Second Opinion - Where to Go

Wow! I cannot believe that you all are here for me. The past two days have been especially difficult and it's dreary here, both inside and out. I will check out the two hospitals you suggest.

Since we didn't get much information yesterday, can anyone tell me what is involved with the chemo. I mean, is this something that requires long overnight stays? If so, it will mean a bit of planning, as we have a couple of spoiled pets that will need caring.

Judy

Judy...Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem is quite good...Karen can tell you all about them
www1.wfubmc.edu/
If you can make it to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore..thats the #1 Urology Hospital in the country
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/
My contact at Hopkins is Dr. Mark Schoenberg...he could probably refer you to the best oncologist. He's mainly a top surgeon.
Pat

We are in southwest Virginia, closest city is Roanoke, but the North Carolina border is only an hour away. I would travel anywhere to help this guy!

Thanks for responding.

Judy

many oncologists just not as knowledgable about the older adult and managing chemotherapy......
The management of the older lymphoma patient with cytotoxic chemotherapy requires knowledge of the pharmacologic effects of age and awareness of the diversity of the older population. The most obvious reason for attenuation of treatment intensity in the elderly is the possibility of a decline in hemopoietic reserve. The research of specific therapeutic protocols is needed to cure the elderly lymphoma patients reducing the risk of important toxic effects.
So i would say...definately seek a second opinion from an oncologist who is quite familiar with bladder cancer and treating the older adult. Again let us know your location and we'll try to find someone in your area.
Pat

Hi. I'm new to this group and the wife of a bladder cancer patient who had a radical cystectomy with ileal conduit done in October. His pathology report shows him to be T3 N2. We saw the oncologist yesterday and were not too happy with his demeanor. He seemed to be trying to dissuade my husband from undergoing chemotherapy at the present time, to just watch and wait for symptoms that showed the cancer had recurred. My guy is two days shy of 77, but looks to be ten years younger, and in overall good health, bladder issues aside.

So it's time to think about another oncologist who will support my husband in his desire to have chemotherapy. My question is how to find another oncologist---the questions that need to be asked, where to look, who to talk to.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Judy