Washington DC area oncologist recommendations?

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VeganNicole
VeganNicole Member Posts: 25
edited April 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

If anyone can recommend an oncologist that is really friendly and makes you feel like he or she really cares about your specific treatment plan, I would appreciate the referral.

I've met with Dr. Anne Favret (Virgina Cancer Specialists) twice now and I've come away feeling like the treatment has been rather impersonal and rushed. I have a rare type of breast cancer (invasive secretory carcinoma) and I want to feel as if my oncologist really CARES about my case and is interested in my treatment plan. Is that too much to ask? Would doctors reading this right now be rolling their eyes because obviously that's how EVERYONE who has breast cancer wants to be treated, regardless of how common or rare their type of the cancer is?

And honestly, what I really want is a set up like at my breast surgeon's office. Dr. Stephanie Akbari at Virginia Hospital Center is great - and I can call her right-hand lady, Claudia, any time I have a question. Claudia scheduled all of my appointments for me (plastic surgeon consultations, the MRI). I want an oncology practice where there's real patient support and hand holding. This stuff may be routine for everyone who works there, but they need to remember that this is scary stuff for us patients!

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  • grover
    grover Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2013

    I know it's a bit further, but I come all the way from the OC Maryland area to the University of Md Med Center ( UMMC) Greenbaum Cancer Center. My experience has only been with breast cancer, but I get the impression they All work the same way- together on your treatment plan, take as much time as you need with you, and are easy to get in touch with. I also feel like a university hospital is up on all new research. Johns Hopkins would be another, & I have heard great things about GBMC ( Greater Baltimore med. Center) and Mercy Hospital. In the recent national hospital ratings, Johns Hopkins ranked #3, UMMC #11. I think the next closest top 20 to us was NY. Something to think about if you'd have help with transportation. Everyone pretty much agrees that having drs. you feel confident & comfortable with is crucial, so I wish you the best in finding that for yourself.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2013

    I saw Dr Wolfe at Johns Hopkins as 3rd opinion. I felt rushed. he didn't seem to have anything new to offer. And metformin was out of question off label since they have that in research there. i waited forever in waiting room-it was huge, and then waited foreever in exam room. I know he is very respected and has written papers and stuff.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2013

    stage 3 BC warrior seeks MO-must believe in tumor markers, able to give advice on supplements, willing to think outside the box. willing to prescribe metformin off label would be helpful, but not required.

    just wasted afternoon at local MO office seeing one of the new NP. spent 30 copay and she did my physical exam with me sitting up clothed. said  no again to tumor markers. gave her handout of that gene test that measures if you are good tamoxifen metabolizer. for got to ask her about it, but sure the answer was no.

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited March 2013

    Nicole,



    At a support group meeting recently the other attendees said Dr. Neelima Denduluri at Virginia Hospital Center is outstanding in terms of compassion/manner. She is not my oncologist, but she sounded great.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2013

    does anyone know if she does tumor markers?

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  • VeganNicole
    VeganNicole Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2013

    I met with Dr. Denduluri yesterday at the Virginia Hospital Center and had a WONDERFUL experience. All of the staff was friendly, and Dr. D was everything I was looking for. I am so happy that I can go to this location for chemo instead of Fairfax or Alexandria!!!

    Fran - I don't know if she does tumor markers, but I asked her what they are and she said that they're not useful in tracking early-stage breast cancer, which mine is considered. But if you're Stage 3 then maybe you would qualify for it, so maybe you could get an appt. with her to find out? They also respond to emails, so maybe you can reach out to their office via their website? http://virginiacancerspecialists.com/about/contact/

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  • writinghelps
    writinghelps Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2013

    It seems you may have already found your doctor fit but I just wanted throw out Dr. Robert Warren at Georgetown as a possible medical oncologist. I saw him today and thought he was great as was his nurse practioner.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    How do they feelabout tumor markers or supplement use.

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  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,871
    edited April 2013

    Dr. Rebecca Kaltman is cool with my using supplements, but have to tell her what they are so there's no conflict on meds. She uses tumor markers on me. Timor markers are reliable on some, not on others

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  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,871
    edited April 2013

    Sorry. Dr. Rebecca Kaltman is at George Washington university hospital in Washington DC

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    will call next week, I think Dr Kaltman will be my new MO. I can pick up slugs and get to DC in hour

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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited April 2013

    LOL,  Fredtan, I doubt anyone not familar with DC commuting will understand the slug reference.  It certainly brought back memories for me.

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  • Marl5900
    Marl5900 Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2015

    I really like my oncologist, Dr. Neelima Denduluri at Virginia Cancer Specialists. I have been her patient for almost 5 years now (mostly in Arlington) and I am still amazed about how kind and efficient she is. We sometimes communicate by text or email about tests and she always takes the time to explain to me or any member of my family what is going on and what is the plan. Appointment with her are either super short (nothing new) or she takes the time to talk and listen (rarety among doctors) depending on what is going on. She is reassuring but honest and not patronizing but gentle. I have had many doctors during this journey and she is not only the best but also the nicest. Her team (except for one person I try to avoid ;)) is fantastic too and I feel cared for by all of them. Send me a personal message if you want phone number etc.

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