Hello
My sister-in-law has been recently diagnosed with Grade 3 cancer.
The recommended treatment is a strong course of chemo first followed by a full mastectomy due to the postion of the lump. The surgical consultant has advised that reconstruction will be very tricky.
My question is, does she have a right to request a referral to another hospital (of her choice) for a second opinion? I really want to make sure she is getting consistent and good (the best) advice.
Another friend of mine was told a similar thing at the outset and then she paid for a private consultation with a consultant at the Royal Marsden who said they could do a lumpectomy and save her nipple (as long as there were no cancerous cells behind it)…which they did! (She has now been given the all clear after a tough year of surgery and chemo)
Does anyone know if my sister-in-law can ask to be referred elsewhere for a second opinion? She does not have the funds to pay for a private consultation.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thanks