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I recently hosted a medical talk show online.We discussed how the more than 200,000 Americans diagnosed with lung cancer each year could get the best chance at life. Among the guests were, an eminent surgical chest oncologist from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and a very outspoken 5-year lung cancer survivor. What we learned during the program,and what I'm about to pass on to you, could save or lengthen your life.
Dr. Douglas Wood is the chief of thoracic surgery, and a lung cancer surgery specialist at the University of Washington. He explained why many people with moderately advanced lung cancer, stage 3, are not offered potentially curative surgery. Dr.Wood informed the listeners that it's not because they couldn't benefit from the surgery, but rather, the surgeon they've chosen may not be skilled in dealing with the intricacies of their case. He was simply saying, that when you have a serious diagnosis like this, you would do well to get a second opinion from someone who specializes in treating your exact situation. So, the question for the first doctor you see is not, "what are my options?" Rather, it should be,"what are ALL of my options; whether or not they are offered by you or the hospital?"
The following story might help in illustrating the above. I was recently on a phone call with a friend from Florida,who told me that her husband was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. The local doctors had explained that there was not much they could do, THERE. However, if they were willing to travel a distance, a specialty heart center might be able to further help her husband's condition.They made the decision to make the trip,and her husband is nowdoing verywell.My friend went on to explain,that she saw a posting on the web from the wife of a heart patient, who had many similar symptoms to her husband. Sadly, that man was not told of the additional treatment options, and he lost his fight against the disease.
In most cases, it can be difficult to know if you're getting the most complete answer. However, no matter what the diagnosis may be, if you do your homework and ask questions, you will undoubtedly get better care. Going even a step further, to get a second and third opinion, are worth your while too.
When faced with a lung cancer diagnosis, the typical patient and their family are understandably terrified.They immediately want to start treatments, but their urge to rush doesn't allow time for research, or seeing other doctors. I can't express how important it is to take a minute, and breathe before rushing into any decision-making. The lung cancer had probably been developing for over a year, and taking one or two extra weeks to decide what's right could lead the patient to a lifesaving option.
When it comes to seniors, there are other important questions that need to be asked. Here's a great one, which is three-fold: 1) "What are the treatment options you would offer someone 20 years younger than me?" 2) "Why would you offer me anything different?" Then add, 3) "If you feel an option is risky for me, what is the risk of NOT taking that option?"
As you know, I preach "Patient Power,"and that means you have to take control of your situation. In the end, the most important thing is that you make treatment decisions that you feel are absolutely right for you. As long as you do that with the most complete information you can gather, it could possibly save your life.
For more information, please visit www.patientpower.info
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