Diagnosis of ovarian cancer - how can I find best doctors?

[rstabosz]

My sister, age 59, went into the ER Sunday night with stomach pains & a distended abdomen. They drained 6 liters of fluid from her, told her the cause was acites, and thru' CT scans and other tests determined she has ovarian cancer. She is to receive surgery on Monday.

This all happened so fast. I have a lot of previous experience with hospitals and doctors, and want to maximize her chances of getting the best possible care. We are in Delaware. She is currently in Christiana Care where she is scheduled for surgery in 4 days. I'm not sure how the surgeon was assigned to her. He's not listed on the staff of their Helen Graham Cancer Center, but he does do gynocological oncology.  

Any suggestions of pros and cons towards if could explore all options and possibly choose another doctor/hospital? Johns Hopkins is an hour away, and I have a friend who always goes there since it is so nearby and has such a good rep. I don't even really know who to ask why she isn't in the Helen Graham Center - maybe because they are not 100% it is cancer until they go in? But it seems backwards. Cancer is completely new to me, this is the first in my family. She has a lot of pain, which is a big concern also.

Any help would be appreciated.

[djgibson]

I need avice what to do dr order a ultradound and it came back normal but why is left ovary hurting

[nikki92141]

Ditto on John's Hopkin's.  I live about 3 hours away and take my mother there.   She has had 2 major debulking surgeries there for her type of ovarian cancer.  Definatley make sure whoever is touching your sister is a certified GYN/Oncologist.  

[nyc lady]

Johns Hopkins is an excellent hospital...there is also another one in the Philly/South Jersey area .... I cannot think of the name off hand.

Research the surgeon, make certain the doctor is a board certified GYN/oncologist.  They have 3 years additional training and survival rates tend to be a bit better when the surgery is performed by a board certified GYN/oncologist.

Have the ascites been biopsied?  Quite often, ascites come back with cancer cells.  No one is 100 percent certain until the masses are biopsied....give your mom her best fighting chance....the surgery needs to be done by a BOARD CERTIFIED Gyn/Oncologist.

The pain should be reduced when they drain the ascites, and hopefully the surgery will also help with some of the pain.  Cancer is very scary, but, many people survive.  Right now, hold on to the positive....get ready for the fight....stay away from stats, they are only numbers and there are always people that beat the odds.

Best of luck and keep us updated.

Pam