Moving from US to Canada, transition of care

[Rupali]

Hi all,
I know this forum has some members from Canada as well and I am looking to seek some answers.
I am on a weekly Herceptin which will go on for next 9 months and depending on Hera results might go on longer.
My husband may be asked by his company to move to Canada anytime soon. We already have a Permanent Residence status in Canada though we still do not have the medical card for Ontario.
Assuming we get the medical card then does anyone have any experience how difficult it would be to shift the care and stay on the Herceptin.

My history is that I was diagnosed with Stage 3 BC. had 4 AC and then 4 Taxol and then started Herceptin weekly.

Also if anyone in Canada could refere some good oncologists in the Toronto area.
Thanks
Rupali

[Linda]

Hiya,

I'm originally from Toronto, now in LA, but I do know that the Princess Margaret Hospital has some pretty reputable oncologists. My father had prostrate and was treated there. Unfortunately I don't know names but it may be a start. Perhaps do a search on internet under Princess Margaret or just call them.

good luck! and don't forget your parka!

[Unregistered]

I am from Ontario - I see an oncologist (Dr. Bryn Pressnail) north of Toronto (in Barrie), but I do know that Princess Margaret Hospital (in Toronto) has an amazing reputation.

[al from Canada]

I've heard that Princess Margret has an enormous waiting list. Sunnybrook has the Womens' cancer certre and that's where our second opinion onc is.

Al

[jjfromcanada]

Go to www.cpso.on.ca (http://www.cpso.on.ca) which is the web site for the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons and do a Doctor Serach. If you do an Advanced Search, you can identify certain characterisitics of the doctor you are looking for, one of which is those accepting new patients.

In my opinion your best choices are University Hospital Network Princess Margaret or Sunnybrook for cancer care. And both have excellent reputations.

I did a quick search and found Dr. Pam Goodwin at Mt Sinai which is part of UHN and Princess Margaret is accepting new patients. I know she has very well thought of, but I have never consulted her myself.

PMH is right down town and very accessible. Sunnybrook is just in the near north east end of the city and also pretty handy.

Good luck.

[jjfromcanada]

I checked and my Onc is not accepting new patients nor is my GP. I thought I'd check since you might need one of those too.


Sorry.

[jjfromcanada]

I had some time on my hands today and looked up info on PMH for you.

Go to www.uhn.ca/pmh/ (http://www.uhn.ca/pmh/) and click on Patient & Visitor Information. Then look for the Patient Referral Process. And then click on International Patients.

This gives you an idea of what you will need to bring. Their International Services number is 416 340-4800 X6002 or you can e-mail cindy.pessione@uhn.on.ca. I think I'd start there.

I'm sure Sunnybrook has a similar service, but I spent some time noodling on their website (www.sunnybrookandwomens.on.ca/programs/tsrcc (http://www.sunnybrookandwomens.on.ca/programs/tsrcc)) and couldn't find any info on international services.

Anyway hope that helps.