Hi, everybody
I am thinking about changing my oncologist and surgeon doctors.
I live in California, in Los Angeles area, and I would like to know if anybody has the name of a very good breast specialist oncologist and a breast specialist surgeon. Also, I would like to ask what is the better place to treat for cancer: UCLA? City of Hope? Harbor UCLA? Torrance Memorial Hospital? What do you suggest?
I am 43 y.old, diagnosed in April, very large tumor invasive ductal carcinoma, her 2 +++, er/pr-, limph node involvement under the armpit, doing chemo know, preparing for CT/PET scan, then surgery.
I also would like to say that even though this is my first post, I have been reading the posts here for a long time, and I learned a lot with all of you. It has been a great help this site to me.
Thanks to all of you.
Have a great weekend.
KV.

Hi KV; If I lived in LA my money would be on UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. If I'm not mistaken, that's where Dr. Dennis Slamon, the Father of Herceptin, is based. It's a highly regarded cancer treatment center. Here's a link:

UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
http://www.cancer.mednet.ucla.edu/

KV,

I echo Lolly's notion!

My uncle lives in LA (ever since I was a baby, now I'm 37 years old), and I know that he does take his family to UCLA from time to time. Another interesting tid-bit: novel writer named Danielle Steel finally had her late son accurately diagnosed at UCLA, after so many doctors & misdiagnoses.

I don't think Dr. Slamon sees patients anymore, but he usually refers them to his colleague named Dr. Mark Pegram. I believe that Dr. Pegram is involved in a current trial at UCLA that is targeted at her2 breast cancer. Or is it Lapatinib? Any corrections on this trial would be much appreciated, thanks!

Ooops, that "guest" was me; I forgot to put in my name.

KV, UCLA is about a 2 hour drive from me, so I go there for 2nd opinions only. I see Dr. Pegram there, and would recommend him 110%. He is awesome, a talented researcher, intelligent, and has great patient communication.

If I lived closer to UCLA, that's who I would entrust my care to.

Thank you all for your replies, they helped me a lot, and I am considering all the great advices. I will let you know what I decide. Thanks again.
Have a wonderful weekend.
KV.