Any Northern Virginia ladies on this discussion board?

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

    hey can we review the MO up there again. I still havnt moved my records and found new MO



    Is there any that do tumor markers?

    How about MO that will prescribe metformin? I am getting mine from dr block in chicago. but he is out of network for me and pricey

    how about help with supplements? or at least wont get allmad when you tell them everything you take

    i want MO that does fantastic exam. not sitting up clothed.

    i want MO that thinks outside of box



    is there anyone like this



    i am going to organize get together down closer to me. I am in fredericksburg, but can meet up near potomic mills. I googled and found indian restaurant called Taste of Tandor in woodbridge. it has vegan stuff. prefer to meet on weekdays. I have this wed 17, 22,24 open. or does quantico base have rest? i also like Ikea rest.

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  • pattinp
    pattinp Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2013

    Hi! I just found this group and am so happy. I was diagnosed with IDC in Nov 2011, had lumpectomy with 5 sentinel nodes removed followed by APBI radiation. I developed lymphedema most likely after radiation. In January 2012 started exemestane (generic Aromasin) stopping it in February due to severe bone, joint and myalgia plus other side effects. Felt like a new woman after drug out of my system. For various reasons, changed oncologogists. Stared generic Femara. Did OK first month but then developed severe knee pain in both knees and swelling behind my knees (had fatigue with this one too). Couldn't take pain with walking or any activity (even sleeping) so stopped a week ago to see if symptoms related to drug. Once again after several days  I could actually walk and go to exercise class. Have appt next week with oncologist. Afraid to start Arimedex the only one left. Wondering if anyone has had similar issues with the aromatase inhibitors? And if did better on tamoxifen or brand drug? If switched to brand which one to start? Thanks so much for any help.

    PS Saw there is a group gets together periodically. Would love to meet others in Northern VA.

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited July 2013

    PattinP, We would love you to join us. Odie does all the good work of arranging things each month and she'll be posting details about August's meeting.



    Welcome,

    Peggy

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  • Cuetang
    Cuetang Member Posts: 575
    edited July 2013

    Ladies -- I had fun this past weekend for lunch.  I'm definitely game for heading to Potomac Mills, but sorry Fran, I won't be able to make it there on a weekday.  =(  I love my MO, but I don't think she's big on things like tumor marks and supplements, but definitely does a good exam of you every time I see her. 

    pattinp-- no experience here with the AIs, hopefully someone with experience can chime in.  I was on tamoxifen for about a month (but had to go off of it for surgery).  I'm pre-menopausal, so I had some joint stiffness, but nothing too bad (just felt like the day after I worked out a lot type of thing).  We would love to meet you at one of the future luncheons!

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  • Kate329
    Kate329 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2013

    Thanks so much, dessert1st. And I LOVE your name. My mom always says, "Life is uncertain; eat dessert first!" :)

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  • relocatedtarheel
    relocatedtarheel Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2013

    Hi ladies-wow, these past 4 weeks have been pretty crazy for me...it was 4 weeks ago yesterday that I went for a normal mammogram without a thought in the world that anything could possibly be out of the ordinary.  Now I set 29 days later with a cancer diagnosis (IDC), aggressive cells, a 'triple negative' designation, and a double mastectomy scheduled for Aug 5...oh yeah, it all happened over my birthday...July has always been my favorite month!!

    Dr. Sebastian is my BS and I really like her. Dr. Bedri is my PS and I like him and Dr Robert will likely be my oncologist although apparently we can't make any plans until post-surgery pathology reports. I'm hoping for immediate reconstruction with the DIEP procedure but Dr. Bedri told me they won't proceed if my nodes come back with problems...so I'm a little freaked out that I'll go in with no idea of how I'll be when I come out. My mom is coming up for a week or so post surgery to help me out.

    Any advice or things you'd wish you knew then suggestions to share would be totally appreciated. I'm just bummed that I'll miss the August lunch too!

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  • imatthew
    imatthew Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2013

    relocatedtarheel, my wife had a similar diagnosis (though she was HER2+).  They found one positive node but the rest were clear, so they were able to do a skin-saving mastectomy/DIEP at the same time.  We used different surgeons, but all turned out well. She did use Dr. Robert as her Oncologist and was pleased with his care.  We have a friend who used Dr. Bedri and was very pleased.  We wish you the best of luck.

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited July 2013

    Hi, Relocated. My situation was different (ILC, not triple neg), I did not use the same doctors and I did not have recon...BUT...I am very close to Burke so I wanted to reach out and let you know I'd be happy to help in any way or meet for coffee, etc. There are very good suggestion in the other forums for preparing for surgery...things like options for sleeping when you get home, etc. that you should check out. You can private message me if you'd like. If you don't have time to research all of the advice here for surgery, just let me know that too.

