Second Opinions

[behconsult]

I have an upcoming second opinion at Cleveland Clinic. I am pushing toward reducing tumor burden and if possible via RFA. I have two lung mets 10 mm and 6 mm. (sig line not up to date) My ONc at James cancer is strictly chemo for life. I have never been given a treatment plan with options, just one plan-chemo.

I think my survival-ability stats are better with RFA. With second opinions, do folks ever have their primary onc change their protocol based upon that the second opinion? If the second opinion agrees with RFA do I plan on looking for a new onc or transferring? Cleveland clinic doesn't accept transfer while you are in treatment. Any pearls on second opinions as a catalyst are needed. Bob

[rp1954]

If you want an intervention, say surgery or RFA, go to the source. Oncologists sell their style of chemo (e.g. standard US trained drs were not familiar with chemo unavailable in the US), specialist surgeons their surgery, interventional radiologists RFAs.

When the answer isn't quite right, we climb the pyramid of individual talent in a field with multiple opinions, and with different kinds of doctors, asking around and reading. Those opinions that we burned through (or would have burned us) typically did not acknowledge much room for improvements in technique/technology on the broader market. Experimental-alternative/regional/ national /world class can be a lot different than "standard" / local / podunk.

If you read the archives, similar problems and experiences have been discussed.