Doctor Recommendation Needed - Philly and NJ

I am going to UPENN.  I don't really want to be there, but if I have to be doing this somewhere, I feel I am at the best place I can be.  I am less than 10 miles outside of Philly, so it is an easy commute for me.  I will say that I am getting the same treatment others are getting in all the different places they are going, so there seem to be very much standards of care.  I've also read someone on here from Lancaster has treatment locally, but her docs talk with Kevin Fox at UPENN.  I believe he is the head of the Rena Rowan Center, so that is a possibility for you.  I am seeing a very young onc there, I am pretty sure she is only in her mid 30's, but I am very comfortable with her.  It also makes me feel good to know she is very much up to date on everything.  Good luck with your decisions and if there is anything I can tell you about UPENN, pm me.  It is a beautiful new building and everyone there is very compassionate and great to deal with.

I only looked into Penn for reconstruction. I had my bmx at Lankaneu with Dr Jennifer Sabol. I can't say enough good things about her. She was great both during diagnosis and surgery as well as afterwards. All she does is breast surgery. Lankaneu is also where Dr Weiss is located and I had a great consult with her also. I would highly recommend at least a consult. They have a great (newly constructed breast center) and have great patient advocates. Also if surgery is necessary I have not found better nursing staff



If you want more specifics on my case (most is in my bio) you can PM me and I would be happy to discuss



Liz

Chrys:......I had man options in Philly since I am in the suburbs..............I chose the Delaware County Memorial Hospital, in Drexel HIll, Pa...............It is a Regional Cancer Center of Fox Chase of Philadelphia............It is a 1 stop place..........everything is done there, and nothing leaves the building........I had my pathology results back in 2 days, and the final in 2 more days...........My Dr. actually carried my biopsy from the room he did it in, right to the Pathology Dept. in the hospital.........He also did my biopsy, and I know a lot of women whose biopsies wsere done by Radiologists........

My surgeon was the Chief of the Breast Cancer Center.........wonderful Dr., my MO, and my RO, are great too...........Especially my RO.  the techs are fantastic, and everyone is so caring...............Probably a little far for you to travel, but just wanted to let you know how pleased I was with my care...............

good luck

I know how difficult all of this can be for you.  I would suggest that you wait to see both doctors before you make any decision.  I have found that feeling comfortable with your doctors is very important.  You will be together for many years, and must feel that they sincerely care about you and that you can discuss anything at all with them. 

The best medical center and the best doctor is not the way to decide - the one that you feel compatible with who has the time to patiently listen to you and thoroughly answer your questions in my opinon is the most important factor. 

The diagnosis of breast cancer is scary enough and you will need doctors who understand the emotional (as well as the physical) toll this disease takes.  A competent, caring compassionate doctor is ver important.  So if you need to go to 2 or 3 doctors until you find the one that is right for you - then do so.  I did and it made all the difference in the world!

Judy

A close friend of mine went to Susan McManus and couldn't say enough good things about her.



I'm actually on the other side of Phila (southwest) but my lymphedema physiatrist is at the Rowan BC, and I have had a good experience there. My lymphedema therapist is also with Penn, but at a suburban office near me.

Also... if you went to the highly rearded Cancer Institute (a lot more convenient than Philly or NYC) you could see Dr Kearney (BS) and Dr Toppmeyer (MO) and RO if necessary all in one location... My friend goes there and loves them.... Taking a few extra days now can save you regrets later... a few days isn't going to change the outcome and gives you time to plan it out...

I am currently being treated at UPenn.  My surgeon is Dr. Brian Zernicki (may have spelled that wrong) and my onco is Dr. Kevin Fox.  Had a lumpectomy 5 weeks ago, Dr. Ziernicki was a straight shooter.  Not a great bedside manner, but told it like it is.  I like that.  I met with Dr. Kevin Fox for the first time on Monday, he was awesome.  He really took the time to sit and talk with me.

Hello Chrys:  I go to Rena Rowen, have for several years, Dr Kevin Fox is great, and the staff is the best.  Surgeon Dr Brian Czernicki did a great job also.  Would highly recommend them.  If you have any questions or would like to talk, just let me know.  best to you..

PS SUEBAK: You are in good hands trust me.

Hi Chrys..........I was at a Regional Cancer Center, in Drexel Hill, Pa.............My surgeon was the most skilled, and the nicest person I had ever met..........He was so compassionate, kind and caring.......I liked him from the moment I met him.............I had my diagnosis on Feb 15th after a repeat mammogram......he had me set up for my biopsy on the 21st. of Feb, and had my results in 2 days.......met for 2 hours with my children, and set up surgery for March 14th, he was wonderful, and in between the biopsy and surgery........he set me up with appts. with RO, and an MO, and they are wonderful as well..............He was wonderful, and I do belive the only reason I got through all the "crap" of cancer, was I had a fantastic "team" of Dr.'s taking care of me..........Everything went fast, and here I am just 2 weeks away from being finished Rads.

I wish you luck, and do remember, sometimes the big places are not the best.........My hospital is associated with Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philly, ...........but I don't have all the big hospital crap to deal with...........sometimes in those places your just a number...........where i went I felt like a "person".................good luck

Oh, I forgot to say my breast surgeon.  It is Dr. Julia Tchou at UPENN.   Haven't had surgery yet, it's scheduled for July 27, but I LOVE her.  Also very kind and very thorough and tells it like it is.  I did see she was on Phila. Magazine as best breast surgeon in Philly.  The NP's recommended her also, which is always a very good sign.  Having reconstruction at the same time with Dr. Liza Wu.   Also recommeded by NP's and Dr. Tchou.  Can't tell you how  things went yet though, but feel very confident and comfortable with them.

I must admit, I am a UPENN alum and have many family connections with UPENN, both as alums and employees.  My son graduated from there last year as the latest alum.  When I knew I had breast cancer, there wasn't a shadow of  a chance that I was going any where else.  I am very confident and comfortable there.

Hi, i am being treated at MSK. I see my oncologist at Basking Ridge and got chemo there. All my other doctors I see at the main hospital in manhattan. I am happy with the care that I received.

Chrys,

I was a ways into my dx when i went to Fox Chase Cancer Center in north PHILA. 

I'll preface by saying I don't care what sex, color, religious affiliation my dr is, as long as he/she is the best fit for me 

 My ps, Dr Neal Tophan is the most awsome ps, and I interviewd three before finding the right one.  He is kind, compassionate and oh so skilled. I just cant say enough about him.  Wonderful man- and you should see his work. 

Had my mastectomy done by Dr Bleicher, and did like him too, He is an oncology surgeon.

It was a bit of a drive (about 1 1/2hr each way), but well worth it.  It may be easier to get to since it is north of the city.

My FIL was treated there as well, and the family was very happy with his care.

Good luck

Crystal... You have a lot of suggestions and can't possibly see them all.. I would read all suggestions, see which plan makes the best sense for you and go forward... Remember each doctor is not a one size fits all... I would guess no doctor is loved by all, for one reason or another. And always remember that you can always change doctors, especially the BS... I think once surgery is over (whoever you shoose to use), choosing your oncologist is more important since he/she is the one to plan the future treatment... Its kind of a no-brainer to have the cancer removed, but the following treatments vary greatly, and you have to trust your oncologist 100%.

Good luck.  I was seen there for a consultation two times and had a good experience there.  I had my chemo locally and see doctors here (though not as often now) for follow-up.