Hello everyone,
New to the community and have just learned that my mom has cancer... She had various tests done and so far received the opinion of two doctors - one says the cancer is too advanced and is only giving her some pills while the other says that she should go through chemotherapy and get surgery... Are you aware of any service where I can share her test results online and get another opinion with respect to treatment?
Thank you all in advance!
Hi Ritzi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support and to ask your questions.
The Community is actually divided into support groups (discussion rooms). You don’t say what type of cancer your mum has but if you care to have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis and treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Red (Bold) Link I have created above then once you find the group for your mum's cancer click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
With regards to your question about a second opinion check THIS LINK but you can also post your question to our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
I am the one with the cancer and over my 23 years I have had a few second opinions but these were actually instigated by my local clinical team as my blood cancer is rather rare so my case was sent out for review and I did travel to see other specialists.
I would be very surprised if there was a facility to get online second opinions done but what do I know.
It sounds like your mums condition has progressed to the tipping point between treating her condition or palliative care…… this can often be confused as treating the condition is rather different from treating to extend life.
I wish you well in your search.
This is a (private) branch of the Royal Marsden NHS Hospital. The Marsden is top facility but the ironic things is the consultants who work in the NHS part are most likely the same consultants who work in the private part 
