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Wife will have biopsy next week. Which doctor to see first?

Posted by frank1956 @frank1956, Sep 26 8:04am

My wife, 63, found a lump last month. After ultrasound, and diagnostic mammogram, they identified a palpable lump in right breast (13 x 11 x 11 mm). The radiologist doctor recommended a biopsy.
We have been trying to find out which type of doctor to see first if the unthinkable happens. We are looking into a UCLA breast center close by. They have Breast surgeon and Breast Medical Oncologist, but no Radiation Oncologist in this location.
Should we see a Breast surgeon first, or Breast Medical Oncologist?
Thank you.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 9 2:40pm
In reply to @frank1956 "Thanks. You certainly gave us a hope that this is beatable. There is no break down..." + (show)
@frank1956

Thanks. You certainly gave us a hope that this is beatable. There is no break down of Ki67 score, just that it is 30-35% (high) which is concerning.
It is ironic, on the same day when my wife received her diagnosis, I saw my own Urologic Oncologist who declared that after 2 benign prostate biopsies, 6 months part, I do not have evidence of cancer. I wish to switch places with my wife. I rather have cancer myself to set her free from it.
We have told our daughter to get mammogram early, and our son to get PSA test early.

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@frank1956 these days breast cancer patients tend to do pretty well, according to statistics. It is not a large cancer.

I was wondering the breakdown for the grade 2 and also the percentages of the hormone scores but surely the doctor will discuss these.

I really like the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book- covers thoroughly but not too overwhelming. I liked having a book vs research online in the beginning!

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angiemal | @angiemal | Oct 10 11:39am

I think is important that your wife can decompress somehow .
I’m also a quiet person and it wasn’t easy for me to share how I was feeling inside after the diagnosis. I started with a psychologist, first appointment I cried like a baby , I was not even able to articulate all the things that were going through my mind at that moment. Step by step I started to realize how helpful it was to share with others my feelings. Today , 6 months later I’m putting my mental health in the first place, I continue with my psychologist and also meditating. Both resources have been a lifesaver for me.
Wishing you the best in this journey and I hope you can find peace in focusing in the present and the information that you have right now . I don’t let my mind going to dark places in the future.

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rylee2019 | @rylee2019 | Oct 10 12:19pm
In reply to @frank1956 "We received the pathology report on Tuesday (10/8), 7 days after the biopsy. It shows cancer...." + (show)
@frank1956

We received the pathology report on Tuesday (10/8), 7 days after the biopsy. It shows cancer. My wife is a quiet person. and she is very calm about this, but I know she is hurting inside. She does not post anything in any social networking forums, so I am doing this to help with information gathering.
The pathology report shows:
INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA
Grade 2. BRS Score: 7/9
Size of invasive tumor: at least 0.7 cm.
Estrogen Receptor: positive
Progesterone Receptor: positive
Her2/new IHC: Negative
Ki67 proliferation rate: 30-35% (high)
AJCC pathologic T-stage: at least pT1b.
Lymphovascular invasion: Not identified
DCIS: Not identified
My wife's gynecologist suggested to start with a breast surgeon, so she has been looking for one in UCLA Santa Monica facility, their main campus for breast cancer.
It took us a day to gather the medical records from the past 2 years with CDs. We drove to Santa Monica and hand delivered those to their front desk. We have to call their scheduler today to get an appointment with one of their breast surgeons. We hope to see a doctor soon.

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Hi Frank. I am 2 months post op from a bilateral mastectomy with expanders and will have my final reconstructive surgery in December. One thing I learned just recently which I thought was brilliant was to use the "voice memos" on my iPhone to record what the oncologist, surgeon and anyone else you talk to. Even when you go into an appointment feeling totally prepared, there is so much information, it's daunting. My husband was with me for all of my appointments, which I loved, but even he couldn't remember everything. Best wishes to you and your wife.

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