M.D. Anderson

yasmine

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My mom was diagnosed with Malignant Glioma on her brain. She is being sent to this place because they treat rare cancers and do alot of clinicial trials. I know its one of the top places in the WORLD for Cancer...was just wondering if anyone on here has had any experiences with M.D. Anderson in Houston Texas.

Thanks.....
 

kittycity

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I have no personal experience with M.D. Anderson but I know some people (on another message board) who have. They have wonderful things to say about it. M.D. Anderson is considered one of the best cancer centers in the United States.

I am very sorry to hear about your mother's diagnosis. I can only imagine what a difficult time this must be for your family right now. You have my thoughts and best wishes.
 

ugaimes

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I'm so sorry to hear that about your mother
. My prayers are with her and your family right now.
 

houmedgal

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Yasmine, I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. I wish her nothing but the best in her upcoming battle!!!

I'm a 2nd year med student at Baylor College of Medicine, which is located in the medical center area in Houston. It's just down the street from M.D. Anderson, so I'm quite familiar with the area and the hospitals here. M.D. Anderson is indeed one of the best places for cancer patients to be...people come from all over the US and indeed, all over the WORLD to be treated here. The facilities are top notch, the physicians are among the best in the world, and I know that I would certainly prefer to have any of my family members treated there. Rest assured, M.D. Anderson is an EXCELLENT place for your mom to go.

Feel free to PM me or email me at [email protected] if you have any questions. I'd love to do whatever I can to help!!
 

deb25

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My sister used to work for them. Excellent facility. Thoughts to you during this difficult time.
 

MoochNNoodles

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I'm sorry to hear you are all going through this tough time! From what it sounds like, your mom is going to have access to the best care possible! I am praying for her and your whole family. Please keep us updated!
 
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yasmine

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Thanks everyone for the great feedback.

We are driving down there monday for her appt on tuesday. We arent sure how long we're gonna be down there..i believe at least 3 days. I have been just sick to my stomach worrying and thinking about her, but i really feel confident in M.D. Anderson. I just hate to see her in pain with the focal seizures shes having. Shes had such a tough time because this is affecting her motor skills...i'm just thankful to have her here with me. We have no idea what is in store for her or us so please send all good vibes....we appreicate everything. Love ya'll!
 

lillekat

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Aaaw sweetie - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now, but it sounds like your mother is in the best hands she possibly could be
 

babyharley

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I'm so sorry to hear about this, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
 

beckiboo

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I lost my Mom to a brain tumor on Memorial Day, 2002. She chose to use a local doctor in Flint, Michigan. She did not want to travel, and she knew the oncologist who worked with her. She had good care, and even some newer treatments. But from what I hear from others who have dealt with this, if you work with a cancer treatment center, you get so much more teamwork from the various specialties. Her surgeon (who operated to remove the tumor), her oncologist (who performed radiation), and her primary doctor were in different practices. Sometimes we had to drive all over town to pick up test results to take them from one MD to another MD.

It was Mom's choice, so I respect that, but I am so glad your Mom is going to the top rated cancer center.

Here is a website that was so helpful at providing information. Sometimes it is very painful to learn the details, but this site has information to help you understand what the doctors are saying. It is called the American Brain Tumor Association.http://hope.abta.org/site/PageServer

And along with all the facts, they provide a lot of helpful info. Here's a link to a chapter called comfort and coping:http://www.abta.org/pdf/ABTA Primer-Chapter 8.pdf

I pray that your Mom will recover from her brain tumor. Although my Mom was not so lucky, I did attend high school with a guy who had a brain tumor. We are in our 40's now, and last I heard he was doing just fine. Feel free to pm me. Let your Mom know that she is in my prayers.
 
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yasmine

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Beckiboo--- i am very sorry to hear your loss...i cannot imagine losing my mother...to anything ya know, doesnt have to be cancer!! But i know its a part of life.

I appreicate the links you provided. I will share them with my sister as well.


P.S. PM sent!
 

carolpetunia

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My former sister-in-law has been to M.D. Anderson four times for recurring cancers, and she's still with us, and beautiful, and having a great life. If I remember correctly, Anderson is where they developed the visualization techniques that help cancer patients use their own thoughts to help fight the disease in very specific terms... and I believe I saved my own life once with similar visualizations. Anderson is a very progressive, forward-thinking place, and I'm sure your mom will be in great hands there.

If you haven't already contacted the American Cancer Society, please call their 800 number right away. My dearest friend works for their call center, and it's astounding how much help they can provide. If you get one of their really outstanding cancer specialists (like my friend), you'll be on the phone for an hour as they question you and work through all the various kinds of support you may be able to benefit from. (And if you don't get someone that thorough, call back until you do.)

I know it's frightening... but whenever you feel fear for your mother, try to catch yourself and replace your fear with hope. Hope is much stronger than fear.

Your mom will be in my thoughts...
 
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