BEST HOSPITAL/TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED PC?

[rickym1]

planning for treatments, and unsure which place best for mets pc? Top line up is Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic MN and Dana Farber-Brigham & Womans....Have to travel quite a distance for all....looked at MD Anderson but site said they use older TRUS biopsy vs newer MRI guided etc. but I thought they would have current technology? Then there's those Cancer Centers of America that have ads all over. Others have opted to go out of the country but have to consider financials as well. Any ideas? Thx.

[YostConner]

Where do you live?

[rickym1 in reply to YostConner]

Just relocated to South Florida area..

[JamesAtlanta]

Sorry you are dealing with this...hopefully we can all help

Agree with the list you presented. Not sure if the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is as good as in MN. But worth researching given your proximity

I handle my monthly visits with my local oncologist - their hospital (Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta) has a partnership with MD Anderson. But I go to MD Anderson 2-times per year while I'm in remission. MD Anderson is my main oncologist but they work as a team. I actually mail a blood sample to them for a PSA check (have another one locally). I'll go more frequently if my disease progresses. It is affordable if you can plan travel in advance. They even have a nice hotel INSIDE the hospital. And they have prenegotiated airfare discounts.

This arrangement has worked well for me. I have found MD Anderson to be a world class facility. But regardless, I have learned you need to educate yourself and be your own advocate. For example I learned about the new study this weekend on this site and have already asked my oncologist at MD Anderson her opinion regarding my current Lupron, only, treatment. (I already had chemo early.)

Hope this helps! Good luck!

[rickym1]

Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic in Jax is NOT as good as MN.....from what I hear. I'll have to see if they do any partnership down this way. Thank you.

[Hidden in reply to rickym1]

I wonder the same thing about Mayo in Phoenix. I had my TURP surgery years ago and that went very well indeed.

[erjlg3]

Have you checked Dattoli in Sarasota Florida? That is where my husband had his radiation treatment for his Mets.

[rickym1 in reply to erjlg3]

Thanks, never heard of that...I'll ck.

[Nicnatno in reply to erjlg3]

Hi Jackie, which oncologist would you recommend? I hope to move to SW Florida within 2 years. Preferably a doctor who cares and have the best bedside manner.

Nick

[erjlg3 in reply to Nicnatno]

Hi Nicnatno...spell check got me

We're going to be in between doctors as of July. Well be looking also. Dr. Myers is retiring. I hope you find a great one and we do also.

Jackie

[AlanMeyer]

Here's the full list of US National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Centers

cancer.gov/research/nci-rol...

These are places that engage in advanced research as well as treatment.

As for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, I have grave doubts about them. Their advertising is pretty suspicious and their costs are high. I wouldn't go to them or recommend them to anyone. Have a look at this review:

reuters.com/article/us-usa-...

Alan

[rickym1 in reply to AlanMeyer]

great info again, thanks for sharing as the public is lead (myself included) by marketing gimmics etc.

[taylorlaw510 in reply to AlanMeyer]

I am surprised that neither Ochsners nor Tulane is on this list. Both claim to have state of the art care facilities in New Orleans. Should I be looking elsewhere for follow-up care?

[AlanMeyer in reply to taylorlaw510]

Sorry I didn't see your question earlier.

I think the NCI Designated Cancer Centers are designated because they are doing important cancer research. There are other very fine hospitals where the staff are up to date with the latest thinking, but they may not be doing as much research. And of course there are also individual oncologists in private practice (Dr. Charles "Snuffy" Myers was an example) who are excellent doctors.

I think the NCI list is one source for finding good care, but there are other sources too. If you've met an impressive doctor elsewhere I don't think it's a bad idea to stick with him or her.

Alan

[ctarleton]

If you should decide to go to the Mayo Clinic in MN, you might preview recent videos from Dr. Kwon.

google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=eu...

They also have excellent Patient Concierge and Travel Services, and can actually make all travel and other reservations for you at their discounted rates, and do other things to enhance your visit.

mayoclinic.org/patient-visi...

mayoclinic.org/patient-visi...

Charles

[rickym1 in reply to ctarleton]

Thanks....I have to get more organized on arranging data. There is so much information to comprehend and compare. I don't know how you guys keep current. This is like a full time job for me, and I've only begun.

[chascri]

I have been a patient at Florida Cancer Specialist in The Villages, Florida for the last 6 years and been very happy. They have all the latest cancer treatments available and participate in many trials. I was at MD Anderson Houston for 6 years prior to that. Both accept assignment of Medicare.

[rickym1 in reply to chascri]

61 y.o...and that's a bit over 3 hr drive from PSL, but I will add to my list. Thx

[chascri in reply to rickym1]

They have many locations in Florida look them up on the Internet.

[Ihurwitz]

If you live in southwest fl Moffit Pca center is highly recommended

[rickym1 in reply to Ihurwitz]

Thanks, I have Moffit on my list... looks like I'm going to have to travel somewhere.

[Baddawg]

Dattoli Cancer Center in Sarasota, fl is the gold standard and a life saver!

