Need Second Opinion

ConcernedSon · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:09 pm Post subject: Need Second Opinion

Hi All,

I'm hoping that someone might have some extra information for me from experience. My father had a CT scan and the doctors identified two areas that they believe are cancerous growths (liver and colon). They are having him come in for an operation. I know time is a factor with cancer so I don't want to delay, but this seems like a very sloppy diagnosis. With the colon aren't they suppose to do a scope to get a sample? Is there something similar that should be done with the liver too?

I'm trying to get more information from my parents, but they haven't asked the doctors any questions. I'm trying desperately to get involved but they aren't giving me any information and the doctor refuses to hand-out medical information!!! It's like they don't even care!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, had to vent.

In truth I don't trust the doctor and I want a second opinion for my father. Could someone give me a head-start into the types of things I should be asking, terms I should be using, and more cancer information or places to gather it from? I would really, really appreciate any help. How would I know the severity - I've heard of malignant and benign cancer, should I be asking what type it is?

Regards,

Mike

FiddleDeDe · Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:09 pm Post subject: Re: Need Second Opinion

Generally waiting a few weeks in order to get a second opinion shouldn't cause any difference in the outcome. Can you ask his doctor how long he can safely delay the surgery?

You can Google search websites under, "second opinion cancer" and there are lots of suggestions on how to do this. Do you live near your parents? Asking friends is a good place to start for doctor referrals. The doctor in question should be willing to give some names for reputable surgeons for second opinions. A primary care physician should be able to generate a list of names and perhaps some information about those surgeons.

I read [i]Susan Love's Breast Book[/i] before talking to a surgeon. Though my questions are different than a man with liver and colon, but a quick thumb through a book at a library or book store should yield some good questions.

In my opinion, a good doctor will look you straight in the eye and answer all questions thouroughly in lay man's terms. Most doctors will allow you to bring a tape recorder if you ask nicely. Because the information may be overwhelming it's good to have a record to check back on.

If all else fails, if your father has a good relationship with his primary care physician, perhaps a family meeting with this doctor will help you get a game plan together.

Best of luck to you.
_________________
Age 37
dx 1/31/05
IDC 8cm
nodes+, #?
Grade 3
ER/PR-/Her-2-
miscarriage 13 wks
chemo 2/22/05 TAC, every 3 wks
masectomy planned after chemo

dizzybuff38 · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 3:14 am Post subject: Liver/colon cancer

Hi Mike,
sorry to hear about your father's illness. At the very least he needs to have biopsies (samples) taken from the colon and liver. This is done by a colonoscopy for the large colon and endoscopy if it is the small intestine.
A liver biopsy is done separately - neither procedures are without risks of perforation. The biopsy tissue is then lookd at by a pathologist who can determine what type of cancer it is.
I had breast cancer 2 years ago and was not at all happy with the Oncologist I was referred to by my breast surgeon. After two consultations, during which he was very rude, patronising and refused to answer my questions, I refused to see him and told a nurse in the Oncology suite. I was instantly transferred to a young female Oncologist who treated me with respect and was wonderful. I live in England so have socialised medicine as you do in Canada, but believe you have the right to see a doctor of your own choosing, within your area. Is there a social worker at the hospital whom you could contact to sort this out for you?
Perhaps your father wll allow you to go with him to his next appointment so you can talk to the doctor yourself. I would call his primary care physician and explain the situation, since if the system is the same as it is in the UK, it is he/she who can do the referrals.
Good luck, Liz.

58 at dx, now 60
Menopausal at dx
Invasive ductal carcinoma with intermediate grade DCIS,comedo and cribiform
ER+ (PR and HER2neu not shown on pathology report)
Stage and grade 2
Wide Local Excision and 8 sample nodes removed 2+
Total axillary removal, 1+, total 3/18
Chemo 6 x FEC
45 grys radiotherapy, 2 boosters

ConcernedSon · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 11:54 am Post subject: Re: Need Second Opinion

Thank you so much Liz and LA girl,

I've communicated a few things through my mother to the doctor, but my parents are afraid to know any details about the process, so I will have to retrieve it on my own. They've indicated to the doctor that I will be calling with a few questions so I am feeling positive about that. Thank you for the questions, I will be asking them.

The doctor stated he can do a biopsy, but a CT is 90% accurate so it is not needed. I've recommended my parents to have it, so they will do so. I'm nervous that I've started recommending medical advice to them, but from what I have read it is a necessary step.

My parents live a couple hours from me so it is a little drive, but I don't mind making it. I'm a little nervous that it is an out-of-the city hospital - not to say country hospitals are worse, just not funded as well as city ones.

I have more information on the type of cancer: It is in the Liver, about 5cm large and there is another growth just below the liver but not quite to the colon - so he won't have to suffer the colonoscopy. They will not have the surgery 'until the summer because they are all booked up, but if they have an opening they will insert him.' <- I really don't like the sound of that.

They are going to remove the gall bladder even though it hasn't spread there - I have no idea why, I'll have to research.

Mike

FiddleDeDe · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: Need Second Opinion

Note on the CT, if you haven't had one before. Your dad will need to sit by himself for about an hour for the test because they will inject him with radioactive material. It sounds scary but the benefits far outweigh the risks here. Of all the tests I did I found this hard because my spouse could be with me prior to and during most of the other scans, but not this.

Just wanted to warn you so that he can try and bring a really distracting book or music with him. I felt like I had too much time alone to worry about what they would find, unlike the bone scan, MRI, etc. when I could have someone with me.

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

Thanks for posting. Sometimes the diagnosis of cancer is difficult, but the CT can define how likely it is for a finding to be malignant. If it has a good chance of being malignant, sometimes doctors choose to have the whole area taken out. There is also likely that they send a piece of the are to the pathologist during the surgery (called a frozen section), so that instantly they can decide whether it is cancerous or not. While this technique is not 100% precise, it will support or not the diagnosis, and help with immediate planning.

best regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

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