Anyone in Atlanta (Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Decatur) area?

Tasal

This is my first post. I was just diagnosed the day before Thanksgiving (2 days ago). I am a single gal, living alone so I would love to find someone in my immediate area that is either going through this or has gone through this in recent years that I could chat with, grab tea/coffee, etc. I'm sure there has to be a support group near me but I only seem to be able to find a handful of monthly meetings- weeks away. My mother also had breast cancer but it's been over 30 years ago so much has changed and there is much she can't remember...

sandcastle

Some  good Hospitals in that Area.....I hear Piedmont is good......These Boards are very helpful....Liz

Tasal

thanks!

Tasal

Thank you rose50! It's actually been a lot harder than I would have imagined to connect with someone in my area. I'm so newly diagnosed it would really be a great help to at least know what to expect as far as a timeline of how things happen, and how quickly. I think I have to make some pretty quick decisions!

Homehelp

we live in the Druid hills area, sorry you have to go through this

My wife was initially treated at Northside and is now being treated in Marrietta

I am a physician and if you want to talk would be happy to share our experiences

Tasal

Hi. Thank you for reaching out. I'm still quite new to these boards and have yet to decipher all of the codes and abbreviations (I know there's a list someone but I've not had a chance to study it yet). I've just set my surgery for end of Dec. I'm having a bilateral mastectomy with free tram recon. It looks like I will be lucky to have skin/nipple sparing procedure (assuming clean margins at surgery). Would love to talk or chat on here. Mostly getting an idea of how best to prepare, little tricks on what is helpful post surgery, etc. My procedure will also be at Northside.

Anonymous

Hi Tasal. I live in Lilburn and am being treated at Emory Eastside Breast Center in Snellville. My initial diagnosis was made at Northside Breast Center on November 12, 2015. It's been a whirlwind! Will start chemo, pre surgery, on Dec. 22. I'm very glad I decided to join this board, and welcome you too. It's been extremely informative even while being a hard slap of reality. I've learned enough from these fabulous ladies, though, to at least calm down a bit. And although I wouldn't wish this on anyone, it truly is a blessing to know I am not alone. God bless you in your journey -- Heidy

Tasal

Hi Birdie56 (Heidy)- Thank you for writing. I was beginning to think I was the only woman in Atlanta going through this right now! I've not been very successful at meeting up with anyone. I have been on a couple of the boards (Dec 2015 surgeries). However, I don't write on that much as I don't seem to be as hip to the lingo on here! Also, it tends to make me a bit more anxious to read about he difficulties that some women are experiencing post surgery. I'm schedule for double mastectomy, sentinel lymph node removal and free tram recon on Dec 30th. Radiation and chemo are yet to be determined. I'm doing well now but think as Christmas nears I'm going to get quite anxious. I'm looking at 5 days in the hospital so I suppose this will be a NYE to remember?! My surgery will be at Northside. Have you scheduled your lumpectomy yet? Are you already taking tamoxifen? Wishing you the best! Tasha

DecaturGirl

Hi! I live in the Oakhurst/Kirkwood area and was just diagnosed on Monday, 12/14. And just joined this site last night. I too am learning the roes and am anxious and averwhelmed. I would love to connect. It would be nice to have a partner in crime so to speak. I was diagnosed, but am waiting on lots of testing to come back before treatment -- MRI, PET scan, genetic testing all scheduled in the next week around the holidays. Please reach back out! Looking forward to talking to you soon.

Moderators

Hi DecaturGirl! Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry for your recent diagnosis, but we're glad that you found us and this particular thread to connect with others in your local area who can help you feel you're not alone in this journey.

Thinking of you. Let us know if can be of any assistance navigating the forums or the main site.

Best,

The Mods

geewhiz

Hi! I am in Atlanta and am quite a few years out. I am in real estate too : )

Feel free to pm me, I'd love to grab a cup of coffee sometime!

Tasal

Thanks geewhiz- that would be great! I'll have to take you up on that sometime

glennie19

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/156/topics/838701?page=1#post_4584056

Can I put you Atlanta area ladies in touch with DecaturGirl? Maybe someone can help her out with her dogs?

