Anyone in the DFW area?

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mogs
mogs Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer only about two weeks ago, her doctors are jumping on it very quickly.  They call it ductal cancer, but it burst through the duct and invaded the surrounding tissue.

She's listed as grade 3, so it is spreading quickly.  She met with the surgeon yesterday, the surgeon said a lumpectomy is not an option, and she has to have a full mastectomy.

People told her that her doctor is the best in the area, but I did some research, and found her doctor is nothing special.  Also, she isn't on top of the newest treatments, and she isn't affiliated with a proper cancer hospital.  She's actually just certified as a "general surgeon."

Of course this worries me, and my mom is freaking out because no one had discussed mastectomy until now.  All the other doctors / surgeons / radiologists said that a lumpectomy and radiation would do the trick.  She needs a second opinion.

What I'd like to know is -- has anyone undergone breast cancer treatment in the DFW area?  Where did you go?  Or where are you going?  Any recommendations?

My obsessive research has shown that UT Southwestern is the best place to go, but really it seems like DFW just isn't a good place for cancer specialists at all.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2013

    I'm in Dallas and I would go to UT Southwestern.  They ARE cancer specialists.  They have the only NCI facility in the area.

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  • mogs
    mogs Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2013

    Thanks so much for your response.  I saw they are the only NCI facility in the area, and they look very, very competent, and really on the forefront of advanced treatment options.  Plus, they deal with the whole body and mind, not just the cancer.  It's just that when you research other hospitals in the area, you don't get a lot of confidence.  Plus I'm ultra critical because, well, she's my mom.

    I live in Boston, we have several of the best cancer hospitals here, and I was about to fly her out!  But it looks like UT Southwestern might be a really great choice.  She just got an appointment for next week, so I'm crossing my fingers.

    Was just hoping to have people reassure me -- and you did.  So thank you!

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  • Sharon1942
    Sharon1942 Member Posts: 272
    edited March 2014

    I have been very pleased with my breast cancer treatment in Dallas at UTSWMC. Great BS, MO , RO, & PS. Will have stage 2 b for my unilateral DIEP flap this fall. Wonderful results with no complications.

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  • New-girl
    New-girl Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2013

    I thought I had a great breast surgeon but I did not.  I would not have my surgery done in Dallas again if I had to to it again.  My biggest and constant regret.

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