How to shop for a breast surgeon

GG2

I had a lumpectomy 4 years ago and I really liked my surgeon. Since then, she has moved to a new practice and there is only one breast surgeon at the cancer center where I received treatment and still go for checkups. I don't really know this surgeon and will meet her next week when I get a biopsy for a suspicious mass found in a recent mammogram. However I have talked to some patients were not happy with this surgeon. If more surgery is required, I'd like to have other options, but I really don't know how to surgeon shop. Any ideas?

sm627

Hi GG2,

I understand about wanting to find I good breast surgeon. I had difficulties at first finding a good surgeon for my mastectomy this past summer. What worked for me was asking my primary doctor for any recommendations, and she recommended one of the best breast surgeons in my local area. If asking your doctor does not pan out maybe you could ask friends or family near by if they know any good breast surgeons, or perhaps they could ask their doctors for recommendations as well.

Wishing you all the best in your such for the best BS out there.

Hugs!

GG2

Thanks sm627, I appreciate your advice, but the surgeon I'm seeing this week was the one recommended by my primary for my first bout 4 years ago. I did talk to the nurse practitioner at the cancer center, and she recommended that I meet the surgeon and at least let her do the biopsy.

Most of my friends have had treatment in one of the big city hospitals. I prefer local. So I'll meet the surgeon tomorrow and see ho it goes. Hopefully it'll be benign and I'll toast to that!