Four reasons why seeking a second opinion could be very helpful for you.
Reason 1: A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming
When you received your cancer diagnosis it’s highly likely that you were deeply overwhelmed by the news. Many people in highly stressful situations feel like their brains are shutting down as they have difficulty staying focused on the events taking place around them. You may not have heard everything that the Oncologist (cancer doctor) said to you or you may have had difficulty retaining all of the information you were given. Initial cancer diagnoses are often quite a shock. Your first reactions can lead to early decisions that might not be the best for you in the long term.
It’s important to give yourself some time after the initial diagnosis to consider your options. Together, we can work through all of the options in a less stressful way. You may find you develop a different perspective on treatment from the one you formed initially.
Reason 2: You are worried about possible side effects
It may be that you have a cancer that is curable with conventional treatment but you are worried about the side effects of the treatment. It’s important to know that not all patients experience side effects and for many individuals the effects can be mild. Where side effects are a problem, medications can be used to reduce these. Cancer treatments can also be modified or ceased in consultation with patients.
A second opinion with me can address any cancer treatment concerns you have, help clarify how the treatment works, and what the likely outcome is for you.
Reason 3: Expert opinion from a Medical Oncologist who understands alternative therapies
You may be considering alternative therapies but have found that your Oncologist or General Practitioner shows no interest in discussing this with you. This can be for a number of reasons.
- An Oncologist is trained to offer you the best, evidence-based treatment for your cancer. Most doctors believe alternative therapies do not have that level of evidence. Your doctor will feel obliged to offer you the best that medicine can offer.
- Time pressures mean that your consultation time is allocated to discussing your cancer diagnosis, the best medical treatment options, the possible side effects, and the likely outcomes of that treatment. There is usually little time for discussion of non-conventional (alternative) therapies.
As a registered Medical Oncologist and Clinical Haematologist with many years of experience in treating patients and an understanding of alternative therapies, I can provide you with an independent assessment of your treatment options. I am able to provide an understanding and sympathetic ear to your genuine concerns about standard treatment and your wish to seek a complementary or alternative (CAM) approach to your cancer.
Reason 4: Ongoing monitoring of your cancer
If you’ve decided not to have conventional medical treatment for your cancer, you may have found it difficult to locate a doctor who will provide ongoing monitoring of your cancer. Most alternative therapists don’t have the authority to order the necessary blood tests and scans.
If you’ve chosen an alternative therapy path I can provide monitoring and support in a caring and non-judgemental manner. Your cancer and the effects of any treatments you’ve chosen can continue to be monitored using standard methods (such as PET and CT scans).
As with ongoing monitoring during conventional treatments, ongoing monitoring during the use of alternative therapies provides evidence of whether the treatment option you’ve chosen is working for you. If not, we can discuss what further options may be available to you. Early detection of disease progression is important so that second-line therapy can be considered. Expensive therapies that are not working can be ceased rapidly and a better option commenced.
Please note that the information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. It is important that you seek medical advice from a medical practitioner or specialist (e.g., Oncologist) on the most appropriate treatment for your cancer.
Contact Dr Hawson for an appointment