One of the most important things that we can do for ourselves when we are diagnosed is to get a second opinion. Many of us are confused about how to make that happen. In January's AARP magazine there is an article about how obtain a second opinion. I have attached the link to the article. It will provide you with a road map.
A second opinion saved my life! The first oncologist said the tumor was in a place where a biopsy could not be done. The second opinion oncologist knew of a doctor who specializes in difficult biopsies and made the appointment. My journey started much earlier and care was immediately started so there was less chance of the original tumor spreading. No doctor can possibly know it all, and a second opinion often reassures us that we are on the right path!
For cancer I would always suggest getting a second opinion at a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Certified Cancer Center - you can find one here: cancer.gov/research/nci-rol...
36 states have at least one center - you don't have to have the treatment there but you can get a second opinion.
There are 71 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, located in 36 states and the District of Columbia, that are funded by NCI to deliver cutting-edge cancer treatments to patients. Of these 71 institutions:
13 are Cancer Centers, recognized for their scientific leadership, resources, and the depth and breadth of their research in basic, clinical, and/or prevention, cancer control, and population science.
51 are Comprehensive Cancer Centers, also recognized for their leadership and resources, in addition to demonstrating an added depth and breadth of research, as well as substantial transdisciplinary research that bridges these scientific areas.
Most of the NCI-Designated Cancer Centers are affiliated with university medical centers, although several are freestanding institutions that engage only in cancer research.
At any given time, hundreds of research studies are under way at the cancer centers, ranging from basic laboratory research to clinical assessments of new treatments. Many of these studies are collaborative and may involve several cancer centers, as well as other partners in industry and the community.
Never get the second opinion in the same institution/hospital/practice.
Personally, I would not ask a doctor for a referral for the second opinion. I would get on the internet and do some searching. I know that New York State (nydoctorprofile.com/) and New Jersey (njdoctorlist.com/dispatch) have databases that allow you to see the doctor's background and other pertinent information.
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