Choosing a surgeon is already feeling overwhelming

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LivingThis
LivingThis Member Posts: 38
edited September 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I was diagnosed 2 days ago. I asked for recommendations for a surgeon. My nurse practitioner highly recommends someone who specializes in breast cancer but operates out of a hospital that would not be my first choice. A friend who is a cancer nurse highly recommends a surgeon at her hospital who is great both "personally and technically". That is the hsopital where I will go to see my medical oncologist. Another patient who was diagnosed last year, highly recommends a third surgeon at the preferred hospital.

I have an appt with surgeon number 1 on Monday. Should I try to make an appointment with one other or will that just be too confusing

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2015

    Dear 090815,

    Sorry you had to be here but we're glad to see that you found the BCO Community.

    We understand how difficult it can be finding the right surgeon for you and we're sure others will be along to offer their experiences.

    While you wait you may find reading through these links on our main site helpful.

    Questions to ask your Surgeon

    Finding a qualified Plastic Surgeon

    Keep us updated!

    Best wishes, from the Moderators.

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  • LivingThis
    LivingThis Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2015

    Thank you! All experiences and information are appreciated!

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  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 658
    edited September 2015

    It can't hurt to get a second opinion.

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  • plumster1
    plumster1 Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2015
    090815- I would see all 3 recommended BS. I was in a similar position. I had three recs. one for dr at the hospital I had my children at, 1 my bff's doc who already been through BC, 1 rec by friend who is radiologist and director of a breast care center. All three different hospitals. I saw two on a Friday and one on the next Monday. I was so glad I did. Each doctor has their own spiel and slight twist on the situation. I was able to pick who I felt was the right fit for me and my long term follow up needs. Frankly, for me, the hospital the surgery was at ended up being the least important factor for me. Feeling you have the right partner in your BS I think way more important. Keep us posted!
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  • LivingThis
    LivingThis Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2015

    Great advice - thank you plumster1!

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2015

    I'm so sorry about your dx, but absolutely see all 3 docs that have been recommended. You will be surprised at how each one will add something to your knowledge bank that will help you understand your dx and make any necessary decisions, no matter whom you eventually choose.

    Like anything else, experience goes a long way, and barring personality issues, I would probably opt for a surgeon who specializes only in breast cancer vs. a general oncological surgeon who probably does far fewer bc surgeries each year.

    To add to your resources, here's a list of NCI-designated cancer centers where you will find breast (only) surgeons. If there's one within a reasonable distance of where you live, you might want to add it to your list of possibilities. http://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-cen... I've also had good luck finding local docs who either were residents or interned at one or more of these major cancer centers, because they have a very detailed and well thought out way of approaching things.

    Oh, and be sure to take someone with you to your appointments who can carefully observe and may pick up on things you might miss, because spacing out is a totally normal reaction when a surgeon starts talking about bc surgery and we realize the patient they're talking about is us.

    Hugs, and good luck ~ Deanna

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