I have been directed to this group. On June 14 my sister was told she had cancer of the uterus,

[debm55]

colon and pancreas. She is to get an endoscopy done on Friday. Surgery is scheduled for Aug 2 or 3. Why is this taking so long? I am a nervous wreck and I can't imagine what my sister is going through. This is UPMC in Pittsburgh. Why are they taking so long. Please help me understand.

[JohnSJ]

1. The question to ask is will a one month delay impact the outcome? Wishing your sister and you all

the best

[debm55]

3. Thank you John. I didn't wait this long and my surgery was on my skull. It is puzzling.

[elleng]

2. 'world-renowned health care provider and insurer.

We are an international health care leader — pioneering groundbreaking' https://www.upmc.com/

and busy. Care for each patient takes time to arrange, plans, pre-op, several docs and many staff members have to be arranged, including anesthesia. (I finally had surgery, @ Johns Hopkins, after waiting and planning longer than a year.)

[debm55]

4. Yes, It is wide known in the region for the treatments. I would be a nervous wreck if I had to wait

a year. How did you do it?

[elleng]

5. My condition wasn't/isn't 'critical,' that is,

my gait is impaired, but no cancer, just inconvenient, so I waited. Next appointment for removal of 'staples,' July 20!!

My skull too!!!! Hoping hair will return, and grandkids won't be too upset; bought a cap, like for golfers.

[sinkingfeeling]

6. In 2009, I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer on my tonsils.

I delayed treatment for 2 months to have all dental work done in order to save my teeth from radiation.
Don't know if it was a smart move or not, but I'm still here and cancer free.

[TNNurse]

7. I understand your concern.

My husband just finished radiation for prostate cancer and it getting everything worked out and set up took WAY longer than we expected. Your sister has cancer of several organs and that complicates things, perhaps more than one surgeon may have to be involved. Hospitals are suffering staffing shortages and medication shortages and very high demands for availability.

Hopefully, the delay you feel will not affect her outcome. You also need to know that after surgery, there will probably be a tumor conference. Once they have the information from surgery, a team made up of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and probably more discuss the best plan of treatment for each patient. I was an RN when I was diagnosed with cancer and somehow could not imagine those strangers discussing what was best for me. It has been 11 years, so I guess they were correct.

Will keep all of you in my thoughts.

[Sparkly]

8. I'm sorry you and your sister are facing this.

I have a type of uterine cancer, too, and had to wait a month just for an office appointment with a gyn-onc surgeon after the diagnosis, because my HMO (Kaiser) needed to refer me out of network. Then another few weeks for surgery.

I think the endoscopy (I had a hysteroscopy) is to get a good look at what's going on and take biopsies. It will help guide surgery, but also give them a microscopic look at what's going on in her tissues. Surgery will help them "stage" her and determine what further treatment is advised.

I know the waiting is awful. All you can do is try to be there for her. My sisters (who are at a long distance) sent me fun and encouraging t-shirts, one sent a bell so I could ring my husband (Stinky the Clown) for assistance, and all have been in close contact.

Hopefully she will have news soon. Please keep us posted.