Second opinion NOW or no?

SugarCakes

Having a bit of a debate with my boyfriend and sister. This is all happening fast but realize I am okay with that. It's not a question of me taking time to let it absorb. My attitude so far has been more than 90% positive despite my results. So really quick...

Lump felt on 12/29, mammogram and US on 1/15, biopsy on 1/16. Biopsy results on 1/20. Appt w/ Breast Surgeon (further review of Biopsy results) on 1/21. Appt. with Medical Oncologist on 1/22 for treatment recommendation. CT and Bone scan scheduled for 1/23.

IDC. 4.5 cm tumor in left breast. Malignant tumor in at least one AX lymph node. Hormone negative. HER2+. Recommended for Chemo immediately which I can start next week if I want. I was thinking next week or possibly after Super Bowl. (Gotta know me and my love of Russell Wilson:)

By the way, my current doctors are a part of the Duke Cancer Institute, but offices are in Raleigh which are most convenient for me.

The debate... I can get into UNC next Wednesday and over the course of about 1/2 day, have them review all my records, test, etc... Repeat a mammogram and US if they feel it's necessary, and have their team give me their opinions for treatment. At first, I wasn't considering a second opinion. I have read so much, particularly on the targeted treatment for HER2+, that I feel like Duke's recommendation IS a second opinion! I just can't imagine too may more options. Then again, I'm TOTALLY new to all of this. Boyfriend and sis are like... get started as soon as possible.

Granted, I have others... ok, really one other person, my boss, who's father is a retired oncologists that is urging me to get the second opinion. Granted, I haven't updated him on all my results. Heck! As I'm typing this. THAT could be my second opinion... somewhat.

The results of my CT and Bone scans which I will get tomorrow shortly after the scans may make this a non-issue because if there is spreading, I'm starting treatment this coming monday.

My argument... Even with scheduling the second opinion, I can be start treatment with the Duke doctors week after next. A second opinion, especially if its the same opinion can give me and others more peace of mind. Maybe.

Insurance will cover that second opinion. What I didn't think to ask insurance was IF I end up wanting a second opinion later in this process (say from a surgery standpoint), will insurance cover that too? Should I reserve that insurance eligibile 2nd opinion for later?

Maybe the better question is how has other HER2+ women with breast cancer gone about their treatment? What options were given and taken? Sorry ladies, my mind is all over the place. I'm going to look for a board specific to HER2+ now, but still would appreciate your thoughts on getting a second opinion NOW, under these circumstances.