MD Anderson

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Rseman
Rseman Member Posts: 281
edited February 2017 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Hello Everyone-

I am asking advice about going to MD Anderson. I've gotten some feedback but wanted to check in here. I would be going there from NY so I really want to make the most of the appointment. Any recommendations on who to see, who not to see, ect. Would be so appreciated. Please message me if you don't feel comfortable sharing on the feed.

Thank you so much. This particular transition is very scary for me and I am having a difficult time keeping it together.

Re

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  • 4everStrong
    4everStrong Member Posts: 118
    edited February 2017

    Rseman.. I am not an expert in MD Andreson nor Know ppl getting treatment there. . But read so much about it. . It seems to be one of the best places for top knowledge on New treatment. . Let us Know how your appointement goes. .

    Best best of Luck.. i am sure all doctors are equivalent. . Knowledge and protocols are well shared.

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  • KathyL624
    KathyL624 Member Posts: 217
    edited February 2017

    I assume you have been to MSK? Did you have a problem there? Texas is definitely a long way to go but they are supposed to be the bes

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  • Rseman
    Rseman Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2017

    I've been to MSK and I'm also going back there for their opinion. There are some things I like about MSK and some that concern me. I've heard that MD Anderson is different in their approach to patient care so I want to see what it's like

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  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited February 2017

    I don't know much about MD Anderson, but I do know a few doctors at Dana Farber if they are another option for you.

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  • zarovka
    zarovka Member Posts: 3,607
    edited February 2017

    Dana Farber is supposed to be awesome and it is closer.

    I haven't been to MDA, but it seems 50/50 whether people get what they are after.

    >Z<

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  • Rseman
    Rseman Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2017

    yeah Dana Farber is on my list as well. I basically am making the rounds right now. Who knows if it'll be a waste or I'll find what I need

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  • Sue2009
    Sue2009 Member Posts: 228
    edited February 2017

    I went to MDA after I was told I had bone mets. They r very organized. I saw Dr in charge of Breast Cancer team, dr Wedy Mould. They did a complete evaluation of DNA as part of a study, looking for mutations. That was no cost to me. They biopsied my bone mets to make sure there was no change. They also looked at my original slides & it was determined that I had lobular along with IDC. I left there wishing I had gone there initially.

    If you have no where to stay, check out air B&B. I had a cousin in Houston I stayed with for 3 weeks. Good luck

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  • Southernsurvivor
    Southernsurvivor Member Posts: 632
    edited February 2017
    Hi all-

    I thought I read somewhere that MD Anderson no longer gives second opinions? I may be completely wrong about this. Can anyone confirm this rumor? Unfortunately I don't even remember where I read this. I live outside of Dallas, so MD Anderson would be a good option for me to go for a second opinion.

    Thanks!
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  • Rseman
    Rseman Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2017

    I'm not sure about the second opinion issue but I didn't tell them that I wanted a second opinion. When I made the appointment I told them I was interested in trials however if they had asked about second opinions I would have said that I am interested in changing institutions. I mean isn't all semantics anyway? Trying to find a new place of care is like getting a second opinion. And if you don't like what they have to say then you just don't go there :

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2017

    MDA has a list of housing that is very useful. If you fly in for only here for a day or two, they can give you hotel references that pick up & deliver to the hospital each day so you won't need a car. If you're going to be here longer for treatment, they have a reference sheet for furnished apartments that a number of churches make available at a very cheap rate. Good luck.

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  • Rseman
    Rseman Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2017

    Thanks for that info! For this trip I am going to stay with one of my co-workers parents. However, if they have something for me there then I anticipate going back down and staying longer. All of this information collecting and waiting is maddening. I feel the tumors getting larger as the time without treatment goes on

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited February 2017

    I'm going to MDA currently. I was diagnosed a few months ago at stage 4 (bone met) at age 41. I live in Houston and work for the State of Texas, so I opted for it immediately. So, far I'm happy with the team, service not having to pay everything up front. I'm also participating in several trials, which I think have helped jump start the healing. Parking is expensive but there is also the Rotary Hotel connected to the hospital. And they'll give you a free wig!

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