Etiquette when consulting with different surgeons?

Not that I am an expert, but I was also diagnosed recently and just had lumpectomies. Similarly, I went to one breast surgeon and then decided to get a second opinion. Most doctors should be OK with second opinions. If they are not, then move on. After all, this is your life. The first surgeon thought I should have an MRI as well, and like you, something else came up on the MRI that wasn't there before. She also suggested genetic testing as my mom had bc 10 years ago. I wasn't able to get an appointment with the first surgeon's office for genetic testing, and it so happened that the second doctor was able to do the test in her office. It should not be a problem for you to get the results sent to the other doctor. I think more important is whether the Dr. is in your network and that you are covered by insurance. I ultimately chose the first doctor, and she did not assume I was going to choose her, and was very happy that I did. I am now in the same situation with oncologists. I am seeing two right now. As long as you tell the doctors that you are getting a second or third opinion at the outset, it should be OK. At least that is what I am doing. Both oncologists I have interviewed are very nice and helpful and yes, I feel a little weird having to tell one that I am not going to use them, but ultimately I have to go with someone with whom I feel more comfortable with. You should do the same, and don't feel guilty about it. Good luck!

LoveandLight - By all means get a copy of the MRI sent to the 2nd doc since you liked her better. You'll want her to see what's up even though the genetic test aren't back. You should be able to contact the clinic/hospital where you had the MRI done and ask them to send a copy of the report to the new doc. If not, you can certainly get a report yourself. Also, you can & should get a CD of the MRI results from them.

LoveandLightinLA, wishing you all the best in this decision making process.

I got opinions from 2 different boards (group of surgeon, oncologist and radiologists) before I decided what route to go. I went with the first surgeon I met with. She was fine with me getting multiple opinions and also said that if the other surgeon suggested a different kind of surgery, she would be okay with performing that if I chose that route. I had a lumpectomy(left) with an oncoplastic reduction (right). Breast surgeon and plastic surgeon worked together.

However, I did not like the oncologist or radiologist in that first group. I met with 3 oncologists before finding one I liked and trusted. I think it is very important to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with.... makes such a difference in the long run.

Take care,

Reikion