Just diagnosed yesterday, in search of NY/NJ recommendations

Posted by Caroline Chu @cchu, Mar 20 5:03am

My mom just diagnosed with esophageal cancer yesterday. She has a malignant tumor (3cm) in the lower third of her esophagus. She also has severe mitral valve stenosis, and up until yesterday was going to have open heart surgery within the next couple of weeks at Mt Sinai.

Fully recognizing that she’ll need fully integrated care between the cardio and oncology teams, I want to seek out the best for each discipline and then work out which institution to have treat her.

Does anyone know who the best oncologists/oncology teams for esophageal cancer in NY/NJ are? Thanks in advance for any direction or recommendations.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

ollusam | @ollusam | Mar 21 7:48am

My husband has been treated at MSK with Dr Jones ( Surgeon) and chemo at Monmouth MSK in NJ

mrgvw | @mrgvw | Mar 21 10:11am

I think you are fine where you are... but I know many who've been treated (for EC) in this area. Prioritizing the order of things should come quickly... but yes, a nasty position to be in. A top notch cardiothoracic surgeon may be handling all possible surgeries that could be needed in the next 12 months... should your husband make it to esophagectomy. MSK is fine too. Maybe let's not have distant travel become a problem for your family.

Gary

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 1 8:41pm

@cchu, have you heard about a specialty called cardio-oncology?

Mayo Clinic offers expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.

Might they have a cardio-oncology specialist where your mom receives care?