<p>We need to research West Coast doctors and medical centers specializing in prostate cancer. Where should I look to find how many procedures a doctor has done, the recovery rate on the pertinent parameters, and the success rate on the quality of life issues that prostate cancer treatments impact? I know that all hospitals must keep statistics on these issues, but how do I begin to gain access as a consumer? I need to go way beyond the US News & World Report ratings.</p>
<p>I also need advice on the best procedure for obtaining second opinions. When I had cancer, I just got on the Kaiser cancer treatment conveyer belt and went through their process. I probably had some treatments I did not need, and I still have the cognitive sluggishness and fatigue that resulted. I want to do a much better job for DH.</p>
<p>Like LTS, we thought that the upside of the empty nest would be some lovely, care-free time pursuing old and new pursuits of our own choosing. It still could be that way, but right now, we are forced into a compelling new “interest.”</p>
<p>I am so sorry to read your terrible news. I don’t know anything about prostate cancer, but friends I know speak very highly of City if Hope for other types. My friend who’s husband has Multiple Myeloma goes there, and she has found a lot of info using an internet group for that particular type of cancer. Is there such a support group for Prostate Cancer? </p>
<p>I am sure other more knowledgeable people will chime in with concrete information, but I just wanted to say hello, and send positive thoughts to you and your DH.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear about your problem. Remember though - all will be well :)</p>
<p>I would try to get in contact with other prostate cancer patients. Try cancer support groups at your local hospitals for info.
Brachyterapy is used a lot in my part of the world.</p>
<p>“We need to research West Coast doctors and medical centers specializing in prostate cancer. Where should I look to find how many procedures a doctor has done, the recovery rate on the pertinent parameters, and the success rate on the quality of life issues that prostate cancer treatments impact? I know that all hospitals must keep statistics on these issues, but how do I begin to gain access as a consumer? I need to go way beyond the US News & World Report ratings.”</p>
<p>When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, we asked questions about the success rate on the quality of life issues which could impact my husband. The surgeon (our second opinion, and the doctor to whom we ended up entrusting my husband’s care), without having to reference any notes, quoted us exact statistics on the liklihood of certain adverse outcomes in the medical community at large, as well as exact numbers which had occurred in the patients on whom he had performed the surgery. I really appreciated that. I never asked him for his sources, but I know he would have happily supplied them. Ask your surgeon for sure what the general statistics for any given outcome are, as well as how often those outcomes have occurred in his own patients. We did ask him how many times he had performed the particular surgery, and he quoted a figure. I don’t know how you could “look that up” - perhaps another poster can help you there. </p>
<p>About eight years ago, I worked at American Cancer Society’s information and referral service when there was an 800 number in each state. Since that time, the service has been centralized and there only is one 800 number – 800 ACS 2345 – for the entire country. People would call for the names of nearby, local MDs and for suggested referrals for second opinions. We would refer them to nearby Comprehensive Cancer Centers in NJ and NY. They would also ask for information sheets on specific cancers and up to date resource/reading lists. I know that back then Johns Hopkins was very well known on the East Coast re: prostate cancer treatment and many went there for second opinions. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is highly regarded. I am sure California has several top notch cancer centers as well. Your surgeon/oncologist should be able to guide you. However, I do not know how you look up the statistics you mentioned.</p>
<p>Operamom, Sorry to hear of your trouble. You probably want to factor in your H’s disease stage in your decision to choose a doctor/institution. I presume some scans, bone or MRI, had been done beyond a biopsy. Unless there is a need to treat the cancer aggressively, I don’t think there is much differences among institutions nor will it be useful to get a second opinion. Best wishes to you and your H.</p>
<p>I’m sorry you and your husband are going through this. I know how scary it is, since my DH is going through this right now. I have several links that I’d be happy to send you, including some recommendations for PCa doctors on the West Coast and some excellent message boards and mailing lists. I wanted to send you a PM but it looks like you don’t have it turned on. You can PM me or e-mail me through CC and give me a way to contact you so I can send you what I have.</p>
<p>The NY Times just started running a blog by one of its employees on his diagnosis with prostate cancer. Go to NY Times Web site, click on “Health”, and then click on “The Good Cancer”. Hope you and your DH find this helpful.</p>
<p>I am so sorry to hear of your news.
