If I were in your shoes, I would get a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion � and ASAP! I was �only� stage 1 when first diagnosed in 2005 and had a recurrence in 2010. Over the years I�ve been to 4 different hospitals/cancer centers including Johns Hopkins and as many others have found you will often get a completed different opinion at each facility. From personal experience I would highly recommend Johns Hopkins. MD Anderson and Sloane are also tops in the field.

I find it hard to believe that your doctor would discourage you from getting a 2nd opinion � it is your right as a patient to do so. If you haven�t done so already, call and request copies of all your medical records including any biopsy reports and scans that were done. I have collected copies of most of my medical records over the years and when I would go to another specialist I was able to fax or mail them to the doctor ahead of time (and quicker than waiting for your current doctor to send them).

Good luck!