need recommendation

mclvig

Just diagnosed with breast cancer, waiting for MRI results tomorrow.  I live in Stockton but am thinking of going to UCSF or UC Davis.  Like the idea of team of DRs verus just one.  Not sure how to pick which center.  I do not know of anyone in area who is going through this or has gone through this.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mclvig

NatsFan

My strong recommendation would be to get a consult at an NCI designated cancer center, preferably one with a Breast Cancer center.  You'll be seen by the top doctors and surgeons who do nothing but breast cancer all day every day.  They're on top of the latest medical advances, and also the latest surgery and reconstruction options. You need to assemble the best medical team you can - it's your life and health, and you need the best.  

Here's the NCI website: http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-centers-list.html

Looks like UC Davis is on there and it looks like they have a Breast Center: http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cancer/cancer_types/breast.html

Hopefully some California ladies can chime in with their experiences and recommendations about the two centers.  

dlb823

I think your best options in Northern CA are the two you mentioned, plus Stanford -- all NCI designated, as NatsFan suggested.  

Also, keep in mind that you can always go to one of these for your initial workup or second opinion (which is what I did), and have some tx there and some more locally, if that's more convenient.  I had my mx & Diep @ UCLA, and also met with their oncologist and rad onc.  But since UCLA is 3 hrs. away from me, they suggested I find closer docs to actually administer the chemo and rads they had mapped out for me.  They even recommended a wonderful local rad onc who had been @ UCLA, so I felt I got the best of both worlds -- NCI-designated thoroughness, plus local convenience.

Good luck, and don't hesitate to check out more than one facility/medical team.  It's a big decision, and as long as the facility is top-notch, you may find personality differences that just makes one just feel right for you.   Deanna 

mclvig

Can't thank you enough for your replies.  I feel like I'm swimming in a pool of mud.  Just very emotional today.  Going for MRI results this afternoon. Funny how one day you feel as if you can take on the world and the next day you don't even want to open your eyes. Have to say seeing everyones diagnosis after prompts got to me.  Is this how we are defined for the rest of our lives?