If you go the following website, there is very good information on cancer, the research, statistics and any clinical trials that may pertain to your husband’s situation. [Comprehensive</a> Cancer Information - National Cancer Institute](<a href=“http://www.cancer.gov/]Comprehensive”>http://www.cancer.gov/)
Also,you can go to any of the big teaching hospital’s website like Duke University Hospital Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC and get the latest information on the particular cancer. You can also get recommendations by calling the hospital directly and ask to speak to the Urology Oncology Service and get a recommendation for a doctor on the West Coast who has current clinical expertise in prostate cancer. Many oncologists, and radiation oncologists,surgeons around the country train at these institutions so they may be versed in some new procedure or treatment that they do at these big medical institutions in the area you are looking. </p>
<p>As for second opinions, I know Memorial Sloan Kettering does second opinions,vial mail, You send in all the records, xrays, MRI, bloodwork. Each service usually meets weekly and discusses the patient information, the diagnostic tests and results they have and render an opinion. This was the case when my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor 5 years ago. You have to look at the website to get more information.</p>
<p>I’m sure if MSKCC does this, then other instituions probably do this as well. </p>
<p>Good luck in your search. I hope this was a little helpful.</p>
<p>You might check for a yahoo group on it, they have a lot of health groups which is really helpful. You can read about dozens of people’s experiences and get an idea of some questions to ask and some pros & cons of real peoples Tx experiences. Also, sometimes the quality of life issues can get lost in the rush to treatment, make sure YOU understand the various pros & cons of the options so if you happen to have a less than ideal outcome in terms of side affects & quality of life, you at least went into the procedure knowing the potential pitfalls.</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear about your DH’s diagnosis. I work for a group of urologists and would be happy to answer any questions. My suggestion would be to go to large tertiary (academic) centers (I’m from the Midwest so I can’t offer any suggestions on the West Coast, unfortunately). The main three options will be surgery, brachytherapy or external beam radiation (IMRT). If you do choose the surgery route, check how many procedures the surgeon has performed, especially if you are going the robotic route. We do a LOT of brachytherapy in this area as we have one of the best radiation oncologists who specializes in brachytherapy here. When location of treatment is not an issue, my doctors refer patients to the Cleveland Clinic, Sloan-Kettering and the University of Chicago. Just my two cents.</p>
<p>opreamom,
Sorry to hear the news. My dad was diagnosed about 8 years ago at 70. His PSA was being checked every 6 months but it was his nephrologist who informed him of a high level. The urologist’s office had just put the labs in his chart. Mom dragged dad to several physicians including USC and loma linda. I set up an appointment at city of hope but mom cancelled it because they asked mom some questions she had already answered. I had been satisfied with them when I called. I went with them to Loma Linda and the oncologist there helped me convince mom that dad needed treatment. I think mom was in denial. Dad’s was pretty bad, he needed lupron, the proton and then regular radiation. Had dad been diagnosed sooner, he wouldn’t have needed the regular radiation. Fortunately he did very well and avoided serious side effects. Loma linda was wonderful at answering any questions. The staff were very good at returning calll. Dad’s oncologist has left LL and is now at UCI.
I have met many men treated for prostate cancer, each seems happy with results and swears their’s was the best. My sister has dealt with Cedars for colon cancer and swears by them.</p>
<p>“We need to research West Coast doctors and medical centers specializing in prostate cancer. Where should I look to find how many procedures a doctor has done, the recovery rate on the pertinent parameters, and the success rate on the quality of life issues that prostate cancer treatments impact? I know that all hospitals must keep statistics on these issues, but how do I begin to gain access as a consumer?”</p>
<p>As you have discovered, it is very difficult for laypeople to vet doctors. There is no local or regional repository for the data you seek. Even if there were such a repository, interpreting the data as it applies to your husband’s circumstances in the absence of personal consultation would be difficult. Fortunately, you have time to plan his healthcare ([Men</a> Have Time To Choose Best Prostate Cancer Treatment - DukeHealth.org](<a href=“Duke Health | Connect with your health care at Duke Health”>Duke Health | Connect with your health care at Duke Health)).</p>
<p>My Dad was Dx with it about 15 years ago and had ‘seed radiation’ with minimal side effects and no complaints thereafter. He was very happy to join a cancer support group, he liked having others to talk everything over with; whereas when my mum had her cancer she had no interest, to each his own, but help your DH discover what he needs in terms of emotional support</p>