Dcmh or penn ??

Ruby_saphirre

recently diagnosed, went in for a mammogram at dcmh on dec.16, found out something wasn't right. Got a biopsy, and it's cancer. The cancer is about 5mm. One thing that is bothering me is that the doctors said that the estrogen her2 biomarker tests came in later, but I'm looking at the report that they first handed me and everything is on the report. But the oncologist says that it came later,makes me uneasy, so I am going to penn for a second opinion but now am wondering if dcmh is even worth going to. I'm so confused?? Help?

Moderators

Dear Ruby - How are you doing? We're sorry you didn't get any answers yet. This post will bump your thread and we hope somebody will jump in with some advice and support. Until then, you can read and learn more on Getting a Second Opinion at the main Breastcancer.org site, including why, where and when to get them, and what to expect.

Hope his helps! Let us know how you're doing.

The Mods

muska

Hi Ruby, if I recall correctly when path report is first released it does not yet have results of receptor testing that take a few days to process. Once ER/PR/HER2 results are available the report gets updated. I think that is what your doctor meant. If you have access to your report online you may be able to check when the report was first published and then updated.

Janetanned

Ruby - I don't know much about DCMH but I've gotten to know Penn quite well! I had all of my treatment at Penn And I am very satisfied with all aspects of my treatment. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about Penn.

enjoyevrymoment

I went to Penn and absolutely had a great experience, had DIEP during Mastectomy, bilateral. My friend had gone there and told me it was a great experience for her, she sees an oncologist there and is very happy. I chose to see an oncologist in my area who I have every belief in. Edited: I realized that for all I know the other hospital can be great for you too, and if it is more convenient and excellent then that may be best for you. Can you talk to people who have been treated there to get their perspective. Best wishes!

jc254

I was also diagnosed at a regional hospital (Paoli Memorial) and went to Penn for a second opinion. I never went back to Paoli. Penn is an NCI designated cancer facility with a dedicated breast cancer center. My surgeon at Penn was a breast cancer specialist, my surgeon at Paoli would have been a general surgeon. Not saying that you wouldn't receive good care at DCMH, but why not take advantage of the wonderful resources that Penn has to offer?

My surgery was at the hospital but I had my chemo and radiation treatments at one of Penn's satellite facilities in Valley Forge which was much closer to my house and really convenient.

TLIMS23

Hey guys,

Another Philly girl here! I was just recently diagnosed too and am starting treatment next month. I have the same apprehension about my local hospital that I'm going to. I love the oncologist and she treats mainly BC and has been in practice over 30 years. I feel that living in Phila I should take advantage of the centers like Penn but this hospital is more convenient. Such a tough decision to make.

Best of luck to you

Janetanned

Sometimes women get a second opinion at the larger hospital and if the recommendation is the same as their local hospital, they go to the local hospital. Since you will be involved in treatment for a long time (unfortunately), you have to also consider travel time, parking, and other non-medical concerns. For me, it was a no-brainer since I'm employed by Penn. My care was almost costless as long as I saw Penn doctors. It was also a fairly easy commute by car, train or bus. I also liked the convenience of having all of my doctors under one roof. My BS knew my PS, RO, MO, and GP well. I was even able to get my tattoos at the PS office from a woman who does areola tattooing, as well as other cosmetic procedures, at the office a few days a week. The medical records are easily shared and all treatments and surgeries were at the same location.

In the end, you should make your decision based on what works for you.

craftysandy

Hi girls,

I was diagnosed on January 11, 2016 and go for my BMX/DIEP on April 1st at Penn. I was seeing a very good breast surgeon near my home in Jersey but always told myself that if I ever had to deal with a serious diagnosis, I would go across the bridge to Philadelphia where some of the best hospitals in the country are. Lucky for me, Penn is only about 30 minutes from home. I just feel a certain level of comfort and confidence knowing I am in such good hands. I think it's all about your comfort level. There's no real right or wrong. Two weeks from today, I'll be one day past my surgery.... oh boy....