To get a second opinion, you go to a different doctor who, after reviewing your case, gives you his or her opinion of your situation and advises you about treatment. Most people who seek a second opinion do so when they are first diagnosed, before treatment is begun. In many circumstances a second opinion is also valuable after completion of treatment. For example, it is useful if
•you did not obtain one before you were treated, or
• there are multiple treatment options for your cancer, or •there are multiple options regarding further treatment after remission is achieved, or
• you are unsure of your current status or the options available to you at this time, or
•you have persistent cancer after treatment is completed, or •you want a second opinion about your reevaluation or your future follow-up
A second opinion is probably unnecessary if
•you did well with your treatments, and
•you are confident about your reevaluation, your understanding of all the options available to you at this time for further treatment, follow-up of your cancer, and prevention of future problems, and
• you do not feel the need for a second opinion
A second opinion allows you to review all your current options and confirm current decisions. It provides needed reassurance and lets you feel more confident about these important decisions.
You rely on additional opinions for many other decisions. For example, you may read Choice magazine, talk with friends and do some comparative shopping before buying a car. Or if a mechanic told you that you needed an $800 part to fix the “clank” in your car, you would probably get a second opinion before agreeing to the repair (unless you were a car mechanic yourself). Your health is obviously more valuable than your car.
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