Getting needle biopsy on Oct 7 2025 in Phoenix/Mesa AZ, would like oncology and surgeon recommen...
My maternal grandmother survived breast cancer back in the 1970s. (She died at 106 yrs about 15 yrs ago) . My sister is a breast cancer survivor (over 10 years now). It didn't happen to my mom. My father's half sister never got it.
Mammogram found two somethings suspicious in my left breast, follow up ultrasound confirmed it. My ultrasound guided core breast biopsy is on October 7 (2025).
I'm trying to be proactive. I would love for this to be benign but I'd like to be prepared if it isn't. Can y'all recommend an oncologist and a surgeon for breast reconstruction?
I am 63 years old. I have very large breasts (40 J). I have dense breast tissue, and last year's mammogram came out clean. I had a clean breast MRI in 2018, so I think they have a good baseline to work with. I am a full time employee. Cigna is my health insurance. I have high deductible plan and an HSA, so I don't have to worry about the hassle of an HMO.
I suppose I'll miss them if they have to go, but my sense of identity isn't based on my breasts and if these b****** are trying to kill me I want them gone.
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I was 64 and I too was extremely "well-endowed" (at one point my bra size could have been mistaken for really bad arena-concert seats). I named them Thelma (L) & Louise (R). When I had my lumpectomy, the tumor breast (R) was 38 I and the other one 38 J. A decade later (and 53 lbs down), the R is 34 DD and the L 34H, so I split the difference and wear a 34G (FF in some brands). I'd get a reduction for symmetry (Medicare covers it) and perhaps a panniculectomy fot the "tummy apron," but I'm not going under the knife for anything not life-or-health-preserving,
My breasts are fatty, with "scattered fibroglandular densities." My tumor was found on my 20th annual screening mammogram, referred to as a "focal asymmetry not present on prior mammogram." Turned out to be a 13mm Grade 2 IDC, "Luminal A" type (ER&PR+/HER2-), Stage IA. Low oncotype, no genetic mutations. At the time I had United Healthcare PPO, which covered everything; two months later I qualified for Medicare and switched to BCBS.
I can't make any provider recommendations because I don't know your location. But you can't go wrong with any clinic affiliated with MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, or Dana-Farber. If you have any questions about your provider's recommendations, seek a second opinion.
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