All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
You all are very awesome. Keep up the good work. And I love my family and I would recommend you to family and friends without hesitation. God bless.
November 12, 2026
5
Yes, I am very, very pleased with Dr. Xu, the radiation doctor there. I've been seeing her on and off since I got cancer starting in 2023. She was recommended to me by Dr. Amy Kerr. And also right now, my new doctor is Dr. Rosa Poland. She recommended me to her. She is a very thorough doctor and she has let me know exactly what's going on with my body and sit me down and explain everything to me from note to note so I can have a clear understanding. She has a very strong sense of caring and informative and highly professional and I'm so glad to be working with her. Thank you so much. And WellSTAR, you should be proud of her because she's a very good doctor. Thank you.
November 6, 2026
5
I proud of all staff in this facility, supper professional, respectful. I feel I'm around my friends when I'm there.
October 22, 2026
5
The staff was awesome. Everything was on point. They were very informative. I love their place. They were on point. And I would recommend them to anybody. Go there. They were good. They were all angels. Thank you.
October 18, 2026
5
The staff treated me like a family and with respect
October 19, 2026
5
Keep up the great serv
October 11, 2026
5
The time that I had to wait was out of the staff's control. The machine went down and they were working on it so they gave us the choice to wait and see if they could get the machine to start working or reschedule.
September 21, 2026
5
Very friendly and efficient.
September 15, 2026
5
I am very pleased with the care and respect that I receive daily from this care team.
August 22, 2026
5
If someone would keep a check on the restrooms, they seem to be dirty every time I'm in there, but I think it's because people come off the sidewalk maybe to use the restroom. I'm not sure.
August 22, 2026
5
The staff and providers are very professional and attentive to each client. I always felt comfortable communicating with them and that I received quality care.
August 25, 2026
5
Everyone is and has been so kind and knowledgeable.
August 16, 2026
5
Happy with visit as usual
August 16, 2026
5
Great Doctor Great Nurse Great Head receptionist
July 27, 2026
5
I was very impressed with the therapist assigned to me. She was very patient and took the time to make sure I understood the procedure.
July 24, 2026
4
Yes, so far I've been there, this is my sixth to eight times for my treatment and advice as to what to do and what should not to do. I've visited a few of them and this is the best service I have received that I actually came home and spoke to my wife of how attentive and listening they were to my question. One instance, the person who I spoke to could not answer the question and she went and found someone who were able to explain the answer to me. I will always remember this type of service because I will always remember this service because
July 22, 2026
5
Everyone there is very caring and knowledgeable
July 18, 2026
5
The staff (nurses/receptionist) and the provider (Dr. Xu) were extremely helpful with my questions and concerns. I definitely felt at ease asking questions and I am very satisfied with this facility.
July 10, 2026
5
An amazing staff.
June 30, 2026
5
All right.
June 20, 2026
5
Very good experience
June 24, 2026
5
Every one was very professional
June 17, 2026
5
All Good!
June 14, 2026
5
The Dr and the staff were very friendly and respectful
June 12, 2026
5
The patient bathrooms should be cleaned throughout the day and not only once per night.
June 11, 2026
5
I highly recommend Dr. Xu's practice. The staff is amazing. They're very helpful, very friendly, very, it's just a great environment. Dr. Xu spends good quality time with her patients, I think. She's just one of the friendliest, kindest, most knowledgeable doctors. And I just have really appreciated everybody at this practice.
June 6, 2026
5
I just think that the front office staff, the receptionists at the front office at the bleeding room, need not be on their cell phones as patients are coming in and leaving out. You're afraid to interrupt them because they're texting on their cell phone.
June 6, 2026
5
The warmth and kindness shown by the staff and medical team are greatly appreciated. I'm encouraged that everything is going to be alright! Many Thanks to the team.
June 3, 2026
4
Nice
May 31, 2026
5
I had an excellent experience. Notably, the oncology nurse, Jamie and the radiation doctor, Dr. Xu were professional and answered all my questions and concerns.
May 23, 2026
5
You all are very awesome. Keep up the good work. And I love my family and I would recommend you to family and friends without hesitation. God bless.
