Hi Rebecca

I'm the Andrew that Paul was referring to. Good luck in your appointments. I saw 4 NYC area centers (Beth Israel, North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute, NYU Langone, and Sloan Kettering). I had a decent idea of where I wanted to go post all the consults. You are very lucky to be in NYC with so many great hospitals. I actually think that all 4 docs I saw worked/trained at sloan kettering at some point. Paul is right that there is a ton of talented doctors around.

For me, the decision came down to how comfortable I felt with the doctors (asking questions, ability, and experience). Also, MKSCC was the only one who actually found the cancer on my BOT, others only saw the cancer on the tonsils. It seems a bit stupid as I'm sure it would have been discovered later on the PET, but for me it was important the surgeon was comprehensive in the exam. I also liked Dr. Harrison, and I'm sure you don't really have a bad decision you can make. I only disliked 1 doctor and am glad I didn't go with him/her. I'm very happy with Dr. Lee and my other docs at MSKCC.

One thing I would recommend would be to meet with as many docs as possible at each cancer center. You will be interacting and being treated by both a radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. You may also see a surgeon (I did).

Paul - I can understand why you wouldn't like Dr.Lee/MSKCC if they wouldn't even give you a consult. I wonder why they do that.

Good luck and keep asking questions!