Toronto?

How do I know if I should get a second opinion or not? I mean, I do trust my doctor, Prof. Bikels in Ichilov. He is one of a team of two orthopedic oncologists in all of Israel, and they are quite famous. [the other one of his team is named Prof. Mellers, famous in his own right]. He has been concerened for me, following up with everything he said he would, consulting with others when he felt necessary, and straight with me. Personally he is a bit clinical, but not in an arrogant way.

So the deal is that I am waiting for Bikels to get back to me concerning which type of surgery will be preformed to excise my tumor- either arthroscopy, or open surgery. He discussed with me his doubt weather arthroscopic surgery was even an option in my case with all the scarring in the area.

From what I read, open surgery is more successful. I have also read all there is (not so much, mind you) on the net about following the surgery with a round of radiation treatments, not unkile cancer. That approach is quite successful in lessening rate of recurrence. Also, in the cases where there was recurrence, the time that passed until the tumor returned was considerably longer.

The specialists who did the research are in Toronto. Here is a bit from a site about them:

"...the doctors in Toronto Ontario are also experts in the disease.They conducted a study spanning almost 30 years and including 24 patients. Their findings prove that radiation AFTER a complete OPEN synovectomy completely rids the system of PVNS. The process they use requires the area to be radiated DAILY for 21 days following surgery. Dr. Robert Bell of Mt. Sinai Research Hospital in Toronto, and Dr Brian O'Sullivan of Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto were two of the doctors to publish their findings in Medical Journals in 1996..."

Is it worth flying to Toronto for a second opinion? What if I decide to go with their approach (that is, if it is different than Bikels')... am I stuck in Toronto for a month, or more? Maybe that's worth it, but I'd be so sad missing my family and everyone. But, if that month would prevent more surgeries down the road, than that is worth it.

Granted, I don't have a first opinion yet. I am waiting for that. I just don't want to fly to Toronto alone and go through all that it means to go through with this; hotel (before hospital, I assume), doctors appointments alone, surgery maybe alone, or maybe my parents would come, 3 weeks of radiation after the surgery, etc. Then flying back alone after all this. And without my husband and kids. Sounds too much for me. But I am interested in anyone's opinions or experiences with second opinions, in another country, etc.

I don't have to decide today, but I have to get my thoughts out before they make my head explode. [did'ja get the graphic on that one?]