Sloan-Kettering

[mtnmom]

my 34-yr old sister in law has just been diagnosed with lung cancer - had surgery on 8/11 and while we are waiting on pathology to confirm, they are strongly suggesting that it is stage IIIb squamous cell. The tumor was fist-sized and the surgeon got 90% of it, or so he told her. There was some chest wall involvement.

The surgeon commented that had it not been such a young person in such otherwise good health and with small children (2 and 3 yr old) he would have just closed her back up.

So now the family is exploring any and all options including a specialty center. There is lots of family in the NYC-NJ area so we all feel like Sloan-Kettering would be a good choice based on a good local support system; also the reputation.

A lot will depend on the meeting Monday with the oncologist after we get the pathology report, of course, but I am wondering if any of you have experience with this facility either as employee, patient or family of patient - if so would you please be honest about your experience.

We are not fooling ourselves and know it will be a very difficult battle, but she is in otherwise excellent health and we are a very strong family.

Just wondered what you knew about Sloan Kettering. thanks.

[LikesToSwim]

When my father-in-law was treated at Sloane-Kettering, we were really impressed with the care he got. My mother-in-law appreciated that when she had questions (especially after her husband came back home), she could call and leave messages, and her calls would be promptly returned. I appreciated that when we went there in a panic in the middle of the night during a crisis in which we were told he might die, the staff was supportive-- from the doctors to the nurses to the nursing assistants. At times, the place seemed impersonal and very busy, but for his condition, I think it made sense to go to a big medical center where the type of care he got was considered routine.

I am of the mindset that before making a big decision about treatment, it makes sense to get second and third opinions. Past treatments definitely can affect future treatments-- it's not as a person starts with a blank slate at each admission-- so make sure you and your family feel comfortable with the plan before going forward.

Best wishes-- my thoughts are with you during this difficult time for you and your family.

[mtnmom]

When my father-in-law was treated at Sloane-Kettering, we were really impressed with the care he got. My mother-in-law appreciated that when she had questions (especially after her husband came back home), she could call and leave messages, and her calls would be promptly returned. I appreciated that when we went there in a panic in the middle of the night during a crisis in which we were told he might die, the staff was supportive-- from the doctors to the nurses to the nursing assistants. At times, the place seemed impersonal and very busy, but for his condition, I think it made sense to go to a big medical center where the type of care he got was considered routine.

I am of the mindset that before making a big decision about treatment, it makes sense to get second and third opinions. Past treatments definitely can affect future treatments-- it's not as a person starts with a blank slate at each admission-- so make sure you and your family feel comfortable with the plan before going forward.

Best wishes-- my thoughts are with you during this difficult time for you and your family.

thanks for the input. We are encouraging her to consider all available options, and this is just one of several.