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Newly diagnosed - Need Second Opinion
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Jul 12, 2009 - 6:20 pm
I found out about 1 1/2 months ago that I have Prostate Cancer. Just had a consultation session last week with the Radiation Oncologist and he gave me the results of my bone scan and CAT Scan. The bone scan showed a couple of things which I was x-rayed for. I will get the results this week. The Oncologist did not think they were cnacer related. I am 54 years old with a PSA of 6.4 and a gleason score of 7 (3 + 4). I live in Philadelphia, PA and am a veteran. So I go to the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. I want get a second opinion but don't know who to ask for a good source. Looking in the yellow pages won't tell who is good and who is not. Any help would be greatly appreciated. |
Joined: Jul 2009
Additional Info
Just wanted to add that the Philadelphia VA Medical Center contracts with the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania for the all treatments except for Brachytherapy which is contracted to Thomas Jefferson Hospital. So the Urologist I sawwas from the VA Medial Center and the Radiation Oncologist was from The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. My biopsy pathology was performed by Dianon Systems, Department of Uropathology in Connecticut.
Joined: Jul 2009
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
If you haven't heard or read about it, there was a pretty big scandal recently regarding a radiation oncologist from the Univ. of Penn. practicing at that VA medical center. Seems he was making some pretty serious errors and that there wasn't any hospital review of his results.
If you want to check it out, go to the NYTimes website and do a search for the article. You should have all the info you can get before choosing a doctor, hospital, course of treatment, etc.
Joined: Jul 2009
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Thanks. I actually sat in on one of the Senate Hearings.
Gil
Joined: Jun 2007
va get a second opinion
there is a goup called (us Too) with a group of guys who called the seedpoder
they have reported that the VA hospital is not doing a great job.
Joined: Apr 2009
Second opinion
Some advice on getting second opinions here:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/prostate_disorders/ProstateCancerDiagnosis_1189-1.html
with pointers to referral services from the AMA and American Urological Assn.
Johns Hopkins may be close enough for you to travel to, and has a world-renowned prostate cancer competency.
Good luck.
Larry.
Joined: Jul 2009
John Hopkins
Hi , my name is Nick and i got my second opinion at John Hopkins 3+4=7 and unfortunately my diagnosed was unchanged. My insurance wouldnt cover this and it cost me 250.00 dollars and I consider it a small ammount for some(not much.cancer still there)peace of mind that my original diagnosis was correct. Hope this helps you and I will say a prayer for you like I do all others here as I read their stories>...Nick
Joined: Jun 2009
Second Opinion - John Hopkins
I certainly agree with 2nd opinion and John Hopkins. I traveled to JH (8+ hr drive) and have absolutely no regrets. Dr. Jarow at JH did my surgery and I received the best care one could ask for. My wife and I are both RNs x 28 years and we scrutinized my care & treatment a bit more than a non-medical person.
shubbysr
Joined: Jul 2009
John Hopkins
Thanks for the advice. I live in Philadelphia, PA so John Hopkins is less than a 2 hour drive. I have already contacted them.
Gil
Joined: Jun 2009
Good Luck! You will have no regrets!
Gil,
Good Luck at John Hopkins. Do not forget the traffic times, rush hour, etc. Also, we drove up and down the parking ramp for about 15 minutes before we were able to park. "early is better"
Good thoughts and prayers your way.
Jim