I have spent the day researching esophageal cancer. It appears that the best course of treatment is a three-prong approach of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
These words have repeatedly jumped out at me . . . "Don't delay!"
It is highly suggested we visit a major cancer clinic. Additionally, it is recommended over and over again to see the best surgeons (not just any ole surgeon either . . . the best thoracic surgeon who specializes in esophageal cancer) and the best oncologists (again, not just a general oncologist, but an oncologist who's expertise is in esophageal cancer), even if that means travelling out of the area.
So, how do you go about finding the BEST?!? You talk to people.
People . . . I'm talking to you! Help us figure this out. Talk to your family, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors . . . we need to find the best of the best and we need to find them fast!
S.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Can you come to Boston? Dana Farber is well known for cancer treatments.
ReplyDelete-b
Sandy I will talk to people I know here in Grand Rapids. There has actually been a lot of growth in the Medical industry here in the past 5 years. Scott's nephew had cancer and was treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center. I will have his sister look into this too. I am thinking of you always. I just don't understand why bad things keep happening to the best person I know.
ReplyDeleteEarl,
ReplyDeleteWe just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please stay strong and positive and know that you have friends who care.
Carol, Charlie, and Lacey
Earl,
ReplyDeleteI have nothing but good thoughts and many prayers going your way..Feel free to call me any time you want..close as the phone..
just the cook joan of McGee Center
Sandy,
ReplyDeleteI did just a quick research and found the following doctor at UC Davis Medical Center. He sounds excellent, attended Harvard Medical School and also did a fellowship at Stanford. He specializes in general thoracic surgery, thoracic oncology, surgical treatment of malignant and benign esophageal disease.
The following link should direct you to his profile. My prayers are with you, E, and family! If you need anything, please let me know.
Lynne
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/search/faculty/biodetail.asp?bioid=1329&searchtype=3&fromsearchlist=yes
I am afraid of B's in Boston. One of her widow group friends. And in fact, my husband died of esophageal cancer--but yes, I know people who survived it. If you'd like, you can ask her for my direct email.
ReplyDeleteI found www.acor.org invaluable. There was a ec group as well as a supporter group. I often found tidbits in the posts that I would take to our dr. and see if we could try. some helpful, some not. This is probably also a good place to find detailed information about doctors and hospitals.
We live in Boston but picked our local community hospital. The protocol my husband followed was the same as most hospitals at that time. We picked doctors we felt confident it, who listened to us and who we were. We picked a convenient hospital to reduce strain on our family (I has 2 little ones when he was first diagnosed--6 months and 2 years old).
I learned to do what I could and ask for help. People can always say no, but they often just don't know what to offer.
Use your strength for your family and the things only you can do.
Best
RAD
Woops, that would be a FRIEND of B's in Boston.
ReplyDeleteI am not afraid...
Earl, Sandy and family. Please try to stay strong and positive. I really believe the positive is the most important. My family and I are here for anything you may need my friends.
ReplyDeleteKaren, Mike and Kyle
I would say, go to the MD Anderson in Houston. Our insurance covered our stay there, including housing for a while. They have lots of experience, and are constantly on top with their research. But it can be trying to go there if you also have the care of all the children at home.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could add something that helps.
Tanja