"Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment"

I went to my GP in March 2025 with symptoms of peri-menopause. I was prescribed treatment immediately and my GP, who was extremely sympathetic.

I was due a follow up appointment in June, but could not get an appointment. I was due to go on holiday so I made an appointment for as close as I could for when I returned back from my holiday. This appointment was August. Just before I went on holiday my symptoms had got worse and I discovered a new symptom of my Vulva being scabby. I also felt as though I had developed a fissure which was getting worse and I had blood in my stools.

My GP was concerned I may have cancer of the Vulva. She got me an urgent referral to a Gynaecologist, I was seen within 2 weeks and biopsies were taken. I also supplied stool sample which detected blood. I was then referred to a colorectal consultant and had an endoscopy in September. At this stage the endoscopy showed something in my anus. I then had another appointment with another Gynaecologist and further biopsies taken to show high levels of pre-cancerous cells.

Following this I then had a further examination and biopsies taken under general anaesthetic. The consultant advised they were certain I had cancer of the anus. I was also referred for an MRI scan. It was confirmed I had anal cancer and I was advised of the potential treatment and I had already been referred to an oncologist at the Beatson in Gartnavel, Glasgow.

I was told before anything could happen I would need a PET scan. After not hearing anything for 3 weeks, I contacted my Colorectal consultant 2 days love this my appointment for a PET scan came through. I then received the results which advised that the cancer was also in the lymph nodes in my pelvis. They also detected swelling in a lymph on the left side of my neck. They advised this is highly unlikely to be cancer (which I agree as I have had this all my life). Nonetheless, I have an appointment with a head and neck consultant.

I’m currently in limbo and have not had any communication from the oncologist. This is adding to the worry and anxiety for myself and my family. I believe I should have my first treatment within 90 of my initial visit to my GP in August, this is not the case for me. All the scans and biopsies have been completed and results are available. I just want to start treatment.  Please help me!