DCIS - 36 Years old - live in NYC - Need DR/Hospital

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Leama
Leama Member Posts: 11
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hi all.  I was diagnosed last week because I found a lump and at first I wanted nothing more than to get it out of me.  However, I know at this point I need to make an informed decision about my treatment of care.  Yesterday, I met with a great surgeon - Dr. Sephanie Bernik at Lennox Hill Hospital.  It was an informed visit and I felt good leaving knowing she and her team care about my treatment.  Of course, though I want a second opinion and I was really leaning towards going to see Dr. Debora Axelrod at NYU.  However, Weil Cornell has entered the picture and, I don't want to be overwhelmed with options because living in NYC with access, can do just that.  Is there anybody out there who can recommend another hospital/doctor?  At this point, a lumpectomy is on the table, followed up by radiation.  

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  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited June 2012

    Leama: I can highly recommed Dr. Elisa Port breast surgeon at Mt. Sini and Dr Carlin Vickery plastic surgeon same Mt.Sini.  I am 5 weeks out of bilateral mastectomy w/imediate reconstruction and they were both amazing from start to finish.  Both were my second opinion doctors of which I switched to.  I trust both doctors, they both have amazing reputations in NY and within the breast cancer community. Both clearly explore your options with you, listen to you and care about your thoughts and needs.  Feel free to ask me anything about them but very well worth your while to go for a consultation. (I live in NYC also)

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  • Leama
    Leama Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2012

    Thank you so much, rtnyc!  Apparently, I'm already pushing my limit - insurance-wise - it sounds like if my first two consults concur, insurance won't pay for the third.  I have to confirm this is the case, however its my breast & my health, so I'm going to do whats best - that will give me piece of mind no mater if its an out of pocket expense.  I hope your recovery is going well!!  Thank you for the recommendations - I will check them out.  I had a great visit with Dr. Axelrod and I was with her within 15 minutes of arriving - I was still filling out my patient forms!!! I wait longer for my annual physicals!!!  She was great and very calming and thorough.  Thanks again!

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited June 2012

     I had IDC not DCIS.

    OK....I have heard great things about NYU.

    I had my surgery at Weil Cornell, I really liked my surgeons, but I have had issues with the support staff, and my experience in the hospital for my surgery kinda sucked. They also really don't do PT or LE in house or have the support services that MSK does. 

    I went to MSK for everything else. It may be overkill for DCIS/lumpectomy, not everyone loves it there, (long waits, inflexible protocols) but I love it. 

    I feel like they are so organized and have their act together, something I can not say about Weil Cornell.

    Not to overwhelm you but Mt. Siani has a new breast center. 

    Maybe ask sweatyspice or Flash about NYU.

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited June 2012

    I can only talk about NJ places (very happy at Hackensack)

    but DCIS while it surely needs treatment, you are doing the correct thing in checking things out, it is not a rush an time is on your side

    wish you the best and all, worst part is the start and getting the docs set up!  then you can let them do their thing

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  • Leama
    Leama Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2012

    Thanks to you both! Its been an overwhelming past few days, so I've stayed away from the web.  Tomorrow I go to WC. I think you're right - I'll be on the right path once I choose the doctor and plan.  I've held off on my BRCA just because I'm already tired of running around the city to get my films, med reports, slides, etc.  If I can minimize running around, I'll be less stressed out.  Thanks ladies for the words of wisdom and recomendations.  I though message boards would scare the hell out of me, but its been very informative - I feel I walk into the office prepared with questions I wouldn't have thought of on my own.  Best of luck to all of you strong & brave women!

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  • Mooleen
    Mooleen Member Posts: 185
    edited June 2012

    I would NOT recommend Sloan.

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited June 2012

    Was at Mt. Sinai for other issues - my daughter was born a premie.  Also had thyroid surgery there.I like the hospital a lot.

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  • Lutienyc
    Lutienyc Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2012

    I switched from Dr Axelrod to Dr Bernik. NYU is a mess. Last time they scheduled 3 people for one appointment so I ended up with a 2 minute meeting with DR Axelrod and that was supposed to be about surgery. Dr Bernik spent 1 hour with me. She also recommended the Faber center for radiology and the MDs there were great. At NYU I left 3 messages to try to get an apt with the RO, never heard back from them.

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  • JaneB1
    JaneB1 Member Posts: 47
    edited June 2012

    Apologies for posting late -- you may already have made your decision on surgeons. I faced your situation 4 months ago. My OB/GYN sent me to Virgilio Sacchini at Sloan. I heard lots of positives about Sloan from other DCIS patients treated there. I was very pleased with Dr. Sacchini. He is a brilliant surgeon, IMO, and also one of the most empathetic and caring physicians I have ever met. DH was equally impressed. I liked my second opinion surgeon a lot, too, but dh felt strongly that Dr. Sacchini was the true virtuoso, and he was right. I trust Dr. Sacchini completely and consider him one of the very best in NYC.

