Second Opinons

Options
Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited January 2018 in Just Diagnosed
Second Opinons
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Vera1966
    Vera1966 Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2017

    I live in a fairly rural area. I like my team so far, but I feel as if I should get a second opinion from a major cancer center. Has anyone had a second opinion from MD Anderson in Texas? If so how does the process work and how did you feel about it? Thank you for your help.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2017

    Are you closer to Houston or Dallas? UT Southwestern in Dallas is an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and gives great care

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandcastle
    sandcastle Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2017

    A second Opinion is a good Idea...But it often leads to a Third Opinion...You have to be careful that the Second Opinion is Valid...and not something you just want to hear...meaning that Both First and Second should be the same...a lot of people just go and take second because that is what they want to hear....if you have two different then you may need a Third Opinion....MD Andersen is a good Start and also a NCI Cancer Center....Liz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited December 2017

    Hi there. IMO getting a second opinion at a major university teaching hospital is essential. Good luck and keep us posted...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vera1966
    Vera1966 Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2017

    Thank you for all of the advice. I am so new to this. I think that I am going to find the nearest NCI Cancer Center and then go from there. Thanks again

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    I went to MDA for my 2nd opinion. I called and they set up easily. Had appts in week/two in about 10 minutes. They are a machine when it comes to this. I believe they got all the records after I told them where to go. They re-ran pathology -- which I was happy to have done. This may be fairly typical process for a 2nd O.

    Everyone was really helpful and nice. They keep you moving through appts and I found it a very organized process.

    Good luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Quiltingnut
    Quiltingnut Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2017

    I just found out today I have breast cancer. I think I’m going to call MD Anderson and set up app for them also. I have been going to the VA hospital but I don’t feel very comfortable with them. The doc who called me today to tell me just told me I have Ductal cancer. I ask for more info and she said she wasn’t a specialist. Now i have to wait till Tuesday to go pick up my path report to find out myself exactly what they found. I’m not a happy camper right now and in shock and scared

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vera1966
    Vera1966 Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2017

    Oh Quiltingnut, I am so sorry. That is just plain cruel to call you and then give you zero information. I won't tell you don't worry because that's what everyone keeps telling me and it does not help. I am a newcomer here and no expert, but ductal cancer can mean different things and those things are very treatable. I am wishing you all the best. Please let us know what happens

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    I'm so sorry for anyone newly diagnosed and joining us here. But glad you found this site. I could not have made it through the past year without it. Ask any and all questions, as I say on post after post. Someone will have advice or an experience to share. And vent if you need to. We get it.

    I will also say that the initial time after diagnosis but before you have all information and a plan in place is the WORST time. It does, believe it or not, get better. I promise this.

    Big virtual hug to you guys!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited December 2017

    Oh, so sorry QultingNut. Dealing with this over the holidays is just wretched. I would highly recommend MD Anderson, since they are very good, efficient, and also have cutting-edge clinical trials. I've email consulted with Ben Smith, a radiologist who went to school with a doctor on my team, and he seems really knowledgeable + very caring. Best of luck and do let us know when you get your biopsy report.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • buttonsmachine
    buttonsmachine Member Posts: 930
    edited December 2017

    I went to MD Anderson for a second opinion, and it was really helpful for me. My MO was glad I did that too. If you can't make it to MD Anderson, there are many NCI facilities to choose from.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2018

    I went to MD Anderson for a second opinion on type of treatment and later for surgery and reconstruction. I was satisfied with both opinions and found them to be easy to work with.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited January 2018

    I had 2nd O and later surgery at MDA as well. They were in-network with my insurance and I had such confidence in everyone there.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories