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Have to choose between Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson for ovarian cancer treatment

My Mom was diagnosed last June with IIIb ovarian cancer.  Chemo was Taxol and Cistplatin (sp?) both IV and IP through ports.  Chemo was done November 2006.  February of 2007 we were told there were no signs of cancer.  April 4 2007 we found recurrance with more involvement in pelvic area.  Dr's here say she needs to go to either MSK or MDA for 2nd opinion and possible surgery/treatment.  We know that these are both great hospitals.  We are curious as to if either of them has the "edge" of ovarian cancer research and if one would be more beneficial over the other.  Does anyone here have experience with either, and if so, what are your thoughts.  More importantly - does anyone know statistics on both hospitals in regards to Ovarian Cancer?

Thanks!
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167426 tn?1254086235
Your Mother gave you life, she didn't abort you in some alley. You were raised in an orphanage and did you ever think that might be part of God's plan for you.  You prayed to die, but he didn't listen.  He made you strong, to face some hard paths in life and  he is not abandoning you now, he gave you happiness with a family.  Now you are facing another hard path, but I want you to know, you are not alone.  It doesn't matter if you love God or not,  He loves you.  All you need is just a little faith in yourself, your family, your friends and a little left over for Him.  I have used prayer so often with my difficult paths and have seen them answered so many times, that I lost all doubt of not believing.  Let me know how the tests turn out, I care also.
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Avatar universal
Good hospitals, but the eventual test will just be how the body/cancer reacts and which clinical trial(s) work best.  This can even be done locally...if you have exerpienced gyn onc and dedicated hospitals, you can get the treatment you need.  For example, if the doctor has the same clinical trial as the one they have, why travel?  But I can honestly not want to stop you...to have a choice between the two hospitals is fantastic, most insurance won't even allow you to go to the next county for treatment!  Go get 'em!

Let us all know how it goes and best of success to your mom!

Alan

------------
Ovarian Cancer Research Website (In BETA Testing)
http://cancer.alanpeto.com/
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127512 tn?1193742216
I don't mean to step on the other poster toes and maybe this info will help us both.
Could you please tell me about your daughters diagnosis. How was it found? Did she have pain somewhere? She is very lucky to have a mother like you. Seems like you are researching and helping others while trying to help her. I wish I had a mother. This is all quite scary and I feel so alone.  How special you are. If you don't want to share I understand and no hard feelings. I am a breast cancer survivor and just had CAT scan Friday to see if it has spread. Waiting for the results.
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127512 tn?1193742216
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I do have a mother and I know who she is. She gave me up to an orphanage when I was 5. I don't like the person she is.
As for me life is great except for my breast cancer now this other. I know you have been reading my post. I should have the results soon. I have 3 little girls. Well they are 5, 13 and 16. But they will always be my little girls. The worst of this all is when I was put in the orphanage I prayed every day for many many years for God to take my life because no one loved me. He waits until now. Now that I am happy totally and completely. I have a wonderful husband  (married 17 years) and the best girls ever (next to your daughter lol). None of them have ever been in any trouble and since 5th grade the 2 oldest have been in AP college prep classes. As you can see God and I haven't gotten along in quite awhile. Thank you so much for the offer of someone to lean on. I hope I want get to heavy. I will post my results as soon as I get them. Again thank you. I don't pray much but I will look to the stars and my soul and ask for healing powers for your daughter.
Helpful - 0
167426 tn?1254086235
There is no greater love on this earth , than the love a mother feels for her children.  Leslee began noticing changes in her body in Feb of 2006, she went to her primary doctor 5 times in 4 months with complaints of pain, abdominal swelling, etc. and just knowing something was wrong. the doctor kept telling her it was IBS and told her to take GasX. The last appointment in June, the doctor actually told her, don't worry, it's not cancer.   We talked Leslee into going for a second opinion to a GYN, with a good vag exam, a hugh tumor was felt back of her ovary. she had blood work, CA125 was 876, a TVS, MRI, colonoscopy all confirming that there was a probability of OVCA. Several days of searching for the right doctor and hospital,  she had her surgery July 3rd. Serous pappillary Stage 3C.  All the family took on different jobs to help her in her recovery, mine fell to the net research,  she returned to work half days in Jan. after 6 rounds of chemo, that all scans showed her clean, CA125 was 12. Late March she felt little nagging pains, CA125 doubled and then doubled again, back to Mayo for consultation, and selection of a clinical trial. A PET showed 3 small lesions on her abdominal wall.  She is now doing the trial and  working half days still, she looks and feels pretty good most of the time.  Leslee turned 50 in March.   Everyone associated with her has had some part of her recovery, a good support system is what makes a hugh difference.  I am sorry hun, that your mother is not with you, call on me any time, I will be here for you.
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167426 tn?1254086235
In my opinion both are very equal, you are fortunate that you can choose.  You might look into a clinical trial at either of these 2 hospitals.  My daughter recurred after 4  months and is in a trial through Mayo, 3 small lesions on her abdominal wall,  they wouldn't do surgery at this time, want to see if the chemo takes care of it.  Good Luck
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