Hi - Here's my background. Mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer in Nov. 2007. One week later she began chemo treatment to shrink the the tumor and have it removed surgically. After one round of chemo that included Xeloda 2-x-daily with infusions and a drip - Eloxatin and Ellence cancer had gone through all layers of the stomach though the tumor was not larger. after some infections and missing treatments she started the third round last week and we found that the cancer has spread to the lymph.
We begged our oncologist to contact MD Anderson for an appointment and were told that they will not see us until her treatment with her current oncologist is complete. really? Spoke with a very nice patient referral counselor at Sloan Kettering and he seemed to suggest they would not see us and directed us to Moffitt Cancer Center since it was closer to where she lives (Clearwater). Called Moffitt, spoke with a person who was totally bothered to take our information and said they would not see us until we provide them with all medical records-not a problem but didnt even tell me where to have them sent. Have tried the online self referrals to MD Anderson but have not heard from them.
Do we need a doctor contact? I have no problem doing all the leg work to get records where ever they need to go but feel like I am being turned away from seeking other treatment options. Like her case is hopeless. I'll do whatever we need to do but feel like I'm running into so many walls that I must be doing something wrong or maybe I shouldn't try. I just can't figure this all out and feel like we are really running out of time to do something.
I appreciate any comments.
thank you all for your bravery and inspirational messages here.
Mary
NYC, NY