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Comments

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited August 2012

    OK ladies, I have a tentative time set to move back to Texas. I'm looking at my last day at work being either Oct 12 or Oct 19 and moving the week following. I will be driving straight as I have cats - so long 16 hr drive and lose 2 time zones, but it's once and done. Have to work out all the logistics yet.

    I have a few questions if anyone can help who is in the Dallas/Ft Worth area of knows of anyone there:

    1) I have seen the recommendation for a breast surgeon in Ft Worth that many of you use. I saw my breast surgeon today for my final followup with her (6 months post radiation plus 2 follow up ultrasounds and one 3D mammogram). She said some breast surgeons do not take on new patients who have already had their surgery and some do. Mine does as she says likes following high risk cases. She gives very thorough breast exams - she could probably find something before a machine does! She is a breast cancer survivor so she is awesome since she's been on the other end of her own profession. Does this surgeon follow patients who have already had surgery, or do you know any that do? Are there any breast surgeons closer to Dallas? And any recommendations for a medical oncologist? That's who I will be due to see first in November so if anyone knows one, I'd appreciate it!

    2) I'm planning on renting somewhere in the DFW area for 9-12 mos till I know where I want to end up buying a house. I'm selling mine here - the market is way better for sellers and there are actually bidding wars again. I am looking at Irving just since it's in the middle (I do not yet have a job - I cannot apply until I reciprocate my license and I've got all the paperwork in for that- plus I'm 6-8 weeks out). I was born and raised till 8 in Carrollton. Went to school in Farmers Branch and watched the planes at Addison airport. That's the extent of my memories, LOL. We moved to Plano for 1.5 years when I was 13/14 then left again. So I am looking at those areas but also some of the areas closer to Ft Worth like Coleyville, Keller, Southlake, and also North Dallas and old East Dallas by White Rock lake. Any thoughts overall from anyone who lives in the DFW area? Where to be and where NOT to be? Most of my stuff will go to storage including piano storage for my baby grand if I don't have a house or townhome to rent and end up in an apartment. Anyone know of any good places to rent and also ones to stay AWAY from?

    Any help is appreciated - thank you. Looking forward to something for the first time in most of my life.  

    Cheri 

  • melly1462
    melly1462 Member Posts: 20
    edited August 2012

    I'm in Denton (a bit north of Dallas) and I use Texas Oncology.  I have been very happy with my doctors and treatment.  They have offices throughout TX, especially the DFW area.  They also have a division devoted exclusively to BC called Texas Breast Specialists.

    I read in another thread some great reviews about Dr. Alison Laidley (breast surgeon).  In same thread a not so glowing review about Medical City, Dallas.  

    My breast surgeon is Dr. Kerri Perry, LOVE her.  Also a survivor.  But she only practices in the Denton/Lewisville area. 

    Hopefully some of the other ladies will chime in, I'm fairly new to the area so not much help there.  Plano seems to be nice, as is Southlakes.  I'm a small town girl, Dallas is a little too scary for me! 

    Best wishes on a smooth, uneventful move.

  • dsgirl
    dsgirl Member Posts: 193
    edited August 2012

    Hello Cherilynn64,

    Your post on the tx thread caught my eye, and I can recommend a breast surgeon that does all the follow-up care I need, including scheduling mammograms, breast exam etc. She is very compassionate, I don't know why she would not take on a new patient that has moved to the area. She is practicing in both Fort Worth and Weatherford, and her name is Amy Gunter. Best of luck with your long trip back to TX.

    dsgirl

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited August 2012

    Melly and Dsgirl, thank you both! Thats exactly what I was looking for. Denton and Lewisville aren't that far nor Ft Worth/Weatherford. I reckon because my commute to work every day for decades has always been almost or more than an hour each way (I had a 4 hr daily commute once on a ferry in Seattle, OMG...).....so for me I don't mind driving an hour to someone that is personally recommended. That means a lot! And I still don't know where I'm living yet, either, depends on a few factors. Probably headed near north side of Irving just to be central for now - it's just temporary till I know where I want to end up. I like both small towns and big cities -just depends on a lot of factors that will flesh out over the next year.

    Thanks again ladies, your imput is really appreciated! Now back to said job.....Smile

    Cheri 

  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,484
    edited September 2012

    Cheri - I live northwest of Ft.Worth in Parker Co.  My BS is Dr. Anita Chow at Baylor-All Saints in FW. Love her.  I, too, use Texas Oncology.  My MO is OK, just have had little need for/contact with him which means no problems here.  No complaints; picked him myself.  DH liked him which in my book is a plus.  Grapevine/Southlake is crazy with freeway reconstruction as is north part of FW.  Same with west/SW Ft. Worth.  Building new freeway from Johnson Co to tie into downtown.  Grapevine/Southlake expensive.  Most of metroplex is being reconstructed!!!  DD rents apt in Euless, works in Grapevine.  North Irving, Las Colinas out near LBJ extension is nice, I think.  Shopping, restaurants.  Drove out there early last year.  'Course you do have the airplanes taking off all the time.  Know nothing about Arlington/Dallas.  Any FW questions ask away.

