Need Help Please!!!

My wife had a recurrence of her Colon Cancer that Met to the lung.  Sorry if I don't have all the lingo down.  She is losing her mind trying to get out to MD Anderson to be evaluated.  She keeps getting the run around from her Dr. here as well as out at MD Anderson and she feels like a walking time bomb. 

If anyone knows anyone at MD Anderson that can help us get in their quicker please let me know.  Also, if there are some other world class hospitals out there that you can refer me to that would be great.  I really appreciate all the help as I feel like I can't do anything to make her feel better.

Thanks,

Shannon

Shannon,

My local hospital is "affiliated" with M. D. Anderson and both times they tried to refer me there, it would have been a long wait, up to 2 months.  I don't know how to get in quicker, but just wanted you to know that it seems normal and I understand the urgency in wanting something done.  Maybe somebody else has a suggestion for you.  Sorry that I don't, but I wish you all the best.

Lynn

My husband is a patient at MD Anderson - Houston Tx.  I would suggest for you to go to their web site and contact them directly.  My parents live in Kentucky, and they have a neighbor that wanted a second opinion through MDA.  She contacted them through the web site and was given good information right away.  I don't know if this happens for everyone, but it's worth a try.

You might try contacting surgical oncology.  Your wife might be a candidate for surgical removal of the met to her lung.  If they agree to evaluate her, they will also set up a consult with a medical oncologist as well.  One name is Dr. Eddie Abdalla but he may only operate on mets to the liver.  If he doesn't remove mets to the lung, his office will direct you to another physician who does.  You may be able to be seen quicker this way. Good luck. 

My husband was able to get in to MD Anderson in 3 weeks. His doctor sent his referrel over there and they made him an appointment.  But I have heard of people actually contacting the doctors themselves to plead their case.  I have also heard of some doctors dragging their feet before they send the referreal.  Just make sure the local doctor has done his part.  I have heard several people post that if you do the self referral that it takes longer to get in there but it may be worth it. I dont realize how some people get in in a week and others take a long time. 

Good luck I know how stressful this can be for a spouse.

K

get the medical report from your doctor.  I called md anderson directly from their website and faxed them the report immediately. After talking to them that same day and giving them my mom's health insurance information, they made an appointment for my mom to go there in three weeks.  I think it depends on the type of cancer.  My mom's stomach cancer linitis plastica was the worst kind which was also extremely aggressive.  I left a message with them and they called me later that same day. 

My suggestion is to get seen at a good cancer center as soon as you can.  Most large hospitals in the US use the same protocol for therapies as the "big" ones so don't waste time getting into a certain place. (look at Lance Armstrong-his greatest success was when he left MD Anderson and went elsewhere)   It certainly is a great place, but your energy needs to be in getting her current treatment/possible trials- these same MD Anderson treatments may be available in your own back yard.

Best of luck-

Christine