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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

sandyrob | @sandyrob | Dec 30, 2021

In reply to @slapshotmary "Thank you Colleen! I love your comments and all your guidance." + (show)

I got a second opinion at Mayo. They will check with your insurance to make sure things are covered. For my type of cancer, they offered other options for radiation than I was offered locally (Duluth). I had never gotten a second opinion about anything so it felt a little awkward. But it was worth it.

slapshotmary | @slapshotmary | Dec 31, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind. This blog post offers further reasons..." + (show)

Thank you so much. I so appreciate this. We are dealing with the Boulder fires right now but I will get on this in a couple of days. Thank you!

slapshotmary | @slapshotmary | Dec 31, 2021

In reply to @sandyrob "I got a second opinion at Mayo. They will check with your insurance to make sure..." + (show)

Good to know! Thank you so much for replying and forwarding on this information.

mhsosa | @mhsosa | Jan 1, 2022

In reply to @slapshotmary "Thank you so much. I so appreciate this. We are dealing with the Boulder fires right..." + (show)

I hope you are safe from those Devastating Boulder fires. If you get second opinion from doctor in Pueblo or Colorado Springs, please let me know. I have MBC stage 4 and think I am thought of as just a number with no cure. I feel like you do with my current situation. Thank you.

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jan 1, 2022

In reply to @mhsosa "I hope you are safe from those Devastating Boulder fires. If you get second opinion from..." + (show)

I have noticed you are really struggling with side effects. “No cure” doesn’t mean you have to accept feeling like a number. Have you considered getting another opinion on your treatments? Are you near a teaching hospital or large cancer center?

slapshotmary | @slapshotmary | Jan 1, 2022

In reply to @mhsosa "I hope you are safe from those Devastating Boulder fires. If you get second opinion from..." + (show)

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am stage 3 and I have not idea where I am on this. I just want to ask the right questions about the follow up treatment as my oncologist just matter of fact said, "I think you'll benefit from this" without really telling me the why. I wish you the best and Happy New Year.

baltdeb | @baltdeb | Feb 7, 2022

Does anyone know if/how to schedule a video consultation for a second opinion with Mayo? My family member very recently discovered he has renal cancer which has spread to his lungs and neck. He is scheduled for a radical nephrectomy later this month.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 7, 2022

In reply to @baltdeb "Does anyone know if/how to schedule a video consultation for a second opinion with Mayo? My..." + (show)

Hi Baldeb, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/second-opinion-8/) about how to get a second opinion. @slapshotmary asked the same question and I think you'll also benefit from the advice that she got from other members.

At Mayo Clinic, you can either self-refer or ask your oncologist to submit a referral. I think most of your questions about how to self refer are answered here in this set of Frequently Asked Questions https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments/faq

Video and phone visits can be great options for appointments before, after or in place of face-to-face care. Appointment coordinators will recommend a virtual visit if it best fits your individual needs.
- Safe in-person and virtual care https://www.mayoclinic.org/covid-19

To self refer or for your physician to submit a referral , you can get started here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Let me know if you have more questions.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 7, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Baldeb, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this..." + (show)

@baltdeb, I also wanted to direct you to some renal cancer-related discussion where you can also connect with other members who have experience with kidney/renal cancer. For example, these related discussions may interest you.

- Kidney Biopsy Needed? Renal Cell Carcinoma https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-biopsy-needed/
- Renal cell cancer: Anyone else with this cancer? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/renal-cell-cancer-kidney-removed-right-side-2013-came-back-in-2015/
- Renal Cancer: What are you supposed to feel after surgery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-suppose-to-feel-after-sugary/

cathyras | @cathyras | Oct 14, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind. This blog post offers further reasons..." + (show)

Thank you. I am considering a second opinion. I am so unsure. But my oncologist did say it was okay to get a second opinion. I see what some people are going through for example getting radiation done. My tumor was small (stage 2B). I asked about radiation and was told no that is not an option. I really feel like if I had radiation even though they had clean margins I would be less likely to have a recurrence. I went about 9 months. I now have had a second recurrence. After doing chemo for a year. It is in the same place and has not spread. Once I stopped chemo it came back only two months later. My CA 19-9 was elevated and went up every month. I needed a break. This recurrence happed in August and I had radiation. A single dose high level. Scheduled for chemo again in early Nov.