On 2/27/2008 jewel1 wrote:
My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer on 2/11/08. We have seen 2 oncologists for consult. We have been referred to U of C. Right now she can't get an appointment for a month. That would be about a month and a half from diagnosis before starting treatment. Any thoughts on this? The last oncologist said we had time to explore treatment and should start treatment within a month from now. Besides being agonizing, is this a safe idea? My mom is well right now. Also, anyone seeing an oncologist for pancreatic cancer at U of Chicago?
My husband, 43, just got diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. His is a very rare type (small cell neuroendicrine). Because he was so ill, we ended up having several procedures at the hospital to get his symptoms under control. We are now at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. We had an appointment within 2 weeks and started chemo this week. However, it was approx. 2 months from diagnosis to first treatment (due to infections, incomplete diagnosis etc.) Some tumors have doubled in size in the interim. If possible, don't wait. Try some other places.
I saw the other post re: Bruckner. One of my friends also suggested him (Howard Bruckner, NY). He apparently is very well respected and has a reputation of trying aggressive chemo treatments. Since my husband has a rare form of pancreatic cancer, we went with a doctor who specializes in this sub-category.
Good luck to you - I wish you the best.