trying to decided between 2 centers for care- HeLP!

Accarpenter

I have a very lengthy history of breast cancer. I have also had dna testing. After having my first abnormal mammogram in December I decided to proceed with a BMX. I took my time researching facilities. Since I currently live in mississippi I decided to go to Vanderbilt and UAB. Both facilities have met me know they fear it is no longer a preventative bmx. These facilities are so difficult to work with! I go to Vanderbilt Thursday and they may order a biopsy. UAB has scheduled the biopsy for the following week before my appointment. I am so overwhelmed over all this. Will getting the biopsy done at a different facility affect who will perform the surgery? Has anyone had an experience at UAB or Vanderbilt

djmammo

Accarpenter

Hopefully someone will come along that is familiar with both theses institutions to give you their opinion but in the meantime IMO things go so much more smoothly if everything is done in one facility's system as regards efficient coordination of care, as well as fast access to imaging and other reports by the docs providing that care .

Mgrisham

I have had breast cancer 2x. I have received all my care at Uab with Dr Parker from md Anderson and plastic Dr. Fix. I did get a second opinion at Vanderbilt but did not like the plastic or mo. My mo at Uab is the best. Be cautious at Uab you do not have to take the mo they assign you too. I choose my mo and it has been the best decision since 2001. Hope this helps. You can send me a message if you need more information

Mavericksmom

I agree with Accarpenter. I’m from PA so I’m not familiar with these hospitals.

I’m wondering why you waited so long for a biopsy or did I read this wrong? Did you have a biopsy after the abnormal mammogram in Dec? Where was that done?

I’ve had BC twice. First time treated at a local hospital, second time almost 16 years later, I went to a well known cancer hospital. There were pro’s and cons with both. It’s been a roller coaster ride for sure.

My mother and two sisters had breast cancer and I was refused a BMX this time because I am not positive for BRCA 1 or 2. I had mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction and may do prophylactic mastectomy at a later date, hopefully at same hospital since my PS is on board with it.

Honestly since you did the research I would go with the one that felt like the best fit for you. Do consider travel time, accommodations for whoever is going with you, and remember that you will be going there a lot!

Please let us know what you decide. I wish you the best. This community is very supportive but in the end you need to do what is right for you. Remember there are people who have had wonderful and awful experiences at all hospitals. I actually loved and hated things done to me while going through treatment both times I went through breast cancer treatment. Your emotions will most likely be all over the place. It isn’t a “piece of cake” no matter where go

OnTarget

You can definitely choose to go elsewhere after testing! At my hospital they had me meet with a Nurse Navigator first thing and that is something she made very clear. I could choose to do any part I wanted somewhere else.

But that being said, I would suggest choosing a place and have most things done there because it is so much easier and less stressful. You can always get second opinions elsewhere. I have had everything from start to finish from an NCI cancer center- by chance really, they are just my normal doctors. But the ease of having referrals placed in the system, then being able to cram 3 appointments into one day because they are all on the same campus was really nice. I read about people carrying around some sort of "binder" and I was totally confused as to why you would have that. All of my reports are in my single patient portal, which I now realize is a luxury.

Accarpenter

so I had my consult at Vanderbilt Friday. The ps was AMaZING!!’ I was so relieved and finally ready to proceed with the surgery. Then we met the surgical oncologist. The second she walked in the store I fell all the air sucked out of the room. She basically told me that she doesn’t agree with prophylactic surgeries and doesn’t want to proceed

Georgia1

Hi Accarpenter. Am I correct that you have not been diagnosed with breast cancer? And the biopsies are negative? If you are looking for a surgeon to do a voluntary/preventative double masectomy you should expect oncologists to be hesitant so I'd guess the process may indeed take a while. Wishing you the best and others may have advice on how to proceed.

Accarpenter

I do not have cancer. My mother, grandmother, 2 aunts, and 2 maternal cousins have also had breast cancer. I do not have a close family so unsure as to specifics of anyone besides mother and grandmother. My grandmother passed away quickly. My mother was given 6 months after her diagnosis. Luckily she chose to fight and got into a drug train with a positive outcome. She was doing 6 month high screening . One screening was negative and the next was stage 3 cancer with metastasis.

My local surgeon already has the surgery and reconstruction approved by insurance. I just don’t care for the options they have presented. They want to to a complete mastectomy ( non skin or nipple sparing) and then an expanded and implants is the only option. I went to Vanderbilt to pursue the DIEP flap option. He was amazing. His opinion was a nipple sparing surgery. The surg onc would noteven have a discussion. I have considering my options and can considering this route or 15 years. I am tired of the pain from the cysts, the constant fear with each new bump and lump

MelissaDallas

I agree with Georgia. If you have no confirmed genetic or other biopsied and diagnosed high risk condition it is unlikely that it will be easy to find a surgeon (or insurance company) to approve a prophylactic bmx. What is your very lengthy (family?) history of breast cancer? What were the results of your DNA testing? Have you had genetic counseling

Accarpenter

My mother, grandmother, 2 maternal aunts, and 2 maternal aunts have all had breast cancer. My mother and grandmother had a very aggressive cancer. I have had dna testing and genetic counseling. My insurance company has already approved the surgery in January. So I don’t really feel it was her place to make me feel so small and crazy for wanting what I feel is best for me.

Our hospital is deplorable and our physicians miss a lot. My husband had a brain tumor that was missed for 9 years so I usually leave the area for true medical care. My options at hike are a mastectomy and the only reconstruction option are implants. After 6 months of reading and learning, I wanted to pursue the diep flap.

The plastic surgeon was in complete agreement. I just needed her to do the mastectomy instead of having it done at home to have immediate rather than delayed reconstruction

djmammo

Accarpenter

There is a paper written by a Dr.John Boice from 2000 who I believe is currently at Vanderbilt. Its his opinion that breast reduction done by a plastic surgeon reduces the risk of breast cancer based on his statistical analysis. You might want to discuss your situation with him and/or your plastic surgeon. I have no personal experience or knowledge regarding outcomes of this procedure.

Accarpenter

I received the results of my biopsy today and thankfully the lump is benign. The surgeons at UAB were willing to do the bmx due to family history and increased risk with genetic results. Now to determine which reconstruction I want...

Accarpenter

I received the results of my biopsy today and thankfully the lump is benign. The surgeons at UAB were willing to do the bmx due to family history and increased risk with genetic results. Now to determine which reconstruction I want...

How satisfied were you with your results from Dr.Fix? What type of reconstruction did you choose? I saw his yesterday. He was so dead serious? I was a little intimidates and didn’t ask all my questions