New Doctor

lzebin
lzebin Member Posts: 2 *
in Lung Cancer #1

I am in stage 4 lung cancer and feel I am not completly sure that I am getting any of my questions answered. I would like to find out how you go for a second opinion, and any suggestions for a top Doc. I have been on a chemo treatment that used Ketruda but I had two bouts of what seemed to be pneumonia but wasn't and also a chemo drug, carboplatin, and am on "maintenance with just Altima. My maintenance does not have a stop date and do not know if this is the best for me. In the beginning I was told that the cancer was inoperable and chemo was the best way to keep me on a path that would not cure but would stop the spread of the cancer. Also the DNA of the cancer was not defined. Which has led me to this question of testing the waters with a new Oncologist.

Thank you for any information.

Comments

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy Member Posts: 20 Member
    edited August 9 #2

    It's lung cancer so my opinion is you should always get a second opinion. Your current oncologist/center can help you find a second opinion. You can also rearrange one yourself. Start with the NCCN designated cancer centers. Find one close to you that accepts your insurance. Depending on your location telemedicine may be available.

    https://www.nccn.org/home/member-institutions

    If they are not an option look for a large teaching hospital with a cancer center. Any cancer center worth getting a second opinion from will have a process already set up.
    An example is Cedars Sinai. Not an NCCN designated cancer center but still one of the world's best cancer centers.

    https://secondopinion.cedars-sinai.org/department/cancer/

    Stage IV lung cancer generally is considered inoperable and surgery is only done for palliative reasons.

    I've been diagnosed stage IVb for just over 4 years. Carboplatin Alimta and keytruda worked a miracle on me. Good luck to you

  • lzebin
    lzebin Member Posts: 2 *
    #3

    Thank you for your information. Hope your miracle continues.

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