Hello Mandy

The moderators asked if the nurses might be able to help answer your question.  I haven't heard of this company  so I can't really tell you anything about them.  However having looked at their website it seems that what they are offering is to arrange a second opinion.  You can often arrange a second opinion yourself by either talking to your current specialist or your GP.  I am not sure where you are based but if you are in the UK there are a number of specialist cancer centres where you could ask to be referred, we also have information on our website about getting a second opinion here.

I hope that helps

Martin

Hi Martin

I am on the Isle of Wight thank you for replying

I have been to London and seen another specialist who has said the same as my consultant but was hoping for a miracle and feel quite vunerable at the moment but this Company are asking for a lot of money for a second  opinion with no guarantees they can actually help.

Thank you again 

Mandy

Hello Mandy, so sorry (and rather annoyed too on your behalf) that your result was changed from all clear to terminal.  How awful!  Given that the hospital appears to have admitted a mistake, have you thought of making a complaint to their PALS dept or contacting Citizens Advice about this? I am not one for complaining usually but this is such a devastating error.

Regarding the company you mentioned, I would be inclined to steer well clear - these firms tend to trade on people's weakness when desperate!

My thoughts are with you, wish I could make it better for you.

Hazel xx

Hi,

I feel very cross and frustrated on your behalf, doctors should say nothing until the scan report comes back from the specialist radiologist. Even an experienced Oncologist may miss something subtle on a scan, or misinterpret what they see. 

Alivia seem to specialise in giving second opinions and access to private treatment. You should be able to get a second opinion on the NHS (talk to your GP or Oncologist) without wasting your money on something you are entitled to.

The NHS isn't keen on giving surgery on secondary cancers, if you think this would help most private clinics will give a free assessment. Many NHS hospitals including The Christie and The Royal Marsden have private clinics which work in parallel to their NHS services. If you have private health insurance, or a lot of money, it would be worth looking into that side of things. A friend who had secondaries on her liver and kidneys had these operated on privately (not available on the NHS) and had her life extended by a few years, so I wouldn't rule going private out completely.

Going private should be treated with the same caution as buying a house or a car, shop around to find out which seems the most cost-effective and has the best outcomes.

Good luck

Dave

Hi Hazel

Thank you for replying I will be putting in a complaint but at the moment still reeling.

I have decided not to go with this Company you are right I think they do prey on people looking for a cure.

Mandy

Hi Dave

Thank you for your input. I have decided not to go with this Company as it is doubtful they will have the magic cure desperate people search for and it really is mega money just for the opinion.

I see my Consultant in 2 weeks and have many questions to ask now !!

Mandy

Hello Mandy, 

Phew, I am so glad you have made that decision, I think some of these companies are parasites.

Not surprised you are reeling after what you've been told - most of us on here know that dark place you are in at the moment, even without being given news like yours,  but I hope your consultant may be able to offer a glimmer of hope, ie terminal but manageable.  Please let us know how you get on.

God bless, thinking of you, Hazel xx