|
|
Post by pahokie on Jul 28, 2021 19:30:33 GMT -6
Hi All - I am mostly a lurker, but I could really use some help. I apologize that this isn't CEP, but I know there are numerous NOVA folks on this board.
Does anyone have any recommendations for breast cancer treatment, specifically a surgeon, in NOVA? My gyn office gave me a list and reviews are all over the place for everyone on it. There are so many doctor review sites - are any of them legit? I just got the call today and will feel much better once I get next steps planned.
I really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance.
|
|
richard
Emerald
Posts: 13,699
Likes: 128,724
|
Post by richard on Jul 28, 2021 19:34:37 GMT -6
|
|
dc2london
Admin 
Press Secretary
Posts: 61,600
Likes: 419,184
|
Post by dc2london on Jul 28, 2021 20:02:14 GMT -6
|
|
dc2london
Admin
Press Secretary
Posts: 61,600
Likes: 419,184
|
Post by dc2london on Jul 28, 2021 20:09:02 GMT -6
I am so sorry that you have reason to ask, but I'm so glad you trust us to help and really hope we can help (and that you'll stick around and post if it is comfortable for you)
I don't have specific recommendations re: oncology but I can tell you I've worked with Virginia Hospital Center for a number of things (everything from childbirth to a pulmonary embolism to a fractured leg) and always felt that I was well cared for at every step of the process. They are highly rated and Mayo Clinic affiliated. I birthed 2 of my kids there and they are the only ER we will use.
You will be in my thoughts. I pray for effective treatment and recovery. We're here to help how we can.
|
|
|
|
Post by enchanted on Jul 28, 2021 20:09:17 GMT -6
I don't have any recommendations or advice. Just hugs and a shoulder. I'm so sorry you're facing this.
|
|
richard
Emerald
Posts: 13,699
Likes: 128,724
|
Post by richard on Jul 28, 2021 20:19:30 GMT -6
|
|
klw
Opal
Posts: 8,724 Likes: 21,471 
|
Post by klw on Jul 28, 2021 20:28:34 GMT -6
Not from NOVA, but wanted to say that you will be in my thoughts. My mom is a 2x breast cancer survivor so if I can ask her any questions for you, I will. Please keep us updated. ❤️
|
|
tallb
Amethyst
Posts: 5,142 Likes: 32,975
|
Post by tallb on Jul 28, 2021 20:29:23 GMT -6
I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. Have you tried DC urban parents board? It's a bit of scene, but there's a health section.. it has a fair share of crazies, but I think there can be a lot of good info on there. I have double checked my OB, ped, and ENT on their and reviews checked out with my experiences.
You may want to check Georgetown and GW as well since it isn't too far and may have specialists.
|
|
|
|
Post by cakewench on Jul 28, 2021 20:43:33 GMT -6
I would second tallb's suggestion about checking with Georgetown and GW's medical schools. I wish I had more advice or suggestions for you, but will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and hope your treatment and recovery are swift. Please let us know what else we can to do help. <3 |
|
|
|
Post by pufferdoodle on Jul 28, 2021 21:08:47 GMT -6
I'm a lurker but couldn't see your post and not respond. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall. If you are on Facebook there are lots of breast cancer support groups. There is one that has state specific subgroups that would be able to provide you local recommendations. Happy to send you a link to some that I have found helpful.
|
|
Minerva
Ruby
Posts: 15,381 Likes: 67,036
|
Post by Minerva on Jul 28, 2021 21:40:46 GMT -6
Sending gentle hugs your way. I don’t have any recommendations, but I agree that looking at the local med schools is a good idea.
|
|
beaf12
Silver
Posts: 424 Likes: 2,056
|
Post by beaf12 on Jul 28, 2021 23:47:35 GMT -6
I am so sorry you are going through this. I don’t live in your area so I do not have any recommendations. But my sister had a very rare sarcoma in her breast that was successful removed. She was told by her surgeon she was welcome to get a second opinion. She’s a very non-questioning type of person and was like “no, I trust you.” But a friend told her it’s expected to get a second opinion and that’s why her surgeon suggested it. Her second opinion agreed with the treatment plan and recommended further testing her surgeon hadn’t considered.
