Julie emphasises the critical role of second opinions in her survival. This blog is a powerful reminder to advocate for yourself and to never settle for the first answer.
If there’s one message I could shout from the rooftops, it’s this: always get a second opinion.
When I was told I had stage four melanoma and only months to live, my world collapsed in an instant. The first diagnosis felt like a closed door, one I wasn’t ready to walk through. But something in me refused to accept that this was the only path.
I started asking questions. I searched for alternatives. I reached out to specialists, researched clinical trials, and eventually found an experimental treatment being offered in the United States. It wasn’t easy. It took courage, persistence, and a whole lot of paperwork—but I became Patient 71, the 71st person accepted into a trial that would ultimately save my life.
Had I accepted the original prognosis, I would not be here writing this. It’s not about doubting your doctor—it’s about recognizing that medicine is complex, evolving, and that no one knows your body better than you do. Getting a second opinion gave me hope, options, and ultimately, a new lease on life. If you or someone you love is facing a life-altering diagnosis, please remember: you have the right to ask more questions. You have the right to explore. And most importantly, you have the right to fight for yourself. Advocating for your health is not a sign of distrust—it’s a declaration that your life matters.
Sometimes the right path forward begins with simply refusing to stop at the first answer.
