Looking for a Medical Oncologist referral in the Phoenix Area

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
Looking for a Medical Oncologist referral in the Phoenix Area
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    I'm looking for a medical oncologist in the Phoenix area to consult with regarding an abnormal bone scan and cat scan.  My breast surgeon is in Tucson, at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, but am looking for someone closer to home.  I am 2 years out after BMX, with DCIS, so know the risk of recurrence is quite low but have had ongoing pain and fatigue.  Bone and CT scan showed 3 areas on my sternum that they say are concerning.  They are reviewing everything at the cancer center but if treatment is warranted my BS will refer me to an medical oncologist for further testing and/or treatment.  I would prefer not to do the long distance thing again so just want to find someone here in the valley.  (I am in the east valley so if someone knows of someone there that would be even better.)  I figured it can't hurt to get the ball rolling with an in town appointment in case I have to wait to be seen.

    Does anyone have a doc they love with, who is on top of their game, with a smidgen of bedside manner?  I know it's a lot to ask for but I want the whole package!  Thank you! 

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited September 2012
    Hi Kate  Try asking on this Phoenix thread LINK - Good luck!
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Thanks Omaz! That's a great idea!

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  • cooka
    cooka Member Posts: 278
    edited September 2012

    Hi Kate,

    I love my onc, Dr. David Paul, but he is in Phoenix (next to Good Samaritan), not east valley.  Hope you find a good match! 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Thanks Cooka!  It's good to hear of someone who loves their onc because mostly people say they're just o.k.  Thanks for sharing!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Hi, I got a second opinion from Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert...from this oncologist:

    Mary Cianfrocca--

    I didn't go with her although I liked her, because I found I could get the same tx in Sedona, which is closer to home than Phoenix for me.

    claireinaz

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Thanks Claire!  She was one of my possibles since the new cancer center is close to me.  It's nice to hear from someone who has actually met with her and liked her.  Thanks for posting.

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  • Cosett
    Cosett Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2012

    Hi Kate:

    I was with Mayo (for a year) and recently switched to Dr. Cianfrocca at MD Anderson. I went to Dr. C for a second opinion and she completely differed from my Mayo onc. which I was having serious concerns with his treatment choice.  I decided to switch to her.  Great bedside manner and so far appears to be at the top of her game.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Cosett- Thank you so much!  So hard to find an onco out of the phone book or your insurance companies list.  I feel better knowing someone out there has had personal experience with her.  Thanks for letting me know and good luck with everything.

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  • Cosett
    Cosett Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2012

    Kate - it is tough.  It was not easy to switch I was very connected to Mayo and really loved my surgeons there.  I naturally went to the onc on the team after surgery but had the feeling for the last year I needed to get another opinion.  I am glad I did.  Let me know if you go to see her and what your thoughts are.  I am curious.  The best of luck to you. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Cosett- I just got off the phone with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.  I gave them all my information and let them know I was requesting Dr. Cianfrocca.  She said they now request all my records and will schedule me when they have them.  I hope it doesn't take too long.  She said it can take up to a month!  She said they will give me Dr. C unless they think, for some reason, there is another onco who is a better fit for my situation.  She didn't think it would be a problem, though.  I told her I really prefer female doctors, too.  Thanks again for the suggestion.  It really does help to know someone on here has been seen by her and would recommend her.  Just curious- what do you think about the cancer center in general?  (I love the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson so it will be a tough act to follow.)  Funny, I was just thinking about applying to be a volunteer there!

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  • Cosett
    Cosett Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2012

    That is right they requested all of my records from Mayo. They called me back and scheduled me. I did not wait very long, I think it may have been two weeks. I did not request her they determined she was the right fit for me. It is a nice new facility there. Very clinical/hospital like in my opinion. I have only been there the one time so I am not really familiar with it. All of my chemo and testing up to this point has been with Mayo. Everyone at MD Anderson was very nice and it was a good experience. Dr. C sold herself for me. She is very knowledgable and on the ball. Very upfront and confident with her opinion and I felt very comfortable with her. I have my next appointment in Oct. My husband was also very impressed with her.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Cosett- Thank you for all the info.  Now I'm feeling even better about things.  I hope they get me on the books as quickly as you.  Good luck with your appointment in October.  

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  • Cosett
    Cosett Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2012

    Thanks!  Good luck to you, please update.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    I will!  You, too!  Thanks again!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Just an update- I ended up having my appointment with Dr. Cianfrocca at the Banner/MD Anderson Cancer Center.  (Thanks Cosett for the recommendation!)  If anyone is looking for a onco I would definitely recommend her and the center, too.  I was originally scheduled farther out but they had a cancellation and got me in much sooner.  The center is very impressive and so efficient from beginning to end.  I liked Dr. C, too.  She was very matter of fact but approachable and easy to talk to.  Her recommendations are a little different than my BS's but I am going with her advice.  She did say they follow all the same protocols as UT MDA in Houston which is one of the top cancer hospitals in the country so that gives me a lot of confidence in her and the center.

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