November 12, 2026
5
Yes, I am very, very pleased with Dr. Xu, the radiation doctor there. I've been seeing her on and off since I got cancer starting in 2023. She was recommended to me by Dr. Amy Kerr. And also right now, my new doctor is Dr. Rosa Poland. She recommended me to her. She is a very thorough doctor and she has let me know exactly what's going on with my body and sit me down and explain everything to me from note to note so I can have a clear understanding. She has a very strong sense of caring and informative and highly professional and I'm so glad to be working with her. Thank you so much. And WellSTAR, you should be proud of her because she's a very good doctor. Thank you.
November 6, 2026
5
I proud of all staff in this facility, supper professional, respectful. I feel I'm around my friends when I'm there.
October 22, 2026
5
The staff was awesome. Everything was on point. They were very informative. I love their place. They were on point. And I would recommend them to anybody. Go there. They were good. They were all angels. Thank you.
October 18, 2026
5
The staff treated me like a family and with respect
October 19, 2026
5
Keep up the great serv
October 11, 2026
5
The time that I had to wait was out of the staff's control. The machine went down and they were working on it so they gave us the choice to wait and see if they could get the machine to start working or reschedule.
September 21, 2026
5
Very friendly and efficient.
September 15, 2026
5
I am very pleased with the care and respect that I receive daily from this care team.
August 22, 2026
5
If someone would keep a check on the restrooms, they seem to be dirty every time I'm in there, but I think it's because people come off the sidewalk maybe to use the restroom. I'm not sure.
August 22, 2026
5
The staff and providers are very professional and attentive to each client. I always felt comfortable communicating with them and that I received quality care.
August 25, 2026
5
Everyone is and has been so kind and knowledgeable.
August 16, 2026
5
Happy with visit as usual
August 16, 2026
5
Great Doctor Great Nurse Great Head receptionist
July 27, 2026
5
I was very impressed with the therapist assigned to me. She was very patient and took the time to make sure I understood the procedure.
July 24, 2026
5
Everyone there is very caring and knowledgeable
July 18, 2026
5
The staff (nurses/receptionist) and the provider (Dr. Xu) were extremely helpful with my questions and concerns. I definitely felt at ease asking questions and I am very satisfied with this facility.
July 10, 2026
5
An amazing staff.
June 30, 2026
5
All right.
June 20, 2026
5
Very good experience
June 24, 2026
5
Every one was very professional
June 17, 2026
5
All Good!
June 14, 2026
5
The Dr and the staff were very friendly and respectful
June 12, 2026
5
The patient bathrooms should be cleaned throughout the day and not only once per night.
June 11, 2026
5
I highly recommend Dr. Xu's practice. The staff is amazing. They're very helpful, very friendly, very, it's just a great environment. Dr. Xu spends good quality time with her patients, I think. She's just one of the friendliest, kindest, most knowledgeable doctors. And I just have really appreciated everybody at this practice.
June 6, 2026
5
I just think that the front office staff, the receptionists at the front office at the bleeding room, need not be on their cell phones as patients are coming in and leaving out. You're afraid to interrupt them because they're texting on their cell phone.
June 6, 2026
5
The warmth and kindness shown by the staff and medical team are greatly appreciated. I'm encouraged that everything is going to be alright! Many Thanks to the team.
June 3, 2026
5
I had an excellent experience. Notably, the oncology nurse, Jamie and the radiation doctor, Dr. Xu were professional and answered all my questions and concerns.
May 23, 2026
4
Yes, so far I've been there, this is my sixth to eight times for my treatment and advice as to what to do and what should not to do. I've visited a few of them and this is the best service I have received that I actually came home and spoke to my wife of how attentive and listening they were to my question. One instance, the person who I spoke to could not answer the question and she went and found someone who were able to explain the answer to me. I will always remember this type of service because I will always remember this service because
July 22, 2026
4
Nice
May 31, 2026
4
Yes, so far I've been there, this is my sixth to eight times for my treatment and advice as to what to do and what should not to do. I've visited a few of them and this is the best service I have received that I actually came home and spoke to my wife of how attentive and listening they were to my question. One instance, the person who I spoke to could not answer the question and she went and found someone who were able to explain the answer to me. I will always remember this type of service because I will always remember this service because
July 22, 2026
4
Nice
May 31, 2026
5
You all are very awesome. Keep up the good work. And I love my family and I would recommend you to family and friends without hesitation. God bless.
