How much time do I have to get a second opinion?

@alicejoan, that is a great question for which there is no perfect answer. Here are my thoughts:
1. You have time to get a second opinion. You want to be sure of your diagnosis and treatments options, and comfortable with your cancer team.
2. Invasive lobular breast cancer is slow-growing compared to other breast cancers.

Allow me to bring in other breast cancer members who can offer their thoughts and experiences with second opinions like @auntieoakley @kks @delormv @lisakinpa @joanly @ilcpfightee @mom23boys @kszilvia @sybille @mjay

You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- How do I get a Second Opinion (cancer)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/second-opinion-8/

Alicejoan, do you know what stage of invasive (infiltrating) lobular cancer you have? Are you interested in seeking a second opinion at Mayo Clinic?

Stage 11 because it is 3cm.

@alicejoan I have been diagnosed with atypical lobular hyperplasia, which is different than your diagnosis, and my oncologist said to do the “wait and see” option. I am not comfortable with that decision so I scheduled a second opinion at Dana Farber in Boston since it is in driving distance and my insurance will cover it. Diagnosed in august…second opinion in November. However, I am on an aromatase inhibitor due to previously having breast cancer. Even so, I’m still going for a second opinion. Go with your gut. I wish you well!

I got my second, third and fourth opinions after surgery. I got my surgery done in two weeks. I knew I did not need any neo-adjuvant meds.

What info do you need before surgery? Are you seeing the surgeon only or an oncologist as well? What info do you have from the biopsy?

If you are HER2- and ER+ you will have an Oncotype after surgery that will help determine treatment. This test is done for tumors under 5cm in size.

I would try to see an expert on lobular cancer, such as Oscar Metzger at Dana Farber. He has some informational videos online as well.

I agree as lobular is usually designated as a slow growing cancer.

It’s always good to get a second opinion. ♥️

I got a second opinion at M. D. Anderson. They were able to get tissue from the original biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. There was no question about removing it. It was originally estimated to be 5 mm but was measured at 8 mm after removal. I was told the small size would make chemo an unlikely recommendation although the Oncotype test was done and confirmed I would not benefit. I will be doing radiation and endocrine therapy.

My surgeon was not in a great hurry and would have been fine waiting a few more weeks. I would recommend getting the second opinion for your peace of mind.

Could you share a link to the videos? I've been poking around their website and haven't found them yet.

I'll try to find them!

My surgery was scheduled 10 weeks after my diagnosis and they weren't concerned. I did get a second opinion between surgery and oncology. I switched but not due to treatments, due to the doctor. Treatment for me involves chemo with an oncotype of 34, I couldn't avoid it. Make sure you are comfortable where you are. That is key.

It was very difficult for me as it is for everyone when I was told that I had breast cancer. I was quickly assigner a surgeon, radiology oncologist and a medical oncologist. After meeting them, I quickly learned that it should be up to me to choose my team. They weren’t bad, I think it was just a bad match. So, I got on health grades, read reviews, looked at our local (Siteman) cancer center and found it is the top 10 in the US! I thought I needed to check the Docs out and made a second opinion appointment with the breast surgeon! She was wonderful!! I can’t say enough great things about her! After that I met with the rad oncologist & med oncologist. I just can’t tell you how happy I am that I followed through and am thrilled with my new team!! And my surgery was only delayed for one week because of the change! It could have gone the other way and I might have stayed with the first team? My point is that I think you owe it to yourself to be happy and confident with your team of doctors. Even personalities matter. You have to be able to talk to them, be comfortable asking questions and feel that you are on the same wavelength with every one of them! It’s just too important. If there are any doubts, do something now rather than regret it later!!