when you seek a second opinion

In most cases, I told my treating physicians that I was going for a second opinion.  Once was after I had an initial consult with my gynecologic oncologist.  I went to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion before treatment to see if the gyn-onc there agreed with the first gyn-onc's opinion.  I also sought second opinions when I was diagnosed with a very rare form of pneumonia called eosinophilic pneumonia (unrelated to my endometrial cancer).  Treatment recommendations that time were all over the board, and I ended up staying with the second opinion pulmonologist.  Another time was when I was told after a screening mammogram that I needed two breast biopsies and the second opinion breast surgeon ended up concluding that I did not need either breast biopsy.  Both of those times, I also told the initial treating physicians that I was seeking second opinions.  When it looked like I needed a hip replacement, I did not specifically tell my treating orthopedist, because I was pretty sure that if surgery was necessary (it was), I wanted to have it elsewhere.  That time, I called the orthopedist's records department to have all my records copied.  I also had to pick up copies of all my MRI's, etc., from the radiology facility, so I could take them with me.  I think a lot depends on whether you think you may want to stay with your current oncologist.  If so, I think it makes sense to let him/her know.  Doctors have patients obtaining second opinions all the time, and reputable physicians would not have any problem with your doing so. 

When you call to make your second opinion appointment, the office should tell you what to bring with you, but I always took copies of all my reports, x-rays and scans (on CD), as well as biopsy slides, if any.  The second opinion physician needs to be able to review any records that would help him/her get a complete picture of your current medical status. 

Alls the best to you!

Maureen

Cucu me said:

Thank you

sisters, very helpful information.

I'm so scared for tomorrow can not think clearly.

Cucu.  

Chris

I will be thinking about you.  I would tell my primary if I was going back there, maybe not if I wasn't.  I switched medical oncologist after I had the first recurrence.  My Gyn-Onc helped me and made sure all of my records were send to my present Onc.  I have a medical oncologist and a Gyn-oncologist so I always get a second opinion.  Sometimes they disagree and argue it outn over the phone and then I get their best options.  I left the first cancer center, not because of the Doctor, he was pretty great, but the infusion room was so small they didn't want my husband to wait with me and you had to pull in your feet if someone else had to go to the bathroom.  I am so happy with the Doctor  I have now and the Cancer center that I go to, even if it is a longer drive.  Hugs and prayers , Lou Ann