Do you like your MO? Urgent recommendation needed in the DC area

Penguino

Hi all, I'm so grateful for this forum and have been reading voraciously since diagnosis in Jan. I was just notified that my Medical Oncologist is leaving, and am wondering if anyone has one they trust and would recommend in the Washington, DC area?

I've been at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital since diagnosis with HER2+ multifocal IDC/DCIS, Stage II. The Lombardi Cancer Center at GUH was supposed to be fantastic but honestly it has mostly been… problematic. (This is actually the second time in under a year that my assigned MO has moved away, and that's the least of the issues.)

I've already completed NA chemo and surgery, and just started adjuvant Kadcyla on Monday. Radiation is set to start . I do absolutely love and want to stick with my breast surgeon - he might actually be magical, he's so skilled (I'll ask him tomorrow but don't think he can recommend someone outside the MedStar system). Does anyone know if I would be allowed to mix and match doctors like this, or am I stuck with the MedStar system?

Finally, my husband and I share one car so getting to Baltimore for Johns Hopkins would be doable but pretty difficult. Our insurance has been accepted by nearly every provider around here so at least that's not likely to be a problem.

I just really would love an MO who listens, has a nurse who returns calls/emails, and is up to speed on the latest research. Bonus points for expertise with Her2+ cancers. I'd be so very grateful for any suggestions anyone might be able to offer. And my heartfelt thanks to all of you who contribute to and moderate this amazing community!

KeepingCalm

sent you a private messag

Penguino

KeepingCalm, thank you SO much!

BevJen

Penguino,

If you want someone in the DC area, your other option that has an NCCN connect would be Sibley. Sibley is now owned by Hopkins, and their breast center is part of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center that is "headquartered" in Baltimore. There are several breast oncologists at Sibley.

Worth some investigation.

Penguino

BevJen, thank you! Do you have experience receiving treatment at Sibley, or know others who do? If so, were you/they generally happy with the care?

BevJen

Penguino --

Just sent you a PM.

Melbo

there must be something about this area - I’m at the Anne Arundel medical center in Annapolis and I will get my third MO next month. However, I will say I have been happy with the first two — they listened to me and were always very responsive and had a good nurse line/system. Both have just moved on for contract reasons. Hopefully my third one will also be good, but at least for me I am done with active treatment so it’s not quite so pressing.

Good Luck

Maddie322

Sorry for chiming in so late, but just seeing this thread. You probably have an MO already, but if not, Dr. Lauren Mauro with Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, VA (INOVA) is amazing. She listens, presents facts, does her homework, has compassion….everyone just loves her. INOVA uses My Chart to communicate and they really do get back to you within hours of your inquiry. Good luck to you

finallyoverit

@Melbo ~ sending you a P