It might seem strange that we've made it this far into treatment without ever seeking a second opinion. I guess I did have an initial opinion when I was first diagnosed in Australia but I would hardly count that. No, the entire time we have relied exclusively on the viewpoints of my doctors at UCSF. (Along with our own research and desires of course.) I feel very fortunate since it is one of the finest hospitals in the country for treating brain cancer. On top of that, whenever I see my doctor she presents my case to the "tumor board" made up of all the neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists - everyone in the department with potential insights - so that I benefit from their views as well. These folks might walk right by me on the street on the street but if I happened to be holding my brain MRI - they'd say,"Hey, I know you....
The point is, I don't feel underserved by UCSF. I feel confident in the care I've received and the treatment plan that I've pursued. Still, we've come to another crossroads in my treatment. I'm off chemotherapy (I can go back on if there is a turn for the worse) and I still would rather defer whole brain radiation as long as possible - so what to do?
