Looking for doctors in DC, VA, MD area

Thanks so much for all of the advice! We called Dr. Mark Schoenberg's office last Friday but they gave us an appointment for next July 27th. We are concerned since that is a month and a half from now. We are afraid that the cancer will advance if we wait this long. Any ideas on how to get an appointment sooner with doctors at major cancer centers such as Johns Hopkins? We would like to see Dr. Schoenberg right away, he sounds perfect and we are close to Baltimore.

Hi Ro: If you are located near or can commute to Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is your best bet. I would recommend Dr. Mark Schoenberg in Urological Oncology. He is located at the Brady Urological Institute. Your husband will receive excellent care at Johns Hopkins.

Patricia might have some other suggestions for you, she is very knowledgeable and can give you lots of information. She will respond I am sure. And then for your question regarding bladder sparing in with your husbands diagnosis - some of the guys on here can probably better answer these questions for you.

Take care,
Sandra

Oops. Dang. I did a search in the forum for "Hopkins" and then I just read the part where you mentioned Epstein. I didn't realize you were talking about pathologists in that one.

I'm just going to let you do the doctors....

Mike

Actually Mike Dr. Epstein is one of the top Pathologists for bladder cancer and he's on the team with Dr. Schoenberg.
pat

Well you're in one of the best areas for a top Cancer/Urological Hospital..ranked #1 in the US..Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I would recommend Dr. Mark Schoenberg...he's one of the top Uro's in the field.
urology.jhu.edu/markschoenberg/index.php
As for bladder preservation...oh wouldn't we all wish that. The only success in the country with bladder preservation is at Mass. General Hospital and success rate is only about 45%. Its a grueling schedule of chemo and radiation and if it does not work then you still have to have the bladder out and radiation does such a number on you that you will be limited as to choices and forget nerve sparing. The ileal conduit is about all they can do after all the damage to the intestines. I'm not sure what their guidlines are right now as to Stage and Grade.
Dr. Schoenberg is a master at nerve sparing and a really great choice.
pat

John's Hopkins is the best urology hospital in the country.
health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/urology?page=1

According to Pat, the top guy there is: Dr. Johnathan Epstein.
Here is a link: Epstein

Once it is T2, usually cystectomy is the way to go because it has the highest probability of getting ridding of it once and for all. Once it is in the muscle the risk is pretty high, but I am not a doctor and the folks at Johns Hopkins are the experts.

I considered myself young when I got it at 47 (only CIS). When it came back two years later, I didn't hesitate to get it removed and I am very happy with my decision.

Mike