Top oncologists in Vancouver, BC? For Luptoctomy...

ab997

My sister was diagnosed with stage 0 or 1 breast cancer, only a 9mm in right breast.  Tested positive after biopsy, and MRI.  We were sent to a general surgeon first, and we asked for 2nd opinion and went to an oncologist at VGH, called Dr. Davis. We didn't like her bed manners, but we'd like to know if surgery (luptoctomy) MUST be done by oncologist or not? and if so, who's recommended in Vancouver?

We're also referred to BCCA for 2nd biopsy and further opinion.

Any help is appreciated...

 

Thanks

GG27

Surgery would be done by a surgeon, treatment plan is formulated by oncologist. I don't have any recommendations for you, but you might be better to ask on the British Columbia forum. Good luck, GG

Canadians in British Columbia

edited to add. Sorry I steered you a bit wrong about the surgeon. I didn't realize that we had surgical onco's here in BC. I don't believe there are any on the island. But I'm glad to see that you're getting good advice on the BC thread. Good luck, GG

Sneakychiquita

Hi, sorry to hear your sister is going through this. I'm also from Vancouver and can offer a bit of insight.

For starters, it doesn't have to be a surgical oncologist who performs the surgery. In fact, I believe most lumpectomies and mastectomies here in Vancouver are performed by general surgeons (plastic surgeon does the reconstruction end of things if that's also on the table). I was referred by my GP to Dr. Elaine McKevitt when my biopsy first confirmed breast cancer. I didn't get a warm fuzzy feeling from her, but she was informative, respected my wishes (even when they went against her advice), and did a very good job overall. It was after the pathology came in from my mastectomy that I got referred to the BCCA and was matched up with an oncologist, Dr. Gelmon.

My surgeon, Dr. McKevitt shared an office with Dr. Kuuske (sp?) on West 7th, near Granville, and I believe they both focus on breast surgeries. I'm sure there other surgeons out there who are equally as good. There's a thread on these discussion boards specifically for women in British Columbia… please seek us out if you'd like more local knowledge.

I know this can be a scary time, but the care here in British Columbia is top notch and I'm sure you'll feel better about things once a plan is put together for your sister.

Sneakychiquita

Here's the west coast thread: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/55/topic/...

Sneakychiquita

Ha, GG beat me to the punch! We must have been writing at the same time.

wrenn

I had Dr. Davis years ago and she is an excellent surgeon. I would have liked to have had her. McKevitt failed me miserably and I switched to McGregor at VGH after the complications. He was on call on one of my visits to ER and so I stayed with him. I would avoid Mt. St. Joes if you can.

Good luck.

ab997

Thank you all... so, shall we stay with the general surgeon (Dr. Lewis from North Shore)? or go with Dr. Davis or another for this? 

wrenn

Check them all on Ratemy MD. if you live in North Van I would stay there for convenience with follow up.

Trails

Just to chime in - and potentially make a harder decision for you! - If you're on the North Shore, I highly recommend Dr Jenni Smith (general surgeon; specializes in breast surgery) and Dr Puneet Bains (medical oncologist). Dr Smith took care of both my surgeries and was great. Wonderful person, and a very skilled surgeon. Dr Bains is also excellent, both in terms of knowledge and bedside manner. Good luck, and I agree with Sneakychiquita - once a plan is in place that you feel comfortable with and confident in, you can breathe a bit easier.

ab997

Thanks guys. she lives in Van, but her GP is on North Shore, as he's the old GP hence we've had options on both sides. It is getting quite confusing to say the least, saw Dr. Lewis, Dr. Davis, now trying to see Dr. Carol Dingee?!?! CRAZY!

ptrqc

Hi,

I created a new thread with a question about post-BC follow-up when moving from Québec (or another province) to British-Columbia here

Moderator suggested I post it here to get more answers.

Thanks for your help !

Ptrqc