RE: Re: PSA's

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

The doctor works for you. It is not disloyal to get a second opinion. If

your doctor thinks it is then he is not the best doctor to work with.

You should feel as if you are part of a team not just a recipient. There

is some good advice that you might be able to use in the ACS book A

Complete Guide To Prostate Cancer. It is available through Amazon. I

wrote a chapter on making the medical system work for you. It is too

long to copy here. One small section says:

Participating in Your Medical Care

As you begin treatment, remember that you are an active member of your

cancer care team. You should play an active role by talking openly with

your team, keeping a record of your medical information, and knowing and

understanding your rights as a patient.

Also:

Asking your doctor to refer you to another doctor for a second opinion

doesn't indicate to your doctor that you don't respect his or her

diagnosis and recommendations. Many doctors are accustomed to this

request. Your body and your life are going to be impacted by your choice

of treatment, and it's understandable that you'd want to have

confirmation about the diagnosis and care plan.

Be confident. You have to do what is best for your husband. As I said

above, if your doctor gets upset because you seek a second opinion then

he is not the best doctor for your husband.

Kathy

Re: PSA's

But my husband was told that a " prior " patient of his lived 3 yrs

with alittle higher psa and the " kind " he has....I want to prove

them wrong...but how do you do that and stay loyal to the doctor?

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