Doctor Recommendations

Originally my family doctor only gave me his network doctors which did not include 'breast specialists' -- but I wanted a 'breast specialist.' I put out a post on Facebook requesting direction -- I received several through Facebook which helped me make my calls, interview and ultimately narrow my choice.  I'm so grateful for these referrals and for any info that came my way via Facebook. There are also many links to organizations that I learned of from friends. 

Summary about doctor approaches: I learned that the best first choice/first call is to call a cancer surgeon (oncological surgeon) who is like the ring leader of your then team of doctors; then, you call the cancer doctor (oncologist). Make both appointments as soon as possible -- especially because it might take some time to be seen (eg don't wait to make oncology appointment until after the surgeon appointment. Also, do both as soon as you can since the oncologist might have a wait list. And, do at least 2-3 different appointments for the same type of 'major' doctor (breast cancer surgeon, breast cancer oncologist) to make sure you feel comfortable with your choice. This cancer team is one that will be with you for  very long time. This cancer team will guide you into all other hospital and other specialist appointments.

I also learned that you can do one of the following approaches (my choice was the comprehensive treatment location approach; after attempting the first two, for me, the comprehensive approach was less stressful since there is is much to remember. Doable, but then an additional organization system needed.

1. individual cancer doctors that are general cancer doctors (any type of cancer) approach.
If you choose this approach, then it is with the realization that the doctor is not necessarily a breast specialist. The client then also might have to coordinate all the other doctors

2. individual breast cancer doctor approach not affiliated with one specific organization.
In this approach, you are getting the 'breast' cancer specialist who contracts out of different hospitals and you'll have to call the other doctors to coordinate their schedules.

3. breast cancer comprehensive site approach.
In this approach, you are calling one location who then coordinates your cancer surgeon (oncological surgeon), cancer doctor (oncologist), radiologists, imaging specialists, etc. In my case, this location also had a 'breast cancer reconstruction surgeon' who worked in tandem with the 'breast cancer surgeon' if choosing immediate reconstruction. For me, it was one less surgery since they work together.



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Comprehensive Treatment Location
In terms of doctors I used in the LA area, I loved Breastlink. From diagnosis to treatment (eg mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo, etc), this location coordinates all doctors in one location which is not only convenient but each professional at these locations are nurturing, loving, wonderful:

http://www.breastlink.com/

In terms of websites where you can get info about doctors and support groups as well as knowledge I recommend the following places since each of these sites offer local info and events: 

• http://m.cancer.org/?gclid=CNT4i7-z1bkCFeU9QgodEXMA1g
• http://m.komen.org/
• http://m.breastcancer.org/
• http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/