What do you say when you ask for second opinion ?

Some advice here:
https://cancer.ca/en/living-with-cancer/coping-with-changes/working-with-your-healthcare-team/getting-a-second-opinion

I think most physicians are aware people seek ‘other ideas’ or 2nd opinions. Know that you may receive differing options or treatments ideas and then you need to learn/decide what is best for you.

I don’t recall how we told our MO we were seeing more information at a ‘center of excellence’ - I believe we sent a chart message because he only had 20 minutes at the appt and the time went super fast. It wasn’t until we discussed it at home that we knew we wanted more information.

I was looking for your history in your profile to learn more about your hub’s experience. If you can put some of the data there (when diagnosed, Gleason, any treatments, etc), you may get more specific ideas.

Get all the information you feel you can take in so you are comfortable with the next steps. And I keep thinking that no matter which way we go, we won’t know if the other way would have been different. Get the data, talk to others and sending good thoughts your way for clarity.

When asking for opinions on the best treatment/combination of treatments, I relied on telehealth appointments as they could be scheduled more quickly. The telehealth appointments with each of the three were completed within 3 weeks of the biopsy pathology report. Then came follow-up emails and phone calls with questions and requests for clarification. The urologist, MO and RO were all from the same large medical organization, but I did get differing opinions as to my best options and options to avoid. In each case, I asked them to cite the studies upon which which they based their recommendations.

I'm glad for you to have had the surgical consultation! Hopefully you will find the organization to be more responsive now that you are established as a patient.
Bill

Having done this myself, I told the ‘second opinion’ that I had consulted with such and such and that they had all my records. And I was now seeking a second opinion. No details necessary since the person on the phone is not a doctor.
They will email you all the pertinent forms (for your signature) in order to access those medical records and be HIPPA compliant. They may or may not set up the consult appt at that time.
This is a very easy, common practice so most hospitals are used to it. And remember, a second opinion has been shown to change the course of treatment in roughly 75% of all cases ( not for better or worse, just changed) so it behooves you to get one as a matter of course. Best,
Phil

I have my PCP make a recommendation for a second opinion with a different urologist to discuss my options. He made it at the University of VA, known as the best hospital for cancer in VA. The urologist had their pathologist review my slides from my two prior biopsies. My first biopsy had two samples 3+3, nothing to worry about. The second random biopsy 6 months later had two samples identified as 4+3, unfavorable. The second opinion from the university pathologist after reviewing all my slides agreed with the first two samples of the first biopsy 3+3, but reversed the two 4+3 reading of my second random biopsy to one now a 3+3 and the other a 3+4. The 3+4 was identified as containing less than 5% Gleason 4. I would not hesitate to have a second opinion. The results changed my approach for dealing with the cancer. Good luck.

For me, I didn't mention anything any previous doctor said unless they also said it and I would say something like "that's what Dr X said too". The only thing they were armed with was my test results, including my Decipher.

I say this but have to put an asterisk on it that I happen to use a portal that was shared between two of the hospitals I consulted with, so it's possible that they were able to see everything anyway, but the third was absolutely in the dark.

I believe authenticity is king here. “Pretending “ is not you and probably is less convincing than just saying what you mean. “I would like a second opinion” is genuine, understandable and less stress producing in my opinion (which is all it is).

I agree however, and I know this is a stereotype- many surgeons/urologists can get defensive-
Being tactful, perhaps telling the surgeon/urologist, that this is all new and things are happening very fast Being made aware of cancer, then perhaps friends and family relating their experiences and advice. being bombarded with information and then having to make important life decisions is worth many opinions and careful consideration.

It might be helpful to make us (the patients) the ones that feel inadequate and fearful, taking this away from the doc.

Thanks everybody for finding time and give me advice and share experience, it is very much appreciated.

Small town, local hospital, local oncologist/great guy, my radiation oncologist gets her morning coffee same place I do. Their hospitals culture is epically caring/kindhearted and very helpful.

Big city, medical school, my oncologist/professor is brilliant, radiation/imaging department always equipped with the best technologies available and the knowledge of how to use them. I know they are very busy, caring as they can be, kind hearted, very helpful and great at what they do.

I built Second Opinions into my treatment plan/journey. Both oncologist use the same MyChart system, they are fully aware of each others services, help my survivorship collaboratively.