Second opinion

DMHGF

I am considering getting a second opinion to see if there are differing ideas regarding course of treatment. Can anyone tell me if they have done this, where you went and whether the recommendations were any different?

smackan

Welcome DMHGF,

I did a 2nd opinion at our major university cancer hospital and I did get very different information. At the first doctor, they said lumpectomy and 30 radiation treatments were only option. I wanted to have a breast reduction at the same time and they said it was not possible until after I finished radiation. I only met with a general surgeon at the first place.

At the cancer hospital, I have a team of doctors (SO, MO, RO and Plastic Surgeon) and my case was presented at a tumor board to ensure agreement in my plan. My Plastic Surgeon offered mastectomy or lumpectomy with reduction and radiation. He said if I wanted a reduction, I had to do it at the time of lumpectomy (opposite of first place) because radiated skin and vessels don't heal well. When I met with RO, they said I would need 20 radiation treatments (vs. 30 at first place) and was even offered IORT which reduced it down the 15 sessions plus the IORT. I did end of choosing the lumpectomy, IORT, oncoplastic reduction and radiation.

I have been so impressed and thankful I moved to the cancer center. I feel like I am getting the best treatment with this group.

I hope this helps. I am currently going through radiation but feel free to reach out with any questions.

DMHGF

Wow smackan that is a pretty big difference! I'm so glad you decided on the 2nd opinion. I wondered if there was just a standard procedure for treatment type and length or if different places approach it differently.

I've already had my lumpectomy but am suppose to finalize my treatment plan Wednesday. If it seems excessive I want backup that the recommendation either is necessary or maybe there are other options.

I'm glad you're with a group that makes you so comfortable. That's got to ease the journey!

Take care and be well ((hugs))

WC3

I got about three opinions. The first surgeon wanted to remove a number of axillary nodes. The second and third surgeons only touched axillary nodes if the sentinel node biopsy came back positive.

I ended up going with the third surgeon and am happy with the results.

AliceBastable

Projected radiation treatment plans can change. My RO had discussed 22 sessions with me before surgery. When the pathology came back with a micromet in the sentinel node, it changed to 33 sessions and a different mapping. Nothing pre-surgery (and pathology) is carved in stone.

movingsoccermom

My first oncologist had a pessimistic view of my survival, but did offer the same treatment as recommended by the second opinion oncologist (breast cancer specialist). The best part of the second opinion was being told I had a much longer possible life span. Invaluable!!!!!

Cowgirl13

I only had a second opinion for an oncologist because I wasn't comfortable with the first oncologist and her office was terribly busy. Someone at the hospital gave me the name of another oncologist and I just loved him from the minute he walked through the door. Love his staff too. I have been seeing him for 10 years as I am triple positive.

OnTarget

I got a 2nd opinion on Chemo. I just chose an NCI cancer center that is higher ranked than my current top 10 hospital. There are a few ranked higher and I chose the closest one (MSK).

I'm glad I did it, it was reassuring and helpful since I'm in a weird demographic for Chemo.