TLDR: it’s expected that you get a second opinion.
|
|
byjove
Ruby
Posts: 15,198 Likes: 74,107
|
Post by byjove on Jul 29, 2021 5:46:18 GMT -6
I wish I had advice to help you, but I’m so sorry you are going through this. ❤️❤️
My FIL was diagnosed with cancer in this area a couple of years ago and there are a ton of local resources/support- like counselors, free yoga classes, support groups, etc. I bet once you start talking to surgeons you’ll find out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Uncaripswife on Jul 29, 2021 5:59:25 GMT -6
I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't have any specific recs but agree with dc2london about Virginia Hospital Center.
Please say the word if we can help in some other way.
|
|
byjove
Ruby
Posts: 15,198 Likes: 74,107
|
Post by byjove on Jul 29, 2021 6:55:37 GMT -6
Ok, so I remembered I had a sorority sister that is a breast radiographer in DC and reached out to her.
She says: Cocilovo at Inova or Vargas at VCS, Weintritt in Alexandria (not sure where he operates) as places to start. She also says to stay optimistic <3
|
|
|
|
Post by notblanche on Jul 29, 2021 8:00:42 GMT -6
pahokie, my heart goes out to you. I don't know specific recommendations, but my family has received great care from physicians affiliated with Inova.
|
|
|
|
Post by pahokie on Jul 29, 2021 8:30:20 GMT -6
Ok, so I remembered I had a sorority sister that is a breast radiographer in DC and reached out to her. She says: Cocilovo at Inova or Vargas at VCS, Weintritt in Alexandria (not sure where he operates) as places to start. She also says to stay optimistic <3
Thanks for all this work, byjove,. Vargas is on the list from my GYN, so another vote of confidence is a good sign. |
|
|
|
Post by pahokie on Jul 29, 2021 8:33:20 GMT -6
Thank you for the recommendations as well as all the kind words and good thoughts. I asked here because I know how thoughtful and welcoming you all are.
It seems like we caught it relatively early, so I am hopeful that treatment will be effective.
|
|
katespade
Gold
Posts: 990
Likes: 4,966
Member is Online
|
Post by katespade on Jul 29, 2021 8:40:47 GMT -6
I have had nothing but good experiences with physicians based out of INOVA fairfax, so while I don’t have this exact medical experience, I would recommend using one of their physicians.
While my doctor visits with GWMFA have been fine, I had a horrific experience delivering DD at GW hospital and wouldn’t recommend any potential surgery there.
|
|
|
|
Post by gymngemini on Jul 31, 2021 15:02:10 GMT -6
I'm sorry I'm late to this, but I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer this past October. I'm not near your area to suggest any doctors but I'm always happy to be a listening ear and/or share my experiences. Please feel free to tag or PM.
I second what was mentioned above about finding good Facebook groups for information as well. A few people here actually recommended some specific ones to me and they have been a great resource.
It's also okay to consult with one doctor and then get a second opinion from another one. It's a lot to deal with and having a team that you feel comfortable with is so important.
I'll be thinking of you. Please take care and don't hesitate to reach out if you want/need.
|
|
|
|
Post by pahokie on Aug 2, 2021 16:24:45 GMT -6
I'm sorry I'm late to this, but I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer this past October. I'm not near your area to suggest any doctors but I'm always happy to be a listening ear and/or share my experiences. Please feel free to tag or PM. I second what was mentioned above about finding good Facebook groups for information as well. A few people here actually recommended some specific ones to me and they have been a great resource. It's also okay to consult with one doctor and then get a second opinion from another one. It's a lot to deal with and having a team that you feel comfortable with is so important. I'll be thinking of you. Please take care and don't hesitate to reach out if you want/need. , I PM'd you. |
|
