What do you think about getting a second opinion about treatment?

[AmyKamp]

Some people get second opinions from a different doctor and others don't. How do you decide whether or not to get a second opinion? When do you get one? For those that have gotten a second opinion, was it helpful to you?

[Denzie Moderator]

This is something I feel very strongly about. Especially getting a second opinion at an NCCN designated center. I would ask about a clinical trial as they seem to offer longer survival. In the 12 years I’ve been living with cancers they have offered the most hope. Especially since the introduction of immunotherapy.

[AmyKamp Partner in reply to Denzie]

That's a great point. My father got a second opinion each time he needed a new treatment. Sometimes, the treatment recommendation from his primary oncologist and the one he saw for the second opinion matched, which increased our confidence that he was on the right track. When the second opinion brought a different recommendation for treatment, it opened up more options to think about and was always so helpful. Asking about clinical trials is so important too. It can open up even more treatment options and that's what we need!