Dad newly dx in Washington State
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Hello Robin,
My husband goes to Cancer Care Northwest in Spokane, but has also been seen at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance last Sept. SCCA is an alliance of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the Univ of Wash and Children’s Hospital. We got on the SCCA list because I original contacted Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY (?) because MSK showed up on my online search for drs specializing in unknown primary. When MSK rep called, she said Seattle CCA is the same kind of facility, a “comprehensive” cancer care group which means they have a research hospital alliance. Also we had an appointment set up with MD Anderson in Houston, but as it turned out, Seattle could get Tom in first.The surgeon who finally operated on my husband was Dr. Holbrook at Cancer Care NW. He is top notch for liver and surrounding areas. He was willing to give my hub a try when others had said he was inoperable.
There are a lot of great people out there; all the oncologists we’ve met are candid and skilled, but their opionions on exactly what to do next can vary. Good that your dad has you to do the research…I was the researcher at our house. What I do find is that you need to figure out what are the questions that need asking, get 2 -3 expert opinions, and then look for the commonalities. Also depends on your dad’s ability/ willingness to travel and his philosophy of how to deal with all this. Allow yourself a certain amount of time to investigate and talk to drs, then give yourself rest and do something you enjoy for yourself. I had myself into hysterics at one point, over a phone call I missed…felt as if my husband’s life was in my hands. Everything worked out OK & we got our questions answered enough to proceed.
Blessings,
Sarah
Hi Robin,
My husband Joe was daignosed in July 2006. He is 66. We live in Chiacago and went to Northwestern but his was metastisized to lungs and the only thing they had to offer was Chemo. We got a second opinion from Mayo in Rochester because they treat 10% of choligio cases a year. They concurred with Northwestern and as a personal choice since Joe has no pain we opted not to start chemo and just go with vegan diet and lots of prayers. So far he is doing well and we are in the warm weather for 3 months. We didn’t even think we would make it this far. The disease is so different for evryone but this website will help a lot to hear from other people and just to express what is going on with you. We wish you good luck and we pray for all the people on this website.Thank you to all of you who have responded. I have never posted messages before and kind of felt I was searching in the dark. Thanks for your support. I am an RN
but I specialize in labor and delivery. My Dad has been asking questions. He really isn’t well enough to do his own research at this time. Thank you for being here.Blessings,
Robin
Hi Robin my dad, 64 was diagnosed about 9 months ago with T4 CC. While he lives in Mexico CIty we are in Seattle and brought him out for several consults. He was seen in Swedish medical center (Dr. Gold), in Virginia Mason (can’t remember the Drs’ name) and also in an Oncoloy (WWCC) center in Lacey (near Olympia by Dr. Kang).
Our experiences where pretty mixed and to my surprise Dr. Kang was the best and most caring of all 3. I would certainly recommend trying all three and exploring your options.
Another option is UW Medical center.
Best of luck and sorry to hear about your dad.
Take care
Hello Robin
You may want to consider contacting PanCan toll free at 877-272-6226. This is a Pacreatic Cancer advocate organization. They can refer you to doctors and surgeons in the state of WA that specialize in GI cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma is similar in many ways to pancreatic cancer. Dawn and I called PanCan to obtain a list of doctors in the Chicago area.
Sorry you find your self here – but it is a place for good information and hope.
Richard
Robin,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I don’t have any personal experience with hospitals or Doctors in Washington State but I am aware of a Place called Cancer Care Notrhwest that is located in Spokane. They also have 4 outreach clinics that might help as far as treatments. This is the web site for your review “http://www.cancercarenorthwest.com” I have also heard Washington State University does alot of cancer research. Wish I could be of more help. You can also do a search Washington State Cancer and you’ll get alot to review. I believe Cancer Centers of America (a for -profit center has a clinic in the state as well. I know there are some members on this site that live in CO and Utah who may be able to give you more infor for the northwest. Wish you and your Dad the best. I can give you plenty of infor on different types of treatments and side effects.
Jeff G.Hi,
I’m Robin. My Dad is a young 63 and newly diagnosed as of Monday. The Drs. did a laproscope then a laporotomy took out 2 lymphnodes and closed him back up. The
tumor was not resectable. One node is positive. We are looking for resources in Washington State so my parents can stay with their support group and just to be near home if at all possible. I am in Minnesota near Mayo. Has anyone recieved care in Washington? Names of Drs. ? Clinics.? What about the Cancer treatment centers? Who specializes in this cancer? We are all a bit overwhelmed but Dad is ready to make a treatment plan. Thank you for your time and God Bless all of you.Robin
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