Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Please Help

I need your help. Seriously I do. It is not for me but for a very close friend of mine. I lived with him for many years. I lived with him and his fiancĂ©e for a few a years and for the simple fact that they put up with me for any amount of time I figured they deserve any assistance I can provide for them with their situation using my blog. They are private people and I don’t want to use their names, so I will refer to him as Horace and to her as Gavin.

Horace is 34 years old and Gavin is many, many years older than him (she will get the joke) They have an 18 month old daughter, who by the way, is the first girl Max ever kissed that was not related to him.

About a year ago, Horace had surgery to remove melanoma from his lymph nodes. (2 were positive). He took high dose Interferon-A for the past year. He finished with the interferon about 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, his CT scan last week showed three cancer nodes in his lungs, moving him to Stage IV Melanoma. That is stage FOUR with the roman numerals people, not the pansy ass number 4, but roman numeral four. One node is 10mm. In his other lung are two other nodes, which are 5mm and 4mm respectively. As you may imagine, Horace is getting some contradictory advice at the moment, both from oncologists and surgeons. It seems that the most important thing Horace can do is to get advice and treatment from the TOP people in this field. As you know, Horace has to make his decision on a course of treatment very soon.

This is a part of email that I received from his brother Sarge.

We have our eyes on the leading Oncologist at the leading cancer hospital in the country. It is in Houston and is called MD Anderson. The blog would be great as we are looking for someone to identify the best oncologist there and to get someone to make an introduction to that person. Horace has already got meetings with the other 2 lead oncologists at the best hospitals (Mt Sinai in NY and one in LA).


So this is where the blogger people come into it. I know there are a lot of bloggers out there. I know a ton of them in Texas. I need your help, for purely selfish reasons, due to the fact that with a disease like cancer we all feel a little helpless and at least I can feel I am doing something for Horace and Gavin and their beautiful daughter (who will be Max’s future prom date) by using the blog to get some information.

This is what I am looking for.
Does anyone in the blogosphere know who this top Oncologist at MD Anderson is? If so please leave a comment with the information or email me through my blogger profile with information. As stated before Horace already has appointments with Mt. Sianai and a place in L.A. Please only email me if you have the information that we are seeking. I do not want to burden Horace and Gavin with any advice or information that they do not need at this time. I have burdened them enough with years of sleeping on their couch, my flatulence, me not cleaning the kitchen when I was supposed to and not having beer money.

I would also ask that if you can, please either put a link on your site to this post, or maybe, if you can mention to your readers on your site what Horace is looking for and we can see if this blogger world can generate some good information.

If you do know a specialist in this field even if they are not from MD Anderson, and you can arrange to have Horace talk to this person, please let me know. I also ask for your thoughts and prayers and good vibes for Horace and Gavin. And if you are praying for them, also pray for the Flyers to do well because I know that would make Horace happy.

Thank you for whatever you can do. You bloggers are truly wonderful people.

45 comments:

TheStolenOlive said...

I do not know the person but as a native Houstonian, I will most certainly ask around.

I will also add your friend to my prayer list.

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

Wow I am so sorry to hear that. Good luck to your friend. I wish there was some information I could send your way but I dont know!

Tammy said...

I'm sorry, I don't know, but will certainly put a link on my site about it. Maybe someone will read and help.

Good luck to Horace!

Lori said...

I would check the Lance Armstrong Foundation website www.laf.org. There's a link where you can get an 800 # to call for referrals. Escpecially since they're headquartered in Austin and I know that LA had some treatment at MD Anderson, they'll probably have some good info for you.

eclectic said...

What about the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle? I can connect Horace there, but other than Deb from Debutaunt.com, I know nothing about MD Anderson. I'll put the feelers out to Deb and the gang just in case, and in the meantime, any friend of yours is a friend of mine -- so Horace and Gavin are officially on my list.

Michelle said...

I'll ask around and see what I can come up with for you - I've got some friends in TX. Also - if Horace would like to see another top doc in NY, I've got an in with a great oncologist at Columbia Presbyterian hospital.
I'll put the Twin Moms on it - they seriously know everything.

