just thinking...

[Joy]

I've been thinking about this for awhile and now I'm thinking I need to take some action. I've had this idea of going to one on the BIG cancer center treatment facilities in the US. I would, in my fantasy anyway, like to have a liver met biopsy. Have it tested for the things we can test for as the list is growing e.g. igfr, egfr, veg-f, er/pr/, her2, pten, etc. Then meet with a doc and say, "what would you do with me?".

My questions for you guys are these:

where? I have relatives on the East Coast (Dana Farber, MSKK, Mt. Sinai)
i live in Colorado so MD Anderson and UCLA aren't too far. I could probably stay with friends of a friend in Seattle for that center-what is the best place fo you think?

has anyone had experience in doing this and do you feel it made a difference for you vs. your regular oncologist?

I think my oncololgist rocks-I love her and she is tuned into breast cancer beautifully, but Colorado is pretty small-fry for studies and research as compared to the coasts or MD.

I have friends and family willing to help/accompany, etc.

You feedback is always so great and appreciated. I would LOVE your thoughts.

[chrisy]

Joy,

I would definitely recommend getting to a comprehensive cancer center for some additional opinions. I see Dr. Rugo at UCSF, but have my treatment here with my local oncologist (who is also no slacker!).

I don't know which is "best" but if it were me, I'd want to get connected with the cutting edge research in Her2 and/or treatment of liver mets. MD Anderson seems to be in the forefront of RFA and surgical treatment of liver mets, and of course UCLA is a hotbed of Her2 research. As is MSK. So it would seem that any of those would be good choices.

You could do this and still continue with your local oncologist - you are mainly seeking direction and options which she might be able to implement locally.

One thing was clear at San Antonio - there is a LOT of targeted research continuing as is evidenced by the number of things they can test us for as you note. This gave me hope that there are still many options out there and more in the pipeline.

By the way, I also saw a poster there which confirmed that even if initial CTC count was "high", an early drop in this with treatment was a positive indicator. I thought of you and your "ta-da" zero CTC.

Keep pushin on, Joy!
Chris

[Becky]

I agree with Chris. Just remember, Eric Winer (Dana Farber), Jenny Chang (MD Anderson), Hope Rugo, Mark Pegram, Dennis Slamon - these are the TOP Her2 oncologist/research oncologists in the world!!!


I live in NJ (half way between NYC and Philadelphia). If you choose Fox Chase or Memorial Sloan Kettering - you can stay with me (I am being 100% serious).

Just let me know. I will pick you up at the airport and go with you or drive you there.

Hugs to you

[RhondaH]

I'm very methodical, but after reading Becky's post, I would DEFINATELY, take the HER2 experience into consideration. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/rankings/specihqcanc.htm