How do I know if I'm with the best team?

[amyc]

Yes... I’m there every Wednesday for a while! 
Glad you got the first session done xxx 

[SarahT20]

Hi AmyC,

Hope you're doing ok. Just a quick note to say that after a false start last Monday I started chemo on Wednesday, so if you're there on the 16th I'll be there for my next round 🙂

Take care xx

[SarahT20]

Yes that's him. Seems good so far - friendly but gives information in a calm clear way. Thankfully liver MRI came back fine so we're back to the original treatment plan. I'm actually sat in the unit right now waiting to start chemo, although they're now telling me that the level from my echo yesterday was 'low normal' and are doing extra blood tests, so not sure I'll actually start today after all! 

[amyc]

Oh good. Is the oncologist MN? That’s mine too, if so.

Let me know if you end up having treatment on wednesdays... I’ll be there! 

Hope your scans come out clear xxx

[SarahT20]

Hiya,

Yes I saw the oncologist last weds and it was good. I liked him. My husband and I decided to stick with Kings after all, as we didn't want to create unnecessary delays in starting treatment. I also figure that we can always ask to be referred elsewhere after the chemo if we decide that's necessary. Unfortunately the CT showed something odd on my liver, so I've had to do an MRI and PET scan. Fingers crossed it's related to medication I'm on for colitis rather than anything else. We should get the MRI results so am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed until then!

[amyc]

Just wondering if you had had your appointment at Kings yet and how did it go? 

[SarahT20]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for your response, yes the convenience of it was quite a big factor for me. My gut feeling is saying Kings - I'm meeting my oncologist tomorrow so hopefully that will confirm what my gut says! Must say I'm very glad to have joined the forum - I'm not normally one for posting on social media and other forum type things, but everyone is so lovely and supportive its been great reading other threads too. I'm sure I'll be getting more involved as treatment goes on.

Take care,

Sarah

[PeggyCat]

Hi Sarah,

I think AmyC gives good advice and it's definitely worth exploring your options. I had my treatment at Guy's and it's true that lots of their resources are shared with Kings, and other London hospitals, meaning you have access to lots of different experts, trials and other things like support groups and even the workshops that Breast Cancer Now runs (it was Breast Cancer Care during my treatment).

One thing I would say is that although Sutton is not that far away, once you get into the treatment programme, the appointments can often start coming thick and fast, especially if you have radiotherapy which can be every day for three weeks or longer. Maybe you might want to consider factoring in extra travel versus having an alternative close by. Especially in the current situation with Covid if there is the need to use public transport. 

Personally I am somewhat biased about Kings as I've always had excellent experiences there and indeed, back in 2007, a wonderful (non-Cancer) team saved my husband's life. It is a top class facility I've always really appreciated having on my doorstep. We are so lucky in this part of the country to have so many great facilities at hand.

Anyway, that's my two penneth. Keep us posted with how you get on. Lots of fantastic support on this site that really helped me through my treatment. It all seems hugely daunting at this early stage but it will get easier as your treatment plan starts to fall into place.

Take care

Ruth

[SarahT20]

Hi Amy,

Thanks so much that's really helpful. Everything at Kings has been great so far, but it's good to hear of others having positive experiences. Thanks for the suggestion re RM too, I will definitely do that. 

Good luck with the rest of your treatment!

xx

[amyc]

Hi Sarah 

I’m at Kings too and I requested a second opinion from the Royal Marsden (the Chelsea one) which my oncologist was happy to sort out for me. They agreed with the same plan that Kings had suggested and gave a few ideas for later treatment options, so it was really helpful. They also said I could go back to them at a later date if needed (my treatment is more long term). 

One thing that’s good about Kings is that it’s twinned with Guys so they have access to their trials And research centre etc and my oncologist works over both hospitals. He mentioned that Kings was part of an early access scheme for new drugs via Guys. I’ve had genetic testing that’s been done through Guys and it’s all been very straightforward. 

I was only diagnosed in June but have been very happy with Kings so far. I only live 10 mins walk away though so it would take quite a lot to get me to go elsewhere. 

They also told me that they haven’t stopped any cancer treatment throughout Covid which has got to be a good thing. 

I would recommend you look up a dr at the RM and take the name with you to your first meeting and request the second opinion straight away. 

Hope that helps - sorry you’re going through this. It’s a lot to process but things will get easier once you have a plan xxx 

[SarahT20]

Hi all,

On Thursday I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer, which is her2 positive and it's also in the lymph nodes. Treatment plan is chemo, surgery then radio. I'm to process the diagnosis to be honest, and will be meeting my oncologist on Wednesday so I'm sure there's lots more information I'll be getting in the coming days. Anyway, I wondered what everyone's opinions were on getting a second opinion? I'm currently at king's college hospital in London and I've been happy so far with everything but my family think I should ask to be referred to the Royal Marsden in Sutton - it's a bit further away from home, but their thinking is its cancer specialist so must be better. The thought hadn't really occurred to me until they mentioned it, and my gut feeling is stick with kings (I also have ibd and i like the fact that my gastro team and cancer team will be at the same hospital) and I'm also worried about delaying treatment to get a second opinion. But I've zero idea to figure out how good one hospital is versus another. I wondered if anyone had any experience of treatment at king's and could give any insight?

Thanks

Sarah