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  • pattinp
    pattinp Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2013

    Hi, Relocatedtarheel. Have you talked with Patricia Hayes at VHC. She leads the breast cancer support group, had breast cancer with the DIEP flap reconstruction. She works part-time as a navigator. She is very nice, knowledgeable and always willing to help. Her contact info is 703-558-6440, phayes@virginiahospitalcenter.com. Jeanne Sullivan is the breast cancer navigator and also a survivor as well. Please get in touch with them I am sure they will offer info to put your mind more at peace before surgery.

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  • pattinp
    pattinp Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2013

    I look forward to meeting everyone :)

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

    I saw Dr. Christine Teal as my breast surgeon and Dr. Joanne Lenert as my plastic surgeon. Both are at George Washington University. Dr. Teal was recommended by several doctors. She has had a bmx and recon herself and had her recon done by Dr. Lenert.



    Now when I see doctors and have to remove my top, I always get compliment s on my boobs. I had nipple and skin sparing mastectomy. At least I have one thing going for me. Nice boobs.

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  • relocatedtarheel
    relocatedtarheel Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2013

    Mary, thank you!

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited July 2013

    «««« Next luncheon details »»»»»»»



    The next luncheon will be August 9th at 12:30 p.m. at the Bungalow Alehouse in Woodbridge near Potomac Mills mall. We will get back to the first Saturday of each month effective October (due to Labor Day holiday next month)..



    So, who's in??? RSVP to me by August 1st.

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  • Cuetang
    Cuetang Member Posts: 575
    edited July 2013

    Odie-- do you mean August 10th (Saturday?). :).

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

    poopies, I will be on vacation. going to fly into vegas, seing zion, bryce, north rim, etc

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited July 2013

    Oops! August 10th..... guess I hadn't had enough coffee yet....lol

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  • relocatedtarheel
    relocatedtarheel Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2013

    Odie16...I so wish I could be there but my surgery is scheduled for Aug 5. Hopefully I will meet you at the next one!!

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited July 2013

    Unfortunately, I have to take my husband to the airport at that time, but I will keep trying to be there as I am very interested in meeting all of you!

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  • Cuetang
    Cuetang Member Posts: 575
    edited July 2013

    Odie-- sign me up for the lunch! If you don't see me in time, the search parties can find me at the outlet...haha :)...

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited July 2013

    Odie,



    I will be there too. Thank you so much for arranging!



    Will PM you about something else.



    Hugs,

    Peggy

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

    has anyone heard of dr nicolas robert? in fairfax i heard he is really good MO. i have appt for sept

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  • relocatedtarheel
    relocatedtarheel Member Posts: 159
    edited August 2013

    Fran

    I had an initial visit with dr robert. I haven't had surgery yet (scheduled for monday!)so we really didn't get into any specifics or detail but I found him personable and knowledgeable and will most likely use him

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

    i just googled him. and he is on this site as professional advisor! his bio looks awesome. fairfax traffic here i come

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  • imatthew
    imatthew Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2013

    We used dr Robert. Wonderful doctor, we highly recommend him.

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited August 2013

    ********* Reminder *********





    Lunch next Saturday at Bungalow Alehouse at Potomac Mills at 12:30 p.m. So far, I have Cuetang and PeggySull coming. Anyone else??



    Please RSVP if interested.

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited August 2013

    Fredntan,



    I believe he is the chief MO with the INOVA system. Very well-regarded. My mother's MO (in another state) knows him well.

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited August 2013

    Odie,



    I plan to attend the lunch on Saturday. Thanks for organizing.

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited August 2013

    Fredntan, I have heard great things about Dr. Wilkinson, as well. I may be switching from Robert to her. I will be meeting her for a second opinion soon. I want someone I can relate too more easily. This is a long-term relationship. I think we each have docs we feel more comfortable with. For example, I love Dr. Hetelekidis (sp?), my RO. She put me immediately at ease--and spoke to my fears with compassion. Once I met her, I realized I need to raise my expectations of my MO, not put aside my doubts and allow myself to feel unsupported. This may be more my issue than a statement about Dr. Robert. Maybe I'm just needing a female doc... I'm not sure. I'll see how I feel once I meet with Wilkinson.



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  • MoodyMoo
    MoodyMoo Member Posts: 30
    edited August 2013

    I began seeing Dr. Wilkinson in October as an MO opinion for treatment for my LCIS and other diagnoses.  What I liked immediately from the first session with her was her directness, and straightforward approach to treatment options.  Another first...she jotted down some notes and diagrams for me on a piece of paper...and then took a copy and gave it to me when it was all said and done.  

    Her office staff in both Reston and Fairfax are amazing, as well as her PA and nursing teams.  I ended up with a DVT from the tamoxifen, and was literally seeing her team 3 days a week while getting a coumadin regimen squared away.  Liked her immensely.  She also suggested I get a second surgical opinion...and hooked me up with a new surgeon that I like as well.  

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  • McKatherine
    McKatherine Member Posts: 300
    edited August 2013

    Is it too late to join you on Saturday? Just got back on here after getting to go on vacation last week (yay!)

    :)

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