Why should an individual get a second opinion before choosing a treatment option?

Why should an individual get a second opinion before choosing a treatment option?

I think as myeloma therapy becomes more complex, I think it is important to get different opinions.

When you're at a point of making decisions about what the next line of therapy might be.

I truly believe, again, that myeloma therapy must be very individualized.

And for that, there may be difference in opinions amongst different people about what the next best thing might be for an individual.

That doesn't make one option right and the other one wrong.

I do think, however, it is important to get all the information and get thoughts from people, about why, those rational combinations are being recommended for an individual, even if they differ.

So it's important from a patient's perspective to understand a thought process, that goes in when choosing lines of therapy, because we do, you know, think of myeloma as a marathon.

So if we are, potentially recommending a very active combination, let's say in the first relapse, we also think about what might be available, for the patient in the future if they relapse on this, recommended regimen.

So in the start, it's important to think not just in the moment, but also, several steps ahead to make sure that we are not, potentially eliminating certain options, for patients that may benefit them.

Let's say, at a later time.

So I tell people they should think about getting a second opinion every time they feel like they, you know, want to get more information.

And that by no means is a, you know, a negative, factor on their local physician or their primary oncologist.

It really just comes down to your own peace of mind and making sure you fully understand all the medications that we have available and why we might recommending a particular combination or not.

And the second thing I will just say is, any time, you know, consideration is being given for a particular clinical trial, let's say that's not available, at your local facility.

I think that's another, time to explore at major, academic centers to see what is available at that moment, for an individual, which may be different, because it is in clinical trial format than what might be recommended, for primary oncology, with the primary oncology team.

Most of myeloma patients have their info stored across multiple facilities.

Use HealthTree to track your disease, and use the summary page to hand over to a specialist when you're getting a second opinion.

To make this process much easier.

When you've put in all your information into a HealthTree, this page has just about everything a myeloma specialist needs to make an informed decision about how to treat your disease.