What would you do?

FormerMember over 3 years ago

4 replies
64 subscribers
953 views

Hi I wanted to know what you would do in a situation like this, or what are your thoughts. Thanks

My sister (age: 51) had prolonged bleeding (periods?) and contacted a gynacologist who, after various tests, suggested removal of a fibroid that had grown/developed and said that the fibroid was the issue and it's removal will resolve the problem and that there was nothing to worry about. Upon non-invasive removal of the fibroid and further histopath analysis, she said cancer cells had been detected and Cancer FIGO Grade 3 was diagnosed. This hit our family hard. Then the gynacologist contacted a close relative of ours and told the relative that the patient (i.e - my sister) has cancer and needs to address the issue. Is this allowed? Under what circumstance can a doctor inform a relative of a patient's condition?

Long story short, we sought a second opinion (and third) and eventually my sister had to undergo a further surgery with a surgical oncologist and the entire uterus and ovaries were removed and along with that there was also a pretty large tumour within the uterus area that was also removed.

With the above information, what would you do, if anything?

Thanks in advance.

Amycdi over 3 years ago

Hello JayD21,

Firstly I am sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis and hope she is recovering well from her surgery.

I thought that the gynaecologist had to have your sister's permission to speak to another person about her. I thought that the only time that wouldn't stand would be if she had diminished mental capacity. This is only my personal opinion, I could be wrong and someone will correct me if I am.

I did speak to her GP about my Mum the other day but he asked if she knew I was ringing and speaking to them and had given permission, which she had. It was only trying to sort out medication a consultant had said she needed not anything more personal such as the state of her health.

Maybe contact the Macmillan support team as they will know more than I do and they can point you in the right direction.

Best wishes to you and your sister.

Amycdi xx

oldady over 3 years ago

Hi , You don't say where your sister lives but what you describe sounds unusual. In England the diagnosis of cancer would in itself initiate the process of scans and treatment - normally a hysterectomy followed by any further treatment advised. The need for second and third opinions would be unlikely. Here it is also highly unusual for contact to be made with family members without permission unless there are very special circumstances .

I do hope your sister is doing OK and getting good advice about any other treatment needed ,

XXXX

Anne

(Class of 2015!)

MrsBJH over 3 years ago

Hi JayD21 and welcome to the Online Community. I agree with what the other ladies have said. A Doctor would normally only discuss the situation with a relative if the patient had diminished mental capacity.

You could also call the Macmillan Support helpline and ask their advice, freephone number listed below. Another helpful area to contact would be Patient Advise Liaison Service.

I hope your sister's making a good recovery after her op. Has she got to have adjuvant treatment?

Sending hugs, B xx

Womb cancer forum

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to MrsBJH

Hi jayd21, i hope your sister is making a good recovery. The way you tell the facts, it sounds like the intervention of the oncologist by speaking to a family member has saved your sisters life. Clearly the call was made because your sister wasn’t taking it seriously and desperate measures were called for? Whether its a breach surely is of much lesser importance than the fact that the action was necessary to save your sister and you should all only be feeling gratitude?

More from this forum

What would you do?