What do I ask?

[concerned]

I will be taking a loved one to a second opinion tomorrow and am at a loss for intelligent questions to ask. She is stage 1 Her2+, grade 3--the plan is chemo for 12 weeks, 6 weeks of raditation and herceptin for a year once chemo is finished. What would you recommend? Thanks.

[chrislmelb]

Can't think of much to ask as i am not up with stage 1 and the requirements. Obvisiouly you are seeking a second opinion for a reason so i'd get that out of the way. they could easily suggest a different chemo regime so ask why that and not the other. if ER+ ask about hormonal tablets.
Feel really unable to suggest stuff. Maybe it is because i am not long out of bed over here in Australia and the brain hasn't clicked in!
Hopefully others will see it b4 you go so they can post. You could do a search on this site for Stage 1 and it might give you ideas.
Good luck
Christine

[Ruth T]

Hi,
I am also that diagnosis. Although you didn't mention Er,PR or node status. What type of chemo will she be getting. I am on taxotere, cytoxan every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. i had another opinion of a doctor in the same practice today and she uses the adramiacin, cytoxin, taxol plan. I would ask what chemo, and why that one was chosen. You can ask about side effects and which ones are of a greater concern to her. My biggest concern was the possibility of the effect on the heart, even though I want the biggest chance of non-recurrence. It's all pretty new to me too. Still have a lot of questions myself, but I hope this helps a little. Good luck. make sure you feel comfortable with the dr. too. Ruth T

[gin-tx]

I went thru the same thing after my diagnosis, I went to 3 oncologists. The main thing you need to know is names of drugs they are going to use, for how long, and see if the two opinions are same and if not ask why different types of treatment are being recommended If not happy, get a third opinion. In fact I went with 3rd oncologist I went to, hated first one, loved second but my surgeon wanted me in a certain hospital setting so if I had to go into hospital I wouldn't be in a remote hospital. So I asked for a third name, and loved the guy I went to and am still with him. He is so kind, compassionate and caring and his staff is also. He's in a group with about 6 other oncologists, his nurse will call me back if I leave a message with a question or am not feeling well. Am so happy where I am and that's what your friend needs to feel is confidence, not have any doubts where or who she is with. The mind being at ease is the most important thing. And some of these oncologists are not very nice to the patients.

hugs,

ginkott1@aol.com