Hi Karen, I was referred at the beginning of my diagnosis to Emory, by my primary oncologist, Dr. Lynn Zemsky. I see Dr. Nooka at Emory. I was really sick at diagnosis. So I was referred for a transplant. I had a transplant Dec 2017 at Emory. I started out going every 3 months for follow up to Emory. I only live 37 miles away, but as you know going through Atlanta traffic is awful. I have been very stable. So now I just go to Emory twice a year. Once in the spring for my myeloma panel and once in the fall for a bone marrow biopsy and labs. I do recommend Emory highly. I have high risk genetics. I have done well. I like Dr. Nooka okay. But it I had it to do over, I would try to get Dr. Lonial, he is the department head, or Dr. Jonathan Kaufman, he has a very sweet bedside manner. I could actually get away with going to Emory just once a year for my bone marrow biopsy in the fall. I like their pathologist. They read my myeloma labs better than Quest diagnostics. I usually do video visits for follow ups unless I think I'm having an issue 🥰💖💕

A second opinion is common practice with any kind if cancer, especially a speciality like myeloma. I see a myeloma Specialist that sees over 500 myeloma patients a year. I think it's a good idea to go to a larger facility that does Research and clinical trials. I go to Emory twice a year and I go to my regular oncologist monthly for treatments. 👍

It’s always good to be proactive. It is your health n your life. I think your dr would understand. Good luck.

I started with a general oncologist. Then I switched to a myeloma specialist before having SCT. If I had it to do over, I would have started with the myeloma specialist. You should do some checking to find one. Then, if your insurance allows, go on your own seeking a second opinion. Good doctors arent threatened by that. I am seen at UTSW in Dallas. I have one myeloma specialist but he consults with the others and with the director of the program. Everybody benefits.

I don't know the proper protocol where you are but normally a request would be forwarded by your General Practitioner to the professional of interest, suggested by you or your G.P. for you. I hope this gives you food for thought. 🙏
God Bless,
Curt