Tips request for first SRS consultation

[4thTimesTheCharm]

MBC for 2+ years with spread extensive to all spine/ribs, pelvis, hips, shoulders, and multiple lesions in liver. Now 3 intercrainial with dizziness and vomiting (sorry...you didn’t need to hear that!)

Anyway...what is most important things to ask/know? How do I chose ‘best’ facility or radiological oncologist? Is this treatment all just based on anatomy and physics and done by pre-determined protocol, so it doesn’t really matter who/where SRS is done? Your thoughts and input welcomed. Thank you in advance. Kathleen

[Hidden]

Hi Kathleen -

I'm sorry for what you're dealing with, but am glad that you have the option of the SRS.

I, for one, have been trying to score some rads...I love the idea of zapping the buggers!

I don't have any experience with finding the best provider for rads, but did just (like last week) go through a similar process with my friend, whose husband was recently dx w/ head/neck cancer. I think the key thing is to do online research about the facility and radiologist. If you have an alternative you can consider, check into them, too. Ideally consult with both, even just a teledoc, but maybe also just google them, look at the press releases (of course keeping in mind those are about PR, but they can give you insight into possibly different methods/approaches).

Beyond that, I have no useful info, I'm sorry. But I do hope for the best and I REALLY hope that those rads do a great job for you!

Take care,

Lynn

[4thTimesTheCharm in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the encouraging words. I realize I’ve asked impossible questions. Looks as if I may have a few SRS location options that are nearly parallel, it’s just distance and availability: The furthest away (90miles) may have an opening 15-20 days sooner than the other. So, just waiting to see how things shake out. The whole thing is just a little freaky. But I managed to explain to (adult) kids, mom and sisters what was involved without flaking out, so that was huge. Now we just need to dovetail new chemo treatment schedule and CT with all the brain stuff. I can see that I’ll be spending the next 2 days on the phone!

Grateful I have options...and supportive MBC sisters. Thanks again, k

[Rhwright12]

Sending prayers Since I have no advice...it would be the Cleveland Clinic or UPMC Pittsburgh for me...I’m an hour away from both...Much love and prayer 🙏🏻💕🙏🏻

[4thTimesTheCharm in reply to Rhwright12]

Thank you! This will ea new experience, for sure!

[HippyDippyDoc]

Definitely seek the opinion from a major academic cancer center (i.e. Cleveland Clinic, MD Anderson, Dana Farber)! Prayers and hugs

[4thTimesTheCharm]

Thanks! Working on it!!

[hopefulinadks]

Is NYC too far for you to consider? There is a doctor there with a lot of experience who does treat metastatic cancer. I have been going for months and there is no long wait to start except for insurance clearance for each series of treatments (usually 5 to 10) every time that you start a new area. He is Harvard educated and triple board certified . The technicians are very professional and kind. You can call for an appointment for a consultation at 212 CHOICES.

[4thTimesTheCharm in reply to hopefulinadks]

Thanks for the recommendation. At this juncture, yes NYC is a bit more than I can handle as we live sw of DC. Have a place in VA now that did thin-slice imaging today and prepared my mask for cyber knife treatment to begin next week. At least this process can be done in “all one house” and not one part here and another there, as would have been necessary if I had ‘stayed home’.

This new full-service group is about 95 miles out-so not too bad. Thanks again. kc

[hopefulinadks in reply to 4thTimesTheCharm]

Good Luck!!!!!

[Tam-56]

Sending you healing thoughts and a hug. I don’t have knowledge base to provide you with an answer but if it were me I would choose Mass General or Dana Farber in Boston. Much love and hope your treatments obliterate those mets!

All the best,

Maura ❤️

[4thTimesTheCharm]

Thanks for your good thoughts.

[LotusAFlower]

You’re going through so much and yet able to post for me. I wish it goes well and will be thinking of you