Do I need a 2nd opinion?
I am very newly diagnosed with IDC, 6mm, Er/Pr very low @2% HER2 has been sent for FISH, grade 2
I've seen an oncologist who I really like and listened to my anxieties about the fact I was two year over due for my mammogram and my biggest concern was how long this has been growing in my body. She was very reassuring that the spot was small and that we caught it early. During our appt she was messaging with two surgeons to get me in as soon as possible and I will be seeing them this week. She is also sending me for a Chest CT and full body bone scan to be thorough.
I had an appt as a back up with another oncologist in another practice that I have now canceled since I am still waiting on the HER2 pathology.
I just don't know if I should reschedule the other appt for 2nd opinion purposes.
Comments
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Hi @mrsfish, welcome to the BCO community. We’re so sorry you’re facing a new diagnosis, but glad you’ve found us. It's great to hear that you have a doctor who's caring and proactive. While you wait for input from other members, here’s an article from our main site about getting a second opinion, when it’s helpful and what to expect: Getting a Second Opinion.
Hope this helps. We’re here for you, and we hope you keep sharing how things go with your upcoming appointments.
The Mods
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Hi @mrsfish, Sorry you had to join us here but this is a good place for information and support. Second opinions are useful once you have a diagnosis and are unsure whether the proposed treatment is appropriate. Definitely wait for the FISH result which can take a while since the test is often sent out to a larger hospital. If it is positive you will likely be treated as having HER2+ breast cancer. If it is negative the dilemma is whether you should be treated as triple negative since the ER/PR is very low. If you are not happy with the rationale for a proposed treatment it is a good idea to seek a second opinion.
Ordering the CT and bone scan is not standard of care in your situation so it seems like the group treating you is going above and beyond to be helpful. An oncologist you like who understands your anxiety is a big plus.
I hope things fall into place when you get your test results. Let us know how it goes. All the best.
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Agree with Maggie. Yes get a 2nd opinión, but do it once you have all the tests and the plan -which surgery when, which treatment(s) in what order. Then you go to the second MO and present them with the test results and see what they propose. Good due diligence if you can do it.
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Hi again @mrsfish — we're just checking in on you to see if you've received any more information about your diagnosis? How else can we help?
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Hi, thank you for your support and guidance. I have now gotten my FISH test back. It was negative so they are classifying me at triple negative. I've now had a bone scan, chest CT and Breast MRI. Bone scan and chest CT came back clear, Waiting on MRI. Also had consultation with genetics counselor and will be doing blood work next week. Had a good appt with a breast surgeon and hoping surgery will be scheduled for end of the month pending MRI and genetic testing results. For now assuming I will have a lumpectomy followed by radiation.
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