dad with new diagnosis

Discussion Board Forums Introductions! dad with new diagnosis

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  • #40317
    linda-z
    Spectator

    Worriedson,

    Welcome to this wonderful site. You are in a good place for starters. I also want stress my voice about second (or third, etc.) opinions. It can’t hurt and the more knowledge you learn the better you are in fighting this cancer. MD Anderson is known to be a very good hospital and has specialists in CC also. My sister-in-law went there for another type of cancer (we live in Illinois) on the recommendation of her doctor. Anyone she came in contact with while at the hospital or nearby hotel (patients and/or caregivers) said she was lucky to be there, and they (the other patients) wished that they had gone there for their first diagnosis. My sister-in-law had a different rare cancer and is now 5 years cancer free after surgery.

    You are so close to MDA, even though it’s 5 hours away, NOT to use their expertise even if it’s only for another opinion.

    My best wishes for you and your Dad

    Linda Z.

    #40316
    marions
    Moderator

    Thanks Rick for correcting the false information I had given. Dr. Gores is at the Mayo Clinic not at MD Anderson. I hope that he is not too upset with me for moving him from Minnesota to Texas and to a different medical center to boot.
    Thanks again,
    Best wishes,
    Marion

    #40315
    dmeek
    Spectator

    Hello Worriedson. I am sorry to hear about your dad. I agree with others, if you can get a second opinion that would be good recommendation.

    I was treated at MD Anderson in Houston. My doctor is/was Dr. Nicolas Vauthey. He was my surgeon and definitely one of the best, I would highly recommend. I would also recommend MD Anderson as a great cancer facility. I had my surgery there, and also chemo and radiation, for my CC.

    I was diagnosed with CC in May 2004. And am currently a 6+ year survivor. I wish you the best in your search for a doctor for your dad.

    Dale

    #40314
    rick-kamp
    Member

    Worriedson, I agree with marions fully that a 2nd opinion with someone who has a good deal of experience with this cancer would be a great idea. I’m not sure of contacts at MD Anderson, but Dr. Gores as Marions mentions is a great physician and he is now at Mayo Clinic in Rochester (not at MD Anderson currently, but may have been before?) He helped to implent the now widely used Mayo Protocol for liver transplantation for unresectable cholanciocarinoma (or those arrising in liver disease patients).

    I am sure there are probably some folks that are specialist in your area or at MD Anderson, too. I’m sure some more experience in that area will be around soon.

    Rick

    #40313
    gavin
    Moderator

    HI Worriedson,

    Welcome to the site, although I am sorry that you had to find us all. I can’t help you with your question about good doctors in Houston as I Live in Scotland, but I just wanted to join Marion in welcoming you here. Yes you are right that all of this seems overwhelming and daunting at first, and none of us here are doctors! I was the carer for my dad when he was given his diagnosis of inoperable CC back in the summer of 2008 and coming here and the people here helped me so much.

    I hope that you will keep coming back here and let us know how your dad is doing and what treatment he will be getting.

    My best wishes to you and your dad,

    Gavin

    #40312
    marions
    Moderator

    Hello worriedson and welcome to our site. I firmly believe that second (or more) opinions are warrented when the diagnoses of Cholangiocarcinoma is suggested. It might be adviseable to request copies of lab tests, Ct scans, physicians notes, etc. and to forward these to a center or doctor “very” familiar with this cancer. Dr. Gores, at MD Anderson, is one of these physicians. In fact, being that you are in the profession it is very likely for Dr. Gores to speak with you per phone. Others may have more suggestions coming your way.
    I am glad that you have found us and please, continue to stay in touch.
    Best wishes,
    Marion

    #3818
    worriedson
    Spectator

    My dad seems to have cholangiocarcinoma based on imaging and is beginning his workup/treatment with laparscopiv biopsy and potential resection in the Dallas area. The whole process seems overwhelming and daunting, and I am a physician! I am wondering if he should get treatment in Dallas so he is close to home, or go to a more specialized center like MD Anderson in Houston (5 hour drive from Dallas). Any thoughts, and anybody know of good doctors in the Dallas rea.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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