Second Opinion

I am newly diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer. I have had one surgery for biopsy purposes and am currently waiting to have a resection in 2 weeks. I have not been referred to an oncologists as of yet and my surgeon said I would probaly not need chemo or radiation. My family has a high number of members who have battled colon cancer and as yet none have survived the second go around with reoccurance in the liver. When I had the biopsy I had four different doctors that looked at me say they doubt it was cancer because it did not appear to look like cancer, well it was. The surgeon said the lymph nodes looked normal and they do not want to remove any to check. I am not comfortable with this surgeon and I would rather check to make sure than not. I am terrified if I put my life in this surgeon hands I will have a reoccurance and I am frustrated she will not listen to my worries and concerns. has anyone else had this problem with a doctor and what should I do. Any advice would much be appreciated. I am also the youngest, 45 to receive this ticket in the club of cancer in my family. I lost my father 4 years ago to cancer, his battle only lasted 7 months. It was horrible watching him suffer so. I have three daughters and I want to be around to see it all graduations,weddings, grandchildren all the things you dream about. Please help so I can stay healthy and whole.

Sheryl

Sheryl,

You are within your rights to get a second opinion.  It's important to feel comfortable with your dr. and his/her recommendations.  I would ask for a referral to an oncologist, even if the surgeon says it is not necessary.  Afterall, cancer is the oncologist's specialization.  Explain your family history.  I don't know what most insurance companies' policy is on stage 1.  Ask the oncologist if that is an issue. 

Good luck.

Lynn

Hi,

I am 50 years old, had stage 1 colorectal cancer last June 07.  I've had radiation and chemo.  I had a transanal excision, but microscopic cancer cells were still there, so I had my rectum removed with a temporary colostomy.  I have had it reversed and am doing very well.  The only problem is going to the bathroom alot, some days more than others.

 If I were you, I would definitely get a 2nd opinion.  I go to Medical University of South Carolina and my oncologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist work very closely.  I would ask for an oncologist and get his/her opinion on the chemo.  It seems as though that would be an extra precaution for you, especially with your family history.  Surely when you go for your resection, they will check lymph nodes then.  I would just feel better knowing everything was done to prevent anything else.

You can't take a doctor's observations as truth.  I had breast cancer 10 years ago and the biopspy "looked" like nothing suspicious.  It was cancer and I had bilateral mastectomies w/reconstruction and chemo then also.  The cancer that showed up last June is not related to my breast cancer. 

There are too many good doctors out there to get a bad one.

Rosalyn

Hi, I am a stage IV colon cancer patient. I also have a high number of family members with colon cancer. I have recently had genetic testing. The results show that I have the genetic mutation HNPCC.

I would urge you to get a second and third opinion and consider genetic testing. My HNPCC is changing my treatment plan. I am going to see a genetic specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in a couple of weeks.

My children will also have the genetic test as they have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene. Knowledge is power. If they have the gene then we will have them highly monitored. I don't want them to face this cancer and chemo as I have had to.

Unfortunately for me, my family did not discuss the colon cancer, nor did they suggest I get routine colonoscopies. It is so important to share family medical history and so many families do not discuss "butt issues".