Would you fly across country to see an associate?
 

I had talked to my onc about setting up an appointment for me to see a breast cancer specialist. I decided to ask to see Dr. Slamon, so this morning I called my onc's office and gave them the details.

The office later called back to let me know that Dr. Slamon's office would be calling me to get some information and that I may not be able to see Dr. Slamon, but rather an associate of his. She said that he is seeing fewer patients now, but he works closely with his associates.

Any suggestions? See the associate, try again for Dr. Slamon, or consider another specialist....

Barbara,

Did they mention who the associate was...everyone who works with him
is very good. Dr. Slamon has been traveling alot...he just got back recently
after being out of the cancer center. Since Dr. Slamon is in charge I would
consider the associate.

Good Luck...and sending Prayers your way.
Jean

Of course....
 

I would try to get Dr. Slamon....let me know how it goes.

Jean

I wouldn't!

Is it feasible for your oncologist to send your case to Dr. Slamon for a review of your treatment. If Dr. Slamon thinks you should have additional tests, scans, etc., before he proposes a treatment, he could inform your doctor of this. In effect, if you use one of Dr. Slamon's associates that's about the same thing, with Dr. Slamon yea-ing or nea-ing the proposed treatment plan based on the information presented by the associate.

And if that doesn't work, I'd see another specialist.

Dr. Mark Pegram
 

Thought I would mention that Dr. Pegram is one of Dr. Slamon's associates and that Esther consults with him. She has posted very satisfactorily about clinic visits with Dr. Pegram. You can look up her posts or contact her by private message.

Dr. Pegram is also a good friend of her2support.org, and will go out of his way for us gals who seek him out.

His credentials are awesome!

Barbara,

I flew out to UCLA and I did see Dr. Slamon and if he is in fact not out of state
you will see him. But as Steph has said his associate is just great I met him
also while I was out there, as I said earlier I would not hesitate with that
group, they are wonderful! Why don't you call direct and speak with Dr.
Slamon's secretary she can inform you of his schedule etc. and if it doesn't fit
you can make an informed decision to see Dr. P....

Without knowing what your onc has planned - there is nothing like sitting in person with the dr. and going over each and every detail. After spending
three hours with Dr. Slamon we decided to have the TOPO 11 tested
(at that time there was not any or many doing that testing) Dr. Slamon
has his own lab and much research going on. He told me before the release
of the TCH and why it would prove to be a great choice of treatment
with much detail that helped me along me with my choices and feeling
confident about them. Also who knows, they could have another new approach test re:herceptin PTEN ...far too much to gain.
we discussed many other issues. Also, my treatment plan changed
greatly from the onc. in NY. (they did not even know about the TOPO 11
testing) Also the exam that I had was compared to none by his associate.
I think she felt every inch of my body.

Let us know how it goes.....but do go!

Hugs,
Jean