2nd Opinion of treatment

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countrywoman
countrywoman Member Posts: 14
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I am wondering how many woman got a 2nd opinion for their treatment?   

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited March 2011

    I'm done with TCH (x6)..but am going next week for a second opinion about a PET Scan.  My current Onc doesn't do for anyone under IIIc.

    I got a second opinion for MX too.

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  • J9W
    J9W Member Posts: 395
    edited March 2011

    I did but only because I HATED the first surgeon. He kept calling me by the wrong name!  A***hole. I guess if had been compassionate and competent I might not have done so.

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2011

    I did, and my bio page tells the story. 

    Are you asking because you have doubts about your docs or treatment plan?    Deanna

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  • ProudMom_Wife
    ProudMom_Wife Member Posts: 634
    edited March 2011

    I got opinions from 3 Medical Oncologist and 2 Radiation Oncologist.  The main reason was because after I got the results from my pathologist report I fell into the 'grey area' in regards to how to treast my lymph nodes.  Before surgery I was clinically node negative.  I also kept asking my surgical oncologist questions and opinions, he was great with keeping in touch with me through out this process.

    I made sure to go to oncologists from different backgrounds and who worked in different types of centers/offices, etc...  One medical oncologist was strictly for consultation, the others I was also deciding on whether or not to go to them for treatment.  In the end it helped me to make choices that I am totally happy with as I fight this cancer.  Hopefully I chose correctly, only time will tell.  But I feel good about it.

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  • countrywoman
    countrywoman Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2011

    I am having doubts about one of my treatments.  I don't mind getting the AC followed by T.   Hormone treatments for five years.  Another surgery to get my margins  clear (they werent clear the first time).  I also don't mind getting radiation.....but the herceptin treatment on top of all of this really bothers me.  My HER2 results were:  2 negative (which is favorable), and 1 positive (which is unfavorable).  I don't think people with HER2- receive herceptin (which is a good thing in my opinion).  Herceptin is the drug I am petrified of.  My doctor wants me to get herceptin which has numerous side affects --- one specifically targets the heart .  Heart disease runs in my family.  Everyone on my dads side died from some type of heart problem.  My brother just had a heart attack as well.  The side effects from herceptin are numerous and I have been in a deep depression reading about all the side affects from it on this forum.  I have also read the HER2 tests can be wrong many times.  I want a second opinion of whether I should get herceptin.  If the second opinion agrees with the 1st, I will go with it.  Right now, I am uncomfortable accepting this treatment.  

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  • countrywoman
    countrywoman Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2011

    Are they having you do the herceptin treatment?

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2011

    couuntrywoman, it sounds like a second opinion would be very beneficial in your situation.  I would highly recommend getting one at an NCI-designated cancer center, if at all possible -- even if you have to travel a few hours to get to one.  You can always take their recommendations back to your current medical team or other local docs.

    Borderline Her2 results are normally sent out for a more definitive test referred to as the FISH.  If your results haven't been, I would absolutely find a new medical team.  Getting the Her2 factor right is crucial for appropriate treatment.  If Herceptin is recommended, your family history of heart disease will be of utmost concern to a good oncologist and factored into your tx decision.

    Here's a list of the NCI-designated facilities:  http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html

    Hopefully, there's one near you.  If not, you may want to post a new question asking for recommendations for oncologists and facilities in your area.      Deanna

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  • countrywoman
    countrywoman Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2011

    I am going to try to go to Sloan Kettering for a second opinion.  My husbands insurance does not cover it but I have about $500 saved up and hopefully that will cover a consultation.  If not, I don't know what I am going to do.

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  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 1,330
    edited March 2011

    I got a 2nd opinion at Duke.  They said they would do exactly what my original oncologist and surgeon suggested.

    Jan

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  • bellydancer
    bellydancer Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2011

    Yes, I got a second opinion on everything, surgery, chemo, radiation and hormone therapy. I also got a second opinion on my pathology slides.

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  • countrywoman
    countrywoman Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2011

    TonLee,

     Are you getting Herceptin since you are HER2+++? 

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