Options, Options, Options: What if I make the wrong decision?

Second-guessing yourself when deciding on a physician or treatment option is common. You are in a self-preservation mode and worry that any decision you make may be “wrong”. There is no wrong pathway. If given options, it means that there are pros and cons to each and the doctors have similar faith/concerns about each one. The decision should therefore be based on other factors: complication rate, recovery time, where you can be treated (does it require relocating) and more.

Shared decision-making, meaning you and your doctors discuss options and come to a decision together keeps you in the loop, in control and is empowering.

If there is an absolute best option, your doctor will make it clear too. 

Before a decision is made, you should always ask about each option’s side effects (including impact on quality of life measures such as fertility), recovery time, likelihood of success or recurrence (how different or similar are these rates), will choosing one path preclude you from the other options at a later date?