Did you get a second opinion? Confused

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cdoll
cdoll Member Posts: 2
edited February 2019 in Just Diagnosed

I recently got diagnosed with IDC and have started the process of getting treatment. Cancer is 21mm in right breast with no other spots or area of concern. Thing is that I am super confident where I’m at now in terms of my medical team but after talking to several people, I’ve been told to explore other opinions because they are of the opinion that my dr atm who’s a breast surgeon, is only after money although he’s rank ranked top in the country. Im off to get a second opinion today but I feel so thrown off because i was very comfortable with the timeline placed before me and my medical team. So confused now. Anyone ever go throughthis! How did you do main do remain focused?

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2019

    cdoll, we're sorry you are here, but wanted to say welcome to Breastcancer.org!

    We know it'a not an easy decision! You're sure to get some helpful responses from other wonderful ladies here soon but, in the meant time, you can read helpful tips on Getting a Second Opinion at the main Breastcancer.org site, including why, where and when to get them, and what to expect.

    We hope this helps and again, welcome!

    The Mods

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  • leftduetostupidmods
    leftduetostupidmods Member Posts: 620
    edited February 2019

    Look for a breast oncology surgeon, not a plain breast surgeon. The breast surgeons are specialized mostly in plastic surgery, the breast oncology surgeons in breast cancer. Your best bet is the team of BOS doing the tumor excision, be it lumpectomy or mastectomy, and the breast surgeon (plastic surgeon) doing the reconstruction. Here you might want to see several plastic surgeons and check what is their background in breast reconstruction, which kind, etc. Check the board on the forum about breast reconstruction.

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  • BrinkOfEternity
    BrinkOfEternity Member Posts: 207
    edited February 2019

    I loved my BS and MO but still I went for a 2nd opinion just in case. The second opinion BS and MO basically agreed with what my originals said, so I felt reassured if anything. One other bonus was the 2nd opinion MO gave me some additional details about my biopsy results that I didn’t know about, which was nice.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited February 2019

    I was initially pretty pleased with my BS and the info she gave me. But everything I read said to get a second opinion so I did. The second BS basically agreed with the first so I stuck with the first.

    However - after chemo and follow up imaging - I found the first BS to be kind of pushy and was really questioning a lot of things. She seemed dismissive of my concerns so I went back to BS #2. She was so open. And warm. And confident. And understanding. So that's who did the surgery.

    I ended up getting second opinions eventually on everything. I didn't change practice with the others, but found it reassuring to hear what they had to say and be given the opportunity to ask more questions.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2019

    I didn't get a second opinion, but before surgery, I made sure that the surgeon had performed a lot of breast cancer surgeries and would operate in accordance with my wishes. I looked him up and asked medical professionals and community members about his work and reputagtion.

    As I progressed thorough treatment I did compare what my surgeon, MO, and RO suggested to see if it was in accord. My MO ran my case by a tumor board, which changed some of the treatment parameters, which she and I discussed. My surgeon had a different opinion about chemo than my MO did, but acknowledged that it was her and my decision. A few months later, the chemo recommendations for my circumstances changed from what my MO and tumor board recommended to what my surgeon had recommended, but at the time, the MO was recommending the standard of practice and I was and am fine with having followed her recommendations.

    So far as breast surgeons being "in it for the money," it's not as if they don't have waiting lists in a successful practice. If they don't get your business, they'll have someone else's. The question is whether you trust your surgeon's plan, and it's reasonable to get another opinion if you don't or don't know a lot about your options and want to hear from another professional.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited February 2019

    cdoll- people who haven’t gone through this will offer all sorts of advice. You can ignore them. I didn’t get a second opinion after my initial diagnosis. I did get more tests that changed the treatment plan. I talked to my PCP; I didn’t follow the mastectomy recommendation of my breast surgeon (double) but did use him with full confidence. I met with two plastic surgeons and used the one who does the reconstruction I wanted. I met with the medical oncologist before my mastectomy and met with my radiation oncologist before mastectomy as well. I was comfortable anf confident in my team and treatment plan. I also did not have a complex diagnosis. Do what makes YOU feel comfortable and thank those offering advice. And feel free to stop people before the advice comes out of their mouth.


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  • BellasMomToo
    BellasMomToo Member Posts: 305
    edited February 2019

    My treatment 'team' was put together by my hospital. I did not get any 2nd opinions. My cancer wasn't unusual so I didn't feel a need for a 2nd opinion for my chemo treatment. Being ER-/PR-/Her2+ I knew that chemo would be 'required'. I felt comfortable with my BS and once I decided against reconstruction, I didn't feel the need for a 2nd surgical opinion. (I had a UMX and did not have radiation.)

    My 'team' (Nurse Navigator, BS, MO, & RO -- although I didn't need the RO) have worked together for many years. Fortunately I felt comfortable and confident with each one.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited February 2019

    I did not get a second opinion partly because I didn't feel the need to after discussing with my nurse navigator, and also because I didn't want to slow the process down. I ended up choosing providers based on word of mouth from providers I trust. I did look up standard of care for my type of cancer and was satisfied with the plan. It worked out, I feel like I got (and am getting) appropriate care.

    I would think if there is any shred of doubt, a second opinion is a good idea.



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  • cdoll
    cdoll Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2019

    Thank you for the feedback everyone. I decided to get another opinion and I think (not sure yet) I’m more comfortable with the second team. I’m still speaking with them and will make my decision soon enough. It’s just so much information to take all in. I’m trying to pipe down a bit so that I can think clearly and make what I think is the best decision but my mind Ian going a mile a minute. Suppose I choose the wrong team? What if what if what If. Keeping a positive and calm mindset and will see how it go

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited February 2019

    sweetie I too liked my BO and team but 2nd opinion was to be sure. And it was agreed. So doesn't hurt. Got thru it all. I am now a 25yr Survivor Praise God. This is for Inspiration to have Hope and be Positive with my faith. msphil idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast adriamycin cytoxin 5fu. Then 7wks rads and 5yrs on Tamoxifen

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