CC_Caboose

Hello Fellow Atlanta Folks!!!

I nearly fell over when I saw this post! I'm not the only one in Atlanta just going through this!?!? Technically I'm OTP, but work in North Druid Hills, often hang in Decatur, vaHi areas. I had my 1st ever in life mammogram on 11/10/15. Had diagnostic mammogram 11/16 with an ultrasound(? Sonogram). Dec 1st had core biopsy (all done at Northside)... 2 days later on Dec 3rd, sitting in the Nordstroms Rack parking lot in Buckhead... Got "the call"... Invasive Mammary Carcinoma with Mucinous features (which I refer to as Rare Unicorn Cancer since I cannot find much info about it). I'm am only 38 years old. This just seems wrong.

These last 2 weeks have been a nightmare! I've been yanked off the pill by my OBGYN, sent to a surgeon at some place in Alpharetta?? on 12/15 who basically asked me when I wanted to remove both breasts.... My tumor is roughly 1.2cm; the size of a pea, and supposedly my "unicorn cancer" is a slow growing one, probably Stage 1 the surgeon said, but couldn't be sure until we removed some body parts. WHAT??? I have a ganglion cyst on my wrist that I've had removed 3 times and at no point did my Orthopedic Surgeon ever say "Well, let's just cut off both of your arms to fix it". I know cancer is a different, deadly beast completely, but I'm having a real problem with removing EVERYTHING just because SOMETHING is there.

I have put the brakes on any and ALL body part removal until I get a second opinion, with ALL of my labs completed, and all genetics tests back. And quite frankly, I don't feel any lump and I don't feel "sick" (yes I do aknowledge I've been handed the Cancer card, not ignoring that fact). Trying to stay logical, but vigilant at the same time. Its hard!!!

By the way, magically a HUGE package from Northside arrived in the mail YESTERDAY 12/16 with a really great NO COST Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook and other no cost support offers. Very helpful from what I've read, I have not contacted this "no cost" program yet since its now Friday. I wish I had gotten it weeks ago, lots of information. I have no clue how I recieved it, I only had tests done at Northside, my OBGYN is in Alpharetta. In any case would be happy to share any info and always up to talk about. This is scary, but I've decided not to panic yet

-CC

Tasal

CC_Caboose- Thanks for reaching out. And no- you aren't alone. Though truthfully I've had a heck of a time finding anyone to speak with. Sort of been going it alone for the most part. Reached out to DecaturGirl so hopefully she'll come back and chime in on things. As for age- it just doesn't much seem to matter. I'm 44, my mother was 29 when she had it, my dad's mother was in her early 40s as well. I'm 4th generation on my mom's side to have cancer (3 breasts, 1 ovarian) and have it on my dad's side via my grandmother and his sister and go figure if my BRAC1 & 2 came up negative! But then of course they say that regardless of the results that my family more than likely has some genetic mutation and they just have yet to discover the gene. Then on the news the other night they were saying that only about 10% of family history plays into. The more likely culprit of cancer is stress, diet, exercise (goodness knows I've had stress in recent years being in real estate- geewhiz can likely relate!?). I'm having a bilateral mastectomy with free tram flap reconstruction on Dec 30th. I only found out I had cancer a few days before you- things seem to move quick. However, with my family history I already had the best doctors lined up. I've also read a number of books this month. If you feel like a lumpectomy is what is best for you- then you really need to speak with another BS. I go to Breast Care Specialists up by Northside- perhaps you should seek a second opinion. Emory has a good cancer center as well- that is where I will go to oncology once I get the full pathology of my tumor and lymph nodes. And yes- please do share this wonderful Nordstom info with us!

CC_Caboose

Hi Tasal! The surgeon I saw was also from Breast Care Specialists (but in Alpharetta). I see BCS has 2 offices (Northside & Alpharetta). Did you get any kind of package from Northside about this support program? Its literally a huge book with a ton if information in it.

Breast, colon, other cancers run in both sides of my family as well. My MRI is on the 30th.

