When to Get Second Opinions

You can get the biopsy, have your Uro's org do the pathology review, then have the pathology sent out to another institute. Do that immediately so he'll have both reviews to stare at.

Then after you get treatment recommendations, you can get a second opinion on that too.

My local urologist ordered an MRI after a second PSA of over 4 in a six month period. Indicated PI-RAD 4 which is when he scheduled the biopsy. Not too long after I had the biopsy results including the worst sample 4+3 GG3, I scheduled an appointment for a second opinion at Fox Chase Cancer Center. I took the MRI CD with me. Fox Chase obtained all other data they needed thru their networks. I suspect this second opinion stuff is quite common and sharing info didn't seem to be a problem. They said the imaging and fusion biopsy were of high quality and confirmed what my local urologist was telling me. Where they differed however was in how to treat it. My local urologist recommended radiation, but Fox Chase Doc was less opinionated. They offered different choices, including focal therapy which they thought I may be a good candidate. Anyhow, get the biopsy. Not a big deal. I was put under and had the image guided fusion biopsy which I believe is more accurate at getting good samples? My biopsy was done transrectal. I did struggle with diarrhea for a couple weeks afterwards due to the strong antibiotic I was prescribed prior the procedure. The Fox Chase people do it transperineal. They say it's less prone to infections that way? I don't think you need the antibiotic with that one? A friend of mine just had a transrectal done in his doctor's office while awake. He said it wasn't that bad, but I think I would pass on that if you have a choice. Sounds like you and I are starting this "journey" at about the same time. 😒 Everyone keeps telling me to take my time, but it feels urgent and is consuming my thoughts constantly. Still working, time between appointments, and trying to learn all these PCa acronyms is not helping my stress level. Anyhow, hang in there! This forum is a fantastic help. I'm amazed at how knowledgeable and articulate about PCa many on here are. 😀

That sounds like my experience. They will put you under and my hospital wouldn't release me without a ride home. There's always Uber (smile).

I'm Paul, 68, recently diagnosed 3+4 (7) on Gleason. 5 out of 12 biopsy sites detected cancer. I had the Rectal biopsy, local anesthetic, ultra sound guided. Doctor offered the biopsy based solely on elevated PSA, 5.1. I'm now scheduled for a Pet Scan on the 20th of next month. Urologist is confident that the cancer is localized to the prostate but can't be certain, hence the Pet Scan. Since I'm getting the Pet Scan, do you guys still recommend getting a second opinion of the biopsy? I'm on Medicare, HMO, so my covered options appear to be limited to surgery or radiation. I'm leaning towards radiation but would like to hear other's thoughts and opinions. So many alternative types of treatments available today. Out of pocket for laser or ultra sound appears to be $25K plus. I can pay that but certainly don't want to unless the outcome is far superior.

Thanks for the reply! One of the reasons I chose my Advantage plan was the low maximum out of pocket. Figured I wouldn't need it, lol. If I remember correctly, it's around $1000.

I hadn't even considered that so thank you for reminding me :-)

Not looking forward to hormone blocking treatment, but if that's what it takes, I'm in.