Has anyone gone to Md Anderson for treatment instead of local?

It is always good to get a
It is always good to get a second opinion. Experimental stuff? That's an odd thing for the doctors to say.
I looked at your first post. What is the overall plan with the current doctors. Did they talk about a future liver resection? If you have liver metastasis, the fewer the better, and you have only one tumor there.
I hope that your local doctors did not give you an expiration date, as I would then get a second opinion asap.
Right now you are probably getting the standard of care necessary. But are you only getting 5FU?
Even though you are Stage 4, it sounds like there isnt a lot of spread, so although this is a long road, please stay hopeful.
I had a lot of disease in my liver so I needed the MOST experienced team, so i couldn't stick with the local docs.
Some people go out of state for a treatment plan, and can still have treatments done locally. Nothing is simple, but it can be done.
I live in the same state as you. I travel to ny because they have the best option for my situation.
It takes a while to understand all that is going on. It's good you are asking questions. Ask anything, anytime
Someone should be able to help. Send a private message if you like. If you want to talk by phone, let me know.

Momof2plusteentwins said:

Radiation & 5FU
Right now I'm getting 25 treatments of radiation & 24/7 chemo 5FU then surgery 2-3 weeks after. I am in north ga - a small hospital that. I worked at until this. Yes, I would love to talk to you- I don't talk to anyone and. My husband had. To go back to work after 3 weeks with me. Am I doing all I can???

Sandy

Hi Sandy.
I sent you a pm
Hi Sandy.
I sent you a pm (private message).

Also, i have colon ca, not rectal, so I'm not qualified on the chemo standard for rectal, but others have rectal and i hope they will chime in. It's good to hear the various experiences.

I Would Travel
I would travel to a "Well Known" Cancer Center for another opinion. Most of the time, if you go with a Cancer Center that is has made a reputation being on the forefront of cancer treatments you are at an advantage than if you go to a local hospital. Not always, but most of the time. That's all they do and they often have the latest or most successful options.

I was one of those (along with others) who first heard their prognosis was not very good but second opinions and went with them and are having success. Many hospitals will follow the directions of a "Lead Oncologist" and perform the treatments at a local hospital. Then often the scans are reviewed at the Cancer Center where their Lead Oncologist is. I've been going to Sloan Kettering in NYC for a long time and am very happy with my treatment. While they offer many treatment options and trials, not all of them are new. The HAI pump therapy has been around for a while and SK has very good track record with it. I know someone who travels from Atlanta to NYC for consultations.

I'm a very big believer in what you do first makes a big difference in how well you fare. It's easier to get a good start instead of having to undo what another place screwed up.

BTW - What stage are you? Sometimes people have success with alternate treatments but like going the mainstream chemo route your results really are on an individual basis. As you probably know, there are no guarantees at all and like people, no two cases are alike.
-phil

Oncologist with experience
As long as your oncologist has experience with your situation before, and you feel comfortable with your team. (Oncologist and Surgeon) Stay where you are at.

I had an unusual cancer, and interviewed several Oncologists before I chose my team. Even then, they misdiagnosed my cancer and caused me future surgery. The second oncologist might have killed me. She had so little experience and to be on her own was mind numbing, or arrogant.

Exercise, Diet, and attitude play just as important part to the battle.

Best Always, mike