Hi, I am Greg Metry, in my 10th year as a stage 4 colon cancer survivor. You may have heard the importance of second opinions. Believe It! I have lived by the premise that second and third opinions matter. So many personal examples I will share in future posts, though for today, I will reference one, my first one. Immediately following my initial surgery, a colon resection for stage 4 colon cancer, my Oncologist offered a list of liver surgeons to visit and discuss a potential, albeit future, liver resection. My cancer had spread to the liver, including tumors in both lobes, spots that covered most of the liver and visible disease in my stomach lining. Our plan was to clear half of the liver and visible disease elsewhere, to perform liver surgery. At the time, I was unaware, though pleased to learn that our liver is the only organ that can rejuvenate after a resection. Anxious to proceed with a comprehensive plan to health, my wife, LaLisa, made an appointment with one of our fine liver surgeons in the Dallas metroplex. To this day, I appreciate the Doctor’s candor, as he shared his screen, detailing the scenario described above, conveying his regrets that he nor his team could offer hope for a future surgery. From his perspective, we were lost, no hope beyond extending life through chemo treatments. We kindly thanked the good doctor and proceeded to the next recommendation on our list. Seldom, will I reveal names beyond a hospital, cancer center or clinic. This is one of two exceptions; due to profound impact this Physician continues to have on my life. Dr. Goldstein, from Baylor Hospital, entered our room with a warm greeting. After revealing I had seen another surgeon, he asked what they told me. I replied, “Dr. Goldstein, they said they could not help, as the cancer was too advanced.” Dr. Goldstein placed his right hand on my left shoulder and calmly replied. “Maybe they can’t, but we can!” Those words were magically uplifting. Dr. Goldstein proceeded to explain that medical advances and treatment options come at a rapid pace. “We will reset the clock,” he said (keep me alive) until treatments allow liver surgery. Dr. Goldstein’s words, “We will reset the clock,” promoted a sense of calm confidence that continues today. In July of 2014, Dr. Goldstein performed a liver resection, the catalyst that placed me in remission for three years. Second opinions … they matter.