Mum has just been given the news that her scan shows thickening of some small nodules indicative of a return of cancer. This will be her third lot of chemotherapy and this time it’ll be carbo/caelyx. Is surgery again a thing? I only ask as she wasn’t originally offered surgery when she was first diagnosed and it wasn’t until we got a second opinion with Prof Christina in London that she had it (that’s a whole different story!) I am understandably a little worried that now we’re back under the care of the original hospital that they won’t even contemplate surgery as they didn’t the first time. Also not sure if it’s even a common thing though. We will obviously ask next week when she has her consultation but in the meantime I thought I’d ask on here.
Thank you.
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Tulip15
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I had2 nd surgery in a year to remove2 nodules which had failed to shrink enough with 5 treatments of Carbo Taxol. This was on 18 th December but by February my supposedly base line scan showed 3 new tumours in the exact place the others were removed from.
I am now having dose dense Carbo taxol again but cant help feeling the op was a waste of time . The scar was in the exact same place and recovery similar to the first time.
Am really sorry as can’t help you with this as have no experience in these circumstances, but I wanted to know who prof christina was and where she works as I am considering going for a second opinion as I suspect my first recurrence has occurred . I have also had no surgery in first instance . I do hope you get some help with you queries and hope your Mum will get all treatment needed
We went to the Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. We live in the north so it was a quite a journey down each time and when Mum had surgery I took time off work and stayed in a hotel but it was all worth it. I think everyone should always push for a second opinion if the thought has crossed your mind. I couldn’t live with the not knowing If I’d done everything I possibly could. Mum’s original consultant didn’t bat an eyelid when we asked (we were worried about what their reaction would be) We were seen within a week I think at the time. Good luck!
Thank you , very helpful . Bit scared of saying want 2nd opinion ! Your mum is lucky to have you , i expect she knows!!! Like me . Do you mind if I ask how it worked on a financial level ???? Just a rough idea if not too personal ???
I thought you might have to pay for the initial consultation so that sounds hopeful ! Now to get brave enough to do it . I will be keeping everything crossed for your mum’ s treatment
Hi Tulip, I was one of Prof C's early patients in 2013 when I was told surgery on my recurrence carried "too high a mortality risk" by my regional hospital. My GP asked for the second opinion. If you live in England, it is your NHS right to request one with her. I've since moved to Scotland and my GP here isn't sure how that would work....but so far, living with crossed fingers, I'm still NED, all these years later.
No hesitation - please ask.
Warmest wishes to you both. And my daughter was, and still is, a stalwart too, so well done you!
Maybe also consider the Royal Marsden for second opinion, my surgeon there Mr Barton is a genius and incredibly kind and caring. Really hope you get to fully consider all your options xxx
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