Pre-arranged telephone call for results – is this normal?

Worried you might have a blood cancer?
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Hi everyone,

I went to my GP on 20/08 because I’d had lymph nodes in my neck for a few months with no obvious cause. During the check-up, she also found some in my armpits and groin, so she referred me to haematology. I honestly thought it was just me being run down.

I had my haematology appointment on 26/08. The doctor examined me and said the nodes were all small and didn’t seem too concerned. They took bloods, did an X-ray, and sent me home.

Today (01/09), I received a letter with a “telephone consultation has been booked for you” for 09/09. I wasn’t expecting that — I thought if everything looked fine I’d just get a letter to say so.

Is it normal for them to arrange a call to go over results rather than send a letter?

Any experiences or advice would really help put my mind at ease while I wait.

Thank you.

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Hi @KMcA.

That must have been unexpected following your appointment and what you were told.

I’ve always had a face to face or telephone consultation following any tests that I’ve had.

How did the haematologist leave it with you? Did they say they would be in contact or what the next steps were?

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I have a referred to the breast clinic too because of the armpit ones and the haematology DR said that they would run bloods and wait for the breast clinic to do their bit so I wasn’t really expecting anything from them until well after Thursday.

Should I be concerned with them prearranging a call? Or is that the norm for these things if all is ok?

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There could be a number of reasons for the call as you seem to have had a number of appointments and a lot going on.

I know it’s hard not to worry because we all do waiting for appointments. The good thing is that they are communicating with you.

Do you have a specialist nurse of a number you could call to find out what the appointment is for?

Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

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There is a number but says only to call if I can’t be available on that date.

I guess it’s just a waiting game and see what happens. I will keep you updated

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The waiting game is so wearing. We all have to play it.

I would be glad that you have a telephone appointment. Consultants run on timed appointments and meetings. It is useful for someone to explain and check your understanding and you will have a file note of what was discussed afterwards. If the hospital you are with offers you a chance to go online to look at your notes it can help to do that.

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I had a look into this but I think because I am based in Scotland we can’t see anything online except vaccine details from flu and Covid!

1 week to go.

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Sorry I did not know that Scotland is different. Maybe it us in the pipeline for the future?

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I’ve noticed that my recent appointments have been telephone ones so I don’t think that there’s any need to fear the worst as such. If it was something serious they would probably prefer to speak to you face to face anyway but I think don’t get worked up about it unless you get told something unpleasant. Easy to say I know and it’s always difficult when things are uncertain. The waiting is really awful. Try and do things to take your mind off it for now. let us know how you get on.

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Hi @KMcA.

Did your appointment go ahead?

Nichola

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Breast clinic I got the all clear.

Had my telephone appointment yesterday. My protein and inflammation markers are slightly raised so they are arranging a CT scan. They said it can take 4-6 weeks to get an appointment so I am assuming it’s nothing sinister and to worry about out.

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Oh, @KMcA that must be a relief to get the all clear at the breast clinic, I believe in celebration all my wins.

Look after yourself

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Thank you it was definitely a massive relief to get the all clear from the breast clinic!

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That’s really great news! X

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Fantastic. What horrible emotions we all go through. It’s always great when we get a win!

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