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Need help with possible referrals. Please.
I've posted our story before. The update:
My husband Dave had surgery on April 24th after Chemo and Radiation - a new conduit was created using his colon as the stomach tissue was not viable. The esophagus was removed and biopsied - no cancer visible (there had been 2 tumors - larger one distal, smaller one proximal). After 2 months in the hospital with leaks etc, he came home late June on a feeding tube. He did pretty well till Aug 18th when he started having very frequent vomiting. He was admitted back to hospital on Sept 3rd to run tests that were taking too long as an outpatient. He has a right alignment at the distal end of the conduit - possibly a redundant conduit. (I'm still learning). The only choice is another major and more complicated surgery, possibly using his small intestine which, again, doesn't come with its own blood supply. He agreed to surgery but now has to "get on the schedule". He's back on 1500 ml's of formula and NPO. He still vomits/spits up whatever mucus or secretions build up with no where to go.
One of the members of this group suggested we contact Dr Shanda Blackmon of Baylor, formerly with Mayo. I have and am awaiting a response. Our current surgeon is the best in Colorado, so we've been told, and he is also reaching out to other colleagues.
Is there any other facility or Doc you would recommend I contact? I do have faith in our surgeon but this complication is not something he deals in very often.
Any help/advice will be so appreciated.
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Hi Scott here I am from Colorado also. I’m sorry for what your husband is going through. I had Dr. Shah as my surgeon. I had surgery back in January my surgery was different because he could use my stomach as my conduit for my new esophagus. I was just wondering if you had the same surgeon. I hope you can find a surgeon that can help you fix this issue. Hang in there Wishing you the best. Scott
@mk52dk51, if you would like to seek the opinion of Mayo Clinic experts, you can submit a request here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
You may appreciate the experiences and recommendations from members in these related discussions:
- Switching treatments to Mayo Clinic (Esophageal cancer) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/switching-treatments-to-mayo-clinic/
- Discovered esophageal cancer: Should I get an appt at Mayo Clinic?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/discovered-esophageal-cancer-should-i-get-an-appt-at-mayo-clinic/
@goldenshadow
He was at UC Health Anschutz with Dr Martin McCarter and Dr Ramhawa ( thoracic surgeon).
Trying to figure out how to contact Cleveland and Mayor's clinics. Where it will actually get to the right person
@colleenyoung
Is it possible to do a call or zoom? At this point he cant travel at all.
@mk52dk51, I'm sorry to hear that he can't travel. I know you want to do the best for him.
Mayo Clinic welcomes both new and existing patients for virtual and in-person care in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Virtual care is available for out-of-state patients only if the provider you are seeing is licensed in the state where you live.
To find out if a virtual second opinion is an option for your husband, contact Mayo Clinic appointments http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Thanks so much. Unfortunately, I did connect with the Phoenix clinic and learned they are not contracted with our current insurance - United Healthcare - AARP Medicare Advantage. She suggested I try Minnesota and Florida. I'll do that tonight.
Meg
Dr. Daniela Molena, Director of the Esophageal Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City.
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1 Reaction@mk52dk51
My husband‘s surgery was performed by Dr. Tapias Vargas at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I can say with absolute gratitude that every part of his treatment from start to finish was fabulous. Best of luck to you and your husband.
@kmordan
MANY THANKS!!!
@esd
MANY THANKS!!!