I think it’s time for me to go down to MD Anderson. I live in Dallas, TX. I’m a 36 y/o MBC patient.
I switched my care from Texas O to UT Southwestern last Fall. Right now I’m seeing Dr. Klemow at UT Southwestern and am not happy.
I feel so overwhelmed right now. Does anyone have any experience at MD Anderson or recommend anyone specific?
Thank you,
Michelle
I have had good experience with M d Anderson but only with my husband who has thyroid cancer. My insurance would not pay for M D . I would go in a minute there if I could because I really believe they are one of the best hospitals. I am sure their department for breast cancer will match you up with the type of cancer that you have and they have a lot of clinical trials. I wish you the best of luck.
Great choice and they team treat you. Keep us informed of your progress.
I live in Pennsylvania and have been to M.D. Anderson a couple times as a second opinion and they are very good. if I lived closer I would recommend them you can do a search on the top metastatic breast cancer oncologists and a couple at M.D. Anderson are on the list good luck.
Could you link the list you like that you found? I’ve thought about searching top oncologists but worry about the list being free of bias and wondering how it’s compiled you know what i mean?
I was treated at TXO in Austin and decided to go to MDA for a visit when I was first diagnosed with MBC. They don’t do second opinions so I had to say I was a new patient. For me, the experience at MDA was overwhelming as the place is so big. I ultimately decided to stay with TXO. However, once my cancer spread from one place in my bones to my liver, I decided to get a second opinion at Moffitt Cancer Center, which is similar to MDA. Moffitt told me I was taking too much Zometa and was on the wrong drugs. Ultimately, I moved to Florida and go to Moffitt now. I like that my team specializes in breast cancer only and are on the cutting edge of research.
Yes I was told that when I contacted them kind of I guess... I was told that they only accept metastatic patients for trials at the Houston location. I was told to check out the Tyler, Tx satellite type clinic so I looked into that yesterday as well.
Bubbles how much Zometa were you taking? This has got me worried...
The issue was the frequency. I was taking 4 mgs every month and Moffitt recommended every three months. I ended up stopping it as I developed osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Bubble-sorry that happened and that’s why I am thinking of stopping zyometa even if it’s every three months. Do you take supplements for the bones? I felt bad for two days after zometa infusion-my bone density was good but I know these meds weaken the bones. Hope you are better-we are hanging in there.
I don’t take any supplements, just drink whole milk. The oral surgeon says Zometa stays in your system 11 years, so you still get the benefit for a long time after stopping.
Yes well if I take the infusion I will probably stop after second one. My onocologist told me it was up to me if I wanted or not. Another dr said to do it every three months but it made me feel so bad for two days.
I felt bad the first time, and it got a lot better quickly. After a few months, I didnt have any side effects except the jaw necrosis a few years later. It really helps keep bone mets at bay.
Thanks everyone.💕
I actually downloaded this app and joined this board almost a year ago when I was first diagnosed metastatic (May 2018).
I have only occasionally silently consulted it as I battle on if i was wondering or worried about something...
I should introduce myself... especially since my case seems to be so out of the ordinary and nothing seems to go as they expect it to... maybe someone else here has similar experience to mine.
Forums can be overwhelming, but I think I’m ready to tap into this resource. Something is telling me it’s time.
-Michelle
🦋
I decided to also try and see another doctor at UTSW for a second opinion. Dr. Barbara Haley. She is by referral only apparently so hopefully my oncologist will agree to the referral.
UTSW is a good institution, so hopefully this new Onc will work better for you!
Hi, I lived in Texas for 42 years and always heard great things about ME Anderson. I now live in Indiana (4 years now). I was first diagnosed March 29, 2015. My team of doctors all were trained and follow ME Anderson protocol, which is why I picked them. I was diagnosed with MBC April 2018 spread to my lungs. Maybe you can find a doctor that has been trained like my team. I have been for the most part very happy with my care. I have past experiences with cancer with my late husband so I am familiar with questions. Be your own patent advocate, don't be afraid to ask questions. Due your own due diligence, I am always looking things up and bringing it my oncology appointments. I am on Ibrance with Faslodex injections monthly. I am HER2 positive. Best wishes to you.
Yes. I was treated at MD Anderson back in 2006 and it was OK. Very structured system. I am now also at UT Southwest in Dallas seeing Dr. Nisha Unni And love her. However, I live in San Antonio and it is quite a drive. I do know that M.D. Anderson and UT have merged here and San Antonio but I have yet to make the switch because I like her so much. I’m so sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your current doctor because such an important part of our recovery is finding a good team. 😊💚
My daughter is going to see DR Velero who is associated with the inflammatory breast cancer clinic there. She got that name from her oncologist here in Pennsylvania.
Anxious about going to the doctor
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Latest appt with new doctor
mbc spread in bones and liver