It does seem like these things move fast... Meaning the time the tumor is found until the time surgery is scheduled. The process seems way too fast for me to make a decision and get a second opinion. This book I recieved says I've probably had cancer maybe the last 5-7 years and only because I had my first mammagram was it found. Just makes me question how fast I have to move for something thats been there for maybe years already. I dunno this whole process is confusing. This going it alone thing has been horrible!!! Understand the stress part, I spend 2-4 hours a day driving to work, put in 10+ hour days (software).

I feel ackward putting this out there, but I'm free Sunday afternoon if you want to meet and look at any info I have or just talk. No worries if you don't feel comfortable with meeting (I feel weird asking) but just thought I would put it out there.

-CC

Tasal

Hi CC_Caboose! I am sooo sorry I was unable to respond yesterday. I would have loved to have met up over coffee (no need to feel awkward as that was my original intent on this post/thread to find someone!) I was working all day yesterday and now I'm knee deep in preparation mode for my surgery next week and with Christmas in a few days- I'm suddenly overwhelmed. My honest opinion, be it not a professional one, is that if you're tumor is slow growing- then I certainly don't see the harm in taking an additional week or two to get yourself a second opinion. When I called the Emory/Winship Cancer center (I want my oncologist that I'll meet up with after my surgery to be closer in case I have to do chemo)- they asked if I was looking for a second surgical opinion on my treatment. I was under the impression that they would get me in fast. I would think if you let the surgeons know you are looking for a quick second opinion- they usually prioritize you. One would hope anyway!

I've only got a handful of days before my world turns upside down for a while. I don't think I'll be able to do coffee, but if you want to talk (I'm open to phone conversations too)- just let me know. It's not fun going it alone!

sandcastle

Homesick???  I, think that happens at this time of year.......we miss the Past.....Liz

geewhiz

I went to Winship, what a zoo! It was very stressful and difficult to get down to and it was absurd that even with a port they do all their bloodwork through more sticks in the veins by VERY uncaring phlebotomists. I completed treatment there and then switched pronto to a private practice...and wish I had done it WAY earlier.

I don't log in here much, and frankly just stumbled back across this thread. I came on to check into recon info, just finally finished up nips last week and get stitches out today. Hopefully.

if anyone wants to chat PM me : )

Tasal

geewhiz - Well, that just freaked me out listening about Winship. I'm surprised to hear that as I decided to go there because I had two different women that went through this about 2 years ago raving about them. Also, like I said it's right around the corner from my home so the whole difficult to get there part is rather irrelevant to me.

sandcastle

Everyone...will have a different Opinion.....if enough have complaints...then I would think it over and over.....but many may be OK there.....Liz

geewhiz

Tasal, I strongly advise you go downstairs for a tour of the treatment area. At any point in time there are over a hundred patients receiving chemo. They will not access your port for blood draws and you must do that upstairs in a long line prior to your appointment and that always ran late. I dont think in the 18 months of treatment there my appointment for my chair was ever kept and therefore it turns into an all day waiting game. Go look at the waiting lounge AND the infusion centers and if you are ok with it then great! It's all individual and the mental part to me was the toughest. I switiched during herceptin treatment to a private practice and was stunned how I got a private room with a tv and nurses who knew my name. It was so much more friendly and relaxed. Also be aware that it is a NIH hospital meaning that it is a teaching hospital. Your surgeon oversees students who perform your surgery. Also not something I would do again. I have mismatched scars because of different students closing.

And yes, everyone has different opinions. I am just sharing my experience. And I think if you get Ruth O'Regan I would stay put...she is one of the best in her field! Mine was Amelia Zelnak and she rarely remembered my name and usually had her PA do the entire appointment.

Make sure you are happy and comfortable, not much else matters with all of this. I have been at this for going on 7 years now and I guess I have learned a lot that I wish I understood up front : )

mustlovepoodles

I live I'm Marietta and I'm seeing Dr Volas-Redd in the Northside office near Kennestone. She was my second opinion MO and I love her and her staff. I've never had to wait in Line for blood draws or chemo chairs. Most of my surgeries are done at Piedmont, but the first MO I saw there was a twit, highly respected and credentialed but he made me feel like a bothersome child. Dr V-R listens to me and I feel like an equal part of the team.

