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How do I get a Second Opinion (cancer)?
Cancer | Last Active: Jan 21 10:40pm | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
@gisellef, you're right. Mayo Clinic found similar findings in a study about second opinions
- Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-researchers-demonstrate-value-of-second-opinions/
The study conducted at Mayo Clinic found that 88 percent patients who visited Mayo Clinic for a second opinion were found to have their initial diagnosis changed or modified as a result of a second opinion.
Replies to "@gisellef, you're right. Mayo Clinic found similar findings in a study about second opinions - Mayo..."
I am not surprised. Mayo has an excellent reputation and is a very solid option for anyone looking for a second opinion.
Yesterday ( January 17), I had my final Chemo #6 infusion for bladder cancer...
I also met with my oncology doctor, and the news is good there. They've decided that I'm good candidate for bladder and prostate removal surgery vs. radiation treatments. I had swollen prostate surgery many years ago, however no cancer cells had ever been detected there.
My cancer is at stage 3, meaning tumors have not metastasized (spread) to other organs.
According to the following link, provided by the "American Cancer Society," after bladder tumors reach stage 4, the outcome is less predictable. Tumors there are more difficult to detect, and may have even started penetrating the bladder's outer wall.
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bladder-cancer/stages-and-grades
On February 7 I'm scheduled to meet with the oncology team to schedule surgery. In the meantime they'll be working out the details.
There are two options for bladder removal surgery, one with a long abdominal incision for placement of an external Stoma. The other option being a few small incisions with surgery performed robotically, via the following method of "laparoscopy."
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21094-robotic-cystectomy.
In discussing with the VA doc yesterday, he wasn't sure whether surgery would be performed at the VA hospital, or at the adjacent U of W research center.
If approved, and I'm given a preference, it will likely be laparoscopy, since it seems to be less risky, and offers a shorter recovery time.
With either surgery method much of the final results may depend upon surgeon skills, with a little luck thrown in.
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I think it’s similar to deciding where to get your exotic foreign sports car worked on. I’m probably not taking the Maserati to a shade tree mechanic. Not because I think the latter isn’t a wizard mechanic. But he doesn’t know Maserati because he never sees them.
If I have cancer, I’m confident the Cancer Center my local hospital is justifiably proud of has common cancers dialed in - my mucinous Adenocarcinoma among them. But for the types that are complex, hard to diagnose and harder to successfully treat - I’m seeking Mayo or Anderson or Sloan Kettering because they see everything.
That process needs to be, and I’m glad to say I believe is, accessible and ordinary.