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Post by brucemacneill on Jan 7, 2015 6:50:51 GMT -5
Strange place to ask but this isn't really a medical question exactly. I don't know whether I need a second opinion or if I do how to get one here. After seeing a surgeon yesterday, who my wife as an RN trusts, I find that although the biopsies that were done didn't find any cancer my condition is considered pre-cancerous, maybe, and the prescribed treatment is as if it were cancerous. So, the little operation I was expecting is really a major operation. The WebMD and similar research agrees with the surgeon. There's only one hospital here and only 2 surgeons who are in the same group. Should I go to the trouble of going somewhere else and getting a second opinion or since it's likely to agree just accept what I've been told? Theoretically, if all goes well, with which I have little experience, I'll be back to "Normal" in 6 months or so and the potential for cancer will have been removed. Apparently the potential is about 50/50. Rather than a medical opinion on the actual problem, I'm seeking a medical opinion on second opinions. My RN wife doesn't think I need one. I don't know.
Thanks.
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Post by coachdoc on Jan 7, 2015 6:55:40 GMT -5
Without any facts, only conjecture, sounds like S.O.P. to me. Cut and dried. If you go to another reputable surgeon, I can't see you getting a different recommendation. And odds are very much, in 6 months, all will be back to normal.
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Post by Marshall on Jan 7, 2015 11:36:24 GMT -5
Aren't surgeons always predisposed to use knives? If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.
Though, that being said, i would expect that there's a 90% chance this is the best recommendation.
And there's another pithy adage: Man with one clock always knows what time it is; Man with two clocks is never really sure.
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Post by dradtke on Jan 7, 2015 12:01:31 GMT -5
Your wife has one opinion and you're looking for a second one? That's not good.
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Post by TKennedy on Jan 7, 2015 12:05:37 GMT -5
Depends on the gravity of the procedure. Where's the cancer? What is the recommended procedure? If it's a mole or something go for it. If it involves opening a major body cavity or removing part of an extremity better get another opinion.
If you do decide to seek an opinion elsewhere have the courtesy to tell your surgeon. Most encourage the process. He/she will understand and possibly give a good recommendation as to other experts you could consult. Most do not want to operate on someone that has doubts about their recommendations.
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Post by brucemacneill on Jan 7, 2015 12:12:26 GMT -5
Depends on the gravity of the procedure. Where's the cancer? What is the recommended procedure? If it's a mole or something go for it. If it involves opening a major body cavity or removing part of an extremity better get another opinion. If you do decide to seek an opinion elsewhere have the courtesy to tell your surgeon. Most encourage the process. He/she will understand and possibly give a good recommendation as to other experts you could consult. Most do not want to operate on someone that has doubts about their recommendations. Thanks, I was avoiding the details but it's removing the ascending colon due to a 2 1/2cm sessile adeno-something polyp that has a 50/50 chance of becoming cancerous and there is some family history. So it's major but seems to be the recommended treatment to remove the possibility.
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Post by TKennedy on Jan 7, 2015 12:37:11 GMT -5
That's a big deal. If you have any doubts you might just mention to your surgeon face to face that for your own peace of mind you would like to get a backup opinion and ask if they have someone to recommend unless you already know who you want to see.
I think patients that go into a major elective procedure with confidence that they are doing the right thing do better. If I sensed that a patient was having any real concerns about something I recommended I would suggest a second opinion myself.
Good luck Bruce.
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Post by Shannon on Jan 7, 2015 13:20:04 GMT -5
What Dr Kennedy said.
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Post by fauxmaha on Jan 7, 2015 13:23:50 GMT -5
Good luck, Bruce. Doesn't sound like fun, no matter how many opinions you end up getting.
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Post by Bassman on Jan 7, 2015 13:38:18 GMT -5
A second opinion is always good, and never hurts anyone. if your wife trusts the doctor and shes an RN she is probably right. Good Luck
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Post by RickW on Jan 7, 2015 14:30:07 GMT -5
I was kind of thinking what Terry said. When someone cuts you open to remove a piece of internal organ, it's not a trivial thing, ever. I think we tend to think that it is, because it's so commonplace now.
Good luck Bruce.
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Post by TKennedy on Jan 7, 2015 14:43:46 GMT -5
A second opinion is always good, and never hurts anyone. if your wife trusts the doctor and shes an RN she is probably right. Good Luck Amen to that. If you want to know who is a good Dr ask a good nurse!!
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Post by Shannon on Jan 7, 2015 16:47:06 GMT -5
Sorry, I was in hurry when I last posted. My best wishes to you, Bruce. I hope all goes well.
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Post by Village Idiot on Jan 7, 2015 17:09:51 GMT -5
I hope it all works out for you, Bruce. Modern medicine is an amazing thing.
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Post by Marshall on Jan 7, 2015 17:30:33 GMT -5
And if a second opinion doesn't clear things up, I think a Soundhole Poll might be helpful.
I'm just votin'
(Best to you, Bruce).
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Post by brucemacneill on Jan 7, 2015 17:53:15 GMT -5
Thanks, guys. I made my career on being able to make a decision and live with the results. On the up side, my lawyer, that tall black woman, once said to me "You're never wrong are you?". I'll need some good luck but good luck is generally the result of careful planning which this isn't, however, I've decided to go ahead and have the operation. I talked, electronically and in person, with some cancer survivors I know who had similar procedures and say it was worth it, the procedure wasn't as bad as the chemo and I don't have to worry about chemo at this point. I have some loose ends to tie up and have an appointment with the surgeon next week to schedule things but figure to just get it over with and hope for the best. It's Winter and I couldn't golf much anyway and the whole problem got in the way of music. I just haven't felt musical for awhile. So, just to start with "So", thanks for the input and I'll hope to be posting from my recovery room in a couple of weeks.
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Post by billhammond on Jan 7, 2015 17:55:00 GMT -5
Best wishes to you, Bruce.
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Post by majorminor on Jan 7, 2015 18:06:47 GMT -5
Keep us posted and best wishes Bruce.
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Post by coachdoc on Jan 7, 2015 18:39:17 GMT -5
Best wishes Bruce. Sounds exactly what is best. And your wife's second opinion would be good enough for me. My experience is that this is the best option, and has an extremely high rate of success. That said, it is still nerve racking and worry inducing to experience. Short of a totally unexpected occurrence, you'll be back on the course by summer's end.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 18:56:22 GMT -5
Sorry to see this, Bruce. Jump on it hard, my friend.
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