Tests after cancer op - bad sign to be called in?

[Chisontoast]

Hi hoping someone has some advice. My DF had a lobectomy (lung cancer) in March 2020 (NHS); due to Covid the first proper test he’s had since took place 2 weeks ago. I gather that he was told at the time that if all was clear he’d get a call. Well he’s had a call but to go in to the hospital to see his consultant - is this a bad sign? It’s another two weeks away so part of me is praying the delay means nothing’s too badly wrong, but on the other hand there may be delays again due to Covid. Does anyone know what to expect? Thanks.

Hopeful bump

I am not sure anyone here can second guess what the consultant is going to say, or if we did that it would be a good idea.

I am so sorry your family is going through this , particularly now when delays make everything more stressful.

Continue to hope that it’s good news and perhaps the consultant wants to pass on expectations for future care/ check ups. Be prepared that your Dad may also have to deal with very sad news too, and will need your love to get by.

Very hard to second guess. I always had images of relatives holding hands during a cancer diagnosis but in reality my dad’s ‘diagnosis’ was delivered when he was asked to hand notes over from a scan and they contained the reason for scan - ‘malignant tumour’. No hand holding or Macmillan nurse there . I know it’s a worry but try to live in the day for the moment until you are told otherwise.

Sorry, as a PP said, no one else can second guess what consultant will want to talk about either.

It could very likely be just a review of recent tests- consultants usually do this within couple weeks where they can of test results. And then they plan with patient (or tell patient as is more accurate!) for future reviewing frequency and effectively move case on. Or sometimes there is something minor showing in tests to discuss to arrange to monitor but nothing to worry about really, or sometimes it is for a plan and discussion of different treatment options required for a reason.

Oncology admin would have phoned as letters can take up to 1-2 weeks to arrive atm and clinic places are precious.

I wouldn't worry at this stage, as consultants will want to see Dad anyway, since he had an operation 6 months ago, and Dad had recent review tests for this purpose.... so being asked to see consultant is potentially
routine and absolutely no predictor of good nor bad news at this stage.

I'd still go with Dad if possible. Always far better to have someone supporting him to listen & take it all in.

Oh, just realised operation was 18 months ago! March 2020! Consultant will definitely want to see Dad, for his review at the least!

This exact thing happened my dad recently and I was convinced to the point i was being sick it was bad news. Turns out drs are happy with him. He has spread but we knew that and everything seems steady. And review in 3 months (which is standard I believe). So it may not be bad news.