Second opinion about chemotherapy regimen

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robsp
robsp Member Posts: 50
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After


I had my surgery (MALE breast cancer) last week and unfortunately my SLN is positive, 3 mm metastasis. I will need chemo. My question is not specific about male breast cancer.


There are many chemo regimens (FAC, CMF, ACT, etc). I just can trust my oncologist and let him to choose a regimen that he thinks is the best for me, but I am not sure if I should try to learn more about the chemo drugs and talk with another oncologist before deciding the drugs that I will take.


What do you think about getting a second opinion about chemo?


Do you think is important that we, as patients, should take an active role in the decision of chemo regimen requiring that oncologist shows all regimens available for our case, explaining the pros and cons of each regimen and share the responsibility with the oncologist ?

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2013


    You absolutely should take an active role in your health. I would recommend learning the side effects of each regimen, most notably any potential permanent ones, and take that into consideration before choosing a regimen. A second opinion is always wise. Ask each oncologist WHY this particular regimen is best for you(rather than one they just typically use). Use information from both, as well as your own research to make this important decision. Choose the oncologist you feel most comfortable with who is ghe most responsive to your needs. Best wishes.

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  • ziggypop
    ziggypop Member Posts: 1,071
    edited November 2013


    I let my onc decide, but he was treating my father's cancer when I was diagnosed - so I already knew and trusted him. I think it's a personal decision. Some people like to be very involved - some people figure that they really aren't in the position to know what's best so they might as well trust the doctor. At a minimum you might want to ask your onc which treatment he recommends and why. I hope it all goes well for you & any time you want to rant or have questions or anything at all, these boards are a good place to do it. I often think that in some ways this is harder for men because the network of support just isn't as large. All the best to you & enjoy your Thanksgiving.

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