age 45, just diagnosed, Philadelphia

hello sweetie, i also live in philly, i too was diagnosed in my forties, 42, and making wedding plans when i found the lump, i had all my treatment at graduate hosp but they are now closed, i staued with the team i started with, i dont have history of breast cancer either. i had idc,stage2,L mast, chemo and rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen, and Praise God i,m now 20 yrs cancer free. msphil

Jarpsd - so sorry you find yourself here, but glad you found this site! Great info and these threads are amazing.

Selecting the right team for you is very important...but a lot of it is what feels right to you. There is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion at another facility.

But it comes down to who do you feel hears you, has your best interest at heart, understands your concerns and your trust...what your gut says. Attend a support group at both facilities and visit and make appointments...than follow what your heart says. And consider that if you need RO can you drive there easily...for the 6 weeks of treatment. You will know in your heart which team is best for you.

In your pocket {{{squeeze}}} sending calm confident thoughts&prayers

Cindy

Hey there jarpsyd. I think a second opinion is in order. Penn is good, and so is Jefferson, but don't forget about... well, now I've forgotten since I've moved from the area. There is an excellent doctor in the suburbs. Beth Dupree. That's who I'd go to if I were in your shoes. Start there with your second opinion.

Does your ins work in NJ? There's an excellent breast center there as well -- Kristin Brill runs it. I like her a lot.

You can do this! XXX

Jarspyd - waiting is a great time to set up your file, get all your reports and discs so you have them with you, select an appointment buddy...our minds go on overload, ask if you may tape appts so you have record too., make your lists of questions for each appt and take 3 copies dr, appointment buddy, and you. Visit the facilities, ask what services they provide and check them out, attend a support group share your story and get feed back from others, and Breathe!

It's all very surreal...moves slowly&quickly...so breathe....focus on today...don't get ahead of yourself...and focus on what you do know in your preparations....and do things that make your heart smile!

You got this good reads, the breast cancer husband, Susan Loves breast cancer book.

(((Hugs)))

Cindy

I was diagnosed stage 3 at 47 and had my treatment at Penn. I absolutely loved my oncologist, but she moved to Annapolis. Loved both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon as well, and they are still there. One thing I like about Penn compared to the other hospitals are the private chemo rooms. They are really nice with big windows overlooking downtown. Most of the other hospitals have one big room with lots of chairs. I also liked that it is easier for me to get to penn than to get downtown. It's all about where you feel most comfortable though. If you have any questions for me about penn, let me know. Best of luck with everything.

sweetie, i forgot to say that Hup(hospital of university of penna has a great cancer team there, i,m now  go to Pennsylvania hospital in center city which i now have my doctor team, I was Inspirating you with previous Post, HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, continue to come back with questions we,re here forsupport. msphil

Hi Jarspyd.. I am in Philly too and I go to Beth Dupree as bobogirl had mentioned. She is absolutely wonderful and don't know where i would be without her. She is affiliated with Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's. I have a friend who is a plastic surgeon who tokd me she is the best in the area. Her resume is beyond amazing. I also have almost the same diagnosis as you. However, I opted for lumpectomy and didn't get clear margins so i had second. I was just told last Monday that they found 2 more primary tumors and need a mastectomy. These are not showing up on any tests. Therefore I will get a double since we don't know if they are hiding in the other breast as well. I will have chemo first right after Christmas. PM me if you want to talk. Its a tough time for us all.

I forgot to add that I also saw a micro-pigmentation specialist (tattoo artist) there as well!  She finished the job my plastic surgeon began.

I to am in the area, i go to crozer chester medical center, got my 2nd opinion at fox chase. I didnt want 2 go downtown,  not sure i believe they given better care. Crozer it is like a community,  like a little town. . I am here if u want 2 talk. 

Ducky kn here, went to dc, u may want to speak with her, whatrver u are comfortable  with 

A little late to this conversation, but I'm another satisified Penn patient.  I live in Downingtown (Chester County).  Originally diagnosed at Paoli, I went to Penn for a second opinion and ended up enrolling in a clinical trial at Penn that wouldn't have been available to me had I remained at Paoli.  Had my surgery at HUP in the city and had chemo and radiation at Penn's Valley Forge facility.  It was very convenient and I love the oncologist in Valley Forge- Tracy D'Entremonte. She's also a supporter of cold caps if anyone's considering using them.  We're lucky to live in an area with such an abundance of high quality medical facilities.

  I think it's always a good idea to get a second opinion, even if it just confirms the original findings and treatment recommendations.