MD Anderson VS Moffitt Cancer center

Jennihopeful

We dont feel that the Oncology department here in our home town is able to give the care needed. My mother Had a Mastectomy done on 3/17/17 and the pathology came in on 3/23 with a depressing result (positive nodes) however the oncologist cant see her until 3/29 (she was actually diagnosed via biopsy back in January) ! I'm not sure if this is normal but its from my understanding that time is one of the most important things , its very frustrating. Anyway we are looking at MD Anderson because its suppose to be the best for cancer treatment and we are looking at Moffitt because it does rank #6 but it is only 4 hours from where we leave, where as MD Anderson we would have to fly there (we live in GA). We are hoping for any opinions from anyone who has done their own research or have experience with either of the centers or different recommendations would be wonderful also. Thank you for your time and help.

EastcoastTS

Hello -- and sorry you're here but hope you find support/reassurance.

I elected to travel from NC to Houston to work with MD Anderson. Not due to a difficult prognosis but they are in network with my insurance, and after traveling there for my 2nd opinion research, I had such a high level of confidence with my assigned team. I am using local team for some aspects of reconstruction (tissue expander fills, alternative medicine).

I found MDA to be extremely efficient and caring (mostly women on my team, as I requested). I got appts scheduled less than two weeks out when I first called. You may be able to get in sooner. They are a well-oiled machine, and some may not like that aspect since you are one of many, but I found it reassuring. Experience!

I have hotel recommendations should you need them, etc. I've been out twice but stayed over two weeks following surgery. Let me know. And GOOD LUCK. I've heard great things about Moffitt as well.

Luckynumber47

I totally understand wanting to find the best care possible. I travel 2 hours each way for mine, however, I wanted to mention that waiting several weeks after surgery to see the oncologist is perfectly normal. They want you to be fully recovered from surgery before they start chemo.

There's another center by Moffitt that is also well regarded but I can't for the life of me remember the name. Maybe one of the locals will chime in.

Jennihopeful

Dear EastcoastTS thank you so much for your reply! We are definitely leaning toward MD Anderson because they seem like they really know what they are doing. Id love some hotel recommendations. Ive talked to their travel specialists and they recommended a few places they work with that have discounted rates for patients.

Spookiesmom

I've heard good things about both. Moffitt is in my back yard, it will always be my plan B. Mayo has a clinic in Jacksonville Fl.

Tiggerousity

I felt Mdanderson is a great place if you have a difficult cancer. For me, stage two idc it was not the right place. I opted for a Methodist plastic surgeon and cancer surgeon who was willing to listen to what I wanted and work with me.

The Texas medical center has some amazing surgeons. Mdanderson is great for many cases. Trust your gut on this decision.

I am very happy that I chose Diep with Dr Spiegel. The Mdanderson surgeon I consulted with was not willing to do nipple sparing or a Diep flap with out take Bh a muscle even though I was clear I did not want a muscle taken.

I send you healing thoughts and prayers. This is a tough journey

Best,

Lielle

MinusTwo

Like Tigger, I chose a Houston Methodist surgeon & PS and a Baylor oncologist. I ask the surgeon why I shouldn't go to MDA. She had done a fellowship there and said she would be the first to refer me & whisk me over there if I had a difficult cancer. (her words were - something that is not everyday garden variety). When you're facing cancer, of course you think yours is the worst possible, but I'd suggest you get a second opinion in your "back yard" first. since Moffitt has a good reputation.

If you are determined to come to Houston, the recommendations from MDA about housing are better than you can get anywhere else. They do a good job.

Alfie2U

I'm new here, I first went to Moffitt and after 6 weeks and no surgery date in site, I left and went straight to Cleveland Clinic. My care at Moffitt was horrible. I would wait a minimum 2.5 hours to see the surgery doc, and the MRI and additional Mammograms required all took additional wait time beyond the appointment time. I hate the paper wrist bracelet Moffitt they made me wear. I just felt like a number on an assembly line and the doc wasn't friendly at all, horrid beside manner. When I took all my records including films to Cleveland Clinic the surgeon asked me when I wanted surgery, said I had 4 weeks from that day to pick a date. Totally different approach to wellness than Moffitt.

Moderators

Alfie-

Thank you for sharing your experiences, although we're sorry for how you felt you were treated! We hope your care is being handled better at Cleveland!

The Mods

Alfie2U

Cleveland Clinic is all over the world, Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Ontario, UAE. I can't say enough great things about them!

P_Tucker

i know this post is old but for those looking, I have been treated at Moffitt for the past 4 years...beginning with diagnosis. I've had very good experiences with them. Rarely any wait time and supportive doctors and staff.