Elizabeth said...

Found you via Tammy and I will absolutely send people your way. My thoughts are with your friends.

Melanie said...

I have a friend who is doing her residency in Houston. I will forward this on to her to see if she can tell me who he is.

Anonymous said...

Bill...Sent you an e-mail earlier. Not sure if you received it. First, prayers and warmest thoughts to your friend.

The father of one of my oldest and closest friends is a leading oncologist at Mt. Sinai here in NYC and is most likely the physician that Horace's brother referred to. Double check with him to see if the oncologist's name is Dr. Nat Wisch. I can easily get you either an introduction or a referral. I know he's
traveling for the next week or so but let's confirm that Dr. Wisch is whom you're talking about.

E-mail me back when you get a chance.

Peanutt said...

I'm sorry I cannot help! I did add a link in my blog. Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers!

Fantastagirl said...

I don't know the person you speak of- but I am going ask some people and if I find anything out will get back to you....

Sending Horace and Gavins - Hugs, Smiles and tons of Prayers...

Kami said...

Yikes. I'll make sure the Houstonians see this.

Anonymous said...

William,

I'm almost certain that MD Anderson is the hospital where Deb is currently being treated for leukemia. I'm certain she'd be glad to give you any info she can...

Anonymous said...

Me again. I just searched Deb's blog and I was right. She is at MDA. Here are two posts where she mentions the hospital, although I don't see the name of her doctor anywhere.

Here and here.

Also, the hospital's site:
http://mdanderson.org/

Nap Queen said...

I don't know anyone, you and your friends are in my thoughts. So sorry.

Michelle said...

I'm so sorry for your friends. I don't have anything to help but I'll add a link to hopefully get the word around.

Judy said...

Recently moved from Houston, and I cannot imagine a more top-notch cancer treatment center around here than MD Anderson. I hope you get connected with someone there soon. They are simply amazing there - state-of-the-art and awesome. Prayers for your friends.

ToadyJoe said...

Posted a link. You know MerryWidow has experience with MD Anderson, right? She agrees that it's the best. Maybe ask her, if she doesn't comment here for you.

The Egel Nest said...

I will check with my dad about Chicago area options.

Bradley
The Egel Nest

kimmyk said...

I'll keep your friend and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Susie said...

Working on it, Bill. And I see that others are, too. I pray something good will come. You're all in my heart.

Unknown said...

I'll be saying a prayer for your friends, William.

Anonymous said...

God Bless the Bloggers and God Bless your friend! Prayers are with all! Miracle Workers are out there, hope for Horace, they come his way. Will do my best! Not much contact in the medical field, though.Don't have a doctor or a plumber in the family.

CozyMama said...

I wish I could help. I just found out last week that my 35 yr old brother has cancer, large tumor in his left lung - very close to his heart. I am in the same boat, we need help!!!!

Unknown said...

They are choosing the top place in the world where I'd want to be with cancer...I don't have a name, but will keep an eye open.

Kat said...

I don't know, but I sent an email to some people who know doctors who work down there. Hopefully one of them will be able to get the information. I'll keep looking though, and will keep your friend in my prayers

Kat said...

If Dr. Mansfield is the doctor you need, his email is:
pmansfiel@mail.mdanderson.org

Lois Lane said...

I'll ask my Texas buddies if they know anything. Send the family my best.
Lois Lane

Tonia said...

already put a link on my website :)

Anonymous said...

Here is a link to the Faculty & Staff page for the Melanoma Medical Oncology group. It looks like Patrick Hwu, M.D. is the Chairman of that group. Found one e-mail address (it's probably still accurate) for him as phwu [at] mdanderson.org . Hope this helps; it's worth a try.

Anonymous said...

Also, Dr. Patrick Hwu's phone number is 713-563-1727, according to one website. Again, he's the Chairman of the Melanoma Medical Oncology group at MD Anderson. I'm sure he could help at least point your friends in the right direction. I'll pray that he (or whomever your friends get in touch with) are very compassionate and helpful.