    Sounds like we should try a get together when you get back to Texas.

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited September 2012

    Cool, thanks Luv - I had Dr Chow written down as I saw all of you mention her. So now I have 3 recommendations which is fabulous! Thanks all!

    And I do like the Las Colinas/N Irving area since it's midway between D and FW. I just need something for 6-9 months to call home base till I find a house to buy. Glad you gave me the heads up on Grapevine/Southlake, that helps. I did not know that much construction was going on yikes! Thanks for that info!!

    Cheri 

  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,484
    edited September 2012

    Cheri - Another FW breast surgeon is Jane Bussey.  I was told she was "old school" and was known for only doing masts.  Not so true.  Good friend with Grade 3 had a pretty large LX done by her.  She is very satisfied with her care.  'Course she did get chemo with it.  Dr. Bussey has got to be near 60 at least.  Don't know her exact address, mid FW just south downtown where all the hospitals are.  Think friend had her surgery at Harris Methodist FW (can't every remember the right configuration of that name).  Another choice if you can't get someone to pick up your care.  Another friend used a general surgeon - would not be my choice but she was also satisfied.  She just finished 5 years on tamoxifen.

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503
    edited September 2012

    Cheri glad things are coming together for your move to Texas.  Welcome home girl

  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 895
    edited September 2012

    Cheri- Glad to hear you're makin the move! Sorry I cant help in the suggestions dept :) 

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited September 2012

    Sherry and TX Rose, thanks! It's ok, there's plenty of others with suggestions - Texas is a big state, I know we're all spread all over the state. I don't know that I'll stay in the DFW area but for now that's where I'm headed. Smile

    Luv, thanks for the additional recommendation - added to the list! Always helps to have multiple choices.

    Glad to be headed back to Texas! I wonder if I should go back to using Cheri Lynn as I did when I was a kid, LOL.

    Cheri 

  • sagina
    sagina Member Posts: 849
    edited September 2012

    Texasrose how you doing? thinking of you.

  • tedwilliams
    tedwilliams Member Posts: 97
    edited October 2012

    The winery I work at is having a Celebration of Life (acutally it is called Hero's Hoopla)  on Sat., Oct. 20.  The owner, Julie, just completed her treatment for breast cancer.  This is to celebrate all surviviors and their caregivers.  There will be balloons, a food truck, live music, information about programs DIVA in San Antonio provides and possibly  a speaker or two.  The event will be at Singing Water Vineyards, Comfort, Texas,  from 2-5 with the balloon release around 3:30.  I will be the one wearing a pink tutu.  And of course there will be wine...

    Jana 

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited October 2012

    Jana - The event sounds wonderful.  I do know where Comfort is.  Used to go there to look for antiques.  I would love to come but I already am scheduled to have lunch on South Padre Island with another sista.  That date is her one year out from rads.  Plus, this will be the only time we can get together before our busy winter texan season starts.

    Texas Oncology - McAllen is having their 5th Annual Breast Cancer Walk, Run, Ride on Oct 27th from 8:00 to 12:00.  This will be the first walk for me and I am excited.  I am walking with a friend who is an 18 year suvivor. My oncologist is at Texas Oncology and he is fantastic - on a side note - he is also gorgeous.  LOL! 

  • loriio
    loriio Member Posts: 55
    edited October 2012

    Hi Cheri. Welcome back to the DFW area! The new tollway (161) makes it much easier to get to Ft. Worth from the Valley Ranch/Coppell area. Luv is absolutely right about Southlake/Grapevine. Construction is a nightmare. I lived on White Rock Lake for years and I absolutely loved it! We're in Ft. Worth now. I see Dr. Chow and I've heard great things about Bussey. I have a great MO so let me know if you need a recommendation for one. Hope your move goes well.

    Lori

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503
    edited October 2012

    Jana I did not know you worked at Singing Vineyards. We have been there a few times. They have a Golden retriever there but I don't remember the name. The event sounds fun but we will be in San Angelo that weekend

  • loriio
    loriio Member Posts: 55
    edited October 2012

    Jana,

    I told my parents about the event. They live in Fredericksburg. My mom came and stayed with me for 6 weeks this summer. I told her she should go be celebrated (and have some wine at the same time) !

  • Scrappygrl
    Scrappygrl Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2012

    I'm going to be in Houston for two days getting scans and results on Monday Nov 5th.  Would anyone like to get together that evening to socialize?  Someowhere near MD Anderson? 

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2012

    Thank you Lorlio - I'm taking any and all recommendations for breast surgeons and MOs, will contact all when I get there to see who is taking new patients etc....I won't be due to see a breast surgeon till Feb, but I'll be due for an MO visit for bloodwork and I'm moving to Dallas on 10/23, so I need to narrow that decision down quickly. Everyone has been so helpful!

