Perhaps John Hopkins

So a book was given to me by a very special friend and because it was the shortest I decided to read it first. It's written by Lillie Shockney and titled, Stealing Second Base. First, let me say, every woman ever diagnosed with breast cancer should autimatically receive this book. She has anazmzing sense of humor and basically walks you through her journey. From emotions, to questions, to terminology - everything. The reason my friend gave me this book was that she actually had a connection to her and had sent an email hoping we could connect. After I finished the book (last night) I decided to email her my story and had a couple of questions. She wrote me back this morning with her answers...

1. I saw you refer to a few surgeons in your book as surgical oncologists. I have two breast specialists that I've been referred to in our area, but I don't think either have that title. Is there a difference or a reason I should look into finding one?

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. A BREAST SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST IS A SURGEON WHO CHOSE TO GET MORE EDUCATION AND DO A FELLOWSHIP AT AN ACADEMIC CANCER CENTER. THESE CAN BE 1-2 YEARS IN LENGTH AND IT IS DEDICATED SOLELY TO BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. THESE TYPES OF BREAST SURGEONS (SO THEY AREN’T GENERAL SURGEONS DOING SOME BREAST SURGERIES) HAVE BEEN SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO HAVE HIGHER SURVIVAL RATES TOO.

2. Would you see a reason to travel to John Hopkins at my current stage/diagnosis? Are there any institutions/doctors you would recommend here in Atlanta? 

WE PROVIDE I BELIEVE THE BEST SKIN SPARING/NIPPLE SPARING MASTECTOMIES WITH EVERY FORM OF RECONSTRUCTION KNOWN TO MAN/WOMAN. IT IS WORTH THE TRIP TO COME HERE. MORE THAN 30% OF OUR PATIENTS TRAVEL MORE THAN 500 MILES FOR THEIR SURGERY HERE. THEN IF ADDITIONAL TREATMENT IS NEEDED WE GET THEM CONNECTED WITH FOLKS BACK HOMEFOR CHEMO OR RADIATION IF NEEDED.   BTW, YOU ARE CORRECT THAT YOUR PROGNOSTIC FACTORS OF ER,PR AND HER2 ARE EXCELLENT. THIS MEANS YOU SHOULD HAVE ONCOTYPEDX TEST DONE TO DETERMINE IF CHEMO WOULD BE OF BENEFIT OR NOT. I AM HOPING YOU DON’T NEED IT!!  IF YOU WANT TO COME HERE CALL 443-287-2778.  LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO COME. TELL THE SCHEDULER YOU CONNECTED WITH ME VIA OUR WEBSITE. I WOULD RECOMMEND DR CAMP AND DR SACKS FOR YOU!!

Looks like I may be getting a third opinon in Baltimore! And I was just saying how I'd love to travel this summer... funny.