Mom Just Diagnosed

[Mommy_oftwo]

Hello! My 54 year old. mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer following a biopsy she had last week. They said she has a 2c.m. mass that is positive, containing cancer cells. This is very new info, and the nurse didnt explain the pathology report in detail to her over the phone. She said she would book the apt. with the oncologist and surgeon. I told her she needs to look into treatment options & maybe a second opinion. Before they just try to rush her into surgery. Unfortunately with the insurance she has you have to go through their providers. I know Cancer is serious and have told her we should research the best doctors in our area and look at our options. We are in San Diego, Ca and would love to know if anyone can recommend an onocologist in the area or even close by. I know very little about Breast Cancer but am willing to do all the research possible to make this easier on her & be well informed. Any advice, recommendations etc. would be greatly appreciate. Trying to be hopeful :)

[Mochadelicious]

So sorry to hear about your mom.  Waiting to talk with the doctor is so hard.  I would recommend you and your mom write down all your questions and present them to the doctor when you meet.  Writing them down helps you keep your thoughts straight because it's very easy to get side tracked and forget to ask the questions you have.  I'm sure this next appointment will provide you with many of the answers you need.  On that note, when dealing with any kind of cancer diagnosis, it is never a bad idea to get a second opinion.  I got a second opinion right after my diagnosis and I'm so glad I did.  Both doctors agreed on the treatment plan which made me feel confident that I was doing the right thing.  

I'm not from your area, but I drove about 5 hours from home to seek my second opinion at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.  You may have to drive or fly to get there, but I'd highly recommend a research hospital.  They're the ones that get the big $ for researching this stuff.  Besides, you don't necessarily have to get treatment there, just an opinion.  Here is a link of the U.S. News best hospitals for cancer.  Maybe you will find one near you.

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer/data

[SueYoung55]

CTCA comes highly recommended.

Best wishes to your Mother.

[bluebutterfly2222]

You and your mom will have a better idea regarding how serious her case is after she meets with the oncologist and surgeon. This will depend in part on the type of BC that was found, whether there is lymph node involvement, etc.

After these consultations, where  tx options will be discussed and recommendations made, if she has doubts or in not satisfied with the providers to whom she was referred, a second opinion can be arranged.

Best wishes to you and your mom,
bluebutterfly

[Mommy_oftwo]

Also has anyone ever been a patient at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America? if so how did you feel about it?