My husband has been newly diagnosed with Liver Cancer. It is 4 weeks ago we saw the Oncologist for a diagnosis, two weeks ago the case went before the Oncology team and another two weeks before we see the Oncologist again to discuss treatment options. Does anyone know if this time delay is usual?
12 Comments
Deb1960
Occasional Contributor
From my experience it is not unusual, with my cancer it was 5 weeks delay from emergency surgery until first meeting with oncology where I was told officially I had cancer and then it was another 3 months until treatment started but it will be different for everyone as we all have different cancers and different stages and other factors eg. general health, other medical issues, where you live & which hospital you are using etc will all have an impact on the time delay Deb
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chris452
Not applicable
Dear Deb Thanks for the information, it puts my mind at ease, I was very anxious about the delay as this is so new to us. Thanks again. Chris
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Loulou
Occasional Contributor
Hi Chris It can be very frustrating playing the waiting game. I had eight weeks between the surgery (had liver resection, abdo lymph nodes and bile duct removed) and starting chemo treatment. I just wanted to get on with it and feel like I had started fighting instead of sitting around waiting. I think Deb is right though in that each person, cancer, doctor and treatment will be different and time vary. Hang in there Lou Lou
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Braveb
Occasional Contributor
Hi Chris, I was 6 weeks from finding the tumour to chemoradiotherapy and it will be 13 weeks between finishing chemoradiotherapy and surgery. I am okay with that time because it allows me to slow down, get my head together and focus on the next stage of treatment. Ben
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SILLY
Super Contributor
There is no chemo for my cancer but surgery and radiation.From first surgery when much of my tumour was removed (thought to be a harmless polyp) it was 3 days later that I was given the diagnosis. A PET/CT scan showed suspicious areas so head MRI and biopsies done next. At least twice my ENT / surgeon met with a group of doctors to discuss how to do the surgery . I met some of them as also. There was a visit to an eye specialist for his opinion. In all it was just over 8 weeks till surgery and my doctor said it was unusually long because there were so many questions. I was in fear and anxious to get it done but the doctor wanted to do the best thing and I was part of the decision making too. As someone else said every case is different . Waiting can be difficult but there are good reasons.In my case opinions varied regarding removal of lymph nodes and my eye and its surrounds . I am so glad neither was done and that my doctor took the time to consider all options.Even when it came to radiation I received a call a few days before it was supposed to start to say that they needed a few extra days of planning as it was a difficult case. Again in hindsight I am glad. So far things are good and it seems the careful planning has paid off.
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chris452
Not applicable
Dear Silly Thanks for the information, you have made me feel a whole lot better about it taking so long. I would rather they take their time and get it right than start treatment tomorrow. Thanks Chris
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chris452
Not applicable
Dear Ben Thanks for letting me know this, it seems like a very good thing to do slow down - I think is more for me than Jeff, but I'm sure Jeff will need to get his head around his treatment as well. Thanks Chris
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chris452
Not applicable
Dear Lou Lou Yes it is frustrating playing the waiting game, but it seems quite common, so I will stop worrying about the delay and get ready for the real fight. Thanks Chris
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chris452
Not applicable
Hi Everyone Thankyou for all your great comments, they have really helped, I feel a lot calmer now. I hope everyone has great success with their treatment, I will keep you posted as to Jeff's journey. Thanks Chris
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tine
Occasional Contributor
chris, may I ask how is everything going?
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tine
Occasional Contributor
chris, may I ask how is everything going?
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tine
Occasional Contributor
chris, may I ask how is everything going?
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