If you were diagnosed with breast cancer woould you go and have a second opinion done?

About 3 weeks ago my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and she wants to have a second opinion done before the doctors and the oncologist start any treatment on her, but her family tells her that it will be a waste of time for her to have a second opinion because she will be disappointed all over again? What do you think that my friend should do?

Also does MRI's detect breast cancer?

Only a biopsy can be definitive in determining whether a lump is cancer. All other methods can suggest whether something is a potential problem or not - but not tell conclusively if a group of cells are cancerous.

A second opinion will not likely give her a different answer. BUT she should get the 2nd opinion if it will help her to cope with the diagnosis and feel like she's done all she can.

It is a scary thing - but tell her not to panic, there is a lot that can be done.

Breast Cancer is usually pretty straight forward when being diagnosed. Your friend needs to find an oncologist that she trusts. My dear friend who was diagnosed when she was 32 years old is doing well now. Your friend is going to need a lot of support. I wish her well...

I was diagnosed with breast CA by mammogram. Before I would consent to a mastectomy I insisted on a needle biopsy, even though the x-ray was very definite. Your friend needs to do whatever gives her peace of mind. She need not repeat the same tests as those results and films can be made available to whomever she sees for the second opinion. There are a number of radiological exams which can diagnose breast cancer.

I think your friend should definitely have a second opinion done, just to be safe, even if it may "disappoint her all over again."

My experience with cancer is not with breast cancer, but with a brain tumor that typically kills people within six months. My son is still going strong nearly 5 years later. Why? I think it's because he was treated at a major medical center.

If I have any kind of cancer, I want to be treated by people who see that kind of cancer all day long, not once a month.

As for your friend, it's her illness. She gets to drive the bus. She should do whatever makes her comfortable and ready to put up a fight, because she is literally in a fight for her life. The best thing her family and her friends can do is be there to help her cope with something none of us ever want to cope with; if they can't support her doing what she needs to do, they need to get out of the way.

By all means, get a second opinion if it will put you at ease. If it is any consolation, breast cancer has a very high survival rate. Many of my friends are breast cancer survivors. I myself have had four breast operations. Keep your spirits up.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer my surgeon asked me if I wanted to get a second opinion. I didn't but that's just me because I think I knew from the moment I found the lump that it was cancer.

It's her body. She is entitled to do what she wants.

This website has very comprehensive links of cancer info
http://www.rearadmiral.com.au/links/canc...

The Brain Tumour Society webpage has many good info of brain cancer

http://www.tbts.org

Depending on which part of the world you are in, I would suggest you read this article and see if it may help

http://www.the7thfire.com/health_and_nut...

and some people cannot drink Essiac tea (not sure how true but just for info)
http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer/Essiac...

This is a youtube video of Nurse Caisse (4 parts)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTFqKMlC...

I would also encourage you to go to your local video store and hire a DVD called The Secret or at http://www.thesecret.tv

Not sure of your financial situation but I would encourage you attend Anthony Robbins seminars - they are famous for changing people's lives.

Best.

Carol