I am agonizing of the "chemo or not to chemo" question and just thought a second opinion would help out in some way. I decided to call the first cancer center I had seen (where I was diagnosed) and see if I could meet with a medical oncologist. After passing me around on the phone for a long time, I was told I could not see a medical oncologist until mid-March. Are you kidding me? I told her "well I would need to be treated before then if I am having chemo". Ugh....as if having cancer isn't bad enough, they want you to wait and have another two months of anxiety over chemo or no chemo. Yes, I do realize that they would not start chemo until 5-6 weeks from now (4 weeks after my surgery and my surgery is next week), but it doesn't mean I want to ponder that dilemma and question it for the next two months while I recover from a major surgery that is also emotional. Talk about torture!
I have been dealing with two cancer centers on my journey and I can say there is a distinct difference on how I am being treated at both of them. The center I have chosen to go with is so thorough, compassionate and goes out of there way to give me time to ask questions it's incredible. The other one is always a hassle. It was like trying to create world peace or something when I called to get copies of my films. You would have thought I was asking for them to do something impossible. While I love the center I am having treatment at, I am just not sure what to do about chemo. I really thought hearing another medical oncologists opinion may help solidify my decision in some way. I guess now I must seek a second opinion from a well respected hospital that is not a national cancer institute in my area because it's the only option. At least they can get me in for an appointment in two days. I guess I have nothing to lose, right?
I would love to go to another national cancer institute for a second opinion, but it's just not possible to travel out of town at this point since my surgery is next week. I do have the option of having a second opinion on the pathology by mail through John Hopkins. I am not sure that will give me the answer I am looking for since I really want to discuss treatment.
I have said it a ton of times on my blog....this is SO hard! I know I am searching for answers to questions no one can answer - even the qualified medical oncologists. It is such a frustrating component to this whole situation. I keep praying to God each day that there will be some sign that will let me know what to do. I keep praying for one bit of information that makes my decision just a little easier. I guess that is a lot to ask for, hu?
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