Second opinion

[TheScriptgirl79]

Does anyone know the best way to get a second opinion? I have lost all confidence in the Hospital I am under. There is a catalogue failures and miscommunication. Including a failed biopsy that I wasn't informed of and spent an anxious two weeks waiting for results that were not going to be delivered. Three nodules were found on my lungs in March 2023 and I still havn't a firm diagnosis. There is a referral now to surgeons I no longer have trust in this Hospital. Any help would be appreciated.

[SD1963]

I had the same with my local hospital, my daughter put a complaint in, 4 years ago a scan I had showed something but they never looked into it and I now have terminal lung cancer. They also told me it was in the fluid of my lung, then 2 days later said it wasn’t, it has been a roller coaster. Since the complaint all tests have been done quickly, but I am now being treated at a different hospital and asked for a second opinion from the Royal Marsden

Anyone can ask for a second opinion

Good luck with everything

[555Violet555 in reply to SD1963]

Hi, can you shed some light on how you get though to Royal Marsden for second opinion? I don't even know how and whom to approach... Thanks!

[SD1963 in reply to 555Violet555]

We asked my oncologist to send everything to the Royal Marsden which he has, just waiting to hear back but it doesn’t delay any treatment arranged

Good luck

[jillygirl]

Have a look on this link there may be help on it. gov.uk/government/publicati...

Also if you have a cancer nurse specialist assigned to you ask her/him. That is what they are there for. Good luck.

[Cockailschemocancer]

I’m so sorry that’s awful … Contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) at your current hospital and tell them all the things that have happened. They can offer advice and will help they can get things done and to people very quickly in my experience … you can send your complaint to them and also ask them to help you get a second opinion.

[Ar48]

Do you know what size they are? I have one found in March which is spiculated, 22mm. no biopsy as too dangerous but PET scan did not light up, I am having another CT next week, I understand how worrying it is

[JanetteR57]

Sorry to read you're unhappy. There are strict guidelines regarding management of lung nodules as the majority are harmless and many people have them in the same way people have moles on the skin but most won't turn into anything serious.

If you have an appointment with a surgeon, presumably you've had several types of imaging and even a biopsy? I'd attend that appointment as seeking a second opinion will delay things as other trusts are likely to want to redo all the tests. Very few people are detected early enough for surgery to be possible but as somebody who had that treatment (although open rather than keyhole which the majority are now) but mine wasn't an early stage as they'e now detecting many through targeted lung health checks, I'm still grateful for every day.

I also had a delayed pathway, mistakes, misdiagnosis, broken s scanners delaying the pathway and when I saw the surgeon and he said 'we like to act quickly once we find things and as we found this last month, we'll get you in quickly - when I told it had been 5 weeks earlier that it had first been found on a chest x-ray and overlooked, he hadn't been aware at all about the earlier tests and messing about as I attended 3 different hospitals by that time - none of them in the same Trust so they couldn't see the others' records. He also explained their theatres were full so as I was fit, young he could get me onto a waiting list reduction initiative and sent elsewhere with him as the surgeon which is what happened.

There are many steps in the pathway and just because one part lets you down, the rest of it and the other clinicians may impress you. I'd at least be telling the surgeon about what's happened and see what they explain may be your options but whatever they are, be prepared mentally for further delays.

Everyone is entitled to a second opinion as part of the national optimum lung cancer pathway. This information may help you. macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf... for second opinion,-Your multidisciplinary team&text=Asking for a second opinion,with your GP or consultant.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

TheScriptgirl79 , I am sorry to hear you have lost confidence in the hospital that you are currently having investigations in , this must be a worrying and difficult time for you and your loved ones. You can seek a second opinion by discussing with your current consultant or through your GP. It would be advisable to keep your current surgical opinion to prevent any delay .If you require any further information or support you can contact our lung cancer and support services: 0333 323 7200 or by visiting our website roycastle.org . Good luck.