Transferred my medical care from Tufts to Dana Farber - Boston

Hi,

I met Monday with Dada Farber in Boston and immediately transferred my medical care to Dana Farber. Dana Farber specializes not only in Cancer, but is espophageal cancer. My Primary Doctor is Dr Kimmie Ng, smart focused and caring. At Tufts, the Radiation oncologist, and MD had seven patients with EC, Dr. Ng said, "a lot" (and she added emphasis). Dana Farber's facilities are better because they are better funded. New buildings and all the equipment they need. Tufts did had a visiting trailer for PET scans and sent patients elsewhere for endoscopic untrasound examinations.

I am a patient is Dana Farber's Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatmnat Center. At Tufts I was a patient of their Hemotology/oncology center. Far greater specialities, including EC, at Dana Farber and far greater depth.

A j-tube was discouraged at Tufts and strongly encouraged at Dana Farber.

There were fully prepared for me and I spent the afternoon into the evening and time seem limited. I was flooded with material, explanations and efficiency. They valet park patients cars for free, my hospital card was handed me when I arrived for my appointment. My doctor was focused and quickly caused things to happen that she wished to happen quickly.

A different treatment is being proposed for me at Dana Farber, and more focused on both my EC and my stage. This is what they do at Dana Farber.

I am grateful to my friends Jim and Cathy Stone and their friend Thalia Schlosenger for geeting me a prompt appointment at the right place for me since I live nearby. I thiunk I will be delayed about a week for confirming tests, the J tube surgery and some other necessary things that are all being very promptly arranged. Even my insurance for a second opinion (now new treatment facility) had been pre-approved by them before I arrived.

Trated in my sports car today for a car my lovely girlfriend Natthana car drive and holds more then two people. My son visited me last night to help me sort out my affairs as I am doing with my daughter and three siblings. A wonderful meeting between a proud Dad and his son. I have mostly moments of grace and joy. I am beginning to reach out and tell friends and former associates and my heart is warmed by the impact people tell me I have had on their lives. This joy will be daily and for quite awhile.

I can eat some almost solid food with pain management and am gaining weight. I am tired a lot, but with EC I have an aexcuse for naps and to be lazy. I was lazy for over a year without excuse! Big bonus now.



Keith Rodney
Boston age 67
Stage IV EC.