2nd Opinion Question

[ellehcim]

I now have an appt with the Chief gyn/oncology dept at Mass General for a 2nd opinion for the solid, complex mass they found in my right ovary.  I recently wrote on this board about my situation.

Im very confused because when I made the appt I asked what I needed to bring since the last Dr. had wanted the US pics and report.  She told me no, they usually never ask for the pictures, only the US report.  She had my report in front of her and said that she saw the Radiologist recommended waiting 6-8 weeks and redo US to see if there is a change and that we would wait and see if the Dr agrees.

The problem is that the specialist I saw at Tufts called me after he got the pics since I hadnt brought them with me to the actual appt and told me that since seeing the pictures he felt strongly that I should do the surgery to either try to remove the cyst or the entire ovary.  

Is this really how its going to be with other opinions?  Two completely possible different views and I still dont know which way to go.  The surgeon I saw at Tufts has been very helpful, even calling me to check on me and see if he can help answer any questions with deciding if I want to do the surgery.  Thats a first for me since I have found surgeons are usually too busy to call even after you leave a message, nevermind just calling to check on you.  Kinda makes me feel like he is desperate for patients:(  

[dvetti68]

When I went to MA Gen I didn't have to bring the US pictures- they only wanted the report- it was the same when I went to Dana Farber.  I see a medical oncologist there- Dr. Krasner-I really like her and I am happy with her.  Have you gone for your appt at MG yet?  
If it was me and they varied that much- I would be going for a third.  If you're going to stick to the two opinions- you have to look at the pros and cons of each opinion, look at the experience of the doctors, who did you feel more comfortable with- there are alot of different variables to consider.  

[ellehcim]

dvetti68,
Who are you seeing at Mass General and are you happy with them there?  How do you understand which way to go if you get two completely different opinions on your issue?  

[dvetti68]

  
Yes, it is possible to have different opinions from the doctors.  Unfortunately that makes it even more confusing to come to a decision.  Someone told me to consult with three, two are bound to have similar recommendations.  I am currently at MA Gen for treatment.
  

[shewrites]

Go to the hospital websites and check out the doctors -- education. age and experience, for example.  Also, I just visited my gyn/onc, who is now bragging that he's done 100 robot surgeries.  That's a whole new  thing to think about.  It's not bad to have a younger doctor, especially if he's in practice with some older ones, but I wouldn't want to be the doc's first robot surgery.  

Just sayin' ,,,