I believe you need to step into the role of CEO of your health—and I took that job seriously. I spent time researching, asking questions, and interviewing multiple doctors to find the ones I felt most confident in.  Depending on your specific situation, you may need to travel to find the best care -- be open to it.

Now that I’ve healed beautifully from my treatments and am officially cancer-free, I can wholeheartedly recommend the incredible team that guided me through this journey. For anyone seeking breast cancer treatment in Southern California, these doctors are the ones you want in your corner.
 

Dr. Kari Kansal, Breast Specialist and Surgeon, UCI Health Irvine

First up is my Breast Specialist and Surgeon, Dr. Kari Kansal with UCI Health. Dr. Kansal compassionately lead me through initial testing, meticulously performing my mastectomy, and matched me to my reconstructive surgeon. She even blessed my tennis playing sooner than usual — given my personal situation (a true life saver) and played a pivotal role in supporting my radiation plan. Whether you’re actively navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or simply focusing on prevention and screening, Dr. Kansal is the expert you want on your team as soon as possible.
 

Dr. Brock Lanier, Plastic and Cancer Surgeon, Private Practice Newport Beach

Working side-by-side with Dr. Kansal during the surgery process was Dr. Lanier, my reconstructive surgeon—a true expert in every sense of the word. Not only is he highly knowledgeable about breast cancer and reconstruction, but his surgical skills extend far beyond that specialty. Dr. Lanier spent a generous amount of time with me discussing all of my options with patience, care, and clear explanations, ensuring I felt fully informed and confident in every decision.  I feel incredibly fortunate that he was able to go straight to implant during my mastectomy surgery, which made my recovery remarkably quick and virtually painless. Within just a few short months, my range of motion and strength were completely back to normal—a testament to his precision and expertise.
 

Dr. An D Nguyen, Medical Oncologist, Keck Medicine of USC, Newport Beach

Then there’s Dr. An D. Nyugen, my medical oncologist with USC Keck. Dr. Nyugen is a rare gem, balancing thoroughness with a whole-person approach to care. He’s a clear, decisive communicator who follows through on every detail, from scans to treatment plans. One moment I’m especially grateful for is when he ordered my oncotype test early in the process—this test showed that chemo wasn’t necessary for me, saving me from a more aggressive treatment path. His depth of knowledge and commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest tests and treatments gave me confidence throughout my journey. 
 

I’m confident that Dr. Nyugen is up on the latest tests and treatment options, and I still see him regularly for my bloodwork, scans, and medication. His office in Newport Beach is state-of-the-art, with an on-site lab for blood draws, and his nursing staff is always responsive and helpful when needed.In addition to breast cancer, Dr. Nyugen also treats gastrointestinal malignancies and lung cancer, making him an invaluable resource for many.
 

Dr. Kevin Lin, Radiation Oncologist, Hoag Irvine, Sand Canyon

Another vital member of my team was Dr. Kevin Lin, my radiation oncologist. Dr. Lin was instrumental in the success of my treatment, treating me as a person rather than just a statistic. Like my other doctors, he approached my case with thoughtfulness and collaboration, creating a plan tailored specifically to my needs. Falling into a "grey" area without a clear textbook solution, I appreciated his ability to navigate the nuances and craft a strategy that worked for me.
 

Dr. Lin’s thoroughness extended beyond his own role; he regularly communicated with both Dr. Kansal and Dr. Nyugen throughout my radiation treatment, ensuring my care was seamless. On top of that, Dr. Lin personally returned all of my phone calls, no matter the day or time. Being able to speak directly with him during such a crucial part of my treatment was invaluable and gave me a sense of calm and confidence.

A special shoutout also goes to Dr. Lin’s incredible staff. They were always upbeat, organized, and compassionate, making my 30 radiation treatments surprisingly smooth and painless. If you have to go through radiation, having a supportive and cheerful team like his makes all the difference

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Dr. Sandra Colvard, Naturopathic Medical Doctor, UCI Health Susan Samueli Institute Irvine, CA

From the very beginning, Dr. Sandra Colvard at UCI Health and the Susan Samueli Institute was a godsend. Dr. Kansal connected me with her, and I will forever be grateful for the integrative care I received. I’ve long been a believer in Eastern medicine, getting to the root cause of illness, and supporting my body holistically in healing, so meeting Dr. Colvard felt like sitting down with a rockstar in the holistic healing world. I immediately wanted to be her friend.
 

She is not only incredibly compassionate and knowledgeable, but she also empowers her patients with actionable recommendations. From our first meeting, she provided guidance on everything from books to read to supplements and nutrition protocols that would support my immune system and mitigate side effects from treatment. She also connected me with the amazing acupuncturists at the Susan Samueli Center and recommended my high-dose Vitamin C IV protocol, both of which played a pivotal role in my healing.
 

I continue to see Dr. Colvard every few months to fine-tune my supplement regimen and stay on track with my healing journey. Every visit leaves me feeling more optimistic, grounded, and reassured that I’m on the right path.
 

Dr. Mark Stengler, Naturopathic Medical Doctor, The Stengler Center in Encinitas, CA (telehealth option)

I discovered Dr. Mark Stengler when I was searching for Vitamin C IV therapy before UCI Health began offering their own program. After reading his book, Out of the Box Cancer Treatments, I was thrilled to learn that his practice was just a drive away in San Diego County. Meeting Dr. Stengler in person confirmed that he was another invaluable resource on my journey.

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Dr. Stengler not only validated my supplement plan but also discussed alternative therapies like mistletoe treatment (which, after thoughtful discussion, we decided wasn’t necessary for my situation). During my visits, I also had the privilege of consulting with Dr. Labeau, another highly experienced holistic cancer healer. His insights brought me so much peace, especially during the more mentally exhausting phases of treatment.

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Beyond the doctors themselves, the nurses and IV therapy team at the Stengler Center were instrumental in my healing. Their kindness, expertise, and unwavering support made every visit feel like an investment in my well-being. I am deeply grateful for the connection I made with their practice, and for the alternative healing options that helped me through my journey.

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Healing is about more than just the body, it’s about nurturing the mind and soul, too. These doctors didn’t just treat me; they empowered me, educated me, and reminded me that healing is an active, ongoing process. I feel incredibly lucky to have had them all as part of my team.

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Disclaimer:

Every person’s cancer journey is unique, and treatment plans should always be personalized. The information shared in this post is based on my own experience and is intended for informational and supportive purposes only. Please consult your physician or medical team before making any changes to your treatment, supplements, or self-care routine.