Sorry for blog hiatus. I’ve had that noro thing (which Will Not Leave) and then last week I got a letter from the hospital. I went to the doc about the cough but while I was there got him to look at a mole, (I’m a big fan of getting everything sorted in one appointment. Same philosophy as tidying up the floor when I bend down to pick something up). Anyway, the doc seemed a bit worried and then on the same day I got a phone call from the hospital with an urgent appointment for Tuesday. Since then they’ve phoned Glen and me separately and I’ve been sent two letters. Hopefully it’s nothing, (and I’m very grateful for being seen so quick), but in terms of pastoral care, the letter was erm – unsettling.
Heading: Cancer
Dear Victim Patient
You’re probably wondering why you’ve been given this EMERGENCY CANCER REFERRAL. Perhaps you’re wondering – do I definitely have cancer? If so, we can confidently tell you that this may not be the case. However, you have been given this extremely urgent CANCER REFERRAL based on a consultation between The Specialist and Your GP. Do not rearrange it. It is a matter of life and death and good forward planning. Can we also suggest you don’t come to the appointment alone. Or watch the films of Lars Von Trier any time soon. Or make firm plans f0r 2013.
Happy New Year!
The NHS
Sorry – this is a bit of an odd blog post. But I’m not really sure what to do with this, except sort of laugh and say I’m a bit scared. Prayers appreciated – and if you’ve got scary things a-comin, let me know and I’ll pray for you too.
I’ll be praying. xx
So sorry to hear about such a scary appointment. I shall be praying for you.
Know its easy for me to say but try not to worry. I work in the NHS and if there is any chance, even the tiniest, minutest chance that something could be cancer we are obliged to see people URGENTLY!! Fortunately the majority of times its nothing but for every cancer we catch we freak out many more patients, but guess its better to be seen soon just in case. Its a shame they can’t explain more of this when they send the letters out. You will have had phone calls as well as letters because its Christmas/New Year and the post is notoriously unreliable and also people tend to be away so we try and get you from every angle!! Even if it is malignant, for the majority of people they are cut out and that is the last they ever know about it…….however I do understand that your mind is just thinking the worst and that is understandable. Will pray for peace for you both xxx
Hello Emma & Glen – PEACE is The word at such a time as this! Remember – Underneath and around about you are His everlasting arms…..it is scary – been there with breast cancer and can write this as a survivor not once but twice….God is in control but its tough. Praying for you constantly.
Much love…”In quietness & confidence shall be your strength!…For this you have JESUS!
Will be praying and sending virtual hugs Emma, will also ask all those at St Bartholomews Wednesbury to pray for you also xoxoxo
Dear Emma
Will pray. Been there (breast) and survived. God is with you at the hospital too. x
I had one of these a few years back… an X ray indicated my lungs had infected by asbestos, until a second opinion and a conversation with my GP later, the whole thing was cancelled as a false alarm. The mole is certainly worth removing if there are concerns about it (I had that done in the early 80’s), so most certainly take the ‘don’t panic’ approach right now.
Peace… And blessings to you.
Sending lots of love and prayers. What a doozy of a new year. But the future’s bright, the future’s Jesus :)
ah man – will be praying. Isn’t it so good we have Jesus to lean into during times like this? xxxx
Thank you all so much. Needless to say, the letter didn’t read exactly like this! And I’m very grateful to the NHS and for your prayers.
My Dad had a mole removed from his face just recently. They said they wouldn’t know until it was removed whether it would be serious. Thankfuly his was fine. But the whole thing was very quick and easy and the staff very helpful and sensitive. Thing is we see the big C word and then we panic, don’t we! Think I was more worried than my Dad. Will be praying for you and for a positive outcome. x
Praying for you & Glen.
Joey above is right & NHS cancer referrals have a ‘to be seen within 2 week’ target. NHS are wonderfully good with these things, they really are!
Praying for you Emma x
Thinking of you
Praying xx
Emma, trust God. Your life is in His hands. I remember having some difficult moments some years ago quite a few different times when I was seen by specialists for routine medical examinations. This was in my home country, where wasn’t any letter, the specialist just said to me face to face after she examined me: ‘you have to go now straight to the hospital to meet a surgeon’. It turnt out everything was fine, no need for any intervention. I don’t know how it works in this country, but because of the long waiting lists this might be just a precaution and that is good. I am waiting your news.
Sorry, I meant waiting time and not waiting list.
Praying, Emma!
Thanks so much Red, Jo, Ma Belle, Phil, Jude, Kinga and Cat. I have the best commenters in the blogosphere!
Bum. Keep us posted.
Big love from Rich and Ruth
Sending love & prayers to you lovely lady! Please please keep me posted. You know it is absolutely better to be safe than sorry . . .
I’m sure you will be just fine. It’s rotten though to have this hanging over you but hopefully it will all be sorted out quickly for you & with the best possible outcome!
Love you!
xoxox
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.”
(Psalm 121)
Hey Em, Just thought I’d let you know that I had a similar experience when Leoni was 12 weeks old. Went to an appointment for her and the doctor asked me how I was. After lots of pressing for information she insisted she inspect my moles and gave me an emergency referral. I was told to keep my mobile on and expect a call to confirm the appointment time. It was for the following Monday… I went, they provided care for Leoni whilst I was moved to the top of the list for an immediate operation. I had my mole removed and told me to come back to my next appointment (2 weeks later) with Alan as ‘there is a lot of information to take on board’.
It was cancerous, but a couple of operations later and two years down the line…I’m cancer free. I truly believe God prompted that doctor to examine me!
Alan and I will be praying for you, but remember to cast all your anxieties on HIM because he cares for you.
Much love Kirsten xxxx
Rich Janet and everyone: thanks so much for your support and prayers: I’m so thankful for you all.
Debs: psalm 121 is balm, esp as I go to bed knowing He doesn’t sleep. And
Kirsten: thanks for sharing your experience- that must have been so stressful! but it’s a timely reminder to me of His grace in the scary. X
Hi Emma, I’m just back from the scary mole clinic today with a tube of anti-fungal cream and an appointment like yours for a mole I wasn’t worried about before going. the experience hasn’t helped january blues in the vicarage.
Gladly I’m not worrying now, partly because the staff were pastorally competant, partly experience which has been much like last time http://transforminggrace.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/dealing-with-cancer/ and partly, like you, because
of great support.
Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you (psalm 55:22)
God bless
Thanks so much Neil: praying for you – for scary appts and the january beastie and that we’ll both know His strength. xx