November 12, 2026
5
Yes, I am very, very pleased with Dr. Xu, the radiation doctor there. I've been seeing her on and off since I got cancer starting in 2023. She was recommended to me by Dr. Amy Kerr. And also right now, my new doctor is Dr. Rosa Poland. She recommended me to her. She is a very thorough doctor and she has let me know exactly what's going on with my body and sit me down and explain everything to me from note to note so I can have a clear understanding. She has a very strong sense of caring and informative and highly professional and I'm so glad to be working with her. Thank you so much. And WellSTAR, you should be proud of her because she's a very good doctor. Thank you.
November 6, 2026
5
I proud of all staff in this facility, supper professional, respectful. I feel I'm around my friends when I'm there.
October 22, 2026
5
The staff was awesome. Everything was on point. They were very informative. I love their place. They were on point. And I would recommend them to anybody. Go there. They were good. They were all angels. Thank you.
October 18, 2026
5
The staff treated me like a family and with respect
October 19, 2026
5
Keep up the great serv
October 11, 2026
5
The time that I had to wait was out of the staff's control. The machine went down and they were working on it so they gave us the choice to wait and see if they could get the machine to start working or reschedule.
September 21, 2026
5
Very friendly and efficient.
September 15, 2026
5
I am very pleased with the care and respect that I receive daily from this care team.
August 22, 2026
5
If someone would keep a check on the restrooms, they seem to be dirty every time I'm in there, but I think it's because people come off the sidewalk maybe to use the restroom. I'm not sure.
August 22, 2026
5
The staff and providers are very professional and attentive to each client. I always felt comfortable communicating with them and that I received quality care.
August 25, 2026
5
Everyone is and has been so kind and knowledgeable.
August 16, 2026
5
Happy with visit as usual
August 16, 2026
5
Great Doctor Great Nurse Great Head receptionist
July 27, 2026
5
I was very impressed with the therapist assigned to me. She was very patient and took the time to make sure I understood the procedure.
July 24, 2026
5
Everyone there is very caring and knowledgeable
July 18, 2026
5
The staff (nurses/receptionist) and the provider (Dr. Xu) were extremely helpful with my questions and concerns. I definitely felt at ease asking questions and I am very satisfied with this facility.
July 10, 2026
5
An amazing staff.
June 30, 2026
5
All right.
June 20, 2026
5
Very good experience
June 24, 2026
5
Every one was very professional
June 17, 2026
5
All Good!
June 14, 2026
5
The Dr and the staff were very friendly and respectful
June 12, 2026
5
The patient bathrooms should be cleaned throughout the day and not only once per night.
June 11, 2026
5
I highly recommend Dr. Xu's practice. The staff is amazing. They're very helpful, very friendly, very, it's just a great environment. Dr. Xu spends good quality time with her patients, I think. She's just one of the friendliest, kindest, most knowledgeable doctors. And I just have really appreciated everybody at this practice.
June 6, 2026
5
I just think that the front office staff, the receptionists at the front office at the bleeding room, need not be on their cell phones as patients are coming in and leaving out. You're afraid to interrupt them because they're texting on their cell phone.
June 6, 2026
5
The warmth and kindness shown by the staff and medical team are greatly appreciated. I'm encouraged that everything is going to be alright! Many Thanks to the team.
June 3, 2026
5
I had an excellent experience. Notably, the oncology nurse, Jamie and the radiation doctor, Dr. Xu were professional and answered all my questions and concerns.
May 23, 2026
5
You all are very awesome. Keep up the good work. And I love my family and I would recommend you to family and friends without hesitation. God bless.
November 12, 2026
5
Yes, I am very, very pleased with Dr. Xu, the radiation doctor there. I've been seeing her on and off since I got cancer starting in 2023. She was recommended to me by Dr. Amy Kerr. And also right now, my new doctor is Dr. Rosa Poland. She recommended me to her. She is a very thorough doctor and she has let me know exactly what's going on with my body and sit me down and explain everything to me from note to note so I can have a clear understanding. She has a very strong sense of caring and informative and highly professional and I'm so glad to be working with her. Thank you so much. And WellSTAR, you should be proud of her because she's a very good doctor. Thank you.
November 6, 2026
5
I proud of all staff in this facility, supper professional, respectful. I feel I'm around my friends when I'm there.
October 22, 2026
5
The staff treated me like a family and with respect
October 19, 2026
5
The staff was awesome. Everything was on point. They were very informative. I love their place. They were on point. And I would recommend them to anybody. Go there. They were good. They were all angels. Thank you.
October 18, 2026
5
Keep up the great serv
October 11, 2026
5
The time that I had to wait was out of the staff's control. The machine went down and they were working on it so they gave us the choice to wait and see if they could get the machine to start working or reschedule.
