no second opinion?

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moonlight60
moonlight60 Member Posts: 57
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I just got back from my initial consult with the surgeons and oncologists at my first choice for treatment. I feel pretty happy with their treatment plan and also their interpretation of my tests so far. Other then the hospital being a little inconvenient for radiation, which i can live with, i don't really feel the need for a second opinion.



Has anyone else just gone with the first place they looked at without further opinions? I asked lots of questions and they were answered to my satisfaction, plus my sister went with me and she agrees with me.



So, anyone else?

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited January 2012

    Hi Moonlight, if you are happy with your team there is no reason to get a second opinion.  Sometimes I think getting second opinion can and does confuse the issues so good on you for finding a good team to start and good luck with your treatment.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited January 2012

    If you are comfortable with your doctors, why complicate your life?  Just be sure that every step of the way, you are satisfied with their answers and treatment plans.  I think that a lot of times, when we just get tired of it all, we defer to the doctors.  It is then that it is so important to stop and remember to ask those questions again.  But if the doctors seem to have a good handle on things and they are making sense to you, and you are being dilligent in asking questions, then stick with them!

    That's my 2 cents anyway...

    Best of luck!

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited January 2012

    I never got a second opinion, didn't really question it at the time.  I still trust my breast specialist completely.  So if you are confident with your doctor, go for it.  NJ

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2012

    moonlight, I'm a big proponent of second opinions, but that's mostly when I hear someone say that she didn't feel comfortable about something she was told, or wasn't treated the way she wanted to be treated, or something else about her situation just wasn't adding up.  If you're happy with your docs and have no unanswered questions or little nagging voice telling you something isn't quite right, then chances are you're in good hands -- especially if your surgeon and oncologist are well experienced with breast cancer.  That's the other reason I sometimes sound an alarm about getting a second opinion -- when a situation sounds somewhat complex and a woman is dealing with a general surgeon vs. a more experienced with breast cancer breast surgeon.  But if your dx is pretty straight forward and you've had all the necessary pre-surgical testing, then you should be okay, especially if your sister, whom I'm sure has your best interests at heart, concurs about your choices.  I'm sure she'd be the first to speak up if she wasn't satisfied.  But if anything about your post-surgical pathology or situation isn't smooth and clear cut, don't hesitate to go for that second opinion before making any other decisions.   (((Hugs)))   Deanna  

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  • moonlight60
    moonlight60 Member Posts: 57
    edited January 2012

    All great advice...it's exactly how I feel about things :)

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited January 2012

    Well, of course! If your initial consults are with good people who treat you and listen to you in a compassionate way, stay on top of the research, and offer you the services you will need, there really isn't a need for a second opinion.

    I chose carefully to start with.... specialists who only work with breast cancer patients at a well-regarded hospital. No alarms went off, and I say no reason to go elsewhere.

    Good luck!

    *susan* 

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  • Granuaile
    Granuaile Member Posts: 113
    edited January 2012

    I didn't go with the surgeon who diagnosed me for a number of reasons. First of all, bedside manner. "Yes, your breast is riddled with cancer." I almost fainted. Second, she was a general surgeon, not a breast surgeon. Wanted me to have the SNB done as a separate procedure at a local hospital (not a breast ctr), after that, a skin-sparing mastectomy, with possible chemo/rads at yet another satellite location. All without scans. I hightailed it into MGH's breast cancer center for a second opinion, and haven't looked back!

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