breast cancer, late 30s - who are the best doctors in the DMV?
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Anonymous
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I'm in my late 30s and was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I am really worried but the cancer looks to be relatively early stage based on the biopsy. I don't have any friends who have been through this.
I'm looking for recommendations for breast surgeon, plastic surgeon for reconstruction, and oncologist. I have been in the Johns Hopkins system for other health needs and generally happy there, but I am open to going anywhere in the DMV, or Baltimore if there are recommended Hopkins doctors there. For those who have been through this before, did you find it valuable to get a second opinion about surgery and treatment options? |
Anonymous
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Maureen O’Donnell at Sibley is wonderful. Part of the Hopkins system.
What do you know about your cancer so far? things to think about: Er/PR status HER2 status Size Getting genetic testing for mutations You’ll likely get an MRI to see if there are any other concerning areas. This will guide the lumpectomy v mastectomy decision The good news is breast cancer is well studied and the protocols are standardized. As long as you go to a cancer center, you’ll likely get excellent care. Happy to keep posting here with you. I went through this a few years ago. (And I am doing great). |
Anonymous
| Dr. Collette Magnant is one of the best! She started the Sullivan Breast Cancer Center at Sibley but left a few years ago. She is now with Maryland Oncology Hematology in Rockville. She operated on my sister for an early stage breast cancer and I saw her for a consult after a biopsy. She is compassionate, smart, and no nonsense. She will tell it to you straight. She surrounds herself with compassionate and skilled staff. |
Anonymous
| ^ also, definitely start with the breast surgeon. He/she will QB everything for you, at least at first. Mine set me up with several plastic surgeons she liked, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist. |
Anonymous
Love her- she helped me with another issue unrelated to breast cancer, but she's one of the best. Glad to hear she's still practicing. Good luck, OP. |
Anonymous
I am undergoing treatment with Dr. Courtney Ackerman. I am very pleased with her and the staff, nurses, lab techs are awesome. https://marylandoncology.com/physicians/ I will say that I got a second opinion at Sibley from Larissa Korde and she was also awesome. https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/larissa-a-korde/2708373 Here are several things I will suggest you do that has been super helpful to me - Have a close family member who is a calm and logical person be your advocate and researcher - to begin with You need to educate yourself quickly and be up to date with the latest treatment and options. But, you cannot freak yourself out or be overwhelmed. You must know to ask the right questions for you. But, in the initial months it is helpful if you have someone. Use AI to simplify and understand the reports and all the medical stuff (including labs, protocol, meds, standard of care etc ) in plain English. You have not gone to medical school. - The treatments and meds are amazing and has progressed in leaps and bounds. Someone told me that "no one dies of breast cancer anymore" when I was diagnosed - and I found it the most loving thing someone had every said to me. I am a menopausal 63 yr old. Your sister is 30. I will not presume that I know what she is going through. - I realized that how well you come out of this is a matter of your mental strength. I anchored on to yoga, breathing exercise, prayers, gratefulness, therapy, selfcare, nutrition, comedy, family and friends, new hobbies - once I knew that I will survive it. Do not for one moment forget that not only you will come out of this, but, you will be a far improved version of yourself in all ways. I had decided to focus on myself and not on the cancer. And that is why having DH handles everything (and not tell me anything that is not super critical). My mindspace has every pleasant thing on it except cancer. I also do not do news, I cannot be a consumer of bystander trauma. |
Anonymous
Yes. 100% this. |
Anonymous
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Another vote for Colette Magnant. She was amazing when I went thru my BC surgery and treatment, now 10 years ago.
Strongly agree with having an advocate/partner attend the initial doctor’s visits. I remember being so distracted I wasn’t able to fully focus on what the doctor was saying. My husband did and it was a relief. I am so sorry for your diagnosis but know that the treatments are so advanced today. You will get through this and be so much stronger. I know the diagnosis was the best worst thing to happen to me. I changed much of my life for the better after treatment because of the very real realization that life is short. Take good care of yourself. |
Anonymous
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Another vote for Sibley. I wanted Dr. O'Donnell but she was booked so went with her colleague Dr. Tran and she was wonderful. The medical and radiology oncology groups both met with me before surgery to discuss options.
I get my mammograms there now too. https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/hanh-tam-tran/2709020 |
Anonymous
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I am 12:02
I third the suggestion to have someone go with you to at least the first meetings with surgeons and oncology. To all if feasible. My companion remembered details better and took notes on the question checklists I brought with me. I had shared the questions with the doctors via portal message in advance. Some looked, some didn't but no one was offended lol. I had a "remote" second opinion with an oncologist at USC who confirmed the treatment plan was solid and also recommended I get on a statin based on research findings about recurrence and my type of cancer. I eventually did. IMO the surgery margins--told her to take big ones, lol-- and decision whether or not to take lymph nodes are critical. It really depends on location, type and age. At 30 I likely would have wanted more aggressive surgery than I did. Best wishes. Let us know how it's going. |
Anonymous
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I believe Dr Magnant retired relatively recently.
I just recently had a lumpectomy with Dr Lucy De La Cruz at Georgetown. She works with Dr Kenneth Fan for plastic surgery who also comes highly recommended - I had a consult with him but ended up not needing any reconstruction. I’m stage 1A, HR+/HER2 negative, about to start radiation (didn’t need chemo). Feel free to ask any questions. The beginning is super overwhelming but it does get easier. Best wishes! |
Anonymous
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Dr Plate (Maryland Oncology and Hematology) did my lumpectomy. She is excellent.
Medical science has made amazing advancements in just a few years - believe it. In early stages when breast cancer has not spread to critical areas - it is curable and it is bearable. |
Anonymous
| I think healthcare sucks for most part in US but I am shocked how lovely, compassionate, efficient and capable the oncologists and their whole staff are in this area. Have others also had the same experience? |
Anonymous
| Dr. Wright or Dr. Sun for Surgery and Carolyn Hendricks at MD Oncology |
Anonymous
| I had surgery with Dr. Bonnie Sun (JHU) last year and liked her a lot. Her NP Savannah Adrian is also good. |