September 21, 2026
5
Very friendly and efficient.
September 15, 2026
5
The staff and providers are very professional and attentive to each client. I always felt comfortable communicating with them and that I received quality care.
August 25, 2026
5
I am very pleased with the care and respect that I receive daily from this care team.
August 22, 2026
5
If someone would keep a check on the restrooms, they seem to be dirty every time I'm in there, but I think it's because people come off the sidewalk maybe to use the restroom. I'm not sure.
August 22, 2026
5
Happy with visit as usual
August 16, 2026
5
Everyone is and has been so kind and knowledgeable.
August 16, 2026
5
Great Doctor Great Nurse Great Head receptionist
July 27, 2026
5
I was very impressed with the therapist assigned to me. She was very patient and took the time to make sure I understood the procedure.
July 24, 2026
4
Yes, so far I've been there, this is my sixth to eight times for my treatment and advice as to what to do and what should not to do. I've visited a few of them and this is the best service I have received that I actually came home and spoke to my wife of how attentive and listening they were to my question. One instance, the person who I spoke to could not answer the question and she went and found someone who were able to explain the answer to me. I will always remember this type of service because I will always remember this service because
July 22, 2026
5
Everyone there is very caring and knowledgeable
July 18, 2026
5
The staff (nurses/receptionist) and the provider (Dr. Xu) were extremely helpful with my questions and concerns. I definitely felt at ease asking questions and I am very satisfied with this facility.
July 10, 2026
5
An amazing staff.
June 30, 2026
5
Very good experience
June 24, 2026
5
All right.
June 20, 2026
5
Every one was very professional
June 17, 2026
5
All Good!
June 14, 2026
5
The Dr and the staff were very friendly and respectful
June 12, 2026
5
The patient bathrooms should be cleaned throughout the day and not only once per night.
June 11, 2026
5
I highly recommend Dr. Xu's practice. The staff is amazing. They're very helpful, very friendly, very, it's just a great environment. Dr. Xu spends good quality time with her patients, I think. She's just one of the friendliest, kindest, most knowledgeable doctors. And I just have really appreciated everybody at this practice.
June 6, 2026
5
I just think that the front office staff, the receptionists at the front office at the bleeding room, need not be on their cell phones as patients are coming in and leaving out. You're afraid to interrupt them because they're texting on their cell phone.
June 6, 2026
5
The warmth and kindness shown by the staff and medical team are greatly appreciated. I'm encouraged that everything is going to be alright! Many Thanks to the team.
June 3, 2026
4
Nice
May 31, 2026
5
I had an excellent experience. Notably, the oncology nurse, Jamie and the radiation doctor, Dr. Xu were professional and answered all my questions and concerns.
May 23, 2026
5
I had an excellent experience. Notably, the oncology nurse, Jamie and the radiation doctor, Dr. Xu were professional and answered all my questions and concerns.
May 23, 2026
4
Nice
May 31, 2026
5
The warmth and kindness shown by the staff and medical team are greatly appreciated. I'm encouraged that everything is going to be alright! Many Thanks to the team.
June 3, 2026
5
I just think that the front office staff, the receptionists at the front office at the bleeding room, need not be on their cell phones as patients are coming in and leaving out. You're afraid to interrupt them because they're texting on their cell phone.
June 6, 2026
5
I highly recommend Dr. Xu's practice. The staff is amazing. They're very helpful, very friendly, very, it's just a great environment. Dr. Xu spends good quality time with her patients, I think. She's just one of the friendliest, kindest, most knowledgeable doctors. And I just have really appreciated everybody at this practice.
June 6, 2026
5
The patient bathrooms should be cleaned throughout the day and not only once per night.
June 11, 2026
5
The Dr and the staff were very friendly and respectful
June 12, 2026
5
All Good!
June 14, 2026
5
Every one was very professional
June 17, 2026
5
All right.
June 20, 2026
5
Very good experience
June 24, 2026
5
An amazing staff.
June 30, 2026
5
The staff (nurses/receptionist) and the provider (Dr. Xu) were extremely helpful with my questions and concerns. I definitely felt at ease asking questions and I am very satisfied with this facility.
