Being on the 2ww pathway is draining, did anyone else find this?

[2wwhandholdneeded]

I had started a thread in chat but asked for it to be deleted. I've been put on the 2ww pathway for suspected gynaecological cancer due to post menopausal bleeding and visible changes to my cervix "consistent with cancer" noticed by my GP. All my appointments have been spread out though which is making the whole processes mentally exhausting. I've had my scan, I'm booked in for bloods but my consultant appointment isn't until next Friday. I'm unbelievably drained already and trying to be normal for family and work, but it's just not happening.

Is it normal to feel so mentally beaten up by this process? I'm fairly sure nothing will come of it and all will be well but it's still a worry.

Of course you're worried!

But this is normal. "All things are possible, not all things are probable".

What 2w fast track cancer pathway are you on, do you know?
Post menopausal bleeding is common, often benign but should always be investigated, could be endometrial thinning of the lining.
Cervical appearance? Again, needs investigation but not in itself, necessarily sinister, ( I've seen thousands of cervices...golly, they can vary!).

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this, but it is as equally likely that it is OK as it could be something worse.

All the best of luck, OP, I'll think of you. X

Thank you for being so kind. I'm not sure what you mean by pathway? I know the concerns are endometrial and cervical if that's what you mean?

The 2 week wait is emotionally draining. I was put on it for tests, test was just under 2 weeks and now a week later waiting for results. Medically the waiting isn't an issue but on a personal level it's mentally destructive. If I could have afforded this privately the test would have been performed in 48hrs and results back 48 hrs later instead of 3.5 weeks of hell. Hope you get the all clear and everything is OK.

Sorry to hear this I hope you're not waiting much longer. It's the time frames that are the killer, all while you're quite possibly feeling quite crappy on top of the worry.

Posting because im doing this on my own and don't know what I should and shouldn't worry about. One part of me feels stupid for worrying when 90% of people on this pathway have no problems but another part of me wishes the system wasn't so protracted. I get a couple of days off then another appointment, why can't it all be done in one day?

I had this earlier in the YEAR. I'm super PRAGMATIC tho and it didn't worry me. I am now on a 76 weeks wait for the hysterectomy. I'm sorry you are stressing

I was referred on the 2ww pathway for post meno bleeding earlier this year - all fine.

Your feelings are completely understandable. I was referred to a one-stop shop so had an ultrasound and exam, and then if they had needed to they would have done the hysteroscopy and biopsy etc there and then. So they do know that makes it easier for women and it is possible. Unfortunately not available all over - perhaps everyone who has extra hoops to jump through could then fill in any survey they are given saying a one-stop day service would make things much easier..

So please be kind to yourself. You know the odds are good but of course you are worried and the extra appointments and delay make it worse.

I hope you get reassuring news when you are seen.

Thank you. My appointment is this week and I'm worried I'll be fobbed off for another appointment. I have changes to my cervix but no mention of colposcopy (I've had CIN1 before which self resolved). From what I understand this appointment will be some prodding and poking possibly a hysteroscopy and some discussion. So far it hasn't been a 1 stop shop so I can't see how the colposcopy element will be done on the day, meaning further delays.

To add to the stress my last smear was 2 years ago and because it was HPV negative no further action or checking the sample was taken. Part of me is hopeful that's a positive sign but equally part of me is worried they've potentially left me unchecked as a cost saving measure because I've had changes before. This is horrible.

You poor thing. The waiting must be horrid. I know it is easier said than done to actually speak to someone, but is there anyone you can ask about whether a colposcopy should have been scheduled? I say this because I was seen at the one-stop shop for suspected uterine/ovarian cancer because of PMB, but by mistake was first referred to the colposcopy/cervix clinic for suspect cervical cancer - so they were different pathways and different clinics.