UMass experience

[Ollie366]

I'm seeing some doctors at UMass Memorial for my high risk (G8 1 core) PCa. PSMS-PET results show it hasn't spread outside of the prostate.

I'm wondering if others have been treated recently at UMass and their experience- quality of doctors, their experience level in dealing with high risk PCa, facilities, etc. The urologist seems to be excellent so I'm more interested in the radiation and medical oncologist docs.

Any input will be appreciated.

[Tall_Allen]

I know of Paul Nguyen at Brigham and Women's, and Irving Kaplan at Beth Israel. Both are excellent.

[Ollie366 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks- I'm set up with Dr Nguyen in early March. His credentials are impressive!

[Derf4223]

I don't think you are taking a big chance on Umass Memorial. From Dr. Google,

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"Is Dana Farber affiliated with UMass Memorial?

UMass Memorial Medical Center and the Dana-Farber Cancer ...

What is the affiliation? UMass Memorial Medical Center is the first academic medical center to become a member of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The collaborative membership provides the following benefits: a formal relationship between oncologists from the two hospitals."

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My hospital Exeter Hospital's oncology doctors are Mass General employees. I have yet to find them surprised by anything except a very recent change to the NCCN guidelines which are changed frequently anyways. Be sure to ask your MO about triple therapy.

With all that said, wherever you go, be sure to get a bone scan (DEXA) and genetic risk analysis. Your urologist may be the weakest point, but you want to be under the care of an onco team (radiologist and oncologist) with the uro playing the role of finding cause for referring you to them.

[Ollie366 in reply to Derf4223]

Thanks for this - I wasn't aware of their formal relationship. That should make it easier if the DF docs recommend something than the UMass docs. I'm waiting for the results of a Prolaris test.

I'll look into the triple therapy that you suggested.

Really appreciate it!

[tango65]

If you are thinking about radiation get an appointment with D' Amico, one of the best RO in the Country.

dana-farber.org/find-a-doct...

I may be biased ( I consulted there a few times and my son is an oncology hematology physician trained at Dana Farber) but I would get my treatment at the Dana Farber Cancer center instead of Mass General.

Everything is Harvard medical group but Dana Farber is one of the centers of excellence for cancer in the Country and they have a strong presence in the treatment of PC.

[Ollie366 in reply to tango65]

Thanks -DF is certainly an impressive organization and the credentials for the docs are fantastic. I haven't ruled out getting treatment there- I'll see which treatment plan is selected and whether the logistics work. My urologist at UMass, Dr Sokoloff, is excellent and I'm really reluctant to use someone else so perhaps treatment at both facilities might workable.

[tango65 in reply to Ollie366]

Both places are very good but for R Oncology I would consider a consultation with Dr DÁmico and for MO a consultation with Dr Tapler at the Dana Farber. One has to take time and get second opinions before doing initial treatments, Take your time.

[6363lol in reply to tango65]

I’m also a patient at DF Milford MA like a well oiled machine there. Dr Taplin is great been with her going on 4 years now.

[MiPaMa]

I see Dr Jesse Aronowitz at Umass. I have total confidence in him. He is tenacious, skilled and caring. (Not sure he is accepting new patients, as it is rumored retirement may be in his future. )All the care I have received at Umass has been in my opinion, fantastic and top tier. Yes, they are affiliated with Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I have been referred there and have had 2 appointments seeking second opinions. Currently, I continue to be treated at Umass.

[Ollie366 in reply to MiPaMa]

Thanks for the reply. I was originally going to see Dr Aronowitz but he is indeed retiring and not seeing new patients. I agree that they seem to be very good and my urologist Dr Sokoloff is incredible. I just think it's worth checking out what the world renown experts recommend. Nice that DF and UMass collaborate.

[MiPaMa]

Dr. Sokoloff did the initial biopsy of my prostrate. As surgery wasn't a option I was referred to Dr Aronowitz who let me know "the horse was out of the barn". It's my opinion that Dr A's quick, decisive actions have played a major role in the fact that I'm still here.

My MO is Dr M J Wang. She is also very through and a Doc that can think out of the box. She isn't afraid to seek others opinions when necessary.

Best of luck in finding the care that is right for you...✌️

[Ollie366 in reply to MiPaMa]

Thanks! I'm seeing Dr Wang next week and from what I've read, she's very good. Your comments help reinforce this. I'll report back after the appt (and after seeing the MO from Dana Farber for a 2nd opinion).