July 10, 2026
5
Everyone there is very caring and knowledgeable
July 18, 2026
4
Yes, so far I've been there, this is my sixth to eight times for my treatment and advice as to what to do and what should not to do. I've visited a few of them and this is the best service I have received that I actually came home and spoke to my wife of how attentive and listening they were to my question. One instance, the person who I spoke to could not answer the question and she went and found someone who were able to explain the answer to me. I will always remember this type of service because I will always remember this service because
July 22, 2026
5
I was very impressed with the therapist assigned to me. She was very patient and took the time to make sure I understood the procedure.
July 24, 2026
5
Great Doctor Great Nurse Great Head receptionist
July 27, 2026
5
Everyone is and has been so kind and knowledgeable.
August 16, 2026
5
Happy with visit as usual
August 16, 2026
5
I am very pleased with the care and respect that I receive daily from this care team.
August 22, 2026
5
If someone would keep a check on the restrooms, they seem to be dirty every time I'm in there, but I think it's because people come off the sidewalk maybe to use the restroom. I'm not sure.
August 22, 2026
5
The staff and providers are very professional and attentive to each client. I always felt comfortable communicating with them and that I received quality care.
August 25, 2026
5
Very friendly and efficient.
September 15, 2026
5
The time that I had to wait was out of the staff's control. The machine went down and they were working on it so they gave us the choice to wait and see if they could get the machine to start working or reschedule.
September 21, 2026
5
Keep up the great serv
October 11, 2026
5
The staff was awesome. Everything was on point. They were very informative. I love their place. They were on point. And I would recommend them to anybody. Go there. They were good. They were all angels. Thank you.
October 18, 2026
5
The staff treated me like a family and with respect
October 19, 2026
5
I proud of all staff in this facility, supper professional, respectful. I feel I'm around my friends when I'm there.
October 22, 2026
5
Yes, I am very, very pleased with Dr. Xu, the radiation doctor there. I've been seeing her on and off since I got cancer starting in 2023. She was recommended to me by Dr. Amy Kerr. And also right now, my new doctor is Dr. Rosa Poland. She recommended me to her. She is a very thorough doctor and she has let me know exactly what's going on with my body and sit me down and explain everything to me from note to note so I can have a clear understanding. She has a very strong sense of caring and informative and highly professional and I'm so glad to be working with her. Thank you so much. And WellSTAR, you should be proud of her because she's a very good doctor. Thank you.
November 6, 2026
5
You all are very awesome. Keep up the good work. And I love my family and I would recommend you to family and friends without hesitation. God bless.
November 12, 2026
Publications and Articles
What to Expect When You or a Loved One Are Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Breasts play an important role when it comes to a woman’s health, yes, but often they’re an important part of a woman’s identity, sexuality and function too. With 1 in 8 American women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, the disease affects many people physically and emotionally.
In this article, a patient and a group of breast experts discuss the best ways to prevent and fight breast cancer, as well as how to support family members, friends, colleagues or neighbors who may be diagnosed.
What do women struggle with the most during treatment, and what helps?
Tameka Pearson, breast cancer survivor: When I was diagnosed, I just went to pieces. I cried for about two weeks straight. There were tears in my eyes when I’d wake up. I didn’t want to eat or go outside. I had to process the information. I was getting phone calls—updates and making appointments. But I was still a mom and a wife and had to go to work. That was a lot.
When I was a child, my mom would say, ‘Pick yourself up and dust yourself off and get moving.’ I gave myself permission to mourn for two weeks—permission to loathe, to cry, to get it out of my system. Once those two weeks were over, I was done crying—done feeling sorry for me. I picked myself up and persevered. I realized I have a lot to live for! I couldn’t give up.
Before breast cancer, I did everything for my family—cooking cleaning, washing clothes. When I was diagnosed, they immediately took over. They became more independent, especially my children. My husband became more of the provider and caretaker. My children were like, ‘Mom, we need you to sit down; we need you to rest.’
One of my coworkers from the past is also a survivor and started a group called Lean On Me. When I logged onto a Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network Zoom meeting, I loved it. They were uplifting, prayerful and gave me great information if I had questions.
Margie Apacible-Mancao, MSN, RN, CBCN, nurse navigator: After the initial shock of diagnosis, it’s not uncommon to get depressed or anxious. There can be the stress of transportation, childcare if they have young children at home or financial concerns. Sometimes patients experience anxiety for the first time, sometimes they’ve had it in the past and being diagnosed brings it to the front. We can connect them to counselors, financial counselors and social workers, or they can join a support group. Meeting with other patients and survivors helps them know they are not alone, get through treatment with hope and form great friendships. We live in a society where we’re trained to be independent, but when I meet with patients, I say, ‘Allow yourself to receive help.’
