Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/197379
SPECIAL FEATURE Once you have selected a hospital and a doctor, to get the most out of your appointment Dr. Randolph advises that you "take notes during the visit and try to prepare questions in advance." A friend or family member can accompany you to help you take notes and to observe the visit. It is ideal if you can have someone in this role at your original appointment as well, to ensure that you have all the information from both visits. "It is best to have the same person at each of the visits," Dr. Randolph says; this way your support person can record and remember the discussions and help you compare information from both doctors. USING THE INFORMATION Once you have received a second opinion, it is time to put the information to work. Dr. Randolph suggests that you frst make sure you understand the input from both doctors—original and second. Reviewing the notes from both visits and following up with both doctors about any questions you have can help ensure that you have a good understanding of both opinions. It is possible that the frst and second opinions may closely match, but be prepared for them to differ and even confict. To avoid becoming confused by two separate conclusions or recommendations, ask both doctors why their opinions do not match. "If there is a confict between the information provided by the two different doctors, try to address this confict during the visit to be sure you understand why there is a difference," Dr. Randolph recommends. There may be an explanation that helps you make the best decision for your individual circumstances. When you have fnished the secondopinion process, it is time to choose a treatment plan. You and your care team 42 cancer fighters thrive | winter 2013 At CTCA patients beneft from the expertise of an integrated care team. will consider clinical factors, such as risks from another physician. This should and benefts of the potential approaches, and you can also consider your personal needs and work and family responsibilities. For example: If one plan requires traveling to get treatment, are you able to be away from home? If you will continue to work during treatment, which approach best accommodates your schedule? Your doctor is of course a key part of your treatment plan, and the secondopinion process can help you choose a physician in whom you feel confdent. In addition to understanding the treatment plan and how it fts your life and health goals, Dr. Randolph says, "The most not be a concern, says Dr. Randolph. He explains that, in fact, doctors who are dealing with complex diagnoses such as cancer often encourage patients to get advice from another doctor. "Physicians want their patients to do well," he says. He explains that you improve your chances of a good outcome by becoming fully informed about the diagnosis and treatment options, including approaches that hadn't been presented to you before: "Through seeking a second opinion, patients may discover new and innovative treatment options that were unavailable in their own community." important part of selecting a treatment plan is to be sure you are comfortable with the doctor." The second-opinion process can be like an interview—it is your chance to meet different physicians and choose the one who works best with your needs. FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT GETTING A SECOND OPINION Though in theory a second opinion sounds like a practical step in the decisionmaking process, in practice some patients are afraid that they would be betraying their original doctor by seeking input TWO OPINIONS, ONE SOLID DECISION Seeking a second opinion is like doing research on any major decision in life. It is not likely, for example, that you would buy a home or even a car without frst looking into your options. But unlike many other big decisions, choosing a treatment plan has a real and direct impact on your well-being. So be an informed consumer when it comes to your health care: Research your options and make the choice in which you are most comfortable and confdent. cfthrive.com