hospital a week. We find out on Monday how aggressive the tumour was and what further treatment he will be having. I really hope you have positive news, take care of yourself as well. The worry is soul destroying.

Fingers crossed for your Dad, wrigglesrock.