Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Recommended Treatment

Ritzi
  • 2 replies
  • 44 subscribers
  • 373 views

Hi there, 

First thank you very much for your help, it's very much appreciated!

Reaching out as we found out that my mom has breast cancer and according to her results it seems to have spread. Now we are trying to understand what would be the best tratment for her specific case and so far she went to two different doctors and got two different opinions. One doctor told her to only take some pills to slow down the ilness and that basically she doesn't stand a chance to have the ilness going back while the other doctor gave her chemo and radioterapy and said he believes she stands a chance for the ilness to go back and for her to get surgery... We are basically trying to understand what's the best route forward - if there is a consensus that the ilness is too advanced then we can prioritise her quality of life, if the ilness is not so far advanced then we can focus on fighting the ilness and gaining some time...  My question to you is do you review medical records or can you recommend me any platform that reviews records? Alternatively is there any information from her test results that I can share with you to help you form a view.

Thank you in advance! 

Cristina

  • Thank you for reaching out to us, Cristina. My name is Anne and I am one of the Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. I am sorry to read that your Mum has been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and understand this must be a difficult time for the family. It can feel overwhelming making decisions about treatment, particularly if a cure is not possible.

    We are not able to review anyone’s medical records or offer our opinions, but we may be able to help signpost you to other Consultants should you wish to seek another opinion. The Private Healthcare Network (PHIN) provides information on Consultants and Hospitals throughout the UK. Perhaps it might be worth having a look there initially.

    It might also help to have a chat with your Mum’s GP as they will have access to her medical records. The aim of treatment for advanced breast cancer is to control and slow down the spread of cancer and to help manage symptoms. You may hear this referred to as ‘palliative treatment’. I wonder if Mum has been referred to the Palliative Care Team? They can offer support at any point in a terminal diagnosis.

    I hope this information is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us again if you would like more support.

    Take care for now,

    Anne - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Our ref:DW

  • in reply to Anne - Macmillan

    Hi Anne,

    Thank you very much for your prompt response and for providing me with additional information and guidance. Will follow your recommendations and help her as much as possible.

    Take care & thanks again,

    Cristina

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007