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Celeste · 11-13-2006, 02:21 PM

I got a second opinion at MD Anderson in 2002 when I was first diagnosed. My oncologist is great and he arranged for my second opionion which is probably unusual as oncologists go. I have been there on 3 occasions for consultation only ---no treatments there as I wanted to stay at home in Austin. I did have a slight change in my treatment protocol based on MDAnderson docs opinion the first time around. I didn't did not take his recommendation on having a hip replacement for my bone mets. My doctors team here said that was not necessary and I could have a much less radical surgery on hip which would only require a pin and a couple of screws and the recovery was much shorter than with a replacement.

With my reoccurence last year, I asked my doctor to consult via the telephone with my MD Anderson doctor to decide on a course of treatment. Which he did. I really did not want to go there and jump through all their hoops again. I just wanted to get into treatment ASAP.

All in all, I have found you just have to go with your gut instinct. Everybody is different. You and your wife will know what feels right for you.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Celeste

PS. FYI _---MD Anderson will no longer do 2nd opinions for new breast cancer patients. If you go there you must commit to having your treatment and become their patient.

11-13-2006, 02:21 PM	#2
Celeste Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dripping Springs, Texas Posts: 13	I got a second opinion at MD Anderson in 2002 when I was first diagnosed. My oncologist is great and he arranged for my second opionion which is probably unusual as oncologists go. I have been there on 3 occasions for consultation only ---no treatments there as I wanted to stay at home in Austin. I did have a slight change in my treatment protocol based on MDAnderson docs opinion the first time around. I didn't did not take his recommendation on having a hip replacement for my bone mets. My doctors team here said that was not necessary and I could have a much less radical surgery on hip which would only require a pin and a couple of screws and the recovery was much shorter than with a replacement. With my reoccurence last year, I asked my doctor to consult via the telephone with my MD Anderson doctor to decide on a course of treatment. Which he did. I really did not want to go there and jump through all their hoops again. I just wanted to get into treatment ASAP. All in all, I have found you just have to go with your gut instinct. Everybody is different. You and your wife will know what feels right for you. Hope this helps. Best of luck. Celeste PS. FYI _---MD Anderson will no longer do 2nd opinions for new breast cancer patients. If you go there you must commit to having your treatment and become their patient.