"Endoscopy referral"

In 2015 I was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma…the 6cm tumor was inoperable and my situation was looking very grim. The consultant at the Beatson agreed to let me try immunotherapy, although there was a very slim chance it would have any effect and would be unlikely to improve my chances of survival.

The treatment worked and completely destroyed the tumor....for which I am forever grateful.

Then comes the problem.

My latest scan shows a problem which needs investigated with an endoscopy, and I am advised by the Beatson that this will be an urgent referral and I should be seen within a couple of weeks. After hearing nothing I look in to my appointment.

The referral was done from the Beatson to Crosshouse hospital. It took 2 weeks for the referral letter to be received at Crosshouse! I contact Crosshouse to be told the waiting time for an urgent referral endoscopy is 6-8 weeks from when they received the referral. Stressed does not begin to describe how this situation affects me. I potentially have a cancer reoccurrence and I have to wait this long for it to be investigated? Every article I read highlights the need and importance of early diagnosis for the best possible outcomes for cancer patients and yet here I am waiting 8-10 weeks for an urgent referral appointment.