UK Skin Cancer and Melanoma Patients

[Robbyg]

Over the past 15 years I have had at least ten operations on my face to remove BCC/Melenoma's.
Two years ago was my latest with the removal of the 3rd BCC from my nose. This resulted in the rebuild to the tip of the nose with a flap of skin being folded up from my cheek. Op a success and a good repair job done.
Now just 18 month later I have another, this time to the side of my nose. I saw the consultant last November, with confirmation as to a BCC, and a MOHs appointment would be sent.
Having not heard anything I contacted the hospital who said I was on the waiting list which was at least 8 months.
As the growth had doubled in size after just two months I approached my Doctor. He confirmed that it was larger and sent a letter to the Consultant regarding my concern. To date there has been no response.
I phoned the consultants secretary and was informed that there was no change and I was on the 8 month waiting list.

Does anyone have any advise as to what or if anything more that I can do. This latest BCC is much larger than my previous, so I can see another nose rebuild after surgery. What size will it be in 8 months time?

I live in Portsmouth and my Hospital is St Mary's!

Sorry that I have gone on a bit but aged nearly 70 it is rather distressing. I am now wondering if my age has delayed treatment!!!!
I was never a "sun god" but spent 27 years in the Royal Navy with many deployments to sunny cimates!

[LynnPJ]

Hi Robby,
You can always ask your GP to refer you to another hospital - 8 months does seem a very long time to me,
I believe BCC's are actually not melanoma, - but I know someone will correct me if I am wrong, -
and anything that is worrying to you should be checked out as soon as possible, - - try your GP again, - and if not ask for a new referral to another hospital.
Best of luck
Lynn

[Shaz41]

Hi Robby.
I haven't experienced the long wait you have, but I would say 8 months is unacceptable. Your age should not matter and at nearly 70, you are not too old to be treated any differently.
Like Lynn says, ask your GP to refer you to another hospital who will do the op a lot sooner. You can't wait all that time for the stress of it alone.
Best of luck and please let us know how you get on.
Regards Sharonxx

[kath1974]

Hallo there
My understanding is that basal cell carcinomas unlike melanomas grow more slowly and the risk of the tumour metasising is almost non existent BUT I do understand your concern you would like this dealt with as soon as possible certainly before it grows any further in size or invades any surrounding tissue
You could as has been suggested try an alternative hospital for an earlier date. Or alternatively try PALS the Patient Advice and Information Service to see if they can exert some influence for you. Another option is to press the secretary for a cancellation appointment. All this said it seems unfair you should have to deal with this extra stress/worry yourself which is why I'd get PALS involved to work for you.
Hope you get it sorted

[Robbyg]

Hi All,
Many thanks for your replies and advice.
I have made another appointment to see my doctor and I will put to him your suggestions as to another hospital and a possible cancellation appointment thru the secretary.
Depending on this visit, I will follow the PALS route.
I will keep you updated. Once again, many thanks

Robby G

[tracyb]

Hi Robby, I am from Portchester, my mum was also treated at St. Marys Hospital and Haslar, maybe Haslar could be an option for you if you see your GP. Tracy

[Robbyg]

Hi Tracyb,

Thanks for the advise. Unfortunately Haslar Hospital has closed. It ceased to be a hospital some months back now, after much protesting from various groups to "Save Haslar".

I have since seen my doctor (Tues 9th Feb) as to not hearing anything after he had wrote to the consultant at St Mary's in December, re concerns as to the long waiting list.
On seeing that the BCC had got bigger since my last visit he immidiately phoned the consultants secretary, she informed him that his letter had not been received and to fax her the letter immidiately, which he did.
My doctor also noted on my visit that the BCC on my lower eye lid that was removed a couple of years back has raised it's ugly head again. He stated this in his fax to the hospital.

The real annoyance is that one cannot plan for holidays etc as you do not know when an appointment will arrive. So for nearly a year everything has to be put on hold... a prisoner of the NHS!

Oh well....old age...what can one expect...grin it and bare it, is the order of the day I think! I will keep you posted as to this ongoing saga!

RobbyG

[LynnPJ]

Robby - it is amazing how many of these letters "never arrive" -
I hope you hear something soon and can get this sorted and then get on with living and a holiday.
Many of us on here know about "waiting", - waiting for appointments, waiting for results, waiting for treatments, waiting to feel better!!!
Best wishes
Lynn

[Robbyg]

Hi All,
Just to up date you that I have finally got an appointment.

On Tuesday 23 Feb, my doctor still having had no response from the hospital I decided to take the bull by the horns.
I took photos of the BCC and with an attached letter delivered personally, by hand, to the consultants secretary.
This morning, Friday 26 Feb, I received an appointment through the post for Micro Graphic Surgery on 20th April.

The £1.20 parking fee in the hospital car park, so as to deliver my envelpoe, was definately worth it.

Thanks to you all for your kind interest in this saga.

RobbyG

[tracyb]

Good for you Robby, sometimes it works to be a bit pushy!! Well done Tracy x