Dr seems to keep wanting to do consultation over phone

Is the MD you mentioned a breast surgeon?  Generally, they are the ones who advise you on if you are a candidate for a lumpectomy or if your individual case warrants a mastectomy or bilateral.  Talking to a plastic surgeon is also a good idea because they can tell you what options you have for reconstruction, whether you go lump. or mast.  So if your MD that diagnosed you is not a breast surgeon, if I was you I would seek one out as my next step. Sorry you've had to join us in breast cancer land.

Kendra

I also agree that a consult with a plastic surgeon is not unwarranted before consulting with the breast or general surgeon.  If, for example, the plastic surgeon tells the patient that he can "match" the new breast to the old, but then reminds her of something like "of course, when your existing breast begins to sag, or you gain/lose weight, it will change - but the reconstructed breast won't" - that might help a person decide lumpectomy or mastectomy.  Or maybe he will talk about a "faux" nipple reconstruction, etc.  I guess, as I type this, it still does seem that consult could come after the general/breast surgeon - but at least before making a decision.  We know that the general/breast surgeon needs to know if he/she is performing skin saving surgery, for example.  I decided on a mastectomy without a plastic  surgeon consult at all.  And I can't really recall my surgeon appt. providing me with too much info - though I'm sure it did.  Bottom line is - if you're feeling uncomfortable about your surgeon, that's a reason to shop around. But I don't think it's unusual to refer someone to see a plastic surgeon to have a talk, before deciding on a double mastectomy. They want you to know all your options and know what you're getting yourself into. Good luck on this tough decision. Best to ya.