[Vi Schorpp]

Before I met with my oncologist I knew from my research that I would be on Adriamycin. I had opted for a mastectomy, but my case is a little different than yours because I did not get Herceptin (diagnosed 2003) and did not have radiation.

I feel no matter where you live, you will get a "standard" of care. There are some institutions and doctors doing "cutting edge" research, etc., but the established protocols are in place whether you live near where I live and have University Hospital or Cleveland Clinic to chose from, or a small town elsewhere.

My absolutely biggest decision was whether to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy, even with all the research out there.

You're right, I don't feel I was cheated by not being seen by a well-known oncologist in the national arena, but was reassured that I was being taken care of by one well-known in the Clinic setting.