I don't have any direct experience with Dr. Flanigan and I did a search of this Forum to see if anyone else posted anything about him. Didn't find anything.
Here is a link to Flanigan's bio:
www.meddean.luc.edu/depts/urology/Flanigan.htm
Here is a little more info on him:
www.meddean.luc.edu/depts/urology/html/flan2.htm
Dr. Flanigan is not listed in the current Castle Connolly directory of top doctors (but his bio says he was listed back in 1999). I did a search by city and by his name and didn't find him.
There are a lot of folks that went to Steinberg. He's one of the best in the country. Steinberg is listed in the ATD (America's Top Doctor's) section of Castle Connolly.
If you call Dr. Flanigan's office, ask them to tell you how many cystectomies he does in an average month. Then call Steinberg's office and ask the same question. You don't need to actually go to them to get that information and it may help guide you.
As I said, I have no direct experience with either one. Hope this is helpful information for you.
Stage 3, means that he will likely get chemo prior to and/or after RC (Radical Cystectomy). Radiation is typically not advised prior to RC as it can complicate the RC surgery and makes it much more difficult for the surgeon and may also limit options for diversions as the radiation will likely cause damage to the intestines (which are used to create a neobladder or Indiana Pouch).
Here is a link to a guide I made to the standard treatment path for bladder cancer treatment at various stages
Patient Guide to Treatment
. Some have found it helpful as a guide and printed it off to use a framework for discussion with the bladder cancer specialist. I am not a doctor and I made the flowchart based on my personal experience as well as research I did into bladder cancer treatment. I also reviewed/updated it with a couple of doctors who specialize in bladder cancer. It is intended for patient education and to facilitate discussion with a bladder cancer specialist. It is solely my work and not officially endorsed by the ABLCS or anyone else. (
How's that for a disclaimer?)
Let your son know about this site. He can post any questions he may have and get answers from folks who have "been there/done that". I know the people here have been a great help to me over the years. Some of us are also happy to have phone calls to discuss questions/fears/concerns/etc.
Mike
