Doctor referral Chicago

Can someone please help my husband? I am writing on his behalf. He was diagnosed in February 08 with non-small cell stage IV with mets to the liver. He has been through Taxol/carboplatin/avasin.....Alimta......Tarceva....Tarceva with clinical trial, all with little success. In March 2009, he started Navobine with cisplatin and on the second treatment, he suffered a stroke. It turns out he had undetected brain tumors. Those were treated and we returned to chemo, but the new doctor chose Gemzar instead. This drove down his counts. We never really knew if the Navobine worked because he only had two treatments and then the stroke. When a scan was done before the Gemzar, it seemed like there was shrinkage in the lung tumors, but the doctor did not allow the results because they were done elsewehere. After two treatments of Gemzar, his counts were only marginal to continue. The doctor did not seem to want to treat him in the first place, only did the treatments to prove that nothing will work and to restage him. She finally said that we should go elsewhere to get another opinion at a place that had more options than what she could give in an ordinary oncology clinic. We desperately need the name of a good doctor in the Chicagoland area that can help us, that will work with us. We live in the western suburbs. My husband is in remarkable shape otherwise, is eating well and exercises everyday. We do not want to give up. Please help.....

By KatInNM
Posted June 1, 2009 at 2:41 pm
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I was treated at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa and believe they saved my life. The original CTCA is in Zion, IL. They are known for promoting nutrition and other evidence-based complementary treatment, to improve the odds, in addition to cutting edge conventional treatment. They are also known for being more aggressive than some other places, for not giving up on patients, and for what they call the "mother standard", where each employee treats each patient like they were their mother. It's a place full of hope and healing.

One of their 800 numbers is 1-800-615-3055. They are particular about what insurance they accept, but they will check it for you.

Good luck and God bless,
Kathy

By LARTI
Posted June 1, 2009 at 5:08 pm
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My husband is also stage IV and we are very pleased with the treatment he has received at Northwestern.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago Dr. Jyoti D. Patel.
http://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/home/index.cfm

By MisterTodd
Posted June 1, 2009 at 7:43 pm
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Hi, How long has your husband been in treatment, if I may ask. The doctors seem to think that, in my husband's case, since the first three lines did not really work, nothing will work anyway. He has been in threatment for fifteen months so far. We are desperate to get him back into treatment. Thanks for the information.

By mommik
Posted June 1, 2009 at 8:00 pm
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Hi. my mom was diagnosed may 2006 stage 4 nsclc. She currently is in a clinical trial at the University of Chicago. She is taking Tarceva. Her care is under the direction of Dr. Ravi Salgia. He and his staff have been above and beyond. The sad thing about this dreadful condition is that who knows what place is "better than the next" it is one of the most stressful anxiety thought process when hoping that one has the "best" care. I never thought I would have to be faced with these types of decisions. When my mom is feeling good we say her care is great..when she feels bad I think we instinctivly want to question her care. The one thing thst is vital in onco care is that the team be compassionate responsive to all questions and concerns. We get that at The U of C. Will they cure her?.... no but the pallative care is outstanding they continue to search for the best options for her.and that is what has given her the hope and desire to continue the battle. I sincerly wish you and your family the best. Don't give up.

By LARTI
Posted June 1, 2009 at 8:00 pm
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My husband was diagnosed January 2008 as stage III NSCLC he was able to have surgery followed by chemo and radiation only to have it return in his left lung and brain. He had gamma knife and went back on chemo which kept it stable and just 3 weeks ago today he had cryoablation on the left lung we won’t know the results until June 30th but the hopes are to keep him off the chemo for a long time. My husband also eats well and has worked every day through his treatment.

By brooklynda
Posted June 1, 2009 at 9:49 pm
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Hi: I was dx'd w/Stage 3A, Adenacarcinoma, ULL, VATS, NED since 9/7/05. I was a patient at what is now known as NorthShore University Health System (affiliated w/University of Chicago); had VATS at Evanston Hospital and chemo at Highland Park Hospital. Also get scanned at Glenbrook Hospital (which is actually the closest for me, as I live in Edison Park section of Chicago (which is as far Northwest as one can be in still live in Chicago). Evanston Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Glenbrook Hospital (Glenview, IL) are all under the same umbrella. My oncologist is Dr. Thomas Hensing, whom I see at Highland Park Hospital for check-ups. (He also sees patients at Evanston Hospital). I have been extremely satisfied with the care I've received from Dr. Hensing and his entire staff. They have been professional and compassionate and responded promptly regarding any questions or concerns I have voiced. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr. Hensing. His phone number at the Highland Park facility is: (847)-480-3800. If there are any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Wishing you all the best! Blessings! Brooklynda

By Mar24
Posted June 1, 2009 at 10:02 pm
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I have been a patient at University of Chicago for over a year now. I went there for my 2nd opinion and never looked back. They have been wonderful there. They will do everything they can to make sure you are getting the treatments you need but not at the expense of your quality of life. My doctor has explained my cancer better to me than my first doctor ever did. He also is always looking at different treatments that will work best for me. I can not say enough good things about the University of Chicago. I have had nothing but good experience with my doctor, with the Thoracic Surgeon and all the staff. I live 40 minutes away from University of Chicago but it is an easy drive to get to.
Good luck and you both in my prayers.
Maribeth

