Undecided about a second opinion

  • 28 replies
  • 22 subscribers
  • 4861 views

My various surgeons have always been of a very positive, and consequently uplifting, mind set and after I've seen them I've felt positive and determined. In contrast, my oncologist leaves me feeling flat, defeated and written off. He may of course just be more of a realist than I am, but I'm wondering if I should ask for a second opinion about treatments.

I'm well past the optimum time for chemo but am now much stronger. I've been told I can have it but this was granted rather reluctantly and I know he doesn't think it'll do much. In this he's probably correct, but if I don't give it a go then I'll never know.  I've also enquired about trying various treatments including clinical trials and asked about things like immunotherapy. He mutters a lot about the cost. I know I'm terminal but as I've got stronger since leaving hospital my mind-set has changed and I want to give it a go and try to hang around a bit longer if I can.

Part of me feels bloody-minded and the other part just has a lump in it's throat -  the sort that isn't cancer.

I've been casting around for other oncologists and there is a woman at the Royal Marsden who looks right. I was hoping to find some in Cambridge but haven't so far discovered any.

When is the right time to look elsewhere I wonder and do you just ring them up yourself? Has anybody done this? I'm quite Ok with this as my GP surgery is the sort where you never ever see a GP - all by phone. Your experiences would be helpful. Thanks folks.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Rainieday

    RD we love this news, keep it coming. It gives all of us on here pleasure and hope. You deserve every bit of this outcome, get down the pub and toast your onco. You have got a good team it seems and they want to look after you. They love a success story as much as we do. Just brilliant. Xxxxx

  • Gosh, the pub. I've forgotten what that is!

  • Excellent news. I’m in the same boat as you. We refer to it as stable mable lol. Welcome to the stable mable club 


    Richard

    be safe, be nice, be you 

  • Hi Rainieday

    That's fantastic news, what a well deserved piece of luck. You'll have to change your username to Sunnyday or Luckyme lol.Joy 

    In answer to your questions,  no and yes. Now with a lot of restrictions being lifted you can have a little celebration meal or whatever helps you to throw off the shackles and lie back and relax.

    Have a lovely 3 months and I hope that your condition is the same in 3 months.

    Take care and stay safe Rainieday

    Tvman xx

    Love life and family.
  • So pleased for you Lovely news you can have a lovely summer xx

    Ruth 

  • Thanks Remoh. Long may we and others be members

  • Thanks Ruth. Wishing you all the best. RD

  • Thanks tvman. Hope your summer plans all work out and you see your family. RD

1 2 3