What happens at a second opinion appointment?

The doctor giving a second opinion will probably ask for the results of any tests or procedures you already had. Ask the second doctor’s office if any test results, imaging scans, or other medical information needs to be sent ahead of time, before you have your appointment.

Why is it important to get a second opinion?

A second opinion can help you decide which treatment is most appropriate for your particular situation. It’s important to make sure that any second (or third) opinion you seek is from a physician who has broad experience and expertise treating the condition that you’ve been diagnosed with.

What are end of life signs?

End-of-Life Signs: The Final Days and Hours

• Breathing difficulties. Patients may go long periods without breathing, followed by quick breaths.
• Drop in body temperature and blood pressure.
• Less desire for food or drink.
• Changes in sleeping patterns.
• Confusion or withdraw.

How do you know how long someone has to live?

One approach to estimating how long someone has to live is referred to as the momentum of change. If someone’s condition is changing from week to week, it’s a good indication that there are only weeks of life left. If there are changes from one day to another, there are likely days of life left.

Are doctors offended by second opinions?

In serious cases, it can even save your life. But, pursuing a second opinion can add more stress to the situation if you are afraid your current doctor could get offended, resulting in a conflict. While it is not impossible for a doctor to get offended, thankfully it happens less than you may fear.

What questions should I ask in a second opinion?

Do I Need a 2nd Opinion? 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Why is this treatment the best option for me?
• What is your experience with this treatment?
• Are there any alternative options?
• What will happen if I wait or don’t have the treatment?
• What are the risks?
• How long can I expect the benefits of this treatment to last?

How do doctors know how long a patient has to live?

Q: How does a doctor determine a patient’s prognosis? Dr. Byock: Doctors typically estimate a patient’s likelihood of being cured, their extent of functional recovery, and their life expectancy by looking at studies of groups of people with the same or similar diagnosis.

When should you seek a second medical opinion?

“Patients should seek another opinion if they feel uncomfortable with their initial team, if they have a rare cancer that another doctor may have more expertise with, or if they are confused about their diagnosis or treatment options,” she says.

What questions should I ask my doctor about my cancer prognosis?

Oncologist Anthony L. Back, M.D., a national expert on doctor-patient communications, talks with one of his patients about what she’d like to know of her prognosis. If you have cancer, you may have questions about how serious your cancer is and your chances of survival.

Can cancer come back after 5 years of remission?

If you remain in complete remission for 5 years or more, some doctors may say that you are cured. Still, some cancer cells can remain in your body for many years after treatment. These cells may cause the cancer to come back one day.

Why does my doctor tell me I have a poor prognosis?

Or, he may tell you that you have a poor prognosis if the cancer is harder to control. Whatever your doctor tells you, keep in mind that a prognosis is an educated guess. Your doctor cannot be certain how it will go for you.

How long does it take for cancer to clear up?

In a complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. If you remain in complete remission for 5 years or more, some doctors may say that you are cured. Still, some cancer cells can remain in your body for many years after treatment.

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