Hi
I had a meeting with an oncologist today who suggested I had chemotherapy and it would have a 2.5 % benefit.
A consultant mentioned ovary suppression.
I wondered the process of getting a second opinion.
Thank you
You can refuse if you want. What did they base the benefit of 2.5% on? Most drs use Predict in the UK and a benefit of 5 or above is advised. But 3 to 5 is often considered, especially if you are premenopausal with lymph node involvement. I think if you want a second opinion you just ask, but the drs at your hospital were probably all in same MDT meeting, so you might need to ask for the second opinion at another hospital. Good luck whatever you decide. I have my first meeting with an oncologist on Monday…very nervous. X
Hello 77sunshine
Thank you for your post about your recent appointment with the oncologist and the decisions about needing chemotherapy.
Treatment is tailored to your individual situation, and whether you are offered chemotherapy depends on a number of factors including the grade, size and stage of your cancer.
It might help to know that treatment recommendations are agreed by a multi-disciplinary team. Your treatment team may also use a computer programme such as NHS Predict to estimate what benefit might be expected from treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
A second opinion involves seeing another GP or specialist doctor who will give their opinion on your diagnosis or treatment. Before you request a second opinion it might be helpful to talk to your own treatment team about why they have suggested chemotherapy and any other options for you.
Your multidisciplinary team (MDT) and GP will use national guidance to plan the most suitable treatment for you. While many people will feel confident with their treatment plan, some may request a second opinion to help them feel they are getting the most appropriate treatment and care.
Whilst you don’t have a legal right to a second opinion, the General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, says that all doctors must ‘respect the patient’s right to seek a second opinion’. Because of this, doctors rarely refuse to arrange one.
You might worry about offending or upsetting your doctor by asking for a second opinion. However, this is unlikely as doctors are used to patients asking about this, and often ask their colleagues opinions about individual cases themselves.
You can talk to your GP or treatment team if you feel a second opinion would be helpful for you. They can refer you to an NHS team or a particular doctor. There are no guidelines about waiting times for a second opinion, which may lead to some delay in starting treatment. Some people choose to pay for a second opinion from a private doctor. Seeing a specialist for a second opinion usually involves going to a different hospital. You may be asked if you have a particular hospital (or doctor) you would like to be referred to.
Having a second opinion doesn’t necessarily mean that the second specialist/ treatment team will offer different treatment options or take over your care. If you would like the doctor who has given the second opinion to treat you, this will need to be agreed by your GP and the hospital where you had your second opinion.
It can help to prepare for a second opinion by thinking about what you want to get out of the appointment, making a note of what you understand about your diagnosis/treatment plan and writing down the questions you want to ask.
Some of the pros and cons of getting a second opinion before asking for one.
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If the second opinion matches the first, you may feel more confident about the diagnosis and treatment
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You may find that the second doctor is easier to talk with
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You may be offered a different treatment option/s
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The wait to get a second opinion may delay starting your treatment
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You may feel disappointed if the doctor giving the second opinion gives you the same information/diagnosis/treatment options as the first
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If you’re offered different treatment options, some people find it hard making a choice
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The doctor giving the second opinion may not be based at a hospital near you, and if you choose their suggested treatment you may have to travel to receive it.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Sarah
Breast Care Nurse
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