Looking for doctor recommendations in Boston

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aris
aris Member Posts: 124

I was just dIiagnosed with IDC, 1.7cm ER+/PR+, HER2++.  I am going for an MRI today and am awaiting BRCA testing results. I've been seen at MGH and am happy with the team there, but also want to see someone at the BI for a second opinion.  I've heard amazing things about one of the breast surgeons there and would like to also see a ps and med onc there. 

 Do any of you have any recommendations for oncology providers at the BI?

I'm grateful to have so many great treatment options in Boston, but also am finding it tough to figure out who to see, it seems everyone is so so good - can that be possible?

 Thank you!

 Pam

Comments

  • LorenaB
    LorenaB Member Posts: 937
    edited February 2009

    Hi Pam,

    Shortly after my diagnosis at a community hospital outside of Boston (Emerson in Concord), I decided to get treatment at Dana Farber. I've been very happy with all my doctors there -- but I know that MGH and BI are very good too, so I don't think you can go wrong.  I will be having a DIEP reconstruction at Brigham & Women's (the ps is affiliated with Dana Farber) but I also had a consult with a doctor at BI who is part of the team that performs the flap reconstruction surgeries. I've have heard that they do great work - Dr. Tobias and Dr. Lee -- but I had already met with Dr. Caterson at the Brigham and decided to stick with her.

    Good luck with all the tests and upcoming decisions! Feel free to send me a pm if you'd like to "chat" more with someone local!

    Lauren

  • adenacb
    adenacb Member Posts: 89
    edited February 2009

    I have also used Dr. Houlihan has my surgeon at the BI, and she is wonderful. The oncologist I was assigned is Dr. Commander and she seems great. The care there at the Breast Care Center seems wonderful so far. I just had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy last week and am awaiting results.

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited February 2009

    My breast surgeon at the BI was Susan Troyan. She is a fantastic surgeon. I've had breast cancer in each breast, so have gotten to know her really well! I've also heard excellent things about Dr. Houlihan. My oncologist is Nadine Tung and she's very good--she's also the genetics specialist, so if you have BRCA issues, she could be helpful there. I consulted with Dr. Tobias regarding reconstruction. He seemed excellent and is particularly known for the DIEP procedure. I decided not to have recon, but would have used him if I'd decided to go ahead with it. Should you need a radiation oncologist at the BI, I highly recommend Abram Recht. Extremely competent and a wonderful human being.

    Good luck. I think in Boston there truly are many excellent doctors, so you have some great options.

    Barbara

  • Robyn66
    Robyn66 Member Posts: 169
    edited February 2009

    My breast surgeon is at Brigham and Women's hospital.  His name is Roger Christian and he is absolutely wonderful-as are the plastic surgeons he uses.

    My oncologist is Dr. Jennifer Ligibell and she is FABULOUS!!!!  She is at Dana Farber.

    Good Luck!

    Robyn

  • cmb35
    cmb35 Member Posts: 1,106
    edited February 2009

    Robynn - Dr Ligibel is my onc too! She's great, and so is Holly!

  • Robyn66
    Robyn66 Member Posts: 169
    edited February 2009

    OMG!!! What a small world!!!!!  I LOVE Holly too.  I am seeing her Thursday!

  • Sukiann
    Sukiann Member Posts: 310
    edited February 2009

    I'm going to see Dr. Michele Gadd at Mass General.  She works with Dr. Barbara Smith.  They are both supposed to be excellent.  I'm going for a second opinion.  There are so many options in Boston it is almost confusing!  Everyday someone tells me another Dr. who is wonderful.  If I here of any good recommendations I'll pass them on.

  • cmb35
    cmb35 Member Posts: 1,106
    edited February 2009

    Robynn - Holly rocks! (Dr Ligibel is very sweet, and I like her as well, but I could be friends with Holly you know?) Hope you have a good stress-free visit!

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited February 2009

    My surgeon is Dr. Mary Jane Houlihan at the BI.  She is fantastic.  I had IDC and was luck enough to only need a lumpectomy.  SHe did such a great job that you cannot even tell I had one.  I don't know how she does it but she does!  I highly recommend her.

    She is also a genuinely a very nice person.  She really cares.  I cannot recommend her enough!

    Best of luck to you.

  • 55Barbara
    55Barbara Member Posts: 72
    edited February 2009

    I highly recommend the plastic surgeons (Tobias and Lee) at BI. My delayed bilateral DIEP was about 6 months ago and the results and hospital care are amazing. It is my understanding that MGH PS only perform TRAM procedures and do not do DIEP which is only done at BI and now more recently at B&W. I can't help with oncologist recommendations at BI as my oncologist is at Dana Farber. Best of luck. We are fortunate to live so close to such excellent medical centers. I often feel badly for other posters who have such limited options.

  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited February 2009

    My BS is Dr. Kelley Cornell at the Baldwin Park Breast Care Center in Woburn. She is very supportive and very experienced.  My Onc is Dr. Nancy Chun, Montvale Ave in Stoneham, I don't know what I would do without them.

     Roll 

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