1. < Cancer

How do I get a Second Opinion (cancer)?

Posted by slapshotmary @slapshotmary, Dec 27, 2021

I know this sounds stupid, but how do I get a second opinion? I need to have a second opinion on the treatment that has been offered to me. It just seems like my oncologist tells me good information and then just does it. I have to stop and ask for think about it. I just feel like I am being ambushed and he doesn't always answer my questions directly. He doesn't give me time to think in an appointment. Any advice or information will be greatly appreciated.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 21 4:59pm
In reply to @edwendt "in reply to slapshotmary @slapshotmary, Dec 27, 2021 -getting a 2nd opinion. I am with Honor..." + (show)
@edwendt

in reply to slapshotmary @slapshotmary, Dec 27, 2021 -getting a 2nd opinion.
I am with Honor Health system but can go anywhere-- I had a first opinion before getting my initial biopsy- and just the mammogram of a highly suspected large mass in my right breast to hear his recommendation for a double mastectomy for best look/option for clothing. It so blew me away that I started asking around on same question- how to get 2nd opinion without causing high irritation etc. It is not easy- especially for women to feel they are going to make waves. Remember- not only do you have a right to get a 2nd opinion- in 5 yrs- the initial doctor will be out of the picture and won't even remember who you are. You only have your body once and frankly, it is expected now in these times- thank goodness- that getting a 2nd opinion is not only a good idea but welcomed. If the same as the first it gives you more confidence and information and if different than the 1st- it gives you confirmation that you were right in questioning the initial results. The other is that despite the rush to get surgery - research shows that with most breast cancers - they are slow growing and there is NO RUSH. This was good because they found my surprise cancer in October (breast awareness month- not the best time to try and get action) I couldn't get in until November anywhere and when I did- I was looking at January for surgery. But it was all good.
Take your time and get that 2nd opinion and as many tests as necessary to confirm that opinion. The most important is that you really feel great about the doctor /team you will be working with. I researched /asked around and specifically was trying to get a 2nd opinion from a specific oncology surgeon and an oncologist/breast cancer specialty. I ended up at Mayo and could not have felt better about getting that 2nd opinion and the team at Mayo I ended up with. I wish you the best and support your courage to step out for yourself and don't feel ambushed.... it's your life.

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Such great advice, @edwendt. Was your diagnosis just this past October?

REPLY
gordy6898p | @gordy6898p | Jan 21 10:05pm
In reply to @gisellef "Hi Gordi: That is truly awesome. I love to travel by plane but honestly I can’t..." + (show)
@gisellef

Hi Gordi:
That is truly awesome. I love to travel by plane but honestly I can’t imagine being in the pilot’s seat nor in an aircraft where you feel every bit of turbulence. It must be exhilarating but in a scary way. I try to fly with Delta, when I travel in the US as one of the really nice things they do is to have the pilot stand outside the door of the cockpit to greet passengers on the way out. That really makes the trip experience personal for me. Arizona is a great place to get away from everything. You have a great plan in place.
Thanks for sharing.

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I've flown with Delta many times over the years.

A pilot friend retired from there, and gave me Freebie tickets.

The worst Delta flight in turbulence was from Phoenix to Atlanta. About an hour from Atlanta the pilot was dodging the edges of developing thunder storms.

That guy had to have flown fighters in the Air Force. He was zig-zagging all over the place, around developing clouds. I'd never been in a commercial airliner flown that precisely.

During approach, the turbulence was even worse... but he made a perfect landing. As you mention, the pilot greets you by the cockpit door.

I commented "You sure greased that one on." He replied "Thank you."

A close friend out in Phoenix retired from the Air Force after 23 years. He flew F-16 fighters, even had some combat experience. He spend his last 3 years instructing in F-16's at Luke Air Force Base.

I was trying to get him interested in flying small planes. He finally replied "When it comes to airplanes, the only thing I'm interested in is sticking a missile up someone's ___!"

REPLY
gordy6898p | @gordy6898p | Jan 21 10:40pm
In reply to @gisellef "Hi Gordi: That is truly awesome. I love to travel by plane but honestly I can’t..." + (show)
@gisellef

Hi Gordi:
That is truly awesome. I love to travel by plane but honestly I can’t imagine being in the pilot’s seat nor in an aircraft where you feel every bit of turbulence. It must be exhilarating but in a scary way. I try to fly with Delta, when I travel in the US as one of the really nice things they do is to have the pilot stand outside the door of the cockpit to greet passengers on the way out. That really makes the trip experience personal for me. Arizona is a great place to get away from everything. You have a great plan in place.
Thanks for sharing.

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N6898P is the "N" number of my Piper Comanche.

The singer Patsy Cline, along with three others, died in the crash of their Comanche, N7000P.

Both our planes were built in 1960, our production numbers vary by 102.

Her pilot was inexperienced, and flew into severe weather... losing control.

Here's the details....
https://www.historynet.com/patsy-clines-final-flight/

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