[rickym1 in reply to Baddawg]

Thanks, Called Dattoli, they don't do MRI guided biopsies but help AFTERWARD, but she was first person to actually try to help me. My urologist doesn't know where and refused to refer me, although he suggested the procedure. I asked him to go over findings with me but he said too busy until my appointment 6/23. Medical care so different here than up North.

[Baddawg in reply to rickym1]

Get another urologist!!! Shameful treatment!

[rickym1 in reply to Baddawg]

His bedside manner was so friendly - at first, when you're $$$, but wow, I have an entirely different view now.

[GeorgeGlass in reply to rickym1]

dattoli is a snake oil salesman

[j-o-h-n]

rickym1

I've been treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for many years and swear by them. If you wish to use them you'll have to be a New York snowbird in reverse. If you need referrals to a great oncologist at MSKCC let me know.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Monday 06/05/2017 1:36 PM EST

[rickym1 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks, I'm originally from Mass....but my Dad's side from Staten Island originally LOL

[rococo in reply to j-o-h-n]

Would you have any info about dr sloviin mo. Does she follow the latest treatment, still. Involved in studies, think outside the box and treat with antiandrogen monotherapy.

[j-o-h-n in reply to rococo]

to rococo

Sorry but I can't answer your questions. All I can tell you is that she's on the same floor as my oncologist at the MSKCC Kimmel Building at 68th street between first and second avenues. I'm sure if you call her she would be glad to answer your inquiries (646-422-4470).

I will tell you that I think MSKCC is in the forefront for treating all cancers.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 06/06/2017 12:24 PM EST

[rococo in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks John for onfo. Problem we have in buffalo ny no pc m.0 specialist. Rocco

[rickym1 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Does Sloan do many clinical trials? My research shows MD Anderson, Hopkins, Dana Farber ahead of Sloan? but perhaps they are all similar?

[j-o-h-n in reply to rickym1]

to rickym1

check out this website

mskcc.org/cancer-care/types...

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 06/07/2017 2:23 PM EST

[erjlg3 in reply to j-o-h-n]

We were very pleased with Memorial Sloan-Kettering also (researching other docs) but they referred us to a closer to us hospital University of Penn. They said they were just as good as them. We haven't tried University of Penn yet.

I thought you were looking to stay in Florida

Memorial Sloan-Kettering said they take an aggressive approach to prostate cancer. We really liked their thoroughness.

Jackie

[rickym1 in reply to erjlg3]

Investigate options at this point. Alone here so distance and recovery in FLA. Have few relatives up north- Hartford CT or Boston MA areas - Hartford Hosp somehow linked to Sloan Kettering, and Mass Gen in Boston (big name) or Dana Farber? Feeling isolated with not many immediate resources in Fort Pierce FLA area. I'm going to refer back to all these posts as I try to sipher thru all the info. Tough when time is important; How does one work and raise a family and find time to research all the options? whew..overwhelming. I'm trying to stay in denial for as long as I can.

[erjlg3 in reply to rickym1]

It is so overwhelming.

I have no idea how they manage. They're amazing!

Only stay there...denial....a short time......kkk.

[Daddysdaughter in reply to j-o-h-n]

J-o-h-n who is your MO at MSKCC? Thinking about taking my father out there to see what options they might have .

[j-o-h-n in reply to Daddysdaughter]

Dr. Michael Morris located in NYC (Manhattan) MSKCC Kimmel Center for Prostate and Bladder cancers. 68th street between first and second avenues (closer to first avenue).

Telephone number 646-422-4469.

Do a google search on his name and you can view a couple of MSKCC videos on you tube. (Cood doctor, smart as a whip)

Need more help let me know.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Monday 03/26/2018 5:45 PM EDT

[j-o-h-n in reply to Daddysdaughter]

Correction: Cool not Cood.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Monday 03/26/2018 5:48 PM EDT

[Portugal-2 in reply to j-o-h-n]

I would love to know the name of a good MO at Sloan and any others their you recommend. Thank you so much!

[j-o-h-n in reply to Portugal-2]

This is a reprint from my post above dated: 03/26/2018

Dr. Michael Morris located in NYC (Manhattan) MSKCC Kimmel Center for Prostate and Bladder cancers. 68th street between first and second avenues (closer to first avenue).

Telephone number 646-422-4469.

Do a google search on his name and you can view a couple of "dated" MSKCC videos on you tube. (Cool doctor, smart as a whip)

Need more help let me know.

BTW he's my Oncologist and the only one that I have experience with, but there are more. I see many men from all over the U.S. and outside the U.S. being treated at MSKcc.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 08/08/2018 12:36 PM EDT

[Brent13 in reply to j-o-h-n]

John, I've just been diagnosed with cancer and spread to bones. I have been trying to get an appointment with Dr. Scher at Memorial Slone Ketttering. Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated. Brent

[j-o-h-n in reply to Brent13]

To Brent13: I assume you've called him (1275 York Ave, NYC, Phone: [phone]). Is he not responding to your calls? I will be seeing my Oncologist (Dr. Morris) on 10/05/2018 and I will try to find out what's going on. Sorry to hear about your situation but normally MSKcc is "on the ball".

