Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

I saw this commercial this morning that made me stop and think and ultimately be very grateful. The jist of it was a woman was diagnosed with cancer and the doctor gave her two months to live. She said her doctor told her like he told her to go to the grocery store, with no compassion. She ended up seeking a second opinion and three years later is still alive and fighting.

Anyway so I thought about my situation. My DH was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His original dr told him he needed to have surgery immediately, within 6 weeks. He went on to say that we wouldn't be able to have children naturally and our only hope was in-vitro. He said this so nonchalantly, like it was no big deal. Here we just received two big blows and I was reeling. Long story short we went for a second, third, and even fourth opinion.

Had we listened to Dr #1 and went for surgery immediately we wouldn't be so blessed. My husband is as healthy as any 30 year old w/o prostate cancer, we have a beautiful son, and #2 on the way. Both miracles that might not have happened. I just wanted to say I am so grateful for them and feel so blessed. Ultimately DH will have the surgery, probably late spring 09 after #2 is born, but in the meantime we are carefully monitoring him.

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

It's nice to hear stories of cancer survivors. Thank you for sharing your story.

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

God Bless your DH! I am a firm believer in getting second and third opinions, always! Glad you guys followed your gut, and congratulations on and baby#2

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

WOW! Its so nice to hear how well he is doing!

I had a similar experience just yesterday, not nearly as severe, but just goes to show how important a 2nd opinion can be.

I went to my regular Dr. for a 6 month check up. (I was recently diagnosed with lupus) and I see a specialist for it. Needless to say he thought I should start taking a medicine for it. he said he hoped he wasn't stepping on any toes (the specialists) and said if they had a problem with it to call him, but he thought I could really get some relief from this med.

Now I usually just fill my prescriptions, no questions asked. Bit I don't know, I just felt weird about this. I had never heard of this medicine, and had lots of questions which he really didn't have answers for.

So I take the script home and search webmd.com for the drug. I was prescribed 50mg. I read 309 reviews of patients taking this med. not one single one was taking more then 20 mg, and almost all were only taking 10mg. So i decide I will call the specialist and see what she thinks.

Thank God I did! She said I might not have woken up if I took that much medicine!

This is the 2nd booboo this dr. has made, so I am done seeing him, but in the end I am sooooo happy I consulted another Dr.

Sorry so long!!

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

so happy for you all.

Yes, second, third, fourth ops..never give up.

There are doctors and doctors. Every doctor has his/her own experience and expertise.

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

wow...what a incredible story so happy to hear things are wonderful and you are having your 2nd miracle on the way

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

Thanks ladies, I don't usually post personal stuff like this here, but I was quite reflective this morning.

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

Great Story! Remember doctors are just human and make mistakes- I would always get a second opinion. Your story is an awesome reminder.

WONDERFUL FOR YOU AND DH! Congrats on pregnancy number 2!

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

I am so happy that you went to get a second, third, and fourth opinion!!!!!

God bless you and your beautiful family!!!!

Re: Second opinions - just wanted to share my experience

wow, great story! hugs to you and your hubby and your little ones also!!

i love hearing stories like this, especially since my hubby had a cancerous brain tumor 2 1/2 years ago. we went for a few opinions with different docs and finally found an oncologist that we love.