Experience of two week cancer pathway during the pandemic

[TashieWoo]

Hi - I received the frightening news this morning that my dad has been referred to the two week cancer pathway at a local hospital by his dentist after he noticed something that could be of concern. I don’t think it is cancer from what he has said, but of course it is a big worry and we hope that the pandemic won’t affect how soon he has the necessary tests etc.

I would be very grateful to hear of others’ experiences of the 2 week pathway during the pandemic, particularly a serious lockdown as we are in now.

Many thanks

I will add that we are in the SE and were in Tier 4 before the national lockdown.

Dh was referred by GP in the first lockdown - (must’ve been in June) He had his appt in person and he was fine. Might be different now though but the consultant said many people did not turn up for appt as they were scared about Covid. They also asked him if he really wanted it but I said better to go than not.

DH saw the GP on 28 November, had a scan on 17 December, another on 30 December and has another booked for 13 January. Everything seems to be moving quite nicely, despite the pandemic.

It would be good to get some answers though ...

DF diagnosed with lung cancer in first lockdown - all happened very fast as they often called him first thing in the morning with appointments for later that day. He was diagnosed within 2 weeks and treatment started very soon after. They did offer him the opportunity to delay but he didn’t which was very fortunate.

MIL diagnosed with lung cancer just before Xmas - diagnosed after being taken to hospital with breathing difficulties. Barrage of appointments to confirm diagnosis and confirm what can be done already started.

Hi I was referred under the 2 week pathway in September, appointments and scans happened smoothly and quickly. There were far less people milling about than usual, so I wouldn't worry too much about that aspect of a hospital visit at the moment.
I was given the all clear - I hope your dad's ok.

Both my DH and I have had experience of the 14-day pathway and it has been quick and efficient with scans, etc, happening as expected. But for both of us it was back in October/November when we were in Tier two.

My mother is a blood cancer patient and has had scans, etc, happening efficiently. She is in London.

I was diagnosed at the end of March and had all my tests to determine stage and treatment etc during first lockdown. All went smoothly and on time.

Treatment started and there were no delays etc. The only difference is my post treatment appointments have all been over the phone

Thank you all for the replies and I’m pleased that you’ve all been seen promptly and efficiently. This is good to know as there have been a lot of stories in the news about people’s prognoses being affected by delays in testing etc. Worse case scenario he can go private but his dentist seems efficient.

for those who haven’t had the all clear and are receiving treatment - best wishes x

A close relative had a similar experience to Chesneyhawkes1 above. Referred late March / early April, had scans, operation, follow up treatment. Now confirmed cancer free (was caught early luckily).

Hope all goes well with your dad OP

My daughter went to GP Thursday 17th Dec, referred to skin cancer unit same day, they contacted following daY asking for photos, letter day after saying she was being triaged and would hear by 22nd.
Monday letter to say she needed to be seen, call following day asking if she could see lead dermatologist on 23rd. Very quiet in hospital. Daughter in 20s but I was allowed in with her. Very reassuring. Unlikely melanoma. 5 days from GP to consultant. NHS at it's very best.
All the best with your Dad. Know how worrying it can be

I was seen within 8 days twice during the pandemic.
Best of luck to him

Thank you. If it is cancer, and that is a big if, the dentist said it should be pretty straightforward to treat with surgery and radiotherapy. The main thing is he’s agreed to the referral, that took some persuading!

Was referred for a breast lump, seen in two weeks, scanned and discharged 😊 Hope all is well

I have been told by my gp that it could take up to 8 weeks for my breast lump to be checked and that's with an urgent referral. Hopefully it won't.

Phone appointment with GP on 7th December, bloods a week later, endoscopy on 31st December, waiting on biopsy results (6-8 weeks).

6 weeks from bloods at end of November, to first chemo this week. All started on the 2 week urgent referral system.

Meant to say that’s my partner, not me

I work in a large London hospital, we have spent this week cancelling all routine and non-essential appointments.
All cancer and suspected cancer clinics are still running so hopefully it will be the same where your dad is.
for you both

I went to the GP mid Sept about a thyroid lump. Took 3 months until it was checked & I've been waiting for the results for 3.5 weeks.

Thank you for the further replies and I hope those of you waiting for test results get good news and don’t have to wait too much longer.

DH referred Tuesday, contacted yesterday, been at the hospital a large portion of today for bloods and X-rays etc, back there tomorrow for CT scan. They said that if anything worrying shows on the scan he’ll be back in on Monday for the next step.
Incredibly fast and efficient!

I had a phone call/ photo with the GP in August rec a lump on my tongue. I had to call the GP again after a fortnight, but got an appointment with the maxillofacial surgeon ( phone) 5 days later.
He was brilliant and made a hospital appt for removal ( and biopsy at the same time, usually done in two separate appointments) the next week.
All done very kindly and speedily, although I did elect to take my own stitches out for convenience.

We are still running our cancer services. 2WW patients are often being seen in a matter of days for their initial appointment.

Thank you all, I hope those of you waiting for results/having treatment have had a good week so far

My dad has his appointment tomorrow morning, they called him today so that’s very efficient. He has been told to go alone. Hopefully he will have some positive news tomorrow x