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 09/12/2018 1:39 PM EDT

[Hidden]

I would like to add my two cents here. Picking any doctor is a hit or miss decision. I am on my third Uro and third Onc, in just seven and a half years. I had thought I was in good hands, only to be disappointed. I'm in South Jersey, so it's slim pickings. Fortunately. the University of Penn opened a facility near me for Uro care, and that's convenient. And a Penn/Virtua Onc in Mt. Holly. I'm happy.

Joe

[Hidden]

Ricky, my two cents. Look for a medical oncologist who only specializes in Prostate Cancer; not a generalist who does breast, lung, etc cancers. Preferably in research. I found mine 14 years ago. In this case he was a Professor of Genitourlogical Cancer with special research interest in Prostate Cancer.

For example he was at the Univetsty of Texas Medical School and MD Anderson Czncer Center. I met him at Baylor college of Meducibe and Methodist Hospital Cancer Center. I moved with him to University of Texas Health Science Center and Memorial Hermann Cancer Center. Of three if these were at The Medical Center in Houston Texas.

My point is I search out the doctor and not the hospital based on several recommendations. The way I got the recommendations is I asked this question to my Radiation Oncologist after both told me that they or my Urologists could treatment me with Lupron, "If you were in my shoes what would you do?" The end result, I took my Stage 4 metastatic Prostate Cancer into an aggressive six month chemo trial. Look at Alan's list and see is the most current educator for doctors on your area and find out what Prostate Cancer research is being done

Good luck and keep kicking the bastard.

Gourd Dancer

[rickym1 in reply to Hidden]

the most current educator for doctors? Do you mean like University Hospital? I have heard MD Anderson has some type of partnerships with other locales...I haven't heard back from them yet to see if they have any in Florida?

[Hidden in reply to rickym1]

I mean medical schools, i.e. Universities where Professors at the school also research and see patients out of a teaching hospital. All the facilities you mentioned are also teaching hospitals. Sometimes there is a cattle call for patients and you see a different doctor each time or you get the doctor in rotation.

What I am suggesting is to look at the staff and see who you want based on their resume if no solid recommendation.

I do not want to confuse you, but I go for the doctor at a top rated facility, not a top rated facility and assigned to a doctor.

[rickym1 in reply to Hidden]

yes...thanks..makes good sense

[sidiam in reply to Hidden]

gourd_dancer - would you be willing to share the name of the doctor you saw in Houston?

[Hidden in reply to sidiam]

Robert Amato. However, at this point he is not in clinic; spending his time in research, lectures, and professor duties at the University of Texas Mc Govern Medical School.. They are still seeing people in the clinic using his developed protocols. Memorial Hermann, 6400 Fannin St., Suite 2900. That in the infusion center. 713-704-3961. It’s certainly worth a call and consult. Good luck.

Gourd Dancer

[sidiam in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[rococo]

Fox chase center has excellent stats. for advanced pc.

[The2ofus]

My husband has seen Rebecca Kosloff at Florida Cancer Specialists in Bonita since 2009. She is excellent! If Naples is closer, she also has an office there.

[rickym1 in reply to The2ofus]

I'm on East coast near West Palm Beach...but it looks like at some point, I'll be travelling.....somewhere...

[Hidden]

Find a great urologist in your area. If you are unsure, find another one. There are many great urologists in FL. There are probably bad ones too. Just like anywhere else.

You live in fl. Your urologist will guide you if he/she is any good. There are many good options from there if you have an advocate.

All the best

[rickym1 in reply to Hidden]

I'm on urologist #2.....as you know too, the staff can make a difference; lots of clerical mistakes or delays. I know Florida doesn't pay well but I'm not sure what the reason. You end up double checking or repeat contacts. I know service has fallen drastically but should be a priority when it comes to HEALTH/MEDICAL for people. They are not just handing out burgers at a fast food spot.

[Hidden in reply to rickym1]

Agreed. On the other hand, there should be some semi-retired , highly experienced available. Easier said than done, but worth the effort to find. Many probably taught or have connections to the best hospitals.

That's what I would lol for.

[Hidden]

Look for not lol for. Love spell checks!

[erjlg3]

How are you doing Ricky?

Jackie

[erjlg3]

How are you doing Rickym1?

☺Jackie

[Hidden]

We are in Oklahoma and I’m thinking of taking my dad for a second opinion. We have the Stephenson Cancer Center here. There are several oncologist that specialize in prostate cancer. My dad is currently being seen by a very well respected medical oncologist but I think I would feel better if he was seeing a prostate specific onc. Has anyone heard anything about Stephenson cancer institute in Oklahoma headed by the University of Oklahoma?

[ctarleton in reply to Hidden]

Here's a link for the treatment team at the Stephenson Cancer Center in OKC that you could explore.

stephensoncancercenter.org/...

Others in the middle USA have consulted at MD Anderson in Houston, or with Luke Nordquist in Omaha.