By kathrine00021
Posted June 2, 2009 at 9:36 am
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I recommend the University of Chicago as well. My husband has small cell lung cancer and when he was first diagnosed last year we went to the U of C for a second opinion. (We were living in Boulder, CO) They are so amazing there. We moved back to Chicago and eventually transferred to this hospital. We also have Dr. Ravi Salgia and we feel that he looks at every option. They also have lots of trials there. Other doctors that we have had have been a lot of gloom and doom. Dr. Ravi is realistic but still gives hope and he empowers every patient. Good luck to you. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.

By lyricsmom
Posted June 3, 2009 at 2:51 pm
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Dr Phillip Bonomi is a world renowned Doctor who is the Director of Oncology at Rush Medical Center in Chicago. His phone number is 312 942 5904.
I HIGHLY recommend him.

By debbien
Posted June 3, 2009 at 6:01 pm
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hi;

my husband has had his surgery and chemo at rush(nsclc stage 3a) and we were satisfied but he wanted a second opinion on the radiation and in my internet searches, i found out the the university of chicago in in the top 10 cancer hospitals in the nation. that sold me so we went there for the second opinion and we felt they were expert. although we have no complaints about rush, with what i know now we would have gone straight to u of c.

good luck

By MisterTodd
Posted June 3, 2009 at 6:27 pm
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Everyone, thank you so much for your input. It saved us some time. We have a tentative appointment with Dr. Patel at Northwestern. If that doesn't work out, we will try U of C. Has anyone seen Dr. Hoffman there? Someone recommended him.

By Chi-Dreamer
Posted June 4, 2009 at 9:25 am
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Mister Todd,

I am stage IV BAC and have been going to Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago for almost 2 years. I see Dr Agulnik who is associate of Dr. Patel. Both are very good and direct and thorough. I went there for a 2nd opinion and I believe had I not switched I would not be here today.
I live in Aurora and find it easier to drive then to take the train. I also met Larti and her husband there through this site. Feel free to contact me if you need any directions or questions.

God Bless & Good Luck,
Linda

By demika
Posted June 4, 2009 at 5:48 pm
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Hi. I'm sorry to hear about your husband. However, I hope that you find a doctor that can help. My mom was diagnosed Feb. 08 with Stage 3 NSCLC and being treated at the University of Chicago by Dr. Salgia (oncologist) and Dr. Salama (radiologist). Livia (nurse) is great. She's been honest, positive, responsive and always has a good attitude. At times, Dr. Salgia, is a little hard to read and soft spoken, but he seems to be very knowledgable and passionate about lung cancer, which is a super plus! Dr. Salama is very upbeat, caring and responsive. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Take care & I'll pray for your husband.
Demika

By MisterTodd
Posted June 9, 2009 at 9:30 pm
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Hi All, I am asking for help again for my husband. We went to see one of the doctors suggested and we were told that nothing more can be done because my husband has been through the standard regimens and nothing seemed to work. He was advised to seek palliative care. This is mind numbing because he eats well and is very active. He has no pain and is in good spirits. He exercises everyday. The oxygen level in his blood was at 95%. We don't know where to go from here. We don't want to give up. Has anyone been this far down the line and made a comeback? I don't know where to go for help. It is hard to remain hopeful when the doctors are not. It never occurred to us that he would be refused treatment when the rest of his health was still good. I would appreciate any suggestions of integrative care or anything else. Thank you.

By Mar24
Posted June 9, 2009 at 10:01 pm
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I don't know which hospital you went to, but if it wasn't University of Chicago I would give them a try. I just can't believe there is nothing, no clinical trials, or anything that they can do. Maybe it is true, but I hope not for only your husbands sake but for all of ours that there is always something out there that can be tried. Don't give up hope, keep searching for someone that will help you. Did they say why they won't or can't do anymore treatments for him?
Hang in there.
Maribeth

By sheilake
Posted June 9, 2009 at 10:19 pm
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When I was a Block Integrated Cancer Center in Evanston, Illinois (847 492 3045), I met many patients who had been told the same thing by their local oncologist as your Dad. Several of them were now living a good life some 2-4 years later. I am very impressed with the work that Dr. Keith Block has done (and did for me).

People come from all over the U.S. to this center. You are lucky to have it nearby. By the way, Dr. Block just released a new book entitled Life over Cancer (for patients) that is excellent.

Good luck in your search,
Sheila

By MisterTodd
Posted June 9, 2009 at 10:38 pm
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They say they won't because he has been through so many different ones without significant change to his tumors. He has been on Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin ( which did shrink 40% at the beginning), then Alimta, Tarceva, a clinical trial, Navabine and Gemzar. We don't know if the Gemzar worked because his platelet count kept going down a lot and he didn't get the full regimen. They say more chemo coild only harm. Otherwsie, he feels fine, exercises daily and eats well.

Welcome to Inspire!

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