onedayatatime
Cathlete
I thought this article was interesting -- and it backs up the common sense idea to get a 2nd opinion that many Catheites have encouraged each other to do on all kinds of issues.
But I thought this was worth reinforcing.
-Barb
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16430071/
Quote from the story -- I love the last paragraph, especially:
Routine second opinion recommended:
The cancer society has no official recommendation on that, although many patient advocacy groups do suggest a routine second opinion.
But anytime there’s uncertainty about a diagnosis or best treatment, or if you have a more rare form of cancer, it’s probably a good idea, he says.
Another reason: If your doctor or hospital hasn’t cared for lots of other patients with your type and stage of tumor. The cancer society’s Web site provides a searchable database of just how many cases of, say, Stage 3 pancreatic cancer, that hospitals in different areas treat in a year.
It’s “always a good idea just to say, ’Have you treated many patients in a situation similar to mine? Is my case unusual in any way? Is there any reason you think I might benefit from a second opinion?”’ Gansler advises.
A good doctor won’t be offended by a patient seeking a second opinion, Sabel stresses, saying they’re used to it. Nor will it hurt to postpone treatment a few weeks to get that review. “A few weeks is very reasonable. Patients shouldn’t feel pressured.”
But I thought this was worth reinforcing.
-Barb
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16430071/
Quote from the story -- I love the last paragraph, especially:
Routine second opinion recommended:
The cancer society has no official recommendation on that, although many patient advocacy groups do suggest a routine second opinion.
But anytime there’s uncertainty about a diagnosis or best treatment, or if you have a more rare form of cancer, it’s probably a good idea, he says.
Another reason: If your doctor or hospital hasn’t cared for lots of other patients with your type and stage of tumor. The cancer society’s Web site provides a searchable database of just how many cases of, say, Stage 3 pancreatic cancer, that hospitals in different areas treat in a year.
It’s “always a good idea just to say, ’Have you treated many patients in a situation similar to mine? Is my case unusual in any way? Is there any reason you think I might benefit from a second opinion?”’ Gansler advises.
A good doctor won’t be offended by a patient seeking a second opinion, Sabel stresses, saying they’re used to it. Nor will it hurt to postpone treatment a few weeks to get that review. “A few weeks is very reasonable. Patients shouldn’t feel pressured.”
