Hi Michael,
A couple of years ago I was going through the same decision making process you are right now. I considered MD Anderson and Sloan Kettering when it came to my mom's treatment. I contacted them, and I believe Johns Hopkins as well. All excellent institutions from what I've read. To heck with the humdity of Texas. If I'm not mistaken, Lance Armstrong and Brian Hill both went there for treatment. I spoke with several doctors at each hospital and they told me I was in good hands right where I was in Chicago...so we decided to stay put. Had I not heard such wonderful things about the docs where my mom sought treatment, I was ready to pack our bags and head to Texas. At the time, they seemed to have the latest technology and the email responses from the doctors was very comforting. In all honesty, each doctor from each hospital I contacted was wonderful. I can't say enough good things about the docs that were kind enough to offer help during that time. I wish you the best. You are taking a very proactive role and are doing a great job researching your options. Take care.
Dave


Mom's caregvr. DDS failed to dx 01/03. Dx Stg IV SCC 05/03. Induct. chemo, IMRT, 5FU, H, Iressa, Neck disect, radiation. Dad's caregvr. Dx 01/04 Ext. Stg SCLC. Mets to liver/bone 08/04. Died 11/12/04. Mom tongue CA dx 06/13, hemiglossectomy (80% removed) 08/13. Clean margins and nodes, but PNI. 6/15/15: Tongue CA at base of remnant tongue. Declined further tx; hospice.
Died 10/13/15. What a long and difficult journey.