2nd opinion

[kduck]

Can anyone tell me what happens when you get a second opinion? I have an appointment on 28 th of this month at MD Anderson in Texas! I think now since I have mets in my liver I’m more worried about waiting until I get my second opinion. I need more hope, understanding and more help to get me thru. Any advice would be great

[blms]

It’s pretty much like your original medical consultation for cancer. They often want your medical records which she probably need to sit down with them as you probably already have and they looked through all that and D Anderson will probably run their own test or at least suggested they want to run a test. Usually if you’re treated there they will find a local place for you to have certain things done but in your case in our lives and your liver if you go in Taxol you’re gonna have toTreatments weekly and if it’s too far away you’re not gonna be able to get down there to do it I don’t not sure where you live.

[kduck in reply to blms]

My appt is March 28 at MD Anderson and Chemo appt April 1. My chemo is going to be taxotere and he said another name but I can’t remember. That’s 2 weeks between that time, I just don’t want to wait then it spreads to other places

[blms in reply to kduck]

Did he call it paciltaxol?

[kduck in reply to blms]

No he said taxotere and the other name started with a z

[queeneee]

Two heads could be better than one. ..When I was offered a second opinion, I asked to be transferred permanently to the new onc... my best decision.

[kduck in reply to queeneee]

Could I ask why did you feel you needed a second opinion and why did you switch docs?

[queeneee in reply to kduck]

I was offered a second opinion because my oncologist thought I wasn't listening to her. This was not true - I was listening very carefully, and had my own opinions. So when she offered a second opinion, I suggested it would be better for both of us if I switched onc. She gladly agreed. My new one is more empowering.

[kduck in reply to queeneee]

That’s how I feel, I want him to empower me but he doesn’t. Did you have to switch cancer centers? I truly believe if I had my doc support and more encouragement I could do anything but I don’t. As a patient it’s not right at all.

[queeneee in reply to kduck]

Honestly, I did not get a choice, a second opinion tends to be someone with more experience - and more experience can make them more open to ideas...I got lucky - and I think that the closed off ones are becoming a minority. Could you ask around /on this site for an onc. recommendation at the centre you want to attend.? It is definitely worth getting someone you want on your team... Don't delay!

[kduck in reply to queeneee]

I have and only hear good things about MDA!! I’m doing this for my children!!

[Gingerann1]

Hi kduck. It would help to know what facilitated the need for second opinion. For me I had had such great care in N VA with my orig. b/c. After 7 years it returned in my left lung and we had retired to NC coast 7 hrs away so had to seek treatment here. Referred to a group for care and realized pretty quickly that I wasn’t getting good care (things slipping through the cracks regularly). Made the decision on my own to contact the Duke Cancer Center 3 hrs away for a consult. My insurance covers all of NC and Dukes rep is one of the best in the world. The team there went over every record of care I’d ever had and by the time of my visit I knew I was in the right place. They don’t miss a beat! Will travel there one a month for Faslodex shots, bloodwork and visit with Onc. Will stay over 1 night every 3 months for scans one day and blood, shots, visit the next. Just did that yesterday and day before. Since my husband and I are retired this regimen will be easy for us. Getting quality care and peace of mind, particularly with an MBC diagnosis is priceless. You will feel what is the right path for you. Wishing you peace in your decision going forward.

[kduck in reply to Gingerann1]

I feel like I’m not getting the best care and my doc is very negative. I know there are more treatments for Mbc and I know a lot of women like me live many many years with this disease. I know a second opinion is the best thing for me and it will give me piece of mind to know I’m doing everything possible to be here for my 2 children.

[Susan1953]

I just returned from MDA yesterday. I was diagnosed 4 years ago de novo with bone Mets. I live in Alabama and was treated in Birmingham the first 2 years. I decided to get a second opinion at MDA and have been going to Houston every 3-4months for the past 2 years. I am very satisfied that I am in the best place when/if I have progression in the future. If you need information I will be glad to chat with you.

[kduck in reply to Susan1953]

I love to chat!!

[Susan1953 in reply to kduck]

I can chat with you anytime tomorrow (Monday).

[kduck in reply to Susan1953]

That sounds great!! Thank you so very much. I have an appointment first thing in the morning, can you send me your number (dm)

[kduck in reply to Susan1953]

I would love to have all info I can get!

[Teddielottie in reply to Susan1953]

I hope you continue to do well ... are you still on Ibrance 125/ Letrozole? x

[Susan1953 in reply to Teddielottie]

Yes, I am on ibrance, letrozole and Zometa infusion every 3 months.

[Gingerann1]

Will be anxious to hear how your visit goes with MDA. Their reputation is above reproach and based on your comments about your current care I believe you will feel the dif and great relief when you see what quality care feels like. Every time I get to Duke I feel like Dorothy arriving at the Emerald City! If my regimen changes and I need more frequent treatment I would move there so that I could stay in treatment there. I hope you will feel that kind of compassion and care as you continue your journey. We all deserve the best while fighting this fight.

[kduck in reply to Gingerann1]

Thank you, I hope I feel the same way once I arrive at MDA

[Teddielottie in reply to kduck]

Wishing you the best of treatment at MDA ! Could the second drug with taxotere be Xeloda ? x

[kduck in reply to Teddielottie]

I’m not sure

[Thrifty51 in reply to kduck]

I had a second opinion at MDA Dec 29. It was the most thorough medical appointment I have ever had. They had gotten all my records from 2004 until present. I was told that they have 40 oncologists on staff that specialize in just breast cancer. I would certainly move my care there permanently if possible for me but it is not.

I live in a mid-size town with several oncologist and none specialize in breast cancer. It is impossible for general oncologist to know everything available for all different types of cancer. Just keep that in mind. I was fortunate that my first two years of MBC care was at a Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care Center that had 4 breast cancer oncology doctors. I had to move back to my hometown and I definitely have had to take on more of the burden of researching my own care.

I wish you the best.

Audrey

[Topood]

I have gotten a second opinion a few times, and my oncologist has been very open to this kind of collaboration....they have made some decisions together!