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Whether you’ve recently received a multiple myeloma diagnosis or are considering a change in treatment, you may want another provider’s perspective on your diagnosis or treatment plan.
This is normal, and you have the right to seek a second opinion at any point in your care. A second medical opinion can help you learn about other treatment options and feel more confident in your decisions.
In this article, you’ll learn about the potential benefits of seeking a second opinion and how and when to go about it.
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A second opinion may have several benefits as you navigate life with multiple myeloma, including helping to confirm your diagnosis, evaluate your treatment protocol, and provide peace of mind.
When you first receive a myeloma diagnosis or abnormal test results, it’s natural to feel anxious, confused, or surprised.
You may even question whether you’ve really been diagnosed with cancer. Second opinions at this stage may help relieve some of the anxiety surrounding your diagnosis.
As one MyMyelomaTeam member shared, “A second opinion can really help with fear.”
Specifically, a second opinion from a hematopathologist might be helpful. These experts diagnose blood cancers. They can confirm your diagnosis and answer questions about your future with myeloma.
You may feel rushed to dive straight into the first myeloma treatment option offered to you. But you have the right to consider your options carefully. A second opinion may offer options your first doctor didn’t consider.
One study evaluated people receiving cancer treatment (not specifically myeloma) who sought a second opinion. Researchers found that rates of diagnostic or treatment disagreement varied widely across different studies, ranging from 2 percent up to 51 percent.
Another study included 120 people with cancer, including several with myeloma. Researchers found that 35 percent had meaningful changes to their treatment plans after getting a second opinion that were expected to improve patients’ health, and a smaller number were also expected to have a better prognosis (outlook).
If a local medical oncologist diagnosed you without myeloma expertise, a second opinion from a myeloma specialist at a cancer center may help. They may know about treatment options that aren’t offered elsewhere.
Some oncologists even suggest second opinions from myeloma specialists.
One MyMyelomaTeam member shared, “My local oncologist (who sees patients with all kinds of cancer) recommended I see a myeloma specialist. Now I travel there every six months for check-ins while my local oncologist monitors my condition monthly.”
Hearing next steps from a myeloma expert can give you peace of mind and comfort. If the second doctor recommends something different, you may be able to avoid unnecessary treatments or tests. This can help you feel less anxious about the future.
Even if the second doctor suggests the same next steps as the first, you’ll feel more confident you’re on the right track.
A second opinion can be useful at any point in your myeloma diagnosis or treatment journey. Many people choose to get a second opinion right after diagnosis to make sure the treatment plan is the best path forward.
If you have an urgent issue, treat it as quickly as possible. But in nonurgent cases, people with myeloma typically have time to get a second opinion before treatment.
You might seek an opinion from a second myeloma expert if:
Remember that you’re entitled to a second opinion at any time. You don’t have to request one at the time of diagnosis. You can get a second opinion for myeloma even if you’ve had the condition for years.
This also applies to your multidisciplinary team. If you don’t feel comfortable with the team that works alongside your oncologist, that’s an understandable reason to seek a second opinion elsewhere.
Before getting a second opinion, you or your current doctor will need to gather information about your medical history. This includes your lab results, diagnosis, health status, and current and past treatments.
You should also write down questions for the second opinion doctor. For instance, you might ask whether they can take over your care if you like their second opinion. Or you might ask about alternative treatment options.
Once you have these details, you can determine which type of second opinion you prefer. The two main types are in person and virtual.
Your primary care doctor or current oncologist may be able to refer you to a myeloma expert for an in-person second opinion appointment.
You might feel nervous about asking your oncologist for a referral. But doctors are rarely offended by these requests. Medical experts often ask each other for opinions and advice.
It’s OK to let your myeloma provider know that you’re interested in a second opinion. “A good hematologist welcomes a second opinion,” one MyMyelomaTeam member said.
If you know someone else with myeloma, you can ask them for a recommendation. They can suggest a doctor who’s been helpful to them. You might also consider doing research about myeloma experts.
If the myeloma expert you want to see is far away, their cancer center may be able to help with travel. Others may suggest a remote second opinion.
A remote second opinion for cancer is also called a virtual second opinion. This involves a physician reviewing your lab work, medical records, and other documents without actually being in the exam room with you.
They then create a report with their opinion on your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. They may meet with you via telehealth during a video visit to discuss their findings. In other cases, they may send you the report or call you on the phone to discuss it.
When you’re scheduling a second opinion, ask about cost. Insurance may not cover all types of second opinions, and some dedicated virtual second opinion programs can cost $1,000 or more.
The second-opinion doctor may ask you to contact your health plan for coverage details.
As you pursue a second opinion or review the one you requested, it’s important to feel good about the proposed treatment plan. Make sure your provider explains every detail in a way you can understand and shares the decision-making with you.
In some cases, you may want to work with both the original doctor and the one who provided the second opinion.
This can be especially helpful if the second-opinion doctor creates your treatment plan but is located at a cancer center elsewhere. Then your local oncologist can carry out the plan and treat you where it’s convenient.
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