Just diagnosed this week. How many opinions should I have?

Luppie

First, thank you all for sharing your experiences, you already have answered so many of my questions. I've been lurking here since i first saw the dimple above my left nipple New Year's Day. I was due for annual screening mammogram, so I called my GP and she changed it to a diagnostic mammogram followed by ultrasound if necessary. When the radiologist said there were 2 masses ( 2.1cm and 1.1 cm ) my head started to spin and hasn't stopped. Like many of you, i want to know just what it all means and get on with treatment. I just got the preliminary path report yesterday. Low grade Invasive Ca and DCIS in the 2.1 cm tumor and a grade 1 invasive Ca in the 1.1 cm.  Seeing a surgeon and an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic next week. My doc also wants me to see the people she uses locally. (Mayo is about 35 minutes away). Have any of you had or plan to have multiple opinions and if you did, was it helpful?  

PaulAndSandy

It certainly doesn't hurt to get a second opinion but at the same time, no matter what, the tumors need to be removed and a good oncologist and surgeon at a good hospital should be able to do this. 

What you'll want to think about is are you going to have a single mastectomy or a bilateral mastectomy. My mom chose a single mastectomy and then regretted it when the cancer came back to the other breast years later. She wished she would've done the bilateral mastectomy because it would have saved her life. The cancer that came back in the other breast was only Stage 2 but came back a year later as Stage 4. Unfortunately, she passed away last May from the cancer after battling it for nearly 12 years. 

So I really think this is one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make and you may want to get a couple opinions, ask around on the forums, etc. 

Wishing you the best with your treatment! 

momand2kids

my experience. I went to the top breast surgeon in our area she recommended a lumpectomy. I agreed. When it came time for treatment I did get a second opinion. Just to be sure I was doing the right thing for me    Take your time. These are hard decisions   You may be able to have a lumpectomy, maybe not. Just be sure you understand the medical reason for going in a certain direction.  I cannot speak to the issue if one or both breasts removed but there are many peopl in this board who removed only one and are happy with that choice 

Best of luck

proudtospin

I would have the two opinions, the Mayo and the local.  Only if they differ would I go further

but it ultimately comes down to what is most comfortable for you, best of luck

AZ85048

Luppie - I would see what they have to say at Mayo and go from there.  See how you feel in your gut about the doctor(s) which to me was a big part of the process.  Luckily for me, I had known my surgeon for years and trusted him completely.  We started with a lumpectomy during which they found even more reason for concern.  It was only then that I started to consider at MX as an option, and it was my choice to go with a BMX.  I am so glad I did and would make the very same choice again.  But take your time and don't feel rushed.  It's a big decision no matter what you choose to do.

Also, I learned early on that it is a great idea to take someone with you to these kinds of appointments because (at least for me) my brain went into overload and there were things they said that I missed, but my friend was able catch.  Good luck and try not to worry too much.  You can do this!.  

Luppie

Thanks to all of you who replied to my question on seeking a 2nd opinion. I did seek another opinion, and it did help clarify my choices. I have decided to have my surgery and any subsequent treatments at Mayo. As several of you wisely suggested, I have taken my time and my head spinning slowed, which in turn allowed me to do my due diligence and the necessary research on just what all the reports mean. I asked tons of questions and the docs at Mayo have patiently answered every one of them.  I am comfortable with them and feel like I am in great hands.

Az85048, thanks to you, I always have someone with me taking notes and making sure I ask the questions I have written down beforehand. PaulandSandy, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom. My mother also had BC, chose a single Mx and lived long afterwards. It seems each circumstance is different with BC and there so many things to be considered before making a decision.

I am done with all the prior-to-surgery testing, and see the PS surgeon tomorrow to finalize my choice on reconstruction following the MX . I know now that I can do this and have a great medical team, family, friends and this wonderful site to shepherd me through.

wyo

Yeah Luppie- I can hear the calmness in your post now that you have had time to think about this, ask all your questions and build confidence in your team as they help you plan your care. 

I can't imagine going to far wrong with the Mayo after all they have a world-class reputation and really recruit and select their docs pretty competitively and do a lot of research on treatments.  

Please stay in touch during your journey and I wish you safe surgery and uneventful recovery. 

AZ85048

Luppie - So glad to hear from you!  You sound so much calmer than before and you seem to have your head in the game.    You're doing everything right and that's all you can do right now.  It's really none of my business, but are you going for a BMX or an MX?  Either way, it's a huge decision that you're going to live with for the rest of your life, so make sure that you're comfortable with what you decide.  Don't let anybody rush you or pressure you one way or the other.  Let us know when you schedule your surgery and how you're doing along the way.  You can do this!!!!

Luppie

AZ, Thanks so much for the encouragement. Somehow it means much more coming from one who has walked the path.  I have only just finished testing and received the last of the test results. After talking with the docs and doing my own research, I have decided on a MX.  As you know, there are several factors to consider when making this choice, and for me, the answer was to retain the breast. Just got my surgery date....March 10th. Now that the whirlwind of tests and meetings and decisions are made and I have my plan it is much easier, just as so many of the women here have told the newest members.  

AZ85048

Luppie - So happy to hear from you!  You sound calm and determined and I'm so glad you have a plan in place.  The fact that you're at peace with your choice is so important.  I hope you like your doctors, because that helps as well.  I know you were terrified back at the beginning, but look how far you've come! 

Sending you a BIG hug!  We'll be in your pocket on March 10th, so wear a big shirt!  Please let us know how it goes...

(If you have any questions, you can always PM me...)

Luppie

AZ Thanks so much for your kind words. I am at peace with my choices and I really like my docs. Yes, I was absolutely terrified when I wrote that first post. But I have to tell you, that when you wrote at the end of your post "You Can Do This"  it nearly instantly empowered me. I thought, she's right, I can do this and I can do it really well, I just have to get it together and get it done a step at a time. That is not to say I haven't had meltdowns and it hasn't always been a clear path,and I have lots to get through still. But in my head during those tough times I often think of your incredibly helpful phrase. Thank you thank you thank you. I'll keep you updated on my twists and turns to come.

AZ85048

Luppie - I meant it when I said it to you more than a month ago.  You CAN do this!  And now it sounds like you're well on your way to knowing that too.  I see you're from Arizona, too, so that explains a little of your grit and gumption.    So glad you're facing this head on and you know what?  We all have our little meltdowns, so you're not alone in that either.  Please keep us updated on your progress as you navigate the bc labyrinth.  We're all right there with you every step of the way.... 

Stareyed

Daughter diagnosed with breast cancer.  Only general surgeons in her HMO; not convinced the 2 surgeons seen are experienced enough to do surgery.  Any suggestions?

placid44

Travel if necessary to see a well regarded breast surgeon and have him/her refer you to a good medical oncologist to be part of the team. I would think there would be breast surgeons in our HMO as breast ancer is common. Good luck.

MelissaDallas

Some general surgeons do nothing but breasts and are very good. One of the women I go to quilt classes with went to Ivy League Medical school, did her internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She has never done anything but breasts but she is considered a general surgeon. If I ever have insurance that covers her I'll be lined up at her door because she follows her own high-risk patients too.

edwards750

There are good general surgeons out there but if it were me I would go to a breast surgeon. That was the dilemma I faced as well. The surgeon was one my Mom used and highly recommended by my Ob-Gyn doctor but the other one was also highly recommended and was a breast surgeon. Several ladies I knew went to him so I did the same. He is one of the best in town and even though he needs to work on his bedside manner I am glad I chose him. Doesn't hurt that his staff is top notch. So be sure you like the guy/lady too. Diane