Dana Farber institute

[dreamboatannie]

I am considering going here for a second opinion what does everyone think?

[marybv]

Absolutely. I think second opinions are always a good idea, and Dana Farber is one of the best cancer hospitals in the country. Good luck.

[Wintervt]

Definitely get a second opinion! I went to Dana Farber for a second opinion and was reassured that the treatment plan my oncologist in Vermont put me on was the best course of action. When I was diagnosed in March my tumor markers were in the 400 range and I could barely walk due to pain from bone mets. I feel a lot better and my tumor markers are now at 19. They also have a program called EMBRACE which is specifically for women with metastactic breast disease.

Good luck!

xx Jade

[13plus in reply to Wintervt]

What is EMBRACE?

[Wintervt in reply to 13plus]

Here is a link that explains EMBRACE (Ending Metastatic Breast Cancer for Everyone). Dana Farber offers standard therapies and lead multiple clinical trials for each subtype of metastatic breast cancer.

dana-farber.org/metastatic-...

[Newtkim1]

You should definitely get a second opinion! I agree with Wintervt. I went to Dana Farber for a second opinion. It really eased my mind to find out that my doctor from Vermont has me on the exact course that they would have chosen. I enrolled in the Embrace program. They now have my DNA so that any clinical trial I may need in the future, I will be all ready to go! It is a great hospital and the doctors will sit with you and answer any and all questions you have. I never felt hurried or rushed! They also work with your doctor if needed.

Wishing you well!

Kim

[Wintervt in reply to Newtkim1]

Kim,

Where in VT do you live? Who is your oncologist? When were you diagnosed? Do you know of any MBC support groups in the Green Mountain State?

xx Jade

[Newtkim1 in reply to Wintervt]

I live in Bethel..My oncologist is Dr. Tipernini from Gifford Hospital - Randolph, VT/UVM Medical - Berlin, VT. He is fabulous and willing to work with Dana Farber. He is always on the look-out for any meds and any new treatments. I don't personally know of any MBC support groups in Vermont, but there may be!

[Wintervt in reply to Newtkim1]

Happy to hear you have a great oncologist! I live in Jericho and go to UVM Medical Center. What treatments do you receive? How long have you had MBC?

[Newtkim1 in reply to Wintervt]

I was first diagnosed with Stage 3 in right breast in November of 2014. I had a double mastectomy and many treatments that next spring including 33 radiations and 3 months of chemo. After all of that I was on the daily chemo pill for about 6 months and that stopped working. Was diagnosed this past January with Stage 4 MBC, spread to liver. Now I go to Gifford on a Thursday for Carboplatin and Gemcidibin, then the next Thursday is just Gemcitibin, then a week off...and so on...and so on...pretty much until the meds no longer work...

Feel free to contact me any time through email:

[e-mail]

Hugs!

[Debdavenpo in reply to Newtkim1]

How are you doing w nausea. I’m having a tough time on this drug combo.

[Newtkim1 in reply to Debdavenpo]

Hi Debdavenpo,

So far I have only been sick feeling once. They give me Emend for anti- nausea when I have treatments. I also have anti nausea pills on hand - prochorperazine and ondansetron. I very rarely have to take any. I wonder, if you are having a tough time, could they cut your dosage a bit? Or if you are not given Emend...maybe ask for it? I wish you much luck and hope you feel better!!

Kim

[Debdavenpo in reply to Newtkim1]

Thank you. I had the Emend the last time. I’m at the full dose right now. My new Dr mentioned maybe lowering the dose. Thank you.

[Klamato in reply to Newtkim1]

Amen to your version of Dana Farber! I donation my tumor to them for further testing and genetic study that they are involved in. My cancer center here in Syracuse, NY has since sent for those results, so that if I have to change treatment they will have this more extensive information! I am very impressed with Dana Farber, as is my family. My doctors at Upstate Medical Cancer Center are on the same page and my treatment and the sensitivity of my team is "over the top". I feel blessed at this point! Good luck to you going forward! Kathy fro Syracuse

[BeckyinMaine]

I agree with the previous replies. I’ve been to DFCI twice now and found each visit reassuring. It’s definitely worth the trip. Good luck!

[PJBinMI]

I'm now a long termer with mbc--15 years next March--and have been trained as a bc advocate. Dana Farber has an excellent reputation as a top notch cancer center. The first bc conference I ever attended, sponsored by the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, was at Dana Farber, and several of their oncs were featured speakers. It was a wonderful conference. I live in MIchigan and got a second opinion at the University of MIchigan CCC and have always been glad I did that. Just knowing I can go back there gives me comfort and that has meant alot to me recently as my own local onc just retired. My medical insurance covered the second opinion with just the low regular co pay for an office visit. My local onc sent all my scan films and pathology samples there, too, and those were reviewed by their specialists before my appt. I was surprised that the path samples were examined by 3 different pathologists there! And the way the bc onc talked with me gave my husband and grown daughter alot of comfort--I could feel their anxiety levels go down as she talked. So I am a huge fan of second opinions with specialist oncs! And I always suggest to my friends who are newly diagnosed with any cancer that they see an onc before having any surgery.

[dreamboatannie in reply to PJBinMI]

Thanks I've been avoiding a second opinion but realize now I need to do it!

[Epinto]

Hi, I never heard of this hospital but just looked it up and read about it. I live in New York and go to Sloan Kettering in Manhattan. I think they r wonderful and was wondering if u think it is on the same par as the hospital in Boston?

[dreamboatannie in reply to Epinto]

Further research shows Cleveland clinic is one of the top 5 and I'm only an hour away. I'll go there instead

[PJBinMI in reply to dreamboatannie]

Cleveland Clinic has an excellent reputation!

[dreamboatannie in reply to PJBinMI]

Thanks for all of your help

[Klamato in reply to Epinto]

Yes, Dana is right on target with Sloan, outstanding Cancer Center!

[Klamato]

I had a second opinion at Dana Faber and was so very impressed with their whole system! The doc I saw was straight forward, honest and positive. I am happy that I did this since now I'm in their system and if I need to go back due to medication or treatment changes, then I will call that doctor before I make another change. My docs here at our Cancer center in Syracuse, NY have been on target and have been in agreement with Dana Farber. I think it's ALWAYS important to get a 2nd opinion if for no other reason just to be more confident in your treatment! Good luck! Go for it, they are wonderful! Kathy

[MacroMom in reply to Klamato]

I live in Oregon but will be visiting MA in May and am thinking of going to Dana Farber for a second opinion. Do you mind sharing the name of the Dr. you saw? Were you able to get the information you needed in one appointment or one day? Thanks so much! Patty

[Klamato in reply to MacroMom]

I saw a woman Doctor, Dr. Harold. She was very informative and straightforward. The operation there is outstanding, very professional and caring. If you get a chance, please go and Che k it out. I had one appt and everything was covered for me. Good luck!

[MacroMom in reply to Klamato]

Thank you so much, this is very encouraging!

[Klamato]

I agree, I've been to Dana Faber and found them to be right on top of everything! I am now in their system, but I live in Syracuse and am being treated by Upstate Cancer Center and they are following the same protocol. If they have to change my treatment here, then I will go back to the doctor at Dana to get her opinion. Two minds are always better than one! Good luck!

[Klamato]

They were great! I went for a second opinion and the Institute is very professional and really on top of things! I was glad I went and now I'm in their system for consultations with my oncologist! 2 heads are always better than one! Kathy

[Puppy_love]

I’m from Boston originally and Dr. Eric Winer was recommended to me . I didn’t make the appointment yet but if my tumor markers and next scan aren’t great I will see him. It’s a very reputable hospital.