Parotid Gland Cancer Stage 4-2nd opinion

slane51
slane51 Member Posts: 3
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi,

My husband has been diagnosed with Parotid Gland Cancer that they are saying it has spread to his lungs. We are looking for 3rd opinion because our Kaiser Doc and 2nd opinion USC Dr. Sinha are saying different things. We are waiting for a biopsy of the lungs to make sure it has indeed spread or is a different cancer or not cancer at all - this is what we have been told. Which is better to get a 2nd opinion for this - UCLA or City Of Hope or .....? Hope someone can help guide us!

Comments

  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #2
    Damaged Parathyroids
    Sorry, I don't have the information to answer your question. And my observation is somewhat tangential. Nevertheless:

    My parathyroids were "destroyed" inadvertently during surgery to remove my vocal cords. (I had/have laryngeal cancer.) Since the parathyroids control calcium, my blood calcium levels plummeted. I had weekly calcium IV infusions, until the endocrinologists got my calcium levels under control. I now take calcium carbonate (TUMS) and calcitriol (an active form of Vitamin D).

    I want you (and others) to know the symptoms of low calcium. They are muscle twitching and muscle cramps. Neither symptom was particularly severe, but they lasted days. My advice: If your husband has either symptom, don't guess. Have your health care team check it out. Calcium levels can be checked with a simple blood test.

    I am really guessing here: But a parathyroid tumor might result in excess rather than low calcium. Hopefully, altered calcium levels will not be a problem for your husband.

    Sorry, this is probably more than you want to know. Rick.
  • Billie67
    Billie67 Member Posts: 898
    #3
    City of hope
    I'd go with City of Hope before UCLA. I went to UCLA for my second opinion and wasn't impressed with the dr I saw. I currently see Dr. markarian at USC, he is in the same office with Sinha. I also saw Dr. Rice (at the request of Dr. marakarian) for a 3rd opinion. Each doctor in that office has their own way of practicing, you may want to see one of the other doctors in that office for a 3 rd opinion. I absolutely love Dr. markarian and feel like I'm in very good hands.
    I know people who have been to City of Hope too and have been very happy. Only thing for me is they are far and they request all of your treatment s be done there while USC allows me to do my treatments closer to home yet see my surgeon at UCS as needed.
    Good luck with all of these opinions as I know it can get crazy and frustrating.
    Sorry you have to go thru this at all.
    Billie
  • slane51
    slane51 Member Posts: 3
    #4
    Billie67 said:

    City of hope
    I'd go with City of Hope before UCLA. I went to UCLA for my second opinion and wasn't impressed with the dr I saw. I currently see Dr. markarian at USC, he is in the same office with Sinha. I also saw Dr. Rice (at the request of Dr. marakarian) for a 3rd opinion. Each doctor in that office has their own way of practicing, you may want to see one of the other doctors in that office for a 3 rd opinion. I absolutely love Dr. markarian and feel like I'm in very good hands.
    I know people who have been to City of Hope too and have been very happy. Only thing for me is they are far and they request all of your treatment s be done there while USC allows me to do my treatments closer to home yet see my surgeon at UCS as needed.
    Good luck with all of these opinions as I know it can get crazy and frustrating.
    Sorry you have to go thru this at all.
    Billie

    Billie 67
    It is great to talk to someone who knows that this a crazy, frustrating journey we are on. Thank you for sharing how you did your 2 & 3rd opinions. It really helps!
    Sandi
  • Billie67
    Billie67 Member Posts: 898
    #5
    slane51 said:

    Billie 67
    It is great to talk to someone who knows that this a crazy, frustrating journey we are on. Thank you for sharing how you did your 2 & 3rd opinions. It really helps!
    Sandi

    No problem
    My 3rd opinion was as I said recommended by Dr. Markarian, he told me that he wanted me to be 100% comfortable so he advised me getting that 3rd opinion. Dr. Rice did have the same opinion with very slight differences but enough so that I felt very comfortable with my original choice to stay with Dr. markarian. Good luck to you and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.by the way, did you get to meet Brenda for a videostrobe? She is so sweet!

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