Tasal

Thanks ladies- I sincerely appreciated the head's up and referrals. Right now I'm not even thinking about the MO. I'm gearing up for my surgery in less than 48 hours. I'm very pleased that I have one of the best BS and PS available. My PS has done more of the free tram procedures than anyone else in the world, and studied under the gentleman who first developed the tram surgery (which coincidentally, my mom was one of the first trial patients over 33 years ago!) so I feel that I am in good hands! Just trying to breath and get through this first step. I may or may not need chemo. My BS does not think I'd be needing radiation. I realize I have to wait for my path reports to come back but I'm trying to be optimistic. I set up the appointment at Emory with Dr. Jane Meisel (oncology) as she came HIGHLY recommended to me from recent prior patients. It's very nice that it's also a short drive for me as I live alone. However, I will certainly follow your advise geewhiz and check things out further should I need to go the chemo route. Mustlovepoodles thank you so much for the referral but since I live more in the downtown decatur area I'd rather find someone close by, since I am on my own. Thanks! Hope you all have a happy New Year!

mustlovepoodles

Tasal, I don't blame you one bit. Although many of my doctors are at Piedmont, I really like that this doctor is so close to my house, especially since I'm going to the doctor every week. Kennestone is no more than 4 miles from my house and I can be there in about 10 min, with traffic.

I hope your experience with Emory is a good one. My husband had a brain abnormality about 10 years ago and needed a brain biopsy. He couldn't have had better care. I loved his doctor, too. I feel sure you will be in good hands at Emory. (and living close by will certainly be a plus if you have to have chemo.)

Tasal

Thank you mustlovepoodles ! Actually, I have yet to go to Emory for anything- I only chose to go to them for follow up care/oncology after my surgery. I'm 4th generation on my mother's side (plus my dad's mom and sister) so I've been seeing a private practice firm Breast Care Specialists for years- and my doctor there is actually my breast surgeon. My PS is Dr Philip Beegle. They both are private practice but my procedure will be at Northside Hospital. I've been running back and forth up there for appointments so much (no one warned me this would turn into a full time job!) that when I met with a few gals that had my same procedure and same docs- one of them was the one that recommended Dr Jane Meisel to me for Oncology- so that's who I'm scheduled to see in a few weeks. She's the only Emory doc- and it's only the first appointment so I'll take everything into consideration and go from there! Like I said, maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones and I won't need chemo?! That'd be nice! Regardless, I'm sure I'll have many appointments ahead of me yet so the closer to home the better.

geewhiz

My PS is with Beegle Tasal. Dr Namnoum -- absolutely top notch!! I really love that practice!! You are in GREAT hands. ha...I might see you in the office - I jsut had recon a few weeks ago and am still waiting on stitches to come out!

Homehelp

Hi all

My wife was treated at Northside and under the circumstances we had a great experience

Dr Namnoum is terrific

The care there was excellent

we are now enrolled in a clinical trial in Marrietta

As a physician I have now been exposed to both sides of this disease

Happy to talk

Happy New Year to all

Wishing you all speedy recovery

SavedbyGrace1972

hello Everyone

I'm newly diagnosed and living in Cobb county Georgia. Would love referrals and to meet others if anyone else unexpectedly joined this club.

Tasal

Savedbygrace1972 - sorry for the delayed response! Was away for the New Year and this thread was buried. If you are still seeking any referrals, have questions (nothing is off limits as far as I’m concerned), please let me know!

2brandy

Hi everyone, I'm in North Atlanta near Lake Lanier. I just recently put a post out for Atlanta ladies but have not gotten any responses. I did find this thread and after reading saw that Tasal we went to the same BS, breast care specialists and we had the same PS, Dr. Beegle. I had a right mastectomy and free tram September 2017. I have just finished my chemo and now starting Herception since I'm HER2+. It's time for stage 2 and I am at a loss at to what I want to do. They are not symmetrical and I'm not very happy at this point with my reconstructed breast. Can you offer any thoughts on my next step and what to expect with Stage 2?. I see you had both breasts done with tram flap.

Savedbygrace - sorry to hear of your new diagnosis. It's going to be a journey, but there are lots of threads on the BreastCancer.org site that will help you along each stage. Be strong. If I can help please let me know.