Changing surgeons last minute… thoughts?

This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 10 months ago by Polymath.

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- June 5, 2017 at 11:32 pm
- Quote
AZSoCal
Participant
SITUATION:
– 43 year old male
– Diagnosed with Stage IIIC Melanoma 2-weeks ago
– Had SNB surgery 3-weeks ago to remove 3 primary lymph nodes
– 2 out of the 3 lymph nodes came back positive for micrometastases (just over 1mm each)

I'm currently scheduled to have a CLND surgery on Wednesday at UCLA w/ Dr Economou. He seems highly reputable but I found some of his explanations to be a bit confusing. I understand the difficulties giving clear recommendations for Stage III patients, so I don't fault him but I did seek out a second opinion. I didn't question the need for surgery, it was really about getting more information.

I went to Angeles Clinic and met with Dr. Faries who was excellent. He was able to answer most of my questions without me having to ask, he just anticipated where I was going and provided full details in a clear, concise manner.

I'm considering switching to Dr Faries, but I have a tendancy to over-think things (analysis-paralysis). Both Doctors have been performing the surgery for more than 20 years, 30+ years in Dr Economous' case.

I'm sure they're both talented, although I have my suspicions that each doctors may have a Resident or Fellow actually conduct the surgery under their observation.

Further complicating things, my wife and I have already rearaged our work schedules to have the surgery this week. Waiting another week is going to cause some complications, but nothing impossible to overcome.

QUESTION:
– Am I over thinking this decision?
– Should I just have the surgery on Wednesday as planned?
– Is there a significant varaition in outcomes / methodology for surgeon to surgeon?

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- - June 5, 2017 at 11:36 pm
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  casagrayson
  Participant
  Always … Always … go with your gut and what feels right. I don't have experience with either surgeon, but from other surgery experience I can tell you that the comfort level you feel with your surgeon cannot be undervalued.
- - June 5, 2017 at 11:46 pm
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  SABKLYN
  Participant
  If you believe they're equally competent, no issue having the procedure done by the one with whom you're more comfortable. I made a similar change and was very pleased with the outcome.
- - June 6, 2017 at 12:28 am
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  Ridingaroundwith27Jennifers
  Participant
  I think you have to go with your gut on this one and choose the surgeon you are more comfortable with. If your instinct was to change then change. If you think the time is an issue then keep with the original. You know what is best for you and if you can't decide then maybe lean on your wife to help you choose. I picked my brain surgeon based on his background, reputation, and his personality. It also helped that my oncologist recommended him. I have no regrets. If he had been unable to ease my mind about the surgery or answer my questions then I would have not had him do the procedure.
  - June 6, 2017 at 1:09 am
    
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    AZSoCal
    Participant
    
    Thanks for taking the time to reply, everyone! I'll be sure to pay it forward by helping others on this forum. 🙂
- - June 6, 2017 at 2:48 am
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  MovingOn
  Participant
  How would you know if they had a fellow/resident complete the surgery under their observation?Would that be written on a pathology report or where??
  - June 6, 2017 at 3:41 am
    
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    jennunicorn
    Participant
    
    I think he means it's just possible since they are teaching hospitals. I've had residents and fellows do some procedures on me since I go to UCSF for my specialist and treatment. But, they always ask ahead of time if I am ok with it, so it is unlikely a surgery would be performed by a fellow or resident without you being informed and approving it ahead of time.
- - June 6, 2017 at 5:44 pm
  - Quote
  Polymath
  Participant
  Hi Anon,
  
  It was not clear whether surgery was to groin or axilla (underarm). The axilla carries fewer risks and would be considered rather routine, whereas from what I've read here the groin can be problematic and I would want the best surgeon I could find. My axilla CLND was rather easy, with the drain being the most bothersome issue, and while I have a bit of disfigurement, they managed to cut-off whatever glands that lead to perspiration so I neither sweat, or have odor from that side which I suppose is a good thing. You may want to consolidate your care under the specialist and go with that recommendation.
  
  Gary