Melanie said...

I talked to my friend in Houston and she didn't know of one specific person, but she's in anesthesiology. She did say that MD Anderson is known for their cutting edge technology and that anyone that he goes to see there is at the top of their field. She also said that they work in kind of a team atmosphere so it should be fine whoever he gets. She also said that they do a lot of experimental treatments so if he's not interested in that then he may not want to go there. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Nature Girl said...

I linked this post on my blog...I hope it helps. Prayers are out to your friends! Stacie

LizzieDaisy said...

I'll add them to my prayer list as well. Sorry I can't help out more.

Anonymous said...

Hi - I'm the sister-in-law of Megan and Mary. I work in drug research. I just sent out an email to our oncologist expert in the company asking for the name of the "best" at MD Anderson. We do a ton of cancer research at that facility. Hopefully some good info to come.
take care - Kim

Sheri & SuZan said...

My nephew worked at MD Anderson so I gave him a call. He said that you absolutely want to be THERE, and that one of the most important things is the support staff since the doctor is more like the case manager. So far as a particular MD, it is difficult because the relationship between doctor/patient is very important. He told me that all there at the hospital are more than qualified but you need to interview different doctors in that specialty so that there is a good relationship between ya'll.

My nephew also stated that for your situation. Number one place is MD Anderson and number two would be the Mayo Clini (sp) in NY.

Personally, I have worked for Oncol International here in Houston, which have great doctors, but I would still go to MD Anderson. Good luck to you, we are routing for you here in Houston.

Anonymous said...

Bill, I sent you an email. I have a LOT of information for you.

Nessa said...

Just wanted to add...I'm here and I'm not bragging only because it's ours, but MD Anderson is the absolute best place to go in the WORLD for anything cancer related!! If they come here, I'd be happy to help in any way I can - you can email me if you want - it's in my profile. I've had several friends & family members treated there - one very good friend...same age as your friend and stricken with the same cancer - they found it 10 years ago and he's still with us. That's got to be good for something! All I know is...he needs to hurry!

Greg - Cowboy in the Jungle said...

You need to contact ZippyJake at http://www.spradlins.com/ He's a Testicle Cancer Survivor and was treated in Houston.

Shannon Nelson said...

Horace will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Hi -
My company, Covance, conducts a ton of cancer research with MD Anderson. The following message is from one of the physicians in MD Anderson's gastric cancer dept, Dr. Henry Xiong:

I'll recommend my friend, Dr. Kevin Kim, in the Dept of Melanoma (713-792-2921).

Feel free to pass my contact info on if you need more info. kimmaguire at comcast dot net

(chattababy and lehighbaby's sister-in-law)

Anonymous said...

A message I received today from another MD Anderson staff member:
Please call our Melanoma Business Center Main number to get an appointment -713-563-9716

Great melanoma MD's are here. Here are 3 great one's 1. Nicholas Papadopoulos 2. Luis Camacho
3. Agop Bedikian

Anonymous said...

I do not know you but hope for you the best. Dr. Patrick Hwu(mdAnderson) is one of the finest and most professional and caring doctors you will ever know. Also Dr. Bedikian and Dr. Papa. All are wonderful. Dr. Hwu holds a special place in our hearts.

Anonymous said...

LUIS CAMACHO is the RIGHT ANSWER! If all else fails, there's an experimental treatment available that in some cases has literally saved the patient's life in one treatment. Call them without delay!

Anonymous said...

Dr. Patrick Hwu is the Chairman of the Melanoma Dept. at MD Anderson (which was rated #1 hospital by US News and World report.) He is treating my wife for Stage IV metastatic melanoma (tumors in lung and liver). Progress has been slow, tumors were huge, but Dr. Hwu has been THE BEST DOCTOR WE HAVE EVER SEEN! He and Dr. Papadopolous (also at MD Anderson) have given us hope that Mindy (my wife) will be around to watch our babies (19 months, 8, and 12 yrs) grow up. Google him, there are many results about his pioneering work. We consider ourselves very lucky to be in his care, I truly hope y'all can get in to see him.