Arizona - best cancer centers and physicians?

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mom-arizona
mom-arizona Member Posts: 3
edited January 2018 in Just Diagnosed

Hi,

My mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer on Jan 13th 2017. We are still waiting for a full report on biopsy.

Does anyone have recommendations on best breast cancer treatment centers and physicians?

I am currently looking into Banner MD Anderson in Gilbert, AZ and Cancer Treatment Center of America in Goodyear, AZ.

Any recommendations are greatly apreciated.

Thank you in advance!

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  • Fightingirl
    Fightingirl Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2017

    Hi mom-arizona!

    I am in the Phoenix area and highly recommend Dr. Lise Walker for breast surgeon. She is a top doc and all of my other docs so far radiologists, onc radiologist, plastic surgeon etc all rave about her. They said they like getting her patients because they know every T will be crossed and every i dotted. The oncology radiologist I met with Friday doesn't normally work on Fridays and said he came in because I was one of Dr Walkers patients! I have to also mention him if by chance your mom does need radiation down the line. Dr. Robert Kuske is the pioneer of brachytherapy (a type of radiation focusing on the tumor area, rather than the whole breast) People come from all over to see him as he is the only doctor in the world that does this on patients with breast implants. I have yet to meet with my oncologist but am seeing one at Honor Health Breast Center next week. Dr. Khattab is the oncologist whom my breast surgeon took her own mother to see.

    Anyways, for what it's worth..I've had great experience with all except the oncologist who I haven't met yet. Best of luck to you and your mom on this journey.


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  • mom-arizona
    mom-arizona Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2017

    Thank you so much Fightingirl!

    Im still waiting on some responses but we at least got the report today, so I have a little better idea about the type. So much more to figure out.

    I wish you the best, fast and full recovery!

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  • Fightingirl
    Fightingirl Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2017

    you're so welcome! It's a lot of steps and can be frustrating. Your mom is lucky to have you!

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  • MargaretEleanor
    MargaretEleanor Member Posts: 42
    edited January 2017

    I am a Mayo Cinic girl myself. I usually don't go anywhere else. I live in Gilbert, so it's a drive, however, I choose to do all of my care; cancer and otherwise at Mayo. I love the way my primary communicates with my oncologist, orthopaedist, dermatologist, etc, I participated in a HER-2 vaccine trial at Mayo in Rochester and found out my trial oncologist, vaccine researcher and Phoenix nurse practioner were all in communication the whole time.

    My active cancer treatment was six years ago. Dr. Donald Northfelt, best medical oncologist ever, is my medical oncologist. His nurse practitioner, the amazing MaryAnn Forrett is my nurse practioner. Dr Richard Gray, best breast surgeon ever, was my surgeon and Dr Michele Halyard was my radiation oncologist (no rad tattoos on my body). I did DIEP reconstruction at UCLA with Dr. Christopher Crisera best plastic surgeon ever. But I don't hold strong opinions about my medical team.😜

    Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a FOR PROFIT organization. They are very selective about their patients. The patient's insurance and the stage of cancer are considered before they choose to treat a patient. That's why their stats are skewed higher than other facilities. Just my opinion about CTCA, but you asked....


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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    I would have to agree with Margaret-Eleanor about CTCA. In Phoenix I would choose Mayo or MD Anderson. Both have "mother ships" to back you up if something rare happens.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2017

    I am in No. AZ and went to MD Anderson for my second opinion after my initial dx. I liked them very much. I have also used Mayo for unrelated surgeries and they are truly the gold standard for care. I couldn't go to them for my second opinion because of insurance, but I would recommend them for good overall care.

    Claire in AZ

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  • mom-arizona
    mom-arizona Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2017

    Thank you so much ladies! You guys are great! I wish you all full recovery!

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  • suemed8749
    suemed8749 Member Posts: 1,151
    edited January 2017

    I agree 100% with all of the kind words about breast surgeon Lise Walker. She is warm, professional, and thorough. Wishing you all the best!

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  • Noisivid1
    Noisivid1 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2018

    Hi,

    I saw your post and high recommendation for Dr. List Walker. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer two days ago. It is in the lymph nodes, but we won't have results for another the days. We live in Fort Collins, CO but will be in AZ in February and I want too seek out the best professional care for my wife. Before seeing this post I was thinking about scheduling an appointment with the Mayo Clinic. I don't know how to proceed. Do I schedule with the doctor, in this case your recommendation of Dr. Walker or do I select the institution, (Mayo Clinic)? Where does Dr. Walker do her surgeries? I want to do what is best for my wife and appreciate your feedback.

    Thanks,

    Jeff F.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2018


    If you go to the hospital website and make sure you are in the Arizona homepage, there should be a link (or a way to search) for second opinions and/or scheduling. There should be a # to call, and you should be able to at least request that particular doctor for a meeting.

    Best,

    Claire

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  • Noisivid1
    Noisivid1 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2018

    Thank you for your response. We will be traveling to Arizona tomorrow for a long planned stay and will get the news Monday or Tuesday as to type of cancer and stage. Does anyone have any knowledge of Dr. Barbara A. Pockaj at the Mayo clinic?

    Thanks,

    Jeff F.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2018

    I don't know that doctor, but I'll bet if she is at Mayo she'll be fabulous. They are gold standard when it comes to care, I think. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

    Hugs,

    Claire

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