It’s normal to have doubts when you receive your breast cancer treatment plan. That nagging voice in your mind says, “Should I get a second opinion? Is this the right treatment plan? How do I know?”
I had the same concerns when I began my breast cancer journey. And, while I can’t give you medical advice, I can tell you what I learned to give me the confidence to decide whether to proceed with the treatment plan or get a second opinion.
Benefits of Getting a Second Opinion on Your Breast Cancer Treatment Plan
There are benefits to getting a second opinion of your breast cancer treatment. First and foremost, it can provide you with peace of mind. A second opinion can confirm your initial diagnosis and treatment plan, giving you confidence in your decisions. It can also provide additional information and options you may not know about.
Plus, seeking a second opinion can help you feel more in control of your treatment. It allows you to make informed decisions regarding your treatment plan and can help you feel more confident in your medical team and care.
Reasons Why You May Not Need a Second Opinion
If getting a second opinion has benefits, why not get one? Because there are reasons why a second opinion may not benefit you.
First, depending on the type of breast cancer you have and what stage it is, a second opinion may not be necessary, and your insurance company may not pay for a second opinion. (You’ll need to check with your insurance company to verify that your medical plan will cover a second opinion.)
Second, setting up an appointment with another oncologist and receiving additional tests required by that oncologist can take time. It may be worth the wait and extra testing for some patients, but a second opinion is unnecessary for many.
How to Decide If You Need a Second Opinion for Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
What type of breast cancer do you have, and what stage is it?
The type of breast cancer you have and the stage of your breast cancer can help you decide if you need a second opinion. If you have a rare or complex form of breast cancer, it may be beneficial to get a second opinion. Or, if you are in stage three or four, you may want to consider having another oncologist review your case.
As a metastatic breast cancer patient, I was, of course, concerned about my treatment plan and considered getting a second opinion.
Thankfully, I had a dear friend who was not only an oncology nurse but a breast cancer survivor. She gave me some excellent advice concerning needing a second opinion.
She explained that while my cancer was stage 4, I had a more common breast cancer. The treatment protocol was the same, no matter where I received treatment.
And since the top cancer center in my state was five hours away, it didn’t make sense for me to travel that distance to receive the same treatment I would receive in my hometown.
On the other hand, if I had a less common, aggressive cancer that was more difficult to treat, I would look for a larger cancer facility with the extra expertise needed to handle complex cancer diagnoses.
How confident are you with your current cancer center, oncologist, surgeon, and oncology team?
How many years of experience does your oncologist have? Does your oncologist and surgeon specialize in Breast Cancer? Are they knowledgeable and confident in their ability to treat your cancer? Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Did they answer all your questions and give you the information you need to make informed decisions?
While I didn’t get a second opinion or switch cancer centers, I did change oncologists within the clinic. My first oncologist was knowledgeable; however, he was younger and new to the clinic. When I discovered I had Metastatic Breast Cancer, I requested another oncologist who several friends recommended. This oncologist was the head of the department and specialized in breast cancer.
It’s not just the oncologist and surgeon you must consider, but the entire staff and the cancer clinic. How professional and knowledgeable are they? You will spend months (and perhaps years with check-up appointments) with a clinic. It’s crucial to ensure you are confident in their ability to care for you and that you feel comfortable with the entire treatment team.
Do you still have questions regarding your treatment plan and care?
If you still have questions about your treatment plan, you must take one of two actions. First, go back to your current oncologist and ask them those questions. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to speak with the oncologist. You can also talk with a nurse navigator or other qualified person within the clinic.
If you’re not satisfied with the answers you receive, then you may need to consider a second opinion.
Do you fear, doubt, or dislike the treatment plan presented to you? Are you hoping another oncologist will give you a different answer?
If this is the reason you want a second opinion, you need to ask yourself why you are feeling these emotions.
For instance, you may dread going through chemotherapy and wonder if there’s any way to avoid it. Or you may feel like the treatment plan isn’t aggressive enough. You may also wonder if the lumpectomy your oncologist recommended is sufficient to remove the cancer or if a mastectomy would be better.
Doubting a treatment plan means you haven’t received an answer that gives you confidence or the reassurance that you are making the correct decision. In this case, you need more information from your current oncologist or through a second opinion.
Disliking or fearing a treatment plan, however, is different. A second opinion won’t solve your fear or dread about a treatment. As breast cancer patients, we must face these fears and receive needed treatments to eliminate the cancer and begin our healing.
Some Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Oncology Team and Breast Cancer Treatment Plan.
Choosing your oncologist and deciding on the best breast cancer treatment plan for you can be overwhelming. And deciding whether to receive a second opinion is a decision only you can make. I hope these tips and information help you determine the best choice for you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how to decide if you need a second opinion on your breast cancer treatment plan. Please comment below.
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