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  • Hope60
    Hope60 Member Posts: 223
    edited June 2012

    Hi Leama - Just came across your post and you've probably made your decision already but I thought I'd add my 2 cents anyway.  I had all my treatment at Weill Cornell.  Highly recommend my surgeon, Dr. Eugene Nowak.  He's affilated with WC and operates there, but he's not really part WC if that makes sense.  A great surgeon and very compassionate person, but he does not take insurance.  I also had had a great experience with chemo (which you will not need)  at WC...felt I got very good care.  I did NOT have a great experience with Radiation there and would not recommend.  Some people love Sloane and some people seem to hate it. I do know they have a lot of support services I could have used, but WC didn't offer them.  Wish you the best of luck whatever you decide.

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  • Leama
    Leama Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2012

    Hi All.  I've been offline for a bit - really trying to adjust to this situation with so many fears and questions running through my mind. I've chosen Weil Cornell with Dr. Rache Simmons and at this point I've decided to do a unilateral mastectomy.  I have a palpable DCIS and 2 papillary lesions in my left breast - the latter came back benign, however they have to come out. For the past few days, I've thought about a bilateral, but we'll see.  At this time, Im just waiting for my surgery to be scheduled once my BC and PS (Dr. Robert Grant) coordinate.  Sigh.  I know at this point, I'll need a tissue expander - no fat on me to take from my tummy.  I'm not sure if I should be relieved or not.  I think I'm just wondering on how I will look, ya know?  I mean I'll be at home for about 3-4 weeks recovering before I return to work....Do I buy a padded bra or something to make it look normal?? Im really trying to take this day by day, but its challenging.  In my head, if I calculate this out, I'll have my surgery likely by mid-August and by mid-late September, I'll likely begin my weekly trips to the PS for saline injections...then give or take a few weeks late October, I'll have the reconstructive surgery...I don't want to get ahead of myself, but its sooo hard.  It seems like forever from now. FOREVER.  I want it over.  I know I'm not alone, ladies, so thank you for your support.  Did anybody opt for a unilateral mastectomy?

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  • tlew
    tlew Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2012

    Hi,



    I also had a consult with Dr. Bernik. I absolutely loved her but I didn't like lenox hill hospital. The hospital doesn't have a breast cancer wing, so you will have to run all over the place to get treatments and consults. I ended doing my surgery at nyu and so far it's been an ok experience. I'm scheduled for my recon in September.



    Good luck

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  • Leama
    Leama Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2012

    HI Tina!  I met Dr. Bernik and loved her too!! I didn't choose lenox hill for the same reason. I had enough issues carrying my films around as I went for different consults, along with my medical record.  Enough already.  I want a one stop shop!  Good luck with your recon!

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  • Leama
    Leama Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2012

    I'm also pleased to say my BRCA test came back negative.  I'm relieved and this is the best news I've had in weeks!!  Don't tell anyone, but my mother was right.  She knew before the test came back, "You don't have it." Thanks Mom!!

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  • tlew
    tlew Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2012

    Hi leama,



    That's great news on the brca test. I will get my results next week. Hope for the best. I know how you are feeling now. The most scariest part is the not knowing and also walking around everyday knowing you have cancer. And all those consultations and doctors appointments don't make the situation any less stressful. I was a mess before my surgery. I didn't know what to do, where to go. But after the surgery I felt better knowing where i stand. It will get better.



    I underwent a bilateral mastectomy even though I only had it in 1 breasts. I felt I made a good choice. If I had chosen lumpectomy or uni mastectomy I would need more treatments, hormone and radiation. So make sure you discuss all your options with your surgeon to make sure you make the best decision in the long run.

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  • Leama
    Leama Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2012

    Hi Tina 919 - I'm praying you are negative!!!  I'm much more relieved now and well a little anxious - my surgery for my unilateral mastectomy is August 8th.  I can't wait.  Thank you for your encouragement.  I have so much to do before it happens.  I'm having a party this weekend with family and friends since I'll be laid up for a while.  I can't wait.  Party with food and drink!  Good luck to you!!!  

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  • Lioness48
    Lioness48 Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2013

    My Mom, who is almost 90, was diagnosed with a small and slow growing mass in her right breast.  East River Imaging also highly recommended Dr. Eugen Nowak.  We have an appointmnet with him on May 10.  The receptionist there told me very matter of factly when I asked "do you accept Medicaire?" that they indeed do.  And whatever Medicaire would not pay for, her supplemental AARP health insurance would.

    So, I am a little confused as I read a post from last year saying that he does not accept insurance.

    Please clarify if anyone knows anything.  Thanks!

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited May 2013

    Hi Lioness, most MD's accept medicare even if they take nothing else.  You might want to start a new thread to get this info about Dr. Nowak, since this one is very old.

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