2nd Opinion

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Hodgkins1982
Hodgkins1982 Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My Mother (73) was just diagnosed with OC. Family in shock. Apparently, it is just on her ovaries and a small "flap" connected to the abdomen. Treatment prescribes was IV chemo 1 day and then skip 3 weeks and then repeat 2 more times (total 3 treatments, 9 weeks). Then complete hysterectomy and removal of ovaries after tumors have shrunken.

I believe we should get a second opinion from Memorial Sloan which is not located far from us. This idea is stressing out my Mother and Father (80) who are worried that a second opinion might be contradictory and create a dilemma on who's advice to follow. They are also worried about "offending" their doctor, and therefore, not getting his best treatment if they stay with him.

I am concerned about putting more stress on them regarding this second opinion.

How important is it?

Is OC treatment so standard that a second opinion is not really useful (i.e. all drs use the same drugs and regiment)?

Comments

  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
    #2
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    Hi,
    First; I am sorry to
    Hi,

    First; I am sorry to hear of your mother's ovarian cancer diagnosis. I am currently living with stage 4 ovarian cancer, 3 years to be exact.

    The treatment prescribed above seems the standard intially, as the routine was mine as well as many others. Usually carbo/taxol is the first treatment of defense.

    Several importants questions come to mind in which you might want to ask if you do not already know.
    1. What test was performed to determine the ovarian cancer diagnosis? (Was it ultra-sound, cat-scan, etc.?)

    2. Were any of her lymph-nodes involved? If so do they know how many?

    From my experience in dealing with many doctors/specialists.. most should understand your concern and need for a second opinion, particularly being this is a major undertaking as far as chemo and the fragile age of your mom. Chemo can and usually has serious side-effects so your desire for a second opinion should not concern the oncologist at all.

    If it does offend them, they are not the doctor for your precious mother anyway.

    Also remember, depending on any type of cancer one has, you should have a doctor that specializes in that particular cancer. You don't want an oncologist of the throat (for example) to be the doctor for gynecological cancers.

    If you must seek the second opinion, make sure the second opinion is given by an ob/gyn oncologist/surgeon. (My doctor is, and I truly believe that is why I am here today, 3 years later.)

    I hope I've answered some of your questions. I imagine though before the evening is over many others will lend you their advice/info on this board.

    I pray that all goes well.

    Sharon
  • leesag
    leesag Member Posts: 621 Member
    #3
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    I agree with everything
    I agree with everything Sharon said, a doctor should NEVER be offended if you ask for a second opinion. Both Gyn/Onc, who was my surgeon, and my oncologist, handling the chemotherapy part of my treatment, asked if I wanted second opinions and offered to put me in touch with doctors in other hospitals if I so chose!

    Here is a reason for a second opinion that you may want to suggest to your mom, though: Just like regular folks, different docs have had different experiences and have different personalities. In my case, I was reassured by both of my docs relating their personal experiences with patients diagnosed at my age, stage and still cancer free after many, many years, and both of my docs greet me with warm smiles and hugs. Those things are important to me and I wouldn't feel as comfortable with someone more businesslike.


    Remember, it's also very okay for your mom to ask WHY the doctor is recommending that particular approach. Again, my husband and I asked my gyn/onc why chemo and not IP chemo and he was not insulted, explained the risk/benefits of both and we were satisfied with his decision.

    This is a great place to ask questions and gather information! My best wishes for your mom's speedy and complete recovery!

    Leesa
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #4
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    standards of practice
    I was in your shoes somewhat a year ago, and I've learned a lot about how OVCA is treated in elderly patients. Your last question hit the nail on the head. Certain procedures are followed according to medical "standards of practice." Physicians are quite limited in their options when it comes down to it. Each fork in the road leads to a specified set of options.

    One thing you do want is a surgeon who specializes in ovarian cancer. That surgical procedure also has a defined set of protocols, but a thorough surgery is one of the biggest factors in extending the patient's life.

    I suspect your parents may appreciate your getting them hooked up with the best resources available. Tell your mother it's what she deserves. My mother is treated at a hot-shot cancer research center, and I think that helps with her attitude and confidence level. When you've been through months of one thing and then another, this becomes crucial.
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #5
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    Barbara53 said:

    standards of practice
    I was in your shoes somewhat a year ago, and I've learned a lot about how OVCA is treated in elderly patients. Your last question hit the nail on the head. Certain procedures are followed according to medical "standards of practice." Physicians are quite limited in their options when it comes down to it. Each fork in the road leads to a specified set of options.

    One thing you do want is a surgeon who specializes in ovarian cancer. That surgical procedure also has a defined set of protocols, but a thorough surgery is one of the biggest factors in extending the patient's life.

    I suspect your parents may appreciate your getting them hooked up with the best resources available. Tell your mother it's what she deserves. My mother is treated at a hot-shot cancer research center, and I think that helps with her attitude and confidence level. When you've been through months of one thing and then another, this becomes crucial.

    Add me to the "second
    Add me to the "second opinion chorus". It's never a bad idea. Also, your mom really, really, really needs to be seen by a Gyn/Oncologist - an oncologist who specializes in cancer of the female reproductive system. Studies show that women treated by Gyn/Oncologists survive longer that those treated by general practice oncologists.

    Treatment varies a ltitle from doctor to doctor. I had immediate debulking surgery, removal of ovaries, tubes (the rest was taken out years ago), omentum, and 8-10 inches of bowel. My chemo was started about a month after surgery - carboplatin and taxol - the "standard" drugs for Ovarian Cancer.

    I had 6 sessions of chemo and my CA125 (tumor marker test) went from 4000 pre-surgery to 12 during treatment and my CT scan last week was clear - no evidence of disease.

    Carlene
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #6
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    Memorial Sloan Kettering/2nd opinion
    I concur with all the responses.

    I am being treated at Memorial Sloan. If you wish to email me privately, please do. Nkavleski@aol.com.

    Good luck to your Mom and your family.

    Nancy
  • Hodgkins1982
    Hodgkins1982 Member Posts: 10
    #7
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    nancy591 said:

    Memorial Sloan Kettering/2nd opinion
    I concur with all the responses.

    I am being treated at Memorial Sloan. If you wish to email me privately, please do. Nkavleski@aol.com.

    Good luck to your Mom and your family.

    Nancy

    Thank You All
    For taking the time to respond. It was very helpful and I will take your advice (which was very consistent). My best wishes to each of you.

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