Staying in control of your treatment is a major ordeal for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer. First you are dealing with the shock of the diagnosis. After that, everything seems to happen at the speed of light. Surgeons want to remove the cancer, additional testing is performed and the beginning of a treatment plan is worked out for you. But what happens if you don't agree with the plan of action?
It's your body and your life
Most physicians are caring individuals who are willing to answer questions. If you are unclear about a course of treatment, ask questions until you understand. In my case, I am clear as to what my surgeon wants to do. He feels that the best way to handle my breast cancer is to remove my left breast with a mastectomy. After the surgery, he will refer me out to a reconstruction surgeon and a medical oncologist.
My feelings are that this is putting the cart before the horse. I would like to speak with both the reconstruction surgeon and the oncologist prior to having surgery. Personally, I am not sold on the idea that a mastectomy is the best option for me. This led me to get a second opinion.
Am I concerned that my surgeon will not want me to get another opinion? I don't care if he likes it or not. This is my body and I have to be 100 percent on board with any treatment plan offered. Informed consent means that I understand everything about my treatment and that I agree with it. Surgery is permanent--it cannot be undone.
What about insurance?
Some insurance companies will require a second opinion. All insurance companies pay for a second opinion. You may have to make a co-pay or pay out-of-pocket if you have not met your deductible. Every insurance policy is different. If you are not sure about your benefits, call your insurance company. My policy does not require a second opinion but I am getting one anyway.
How do I get a second opinion?
You can ask your physician for a referral. This may not be a great idea because they will most likely refer you to a colleague that has similar views. You can ask your primary physician for a referral. Another option is to see which local doctors accept your insurance plan.
Research for my second opinion options was done online. I discovered that there is a Cancer Treatment Center of America location in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It will take about two hours by car for me to drive there. I decided to contact them about getting a second opinion before I see my surgeon again. After speaking with them on the phone, I set up an appointment. The initial consultation at their facility takes three days.
The idea of one facility handling all of my treatment needs is appealing to me. I will meet with the Cancer Treatment Center prior to my next appointment with my current surgeon. At that time, I will make a decision as to which course of action I will take -- either the one recommended by my surgeon or the one laid out by the treatment center -- assuming the two recommendations are different.
Getting a second opinion is important if you are not 100 percent sure about the recommended treatment plan. I only have one shot at beating breast cancer and the treatment plan has to be something that will work for me. If a second opinion confirms my surgeon's recommendation for a mastectomy, I will have to come to terms with that. I have to beat this disease -- my family and friends need me.
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