Dr. Karen Xu, MD, radiation oncologist: In general, radiation treatment for breast cancer is very well tolerated and most women go through the treatment without much difficulty. The most common side effects are fatigue and skin irritation appearing as a sunburn-like reaction from radiation treatment. We see patients at least once a week during radiation treatment and we recommend different creams depending on how severe the skin radiation reaction is. Mild physical activity usually helps with fatigue.
Dr. Sujatha Hariharan, MD, medical oncologist: One of the initial concerns patients have when they start chemotherapy is potential hair loss. This can be devastating and disheartening. We are excited to now offer cool caps as a means to reduce hair loss from chemotherapy. Cool caps work by cooling the scalp, leading to constriction of blood vessels in the scalp. This might reduce the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles leading to reduced hair loss from the head. The success rate of the cool cap can vary from person to person.
There is a vast cancer support network available through Wellstar. Aside from the doctors, patients have support from social workers, chaplains, dietitians, nurses and nurse navigators. A whole team of people is here to help patients through the process. Patients often meet other patients during treatment where they bond and support one another. This can be such a meaningful and valuable relationship.
The main thing is you’re not going to be alone. Many people will be here to help you with all aspects of your care.
Over the years, advice about breast self-exams and breast cancer screenings has changed. So what exactly should you be doing to make sure you’re staying your healthiest? We brought together a panel of women’s health experts to discuss the best strategies to keep tabs on your breast health—and who to talk to if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer.
I do breast self-checks every month. Why do I need a mammogram too?
Dr. Paula Greaves, MD, OBGYN, Wellstar chief Women's Health officer: Unfortunately, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so early detection is key. We have shown over the years that the sooner we detect breast cancer, the more successfully it can be treated. Survival has increased significantly since we started finding breast cancer earlier—before there are symptoms, such as feeling a lump during a self-exam.
Mammograms are essential for early detection. It’s recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your gynecologist or primary care provider may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a personalized screening plan. There are some risk factors that women cannot change, such as genetics, but there are some ways women can lower their risk, like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Wellstar offers 16 mammography locations, and our patients have state-of-the-art technology on their side. We offer high-resolution breast screening, including 3D mammograms.
Women should continue not only getting annual mammograms, but also seeing their gynecologist or primary care provider for regular breast exams. Women should also be aware of physical changes within their bodies, including breast changes. Changes in the texture of the skin or a lump or pain in the breast should always be checked out by their healthcare provider.
Margie Apacible-Mancao, MSN, RN, CBCN, nurse navigator: I am so passionate about breast cancer screening—every opportunity I have I tell patients to get a screening mammogram when they’re of age. Tell someone in your circle that you’re going, then they’ll tell someone in their circle and the circle gets wider so more people will get screened.
Does it mean I have cancer if the doctor recommends a biopsy?
Dr. Sujatha Hariharan, MD, medical oncologist: When a mammogram detects an abnormality, a biopsy might be indicated. Many breast biopsies will be non-cancerous such as fibroadenomas.
If cancer is found on a breast biopsy, there are several parts of the pathology result that the care team will utilize to make a treatment plan. For example, the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity allows the potential for hormone therapy as part of the treatment plan. The HER-2 gene is also tested for and if that is present and positive, it allows for medication directed at the HER-2 gene to be given along with chemotherapy.
Sequencing of the various treatments for breast cancer—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy—will be determined as a collaborative effort between the breast surgeon and medical oncologist.
If I’m diagnosed, who should I talk to next?
Margie: The anxiety of not knowing their diagnosis or what’s next is one of the hardest parts. At Wellstar, patients have access to a nurse navigator on the day they are recommended to have a biopsy. We make an appointment with the specialists as quickly as possible because just knowing that someone is helping them get to the next step and get that appointment fast dials down their stress level.
Dr. Karen Xu, MD, radiation oncologist: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will need to see a breast surgeon first to discuss your surgery options—lumpectomy or mastectomy; a radiation oncologist to discuss the duration of radiation treatment and whether lymph nodes should be included in the target; and a medical oncologist about whether endocrine therapy or chemotherapy is indicated and the timing of systemic therapy. Patients who desire reconstruction after mastectomy will discuss with a plastic surgeon the type and timing of reconstruction they want.
