Forum Discussion

LisaO's avatar
LisaO
Member
8 years ago

Getting a second opinion from a different oncologist

Due to communication problems I have decided to see a new oncologist.
I have contacted my surgeon who has referred me to another oncologist. My main question is do I have time on my side to wait to see my new oncologist?  I had total right hand mastectomy 1/6, then full axillary clearance 12/6.  I have had two appointments with my first oncologist, with hormone treatment selected by him, but not yet started. Hopefully if I cant get in to my new oncologist for a week or two, it wont make much of a difference, its just most of the information I read states ideally ongoing bc treatment should commence 6 weeks after surgery?
A few things just dont sit right with me.  Firstly last week he asked me if I planned on having any more children...Im 51 and thought as I left...is that really a valid question at my age?  Secondly on my first visit he said Tamoxifen would be my hormone treatment, yet on my second visit he printed off a side effects sheet for me to take home.  When I got home and read this sheet he has given me a side effects printout on Goserelin (zoladex) and Exemestane (Aromasin).  This hormone treatment was not discussed with me at all over the two visits.  
Obviously I will be making an appointment first thing in the morning with my new oncologist, but its 3.30am in the morning and even though Im usually not sleeping very well lately (I wonder why??!!!), this is just one more thing that I really dont need to be on my mind.
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    8 years ago
    @LisaO I agree with @socoda a few weeks honestly is not going to make any difference. I'm 49 and I've also been asked that at different points lol. I think it's just a generic question to cover all bases to be honest. I was on Tamoxifen for 4yrs and I had a recurrence inspite of that and radiation. Since January 2016 I was put on Arimidex post chemo that time, I didnt cope so well, so am now on Aromasin whilst I feel they are very similar. Im actually coping more than ok and I put that down to time being 20 months post chemo, a damn good Exercise Physiologist and exceptional Naturopath who got my body back into a balance I have never known. I feel great!!

    The most important thing in all of it is, you have to have a rapport and confidence in your Oncologist, if it doesnt sit well absolutely change. See how you go with this new one and weigh up the similarities or differences but mostly how you feel with them. You'll be ok until then. Hugs Melinda xo
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @LisaO,  I personally wouldn't be too worried about another couple of weeks if you've already had your surgery and been given clear margins. As for the questions re further children, it might seem strange to you and me being asked that one at 51, but I'm sure that there are some ladies who do want more children and the oncologist would be remiss of them not to check. As for change of hormone therapy, Tamoxifen is normally premenopausal, and the others are normally post menopausal, but that definitely doesn't mean you shouldn't be told or discuss why you've been put onto that particular drug. Good on you for being proactive and changing. I hope that your new oncologist is brilliant and you really click with them, and also that you get some beautiful full nights sleep. Xx Cath