Second opinions

FormerMember over 5 years ago

1 reply
49 subscribers
1178 views

Hi all,

I am hoping someone might be able to help, my husband has oesophageal cancer and secondary liver & neck cancer. Our oncologist seems to think the only option now is a trial if one is available for him. He is only 46, has had no side affects of his chemo and is fit and still perfectly fine (as in not ill or anything with his cancer apart from struggles to eat). It just seems ridiculous how they can just give up. Anyway after to speaking to other people in other countries who have had almost indentical cancers and now cancer free we feel there are other treatments out there that are worth a try. So we have decided to get a second opinion, my husband wants to go private as he thinks it’s due to funding that he can’t get any other treatment. I have done some research and the Royal Marsden seems to be the best recommended one however they are an NHS & private hospital, whilst we don’t mind paying as it is worth it however are we able to get it through the NHS? Has anyone else had a second opinion with them? All advice or experiences are appreciated

thanks in advance! Sorry for the long one!

jayceeh5 over 5 years ago

Hi, I’m very sorry about the position you are in and that, at such a young age, your husband isn’t getting a lot of medical support. Have you spoken to the Oesophageal Patients Association? When my husband was diagnosed (in 2008) they were very kind and helpful and they gave recommendations of who else to approach - ironically the name they gave as the best option was the surgeon who had had to refuse surgery due to risk. (It’s a long story but a year later, after treatment, he operated and hubby is well so we are eternally grateful to him). The OPA will have access to lots of information that could be useful so they are definitely worth a try.

I would persevere with the second opinion without a doubt, experience and approach varies tremendously in every hospital and your husband deserves the best possible chance. Yes the current situation with Covid might mean you have to push a bit harder for answers but, years ago, I believed in stamping my feet the loudest if it meant I was heard when my husband needed something done!

It’s really good that your husband has taken chemo well and he is fit, this will stand him in good stead for any assessments by a new medical team. I know I haven’t been able to give much advice, our experience was very different, but I hope you get the help you need.

Best wishes to you both.

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