Second Opinions

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traceyt
traceyt Member Posts: 77
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I feel the need to pick the brains of my fellow sisters in pink. I got my results from my lumpectomy on Friday and was told by my surgeon that in a few places the margins were only 1mm, one of the areas was very close to the nipple and in order to get more margin she would have to take skin/nipple but said she would meet with a team of surgeons, onocologists, & radiologist on Wednesday (today) to get their opinions. We she called today and said they all agreed she would need to get better margins so potentially a mastectomy. I meet with her on Friday morn to discuss the options. Now where the 2nd opinion comes in, my sister feels very strongly that I should get a second opinion. I live close to a major city and believe my surgeon is doing everything in my best interest. What are your thoughts?
Thanks so much

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  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #2
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    "Clean" margins...
    Are very, very important. And, to be sure they're "clean" - enough tissue has to be removed via surgery. You've probably seen threads/posts where "clean" margins are celebrated as good news. The fact that your surgeon will meet with an oncology team is also a very good thing - this is a modern approach.

    It is never a bad idea to seek a second opinion, because breast cancer is a serious and complicated disease to successfully treat. You state that you believe your surgeon is doing everything with your best interests in mind. Therefore, I assume you're comfortable with and have confidence in her. The one piece of information that I find a bit unsettling is that it's your sister (not you) who "feels very strongly" that you "should" seek a second opinion. Please, I mean no disrespect to your sister. She cares about you, and wants only the best for you. However, she is not the patient - you are. Only you can make this decision for yourself, and all others you'll face regarding your own treatment.

    We all face many difficult decisions. And, we all determine our own methods of decision. Personally, I didn't listen - at all - to anybody outside of my medical professionals.

    Best wishes to you, and let us know how it goes on Friday.
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #3
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    Tracy
    Family means well because they want the best for us. But is the second opinion the best for you or is it to make your sister feel better thinking she is doing all she can to help you by suggesting it? If you are confident in your team, I would trust what they say. If you have ANY doubt, I would get a second opinion so I had no regrets. It is a tough decision when you just don't want to make any decisions. Hope you are able to decide soon to ease your mind. :(-) Pammy
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #4
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    Akiss4me said:

    Tracy
    Family means well because they want the best for us. But is the second opinion the best for you or is it to make your sister feel better thinking she is doing all she can to help you by suggesting it? If you are confident in your team, I would trust what they say. If you have ANY doubt, I would get a second opinion so I had no regrets. It is a tough decision when you just don't want to make any decisions. Hope you are able to decide soon to ease your mind. :(-) Pammy

    2nd opinion
    Tracy, just your asking the question means that you have doubt in your mind. So, go and get a second opinion and put your mind at rest. Otherwise, you will probably always wonder that horrible question, WHAT IF? This is your body, your treatment, your decision. There is no hurry, just be sure to do what you want and what is right for you.

    Good luck!

    Hugs, Noel
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #5
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    Noel said:

    2nd opinion
    Tracy, just your asking the question means that you have doubt in your mind. So, go and get a second opinion and put your mind at rest. Otherwise, you will probably always wonder that horrible question, WHAT IF? This is your body, your treatment, your decision. There is no hurry, just be sure to do what you want and what is right for you.

    Good luck!

    Hugs, Noel

    If you have any questions or
    If you have any questions or doubt at all Tracy, I say get a second opinion.

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