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Posted 1/15/2013 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone been to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL.

Would like to hear about your experiences - good or bad.

Thanks.

David

Posted 1/15/2013 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Dave:  If you're in the Tampa area, you might want to check into Dr. Dattoli, he's in Sarasota and is considered one of the best in Brachy.

Good luck

David

Posted 1/15/2013 8:09 PM (GMT 0)

David,

I just called and they said they do not do the HDR Brachytherapy.

Thanks, thought!!!

David

Posted 1/16/2013 9:44 AM (GMT 0)
His web site says:

At the Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute, our "uniqueness" refers to the combination of our leading edge technologies.
dattoli.com/
Posted 1/16/2013 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
Steve,

The person I spoke to on the phone yesterday said they do Brachytherapy but only the low dose rate.  ???

David

Posted 1/16/2013 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
I searched on the web for high dose rate . . .  and found this.  In my opinion they are wrong about being "virtually identical to HDR fom the 1960s" but I thought I would post it for everyone to judge for themselves.

The web site is:

http://www.dattoli.com/prostate-cancer-results/interactive-treatment-chart/i/15

High Dose Rate
(HDR) 		Temporary brachytherapy implants using the highly penetrating isotope, Iridium 192.

 Use of new microprocessors and imaging techniques.

 Penetrating nature may cause potentially damaging  exposure to entire body. Typically delivered in 2-3 sessions (hypofractionated) May lead to “late” or long-term damage to healthy tissues. Virtually identical to HDR from the 1960’s.

 Many, but no long term data supporting HDR as sole therapy, compared to permanent implants and/or combination therapy (permanent implants combined with external beam radiation).

 Hall CJ, "Intensity modulated radiation therapy, protons and the risk of second cancers," Int J Rad Onc  Biol Phys, 65 No 1, 2006

Posted 1/16/2013 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Datolli is permanent seeds only. Most practioners only do one protocol. My group only does HDR. Another very large group in Atlanta only do seeds. And, unfortunately, publishes garbage about HDR worse than Datolli does. In my opinion this is wrong and they need to be called out. But, they are marketing their services to large groups..........caveat emptor.
Posted 1/16/2013 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
JNF,
I agree. I always put Datolli in the same class as Cancer Centers of America.

David
Posted 1/16/2013 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
David, I have experience with the Moffitt Center, but not for Pca.

My wife and I visited there for expert consults on "her" cancer. I have had experience with both Moffitt and MD Anderson Houston and from a patient perspective I can tell you that they are both first class organizations. Having said that though, I do not know about their Pca Department nor doctors.

As to the couple of references about Dattolli, I contacted them about the Feraheme scan last year. First and foremost they wouldn't even talk with me until they had thoroughly checked out my insurance. Then I sent them all of the pertinent data about my journey to date. One of the docs called me in a few days and while we had a lengthy conversation, it felt like a sales pitch from beginning to end.

And now since they have my contact info on file, I have been getting an endless stream of brochures and requests for contributions to their cancer center.

All of this is my own personal experience and is not meant to disparage anyone. It just is what it is.

Sonny
Posted 1/16/2013 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sonny,
Thanks for that input. I appreciate it. I had some experince with Moffitt from my wife's cancer also. She had a pretty good experience (as good as you can have given the circuumstances).

When I called Datolli, the receptionist didn't even know what High Dose Rate was.

Thanks Again.

David
Posted 1/17/2013 12:55 PM (GMT 0)

David,

I was treated at Moffitt in December of 2010. Dr. Pow Sang performed a robotic prostatectomy on Dec 16, I was home the next day. My recovery was quick with no complications. The entire staff, from doctors to janitors are all top flight.

I lost my wife to lung cancer in June of 2008, I spent many an hour with her at Moffitt. They all treated her as if she were royalty. I can't say enough good about Moffitt.

Wish you the best,

Ray

Posted 1/17/2013 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
David,

I am with my uro today (Lupron shot and PSA draw) and I will ask him what he knows about Moffitt.

Jack
Posted 1/18/2013 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
David,

My Uro was positive about Moffitt.

Jack
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