Picking a doctor, hospital, oncologist.

michele54

Now that I know I have ILC and have had "suspicious" bone & CT scans I need to make a decision on a team that will help me beat this and live a long life and seeing my grandkids who aren't even born yet. Even though the ILC is only in the right breast right now,  I've decided on the bilateral mast with recon later - going boobless isn't an issue.  My "girls" have turned on me and they have to go. I've made peace with that. 

Here is my issue and I need opinions please.  I live right out side Philadelphia PA and already have a bs who I love.  Dr Linda Callans is compasionate and I feel very comfortable with her.   She is out of Delaware County Memorial Hospital which is with Fox Chase Cancer Center - she graduated from John's Hopkins and did her residency at the University of PA.  She recommended two oncologists - Dr John Sprandio a Temple grad who is also part of Fox Chase and also Dr Kevin Fox who is with the Hosp of the University of Pa.  I work at the University so I have more of a common bond with him.  Dr Fox has been listed as one of the top 10 doctors in Philly and has been one of America's top docs since 2003.  I know Fox Chase has an excellent reputation but Penn does too.

Anyone in my area that can help?  Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

marshakb

Michele, I'm not in your area and just wanted to point out that ILC makes up only about 20% of the BC population.  If you don't get responses from PA there is probably not anyone from your immediate area on here.  Go with your gut.  If you trust your BS then either one will probably be fine.  Maybe make up your mind based on convenience.  Where will your treatments be, who is closer, etc.  You will probably be looking at radiation too, I believe the new guidelines say anything over 5 cm gets rads.  They changed my treatment plan at the last minute, after I finished chemo to add rads.  The study (over 5  cm) had just come out.  I was so upset, thinking I was done with active treatment only to find out I had 33 rads ahead of me to do.  So ask about that too.  Hugs, Marsha

MarieE

HI Michele... I work at the University (UPenn)  as well... (though I live closer to FoxChase..)  I was diagnosed 03/08... had 2 surgeries then Chemo, which ended 10/08.. I can't say enough for Kevin Fox (or my surgeons.. Brian Czerniecki and Liza Wu)....   Considering my experience, I would definately recommend Kevin Fox... ( Czerniecki and Wu)... and the nurse practioners.... and the great chemo nurses (Teresa and Marie)... ALL WERE GREAT...!  Whatever your choice, I wish you WELL!  (I've heard of others who went to FoxChase and praised their docs too)...  

MarieE

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LaureAC

Hi.  I live in Philly.  I had breast cancer in 2008.  Had to have a mastectomy, but no chemo or radiation.  Highly recommend Dr. Czerniecki and Dr. Wu also @ HUP.  They were my doctors  and are great!