Surgeon recommendations: How did you choose a surgeon?

Where r u located?

@nikkifrn you said you are waiting for a biopsy result. You will probably need those results to get an appointment with a surgeon. Usually you would get a referral from your doctor along with the results of your biopsy if it is positive. Although masses can have certain characteristics that are suspicious of cancer, no one can be certain without looking at those cells under a microscope.
Try to take a breath, I know the waiting seems eternal, but try not to make yourself crazy with “what ifs”. I honestly know what you are going through, I remember the waiting.
Do you live near a cancer center or a teaching hospital?
How long ago did you get your biopsy?

I’m in Illinois

Thank you!
I live an hour away from a teaching hospital and about 4 hours from Mayo. I want to try to go to the “best” place I can within 4-5 hours. I’m not sure how long it takes for it all to happen. This radiologist placed a clip with the biopsy so I feel he must be certain though I agree that without the biopsy result it’s hard to make any appointments.

Hi. I went to a teaching hospital. It was July, when the Residents go into their next year. Because of my poor medical insurance, the fact that I was 70, but healthy, and no one important, I had a 4 week new Surgical Resident practice on me. I should have put my clothes back on and walked out of there when she introduced herself and answered my question about her residency status. I am am still dealing with HER Surgical Maneuvers.

It usually takes under a week for you to get biopsy results. It felt like a month, but it was really 5 days. Please come back and let me know, when you get results. I have my fingers and my toes crossed that you don’t end up needing a surgeon after all.

Hi @nikkifrn, if you would like to inquire about an appointment at Mayo Clinic, here is more information to get you started: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

You might also appreciate this discussion that @roch started a while back.
- Breast Surgery; any advice to prepare for surgery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/breast-surgery-any-advice-to-prepare-for-surgery/

And get to "see" some of the Mayo surgeons on these videos:
- Videos about Breast Cancer Surgery from Mayo Experts
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/videos-about-breast-cancer-surgery-from-mayo-experts/

nikkifrn @nikkifrn

Next month may become overwhelming, but you need to take one step at time.

After biopsy results are back, I assume your doctor who order test will talk to you about options.

There are many types of breast cancer and you will know more once you have results. Though your first response is "cut it out" in some cases, they may want to do some type treatment first. Each case should be approached individualized. The treatment plan for one, may not be best option for you.

Also, if your doctor recommends a surgeon and after you see that doctor, you can always get an 2nd option at another clinic.

I think this website is a good introductory, with enough information to ask first round of questions.
https://www.breastcancer.org/about-you/newly-diagnosed
This is another good site with questions:
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-to-do-after-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/
If possible, bring someone with you to appt. Another set of ears helps.

Laurie

Thank you!

The same thing happened to me at a teaching hospital, and I was not informed in advance. I did my research and selected a top level surgeon and I found out after the fact that a resident did my surgery. I would have paid out-of-pocket rather than be a participant in on-the-job training. Also dealing with residual problems.