Where to go for a RC, west coast.

12 years 2 months ago #40658 by dukel
Replied by dukel on topic Where to go for a RC, west coast.
Warren, I know that at this point there are no good choices, only what is the best choice. Looking at how young you are, and how this surgery can change your life, it is so important that your main focus be on getting the best surgery you can get! Then factor things like distance, cost, hotels in. If you have to travel to get the best surgery, then things like follow up care could still be done close to home. Maybe take a step back and see the surgery as a separate entity, and the recovery and care as another. If this surgery is done right it will not be much of a life changer. Taking all that into account, you need to get the best surgery possible, wherever that may be! All I am trying to say I guess is, to do your research well!
Wishing you the very best.
Duke

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12 years 2 months ago #40657 by warrentug
Replied by warrentug on topic Where to go for a RC, west coast.
Thanks Duke, I will plug Dr. Cost into google and check him out...I sure would like to be able to do it here in Bend at St.Charles, then Jude wouldn't have to stay in a hotel and it would be much cheaper, cost is still a big deal. But I do want a good job done that I don't have to worry about.

I guess travelling to California or Washington is almost as bad as flying across the country to one of the big centers. Any how thanks and I will check him out, Warren.

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12 years 2 months ago #40649 by dukel
Replied by dukel on topic Where to go for a RC, west coast.
Warren, I know we don't have the great choices close to home like they do in the rest of the country. I live in Salem so I know how hard it is. Mike and most everyone else will tell you to travel to a major bladder cancer center and I would also. That said, if you do have your mind made up, I will give you one name to check out. Dr. Gregory A. Cost. He is at The Urology Clinic in Portland. Two years ago he was in Salem and had done Neos for a couple people I was able to talk to. They were happy and I did not want to travel. I had done that with other cancers, and did not want to again. Dr. Cost did my Neo and I could not be more satisfied. I do not know what he has been doing in Portland. You Would need to check him out for yourself.
All I know is what my experience was with him. Will follow your
progress and want to wish you the very best.
Duke

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12 years 2 months ago #40646 by warrentug
Replied by warrentug on topic Where to go for a RC, west coast.
Thanks Sara Anne, I will check into them but just on a quick look they say they only do 60 RC's a year... I don't know if that is enough to feel comfortable with them. When you go on the different schools web sites they all sound great, none of them say to go some where else. However, some place close to home would be nice for me and my better half. Thanks again. Warren

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12 years 2 months ago #40643 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Where to go for a RC, west coast.
Warren, don't discount OHSU here in Portland. My uro trained there, and I know that the Army Hospital, Madigan, sends some of their complicated cases there. OHSU did lose one of its top surgeons to USC-Norris last year. I don't know anything about
Seattle. It wouldn't hurt to get a consult at OHSU and see what you think after you ask your questions. This is where I will start if it ever comes to that.

Have to be a little careful...just because a place is good for
"Cancer" does not mean it is great for all kinds of cancer. Probably the BEST place on the West Coast is USC.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator

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12 years 2 months ago - 12 years 2 months ago #40641 by warrentug
Where to go for a RC, west coast. was created by warrentug
Hello, I'm researching as much as I can before my next TURBT about possible outcomes...one strong choice is a RC with a Neobladder. I am finding the rankings for hospitals as far as cancer is concerned but I'm not seeing the numbers of operations they do.

I am in Oregon and so would prefer a doctor and hospital here on the west coast. Flying to Texas, New York or Baltimore would make it pretty hard. I am looking at the university of Washington.

I was wondering what those who had to have a RC think, where did you go and is travelling worth it to get to one of the top cancer centers. Also has anyone gone to Seattle for treatment? Thanks again for all the help, Warren.

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