    I got a temporary apt in N Dallas/Farmers Branch near Preston Hollow, that general area. I grew up in Carrollton and went to school in FB. The apt is off Marsh Lane and Forest Lane I believe....too tired to look now, lol. I made a 6 month lease and half my stuff is going in to storage. Contacting some piano storage places now for my baby grand. Doanting a ton of stuff to Salvation Army - I think they are picking up half my house next week. Part are bad memories from the guy I was with that I'm moving away from, and part are due to toxins since having BC. I am only signing a 6 month lease with option to go month to month - hoping my house here sells once I'm gone and then I can find the area I want to be in there. 

    Thanks again to everyone for advice, suggestions, etc....very much appreciated!

    Cheri 

  • New-girl
    New-girl Member Posts: 80
    edited October 2012

    Dr Jay Courtwright is my MO at Medical City.  I adore him as he very honest and caring.  Nurses are great too.

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2012

    Added him to my list, thank you grt42!!

    Cheri 

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2012

    Howdy fellow Texans!

    I'm finally here! Long 18 hour straight drive with my cats on Tues/Wed (got in around 330am with the 2 hour time loss), and just late today got internet finally (couldn't access this site on my iphone).

    Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you for your kind help with doctors and suggestions about where to live and everything....for now I'm in a temporary (hopefully 6 mos or less) apartment till my hosue sells in Phoenix and I can buy one here. I'm in Dallas/Farmers Branch about 10 min tops from where I was born and first grew up in Carrollton. Don't know where I'll end up as I'm already bitching about how cold it is, lol, so maybe I need to move to South Texas, HA! Here we go again!

    But for now I'm going to stay put, hopefully take the pharmacist law exam for Texas if they would ever send me to authorization to take it (it's beem 8 weeks and supposed to be 6, so if anyone lives in Austin please go kick their butts for me ha ha)...so can't work till I take and pass that. Enjoying my time off for the first time in 24 years, so it's not horrible or anything. Moving van coming Monday so having a bed will be wonderful!!! It's the little things....

    Thanks again everyone, glad to be back in my native place :-)

    Cheri

  • New-girl
    New-girl Member Posts: 80
    edited October 2012

    Gonna be freezing tonight!  Welcome to Texas....might get to 80 later this week.

  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 895
    edited October 2012

    LOL yeah we got a crazy cold front right now.... glad you made it safe and sound!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited October 2012

    Participated in my first breast cancer walk yesterday morning and it sure was cold.  Never got out of the 50s and the wind was blowing pretty good.  Still, had a blast and will do it again next year.

    Hi Texasrose - Hope you are doing alright.

  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,484
    edited October 2012

    Cheri - Welcome back to Texas.  Yes, forecast says 80s by end of the week.  It froze out here NW of Fort Worth. There went the tomato plants and most likely about 10 figs that were just getting big enough to think about ripeing. I think this freeze is a little early.

  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 895
    edited October 2012

    hey jo sucks that we get this cold front as you had a walk scheduled.... i am doing good! hows them winter texans treating you?

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited October 2012

    Texasrose - The weather for the walk was not too bad.  I wore warm clothes and got through it.  The wind was the worst.  We had a blast.  I have posted all the pictures on my facebook page.  The WTs are starting to really come in.  For many, they are early this year.  The cold up north has driven them down here only to come to our cool weather.  Oh well, it is going to warm back up in the next few days.

  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2012

    Glad I'm not the only one who was freezing, LOL.

    Nice hearing from you all - glad to be back! That was one long absence from my home state - 40 years in Jan!

    Cheri Kiss

  • tedwilliams
    tedwilliams Member Posts: 97
    edited October 2012

    Jo....glad you enjoyed your walk.  I was sending warm thoughts  towards you that day.

    TexasRose....love your picture.

    Sherry....I hope you come to Singing Water again.  There are several vineyards in the area as well great resturants.  The surviovor event was good.  Releasing the balloons was an awesome sight. I still don't like Pink October but did wear a pink t-shirt that day.  

    Cheri...welcome to Texas.  

    I had my Stage II surgery in September.  He was able to make the scars look great, reduce and lift my left side, but he was unable to correct the damage from radiation and previous surgeries on my cancer side.  His response....we can do a LAT flap.  I have already had 2 flaps done.  Not certain what I am going to do.  I just want to look great like Jo and Sherry.

    Jana

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503
    edited October 2012

    Cheri welcome back to Texas, it has been weird with this cold front and now warming up.  Like they say if you don't like the weather it will change.

    Jana I will have to make a trip back to comfort.  Our friends from Boerne that liked to go to the Vineyards moved to CA.  They were our wine buddies.  Sorry to hear your news on your reconstruction. Did the whole breast fail.  Don't be to envious of me because I went back yesterday because I have a divot that appeared on my right breast.  Well both of my implants are bottoming out and I will have to have everything redone. I still look great but Dr. L feels it is going to get worse.  He said he could do some fat grafting but that would just be a temp cosmetic cover up and would still need surgery to fix the issue.  Said he will have to go back in and do lots of stitching in the pockets and maybe more alloderm to hold the implants up.  I have really thin skin and he was afraid this would happen. Hoping he will be able to take care of this otherwise next step is a flap of somekind and I  don't qualify for DIEP.

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