Surgery/Chemo at MD Anderson

crs003

Hi

I am newly diagnosed 3-16-15 with Stage IIa, Grade 3 Invasive Ductile Carcinoma, 3.5 centimeters, no nodes, Ki-70%, triple negative for markers, age 36. I have met with an oncologist and surgeon in my home town who are giving me the option of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to do lumpectomy, or to do a mastectomy. I am in the process of seeking a second opinion at MD Anderson in Houston and originally they told me I have lumpectomy option, now after reviewing my rads, they think that I have calcifications (even though MRI was clear) that would take lumpectomy off the table. I am still unsure if I will seek my treatment here, or go back to hometown. Does anyone here have any experience with surgeons/oncologists at MD Anderson? Would my chemo treatment be any different? Any advantages, disadvantages. Also, has anyone done neo-adjuvant to shrink a tumor for lumpectomy? I am mostly seeing mastectomies after neo-adjuvant, so just curious. I know each case has its unique features, but I would appreciate hearing about anyone's experience with this hospital. Thanks.

Leighrh

I  went to MD Anderson for my surgery.  I had a lumpectomy with reconstruction.  I absolutely loved my surgeons.  I am having adjuvant chemo and rads and I am seeing a local oncologist and radiologist only because it is easier to have these treatments at home.  My Docs at MDA are in the loop with everything I am doing and my Local docs are following MDA recommendations.  I had a wonderful experience with MDA...  BC is all they do.  I trust there scans more than my local docs. I will from now on have all check ups there!

wrmbrownie

I am doing chemo there and will have surgery/radiation there as well. I love my MO and the team there and drive an hour and half from my hometown for their expertise. Good luck!

 

Mamabear0

hi ladies!

I was just diagnosed last week, I am am at Fort Polk with a doctor in Shreveport. We told her we want to involve MDA, and she is very supportive. We may do surgery in Shreveport, then medical oncology at MDA, or MDA may just take over. I have my first appointment there and all new scans next week. I just have some questions! Everyone I know who has gone there, it has been A LONG wait from first appointment to an surgery or treatment. Is that always true? I am 32 with a grade 3 cancer (still waiting on all the other info, but my bet is triple negative) I have three little ones (4,2, and 1) and need to be here for them! I just want to fight this, and soon! Can you share your experiences?

Also, it sounds like I can possibly go there,many get the actual chemo closer to me? Sorry, I am brand new at this.

cider8

I went to MDA for Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I had my chemo at home but had surgery and rads in Houston. I suspect they will decide on local vs MDA for treatments based on the complexity of your case. They will guide you quite well but ask questions, get all test results explained and hook up with the social worker. Be sure to speak up if you start feeling lost; it's a great place to be treated but it is big and cancer itself is overwhelming.

ETA: based on your age, you will probably have chemo before surgery. My experience is only with IBC (including other IBC patients), which is fast tracked since it is especially aggressive.