Hello - this is my first post. My husband has lung cancer and has completed his chemotherapy and is due to have radiotherapy, starting on Monday 28th Feb. The CT scan that he had after the chemo was encouraging and he was told that he could choose between a 2 1/2 week course of radiotherapy which would just control the cancer, or a more aggressive intensive course of radiotherapy for 6 1/2 weeks that would give a 1 in 4 chance of a cure. He chose to have the intensive course and all the dates were scheduled in. We were feeling that although it would be a rough ride, it was worth taking a chance if there might be the possibility of a cure, however slight. But after he had the CT scan to position the radiotherapy we were called back into the hospital to see the consultant. She said that the scan shows that it has spread and there is now water in the lung. There have only been 17 days between the 2 scans, so it came as a huge shock. Should we ask for a second opinion? If so, how would we go about it? Would more chemotherapy before the radiotherapy be an option? I guess they would have suggested it if it was possible but we're just looking for any small hope. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance 
Hi Jeanie3 I am so sorry to hear this about your husband. Just when you think you have a plan you get something else thrown at you. With such a short gap in between scans this must of come as such a shock.
Everyone is entitled to ask for a 2nd opinion. The best person to speak to about this is actually your oncologist. Do not think they will take offence by you asking, they are more than used to people asking this question, and they are the best person to refer you for this. It may just be that you need to sit with your husbands consultant and go through the scans with her, now that the news has sunk in you may find it easier to talk about the situation. When we first hear news like this, we tend not to take all the information in, so you might find a second appointment with the oncologist beneficial.
Wishing you and your husband all the very best. Let us know how you get on x
