second opinion?

Jenwith4kids

How do I know if I need to get a second opinion?  I like my BS but I have nothing to compare her to. The original radiologist referred me to a particular doc but when I called she couldn't see me right away so I took an appointment with the other doc in the practice.  I assume that the original doc wouldn't associate with a less than par doc, right?  She supports my decision for a BMX...not sure how the surgery would differ. Maybe two opinions are warranted for treatment?  I can do that later.  Argh, I really really hate this.

I'm at the cancer center at Morristown Memorial Hospital.

I live close to Memorial Sloan Kettering, seems silly not to go there.  But I don't want to start over. Did I say that I really really hate this?

Jen

fredntan

i hardly post anymore here

but ask what kind of scar you will get. i dont really understand why each doc does different scar. i have football scar on one and lollipop on other. my mast were seperate. prefer the lollipop scar.

i had initial unilateral mastectomy at sloan.  when i woke up was told pca reserved for bilaterals. got very little pain meds. scd's were never put on after surgery. i was helped up first time.. after that i was on my own. nurses were mean and subpar. sloan has double rooms. private rooms are so mch better for rest. bring family member to help you overnight.

Solen

Very simple answer.  If you are here asking about a second opinion, then you should go get one. 

Only if you totally trust your first doctor and are completely confident in what they are telling you should you not seek a second opinion.  And even then it doesn't hurt.

I wish you good luck. 

 And I know all of it sucks.  I have often gone for second opinions, and they are often very helpful.  One time it was life altering.  Other times I didn't feel I needed them, but I was sure and confident in the doctor and myself.

Trust your gut.

Jenwith4kids

thank you Solen and eveyone else who answered.  My gut says stay where I am. My mom and a friend who has been through this say to get another opinion. I happen to think that the scans and path reports are pretty straightforward and nobody has argued my decision for a bmx.

I am going to talk to my primary today.  If she says go fkr a second opinion I will.

mkkjd60

Hi Jen.  My mom went to both MSK and Morristown.  I always went with her.  She was treated by Dr. Denna Graham at Sloan in Basking Ridge ( she is now at Hackensack) and my Dr. Papish at Morristown.  They were both excellent doctors and her treatment was always good.  The one thing I can say is that the facility at Basking Ridge is 100 times nicer than the Carol Simon Center.  That often seemed crowded and one on top of the other.  Also, I found that MSK was a bit more streamlined.  For instance, I found that there were a lot of "cooks" involved in answering questions and writing prescriptions at Simon but only 1 nurse and 1 dr. doing it at Sloan.  My mom also though Sloan was cleaner.  Just thought I would weigh in since I knew both facilities.  Good luck!

Jenwith4kids

thank you! Just the kind of info I am looking for. I have decided to have my surgery at MMH and then will interview oncologists at both Simon and Sloan.  Thanks again!

mkkjd60

Jen  I just wanted to add that both my mom and dad have been patients at MMH.  The hospital is gorgeous and we never had issues there.  It is just the Cancer Center that could use some tlc.  Didn't want to give you the wrong impression.  Best of luck. Mary

msphil

I think it is a good idea to get a second opinon, it will ease some of your questions, msphil(idc,stage2, 0/3 nodes, L mast chemo and rads and 5yrs on tamoxifen) I am a 20 yr this yr (Survivor)Praise GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!