Rads Local or MDA (Houston)?

Options

I've noticed remarks in postings that some sisters go to MD Anderson in Houston for radiation. I know MD Anderson is a terrific place, but what is specifically better about their radiation treatment equipment/oncologists/technicians/plans?  I'm still in chemo; won't start rads until December. Would this be enough time to get an appointment with MD Anderson?  (Need to check on insurance coverage.)

Comments

  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited September 2010

    Crabbiepattie - I live in Vegas but am in a trial at MD Anderson with the third step being radiation.  I was allowed to have my chemo in Vegas and they gave me the option of Vegas or Houston for surgery (I chose Houston) but from the start they were very insistent that I had to have radiation in Houston.  I have a met at T-11 on my spine and the doctors in Vegas didn't want to touch it, their feeling was since it isn't bothering me why mess with it.  We didn't like this approach and after meeting with the docs at MD Anderson I chose to receive treatment there.  From the get go the docs in Vegas said they couldn't cure me but MD Anderson wanted to try so we liked their attitude much better.

    As far as specifics as to why their radiation technology is better I really can't say so hopefully somebody who has researched the specifics will be along to answer the question for both of us.

    If you decide you want to be treated there, or at least go for a second opinion, I was able to get in within about 2 weeks from my initial call.  I believe that it you already have a cancer diagnosis they fast track you into an appointment.

    Hope this helps a little and good luck to you.

    Lorraine

  • crabbiepattie
    crabbiepattie Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2010

    Hi Lorraine,

    D'oh!  Of course, MD Anderson works with more complicated cases.  Thanks, that helps a lot. I read a blog of a woman whose breast cancer is known to have been caused by either Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma radiation to her chest.  She had to go to MD Anderson for rads - not just for equipment but for their expertise in her special case.

    It's always a complicated thing to work around the spine, but honestly, you'd think the Las Vegas docs would consider treating one met. Lorraine, I'll keep you in my thoughts. I already think you're doing great and you're going to make it.

    Hugs,

    Pat

  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited September 2010

    I had already had my radiation locally for my IDC dx before I was diagnosed with IBC a year later and sent to MDA.  It only took me about 3 weeks to get an appointment in Houston.  Good luck.

Categories