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
