← Return to Newly diagnosed T1c Gleason 3+4 awaiting Decipher results.

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for pshea1 @pshea1

I have a question about seeking a 2nd opinion. While I still have not received my decipher score yet (due within a week or two) and therefore no final recommendation from my urologist as to treatment recommendations I wanted to get a 2nd opinion appt "on the books" so I could get in sooner rather than later. What I have found is that the process of getting into Abramson Cancer Center at UPENN is to schedule seeing a particular doctor in a particular discipline and asked me who I wanted to see, which of course I didn't know the answer. Their protocol was to steer someone my age to Radiation Oncology rather than Surgery. They said they could get all my testing data online and said they didn't need my actual biopsy slides for the appt, the written report would suffice. I was assuming they would want all the primary testing materials so they could make their decision based on their analysis of my test materials. Does this sound right or do I need to be more specific about what I want out of second opinion. I'm hoping to learn whether I am a candidate for focal therapies or not and if not what specific type of radiation protocol is recommended. Or is their recommendation Active Surveillance. Does this process sound correct? Are there any other things I should be doing to make sure the 2nd opinion is with the right person? As always thank for this groups thoughts.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I have a question about seeking a 2nd opinion. While I still have not received my..."

@pshea1 It is typical for 75+ to be steered to radiation since the stats say a recurrence is not likely before death from another cause so UPenn is not unusual. As far as the biopsy report they are not doing another pathology. Jeff mentioned several experts that will examine the biopsy slides and provide a report. This may be the same or different from the original report. I am sure they will take both biopsy reports into account with a second opinion on treatment if you have 2 reports available.

@pshea1 Unless I am mistaken, most focal therapies are done by RO’s - not surgeons. So the radiation department is the one you should ask for the consult. Best,
Phil

@pshea1, while not specific to UPenn or prostate cancer, you might find this blog post and member discussion helpful regarding tips on getting a second opinion:

- Tips for seeking a second opinion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/tips-for-seeking-a-second-opinion/
- Tips about preparing for my second opinion appointment at Mayo https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/second-opinion-tools/