CancerCompass message board discussion started by GeorgesGirl on 3/26/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22375,0.htm Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi All,I need another favor. My dad has an appointment with Dr. Luketich at UPMC on April 10th for a 2nd opinion. I would love to hear from anyone that is being treated or has been treated at UPMC and/or Dr. Luketich. I have researched both UPMC and Dr. Luketich but don't personally know anyone that can attest to their medical expertise. Thanks and God Bless!Chrysti GeorgesGirl Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Chrysti-I  thought you were the one going to UPMC from note on EC Cafe. No personal experience, but you will be in good hands, and the MIE would clearly be the way to go if it's a viable option, so I'm sure it's the right choice for you. Are you or one of the siblings able to go with your parents? I am not saying this to discourage you, because I think you're doing the right thing, but just a warning so you're prepared in case. We went to CO last week (the altitude was very difficult for Pat), and one of the things I felt I received on the trip was a better insight as to what it would be like to go elsewhere for a 2nd opinion, and in our case I don't think treating away from home (which is very different from surgery away from home) would be an option. He has a hard time adjusting to what would be small changes for most of us. We tend to carry lots of snacks when on the road, which helps a lot. If I think of any other travel tips, will let you know.  Good luck with it. You are always in my prayers. UPMC has been cutting edge in EC for years now, so it's a great choice. Suya tongrenhealer Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Tongren,I am sending you another message with my email address because I'm having trouble retrieving your response.Thanks! GeorgesGirl Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Your father is in excellent hands.  He operated on my daughter a month ago.  She had a very complex, lengthy surgery. She got extremely good care and attention.  From daily chest xrays, to calling in infection specialists the very day her white cell count went up, they were on top of everything.   From what I can find out, he appears to be "the man" to go to for esophogus surgery. Google him and you can get an idea of how many surgical textbooks his published in, how much research he's had published, etc. He is hugely busy, so expect to wait hours and hours for your appointment. I was told that drs come from all over the world for him to train them on his surgical techniques.  After surgery, your father won't see much of him, but his "entourage" of residents, etc, do the hands-on, but Luketich is very much calling the shots.  Going to him is not like going to a community hospital where you get more "hands on" from the surgeon.  However, you won't get expertise like his in a community hospital.  (We live 360 miles from Pitt, and couldn't find anyone that could do anything for my daughterm and I live in a city with a large medical center with medical school). meanmom08 Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT