breast cancer, late 30s - who are the best doctors in the DMV?

[Anonymous]

OP, the few weeks following diagnosis are the worst - scary and overwhelming. But as soon as your treatment team is in place at a breast center (I was at Sibley), it all comes together. The doctors all know what to do, they do it all day long, and the process is a well-oiled machine. You will be fine. One thing I was glad I did was set up my appointment right away with the breast surgeon (O’Donnell), even before MRI, so you can get in and on their schedule for surgery as soon as possible. If you go to Sibley, Dr. Khavanin did my plastic surgery and he was great.

[Anonymous]

I had a great experience at Georgetown. My surgeon was Dr. Evangelista. My original medical oncologist has left, but I am happy with my current one, Dr. Mainor. I have seen others at the practice. Everyone has made me feel well taken care of.

However, for radiation I'd recommend considering Sibley/Suburban due to ease with logistics. Dr. Stinson is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Best wishes OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

Yes, including the surgeons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

Yes, including the surgeons.

Same experience here too. It actually made me thankful to be in this country for this.

[Anonymous]

Hey there! I’m about 9 months into my cancer journey. It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant initially. Get as many consults as you like. I did three, and learned a little something different/more from each one based on how that individual surgeon thinks and processes. Ultimately I needed someone in network, who also coordinated with a plastic surgeon that I wanted to use who was in network. That ruled out some surgeons more broadly for me. I did go with Dr. Maureen O’Donnell and like everyone else who mentioned her, have glowing reviews. I found her to be extremely human, and very thoughtful and informative. I’ve continued my care at Sibley and have nothing but positive feedback for their oncology care team. Wishing you all the best.

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed as being high risk for breast cancer (no family history) due to atypical hyperplasia. I had a preventative double mastectomy with reconstruction (all done in one surgery). This has given me peace of mind, and now I only need MRIs every six years. Dr. Christine Teal at GW performed the mastectomy. I highly recommend her. You can read more here:

https://washingtonian.com/2011/07/05/when-a-breast-cancer-surgeons-mother-undergoes-a-double-mastectomy/

[Anonymous]

One thing that eased my mind is that for a very early stage and more common cancer type, there are standard protocols that everyone will follow from the NCCN, so when getting second opinions, you don’t really have to worry about that. Also because of that logistics can play a bigger factor. You will get the same treatment in Georgetown that you will in Rockville.

[Anonymous]

Op, it sounds like you have some good recs here. I am really happy with Sullivan Breast Center in general and it feels more personal there. I just wanted to say that I am sending you healing wishes and hugs. In my mid 40's and had two mom friends go through this a few years ago - both successfully treated and doing great now.

[Anonymous]

Good luck. Early onset breast cancer is often very aggressive. My friend died of it at 51. She went to all the best drs in NYC too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. Early onset breast cancer is often very aggressive. My friend died of it at 51. She went to all the best drs in NYC too.

Not helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. Early onset breast cancer is often very aggressive. My friend died of it at 51. She went to all the best drs in NYC too.

Good grief, seriously? Not the thread for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. Early onset breast cancer is often very aggressive. My friend died of it at 51. She went to all the best drs in NYC too.

This poster is a frequent flyer - loves to post inappropriate stuff like this and it’s not even based in facts or statistics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. Early onset breast cancer is often very aggressive. My friend died of it at 51. She went to all the best drs in NYC too.

And please F all the way off.

[Anonymous]

I had a great experience at Georgetown with my stage 2 BC. The entire team was great. It was caught early and thankfully I’m in the clear. Drs DeLaCruz and Fan were my surgeons.
Stay positive- sending good vibes your way!