Has Anyone Else Questioned Whether They Have Made The Right Decisions About Treatment

Just a few comments for consideration    People see oncologists if they do or don't have chemo.  A private oncologist appt might cost $115 upwards. You do get opportunity for a informal  second opinion ie when I spoke about not having chemo to my public radiation team they said the treatment plan I was on would be their recommendation too.   Good luck

Thanks again Djakic

I so agree with you Primek.

Ihave found the 2 I dealt with more informative and have helped my recovery more than Surgeon's advice and I would strongly advise everyone to get in touch with their local nurse.

I may have hated some of the things the nurse I have been dealing with post op had to say but thise were things I needed to hear and she was great delivering the news. They know their stuff and seem to have infinite patience passing on that information and ensuring we both understand what is being said and are comfortable that everything was answered.

I trully strongly recommend anyone going through this process stays in touch with a breast care nurse.

And sorry for all the typos... very dodgy touchscreen and lack of reading glasses make for a terrible combo ;)

You can ALLWAYS ask for a 2nd opinion. It is your right. You can ask the surgeon and they will refer you or ask your GP.

You need the referral and you need to have the case notes results reports etc with you to get the most out of it.

It does involve a consultation with a specialist so there may be an out of pocket expense but you certainly can ask for one and no doctor will take offense to it.

It is your life and yours alone.

I had every single doctor just about rip my head off pre surgery when I stated I would not have general anaesthetic. They all thought me insane and the risks of something going wrong managable (I have a myriad of medical.problems so I was not going to take that risk).

Surgeon agreed to do it under local and when required some light sedation yet everyone ore-surgery tried to bully me.into agreeing to GA. I stood my ground, armed myself with a clear logical.explanation so they understood why I insisted on a local and I won in the end.

I will not lie. It was not a pleasant procedure (managablenthough i would do it with a local again should I ever need to have another one) and doing it under local made Surgeon's job exponentially harder But I got the best possible outcome and I am really happy for it.

I am now in a same.situation as you where they reckon I need heavy duty Chemo but may avoid it or dilute it due to my other conditions. I am going to beat every single door asking for explanations, risks and scenarios if I do or do not have it regardless of what that panel comes back to reccomend.

Getting that 2nd opinion may have out of pocket expenses - not really sure as that depends on the doctors but I would call thensurgeon's office or frankly if you can go there is person and tell them you have doubts and fears and that you really want a 2nd opinion and ideally to speak with the Pncologist that was involved in that decision as you NEED THAT for your own peace of mind.

We only get 1 life and we have to be determined and strong and Champoin our own cause. Nobody will begrudge you.

Regardless of being public or private patipari do not fear - you get same number of professionals involved behind the scenes.

The only difference is a choice of surgeon and / or Oncologist and / or radiologist. But all 3 plus breast care nurs plus a 'quality of life' adviser plus I believe a dietitian or nutritionist or someone like that would have sat on that panel.

If their reason for not wanting to do Chemo is Heart related go speak to a Cardiologist you trust. They too would be able to.run through all the risks of having it. May be worth while.

Either way I would get in touch with both your GPIand the local breast care nurse and ask each to help you since your are having doubts.

It is their role to be your Champions so tell them that you need their help in getting those 2nd ir 3rd opinions. Not that you want their reassurance but both their explanation why the currentcourse of treatmwnt was chosen andntheir help in getting additional opinions.

It is their job to help you so never fear asking for what you need and if you do not get it then stuff that person and demand another one. You MUST be strong and persistant. Our mindset will play a huge role in the recovery process so you do not want to live in fear or to fret as you need to be relaxed confident and strong sonyou can finght this bugger and avoid it comming back.

I know I am every Dr's worst nightmare as I am an absolute pain the backside because I always demand explanations and question them but that has had me survive 4 medical stuff ups thus far where I would have died from complications (over the past 18 years). The good thing about it is also that it helps weed out the "run of the mill" doctors from the really consciences good guys who will fight for me so hun never fear questioning what they put to tou.

They are human just like everyone else with good and bad days but they will understand you have to be confident in your treatment and they will respect it.

if you ever need to chat feel free to message me as believe me I will understand. Been there for ither medical conditions time and time again abiut to go there with BC myself so I do understand :)

Jelena

Paylan, an Oncologist would have been part of the panel that reviewd your results after the surgery and discussed your treatment. 

That is a standard procedure. I think they only refer you to an Oncologust is you are going to have Chemo.

But you could always ask your surgeon or your GP to get a referral for an Oncologist and go soeak with one to get the 2nd opinion. Your local Hospital wouldnhave access to a Breast Care nurse so if unsure how to go about it or if feeling intimidated about asking for such a consult might be worth while getting in touch with the Breast Vare Nurse and asking her to help you organise that.

They are remarkable ladies and allmcontact I have had with them has been incredibly helpfull as they have both helped me understand more about my diagnosis, where I am in the process and what I may expect. I have alsonfound them incredibly supporting and keen to act as my advocate.

It really may be helpfull to get in touch with your local breast care nurse and have a confidential chat so you can see what alternatives you may have and what options are open to you in your area.

Any time you have treatment you can ask for a second opinion, it is your body. The doctors might not like you questioning them but it is your right. It is really hard sometimes to stand up for yourself when you are already so scared. I always had someone with me when I went and had a list of questions

Take care xx