My Breast Cancer Journey: Concerns and Delays

I would get a second opinion maybe at a larger hospital group of yours is smaller

Get 2 opinions—-where do you live? If near MD Anderson that’s the place to go

My surgical oncologist ordered an MRI prior to surgery to confirm that there was nothing in my right breast. I didn't see medical oncologist until after my double mastectomy. Advocate for yourself. Get a second opinion if it will help you feel better.

At the University of Miami nothing is slow the best place for breast cancer. Maybe head this way and let my doctor’s treat you. My surgeon did not discharge me from the hospital the next day after having a Mastactomy she kept me hospitalized for 3 days. This is not the norm usually you would be discharged the next day after the surgery. Also my surgeon studied under Sloan Kettering which is one of the best facility. At Sloan Kettering you are discharged the day after surgery. That is one reason that I chose University of Miami. While I was in the hospital when I pressed a button on the bed which had a recording one that said “please do not get out of the bed your care team is on the way.” Every time I pressed this button with in two minutes a person would appear in my room. I never experienced such professional care

MD Anderson in Texas is the other leader in Breast Cancer

I had a Mastactomy on February 24 2025. I am not able to look at the site

Yes MD Anderson is the leading hospital in the country for breast cancer

I don't live in MD or Florida. I'm in CA. I had a UT after talking with a Nurse practitioner for the surgeons office. She listened and ordered a PET/CT scan. I just went for those yesterday. After the UT I had at the end of July, the results determined that I had 1 more mass in my left breast and 1 in my right breast. Neither showed up on the mammogram. I have a biopsy on Aug 27th.

The waiting periods between appointments can feel incredibly long when new symptoms appear, and those concerns about changes in both areas are completely understandable. Many patients find it helpful to keep a detailed log of any new symptoms or changes to share with their oncologist, as this documentation can support important conversations about next steps. The community here has incredible experience navigating these early weeks after diagnosis and advocating for thorough care - others may have valuable insights to share about similar experiences.