2nd Opinion Recommendation for North Carolinia/Virginia/DC

[Seminole0412]

Hello, New to the board looking for some advice on Doctors in North Carolina/Virginia/DC area for 2nd opinion. I underwent MRI, and MRI guided Transperineal Biopsy with Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax VA.

MRI on Oct 9 2023 resulted in PI-Rad 5 Score for 1 suspicious lesion, Seminal Vesticles (within normal limits, Neurovascular bundles (within normal limits), Lymph nodes (no enlarged nodes), bladder (within normal limits) Bone Marrow (No suspicious bone lesion confirmed). Impression from MRI was 1. Focal area suspicious for clinically significant prostate tumor, centered at the midline, extending bilaterally at the apical peripheral zone. 2. Prostate Volume 33cc 3. No evidence for extracapsular extension.

Results of biopsy on Nov 1 2023 were Gleason 3+4=7 on 8 of 15 cores, Grade group 2. Gleason 3+3=6 on two cores and the remaining cores benign. All positive cores 5%, or Less than 5%. Pattern 4 lacks large cribriform morphology. PSA was 5.9

Scheduled for a Bone Scan on Nov 24 2023

A Decipher test has been ordered and awaiting results as of this post date. Inova has scheduled me for a Dec 7 meeting with the multi discipline group with Surgeon (Urologist who did biopsy), RO, and MO.

I was hoping someone had experience with the Inova Schar Cancer Institute they would be willing to share and also a recommendation for a Dr or facility for 2nd opinion after my Dec 7 meeting with Inova. I live in Southern Virginia, so from DC down to North Carolina. The Raleigh/Durham area is only a 2 hour drive for me. Charlottesville is about 1 hour. DC is about 3.5 hours.

There is a great deal of knowledge on this board and as a newbie I really appreciate the effort everyone puts forth to help.

Thanks for the help.

[hrdc69]

Dr Shawn Collins at Medstar Georgetown is considered one of the best in the DC area especially for SBRT which he specializes in.

[NotDFL in reply to hrdc69]

Yes, I was also going to recommend Dr Sean Collins at Georgetown Medical Center. I was one of his many patients; very knowledgeable with many academic papers and a great personality.

[Stellabell]

I live in Bristol, Va. and had a very good experience at Duke University medical center for a second opinion. It was also a group appointment, meeting separately with a surgeon (Dr. Lee), a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist. They also reviewed my MRI and reevaluated the biopsy slides. In my case I was very high risk, many positive samples at Gleason's 8 and 9 and seminal vesicle involvement so my final treatment decision may differ from yours but I was very impressed by the candor and professionalism of all three doctors I met with.

Best of luck.

[Concerned-wife in reply to Stellabell]

My husband also received an excellent second opinion from Duke

[hrdc69]

Another choice would be Dr. Joseph Bush, he is one if not the top radiologist in the country. You can send him your MRI's and biopsy and other info and you can either see him in person or a video/zoom visit. I have seen him several times for consultations and he will spend a hour or longer with you going over all your scans and other info. Contrast that with most doctors who won't spend nearly as much time with you or go over everything in such detail.

Dr Busch practices outside of Atlanta (Alpharatta, Ga) at the Bush Center.

Unfortunately he does not take Medicare of any form of insurance so his fee for a consult is $800 but well worth it in my opinion for all the time he can spend with you and all the info he gives. If finances are are concern then Sean Collins is a great choice and Georgetown Medstar takes Medicare and most insurance plans. I don't know if they take Medicare Advantage plans as many leading hospitals such as Mayo are ending taking Medicare Advantage plans.

[Burk]

I used John Hopkins for a second opinion. They are considered the gold standard.

[Baldylocks]

Wow! Where are you located that you can be just one hour to UVA and two hours to Duke Medical triangle? You are indeed fortunate and without a doubt make either your one/two choice either way around. Fortunate indeed!

[Seminole0412 in reply to Baldylocks]

Just outside of Lynchburg, VA I rounded down just a bit. From my house about 1:15 to Charlottesville and 2:15 to Durham.

[Baldylocks in reply to Seminole0412]

I agree with Burke on Hopkins being an excellent choice as well. Of course that’ll put it about inline with Duke on travel time. I know someone suggested a radiologist out of Atlanta that doesn’t take any insurance so I’d suggest you research your top three and keep such a caveat in mind when you make your choice and schedule your consult and exam. Best to you.

[Murk]

Second opinion for Biopsy Review or Radiation Oncologist Opinion or Urologist?

Johns Hopkins -- Urology Dept Admin 410-550-0403 Dr. Christian Pavlovich

or for more info call Admin Phone: [phone]

[Seminole0412 in reply to Murk]

Good Point. I guess primarily for Radiation and Surgery. I know I will get the opinions from the Inova Multi Group on Dec 7 and based on that recommendation plus my research will give me good basis of knowledge for my 2nd opinion meeting. Thanks for the Hopkins Info.