1. < Prostate Cancer

Alternatives to Mayo Clinic

Posted by koji480 @koji480, May 2 7:32pm

I have been repeatedly refused appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix by their nurse gatekeeper even though I have advanced prostate cancer and a rising PSA.
Has anyone gone to MD Anderson or UCLA for consultation/treatment?

Thanks.
Daniel

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mikewo | @mikewo | May 6 9:11pm
In reply to @gently "@koji480 Daniel, you might consult with both places. It could be your guardian angel intervening and..." + (show)
@gently

@koji480
Daniel, you might consult with both places. It could be your guardian angel intervening and not the nurse. UCLA has an excellent program. The md at Mayo was surprised that someone would be consulting there after talking to Amar Kishan at UCLA.
It is better to consult with a number of oncologists before determining a course of action. I favor radiation over surgery though it will be a personal choice.
Honestly, Mayo is the only facility I keep hearing about rejecting care. I'd be curious as to why. Frankly, I wish they'd refused me. The oncologist was excellent, but I'd been misled about the equipment they had available so it was and expensive time waste, and a not so expensive waste of cash.
MD Anderson has the #1 rating for cancer care, but I've no experience there.
Kishan agrees to phone consults and I think after talking to him you'll end up there. He is a radiation oncologist. I don't know anything about the surgeons and you should talk to a surgeon as well. You might want to watch a compelling video. It doesn't entirely encompass his charm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90LoBQtAdYE
I wonder if that nurse would tell you why or if a moderator here might have some insight. It seems to happen across all fields of medicine. Maybe they get too busy.

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It could be due to insurance matters. Mayo sent out a notice this past December when everyone signs up or renews their Medicare insurance to be careful about signing up with a Medicare Advantage plan as they do not work with many of them as they are not in network.

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butch1 | @butch1 | May 14 9:47am
In reply to @tedalmon "I was treated for a rather advanced case of Prostate Cancer before becoming a patient at..." + (show)
@tedalmon

I was treated for a rather advanced case of Prostate Cancer before becoming a patient at Mayo/Jax. I was a Gleason Score of 8 meaning I needed immediate treatment. After some hurried but intense research, during which I encountered several former patients whose stories impressed me, I settled on The Dattoli Cancer Center in Sarasota FL. I'm sure you can find their website on line and arrange a personal visit or phone interview.

Last year, after my 5 Year exam, I am cancer free with a technically undetectable PSA. I got to sign their "Wall of Fame" for cured patients, many of whom, like me had life threatening cases. Good Luck to you and I wish you as good an outcome as I have had.

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Had your cancer metastasized or was it localized just to the prostrate.

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1 reply
koji480 | @koji480 | May 14 9:37pm
In reply to @butch1 "Had your cancer metastasized or was it localized just to the prostrate." + (show)
@butch1

Had your cancer metastasized or was it localized just to the prostrate.

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Outside the prostate.

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koji480 | @koji480 | May 14 9:39pm

I have an appointment in mid July at MD Anderson in Houston. I am pleased and will update you all after I learn more.
Thanks as always for your support and fellowship.

Daniel

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