The Colon Club

I was diagnosed with stage IV cancer a little over two years ago and have avoided surgery until now. still an olymphian but my oncologist wants me to get colectomy after my tumor in the cecum returned.

The problem now is choosing a surgeon. He recommended I pick one of the top two doctors. Both resumes look good. one trained at Mayo Clinic and both are board certified in colorectal surgery. But when I tried to schedule an appointment, neither was available so they set me up for an appointment with another guy. resume not as good and he's not board certified in colorectal surgery, just board eligible. He is board certified in general surgery.

So now I'm a little hesitant. I don't know how routine getting half your colon removed is and if I should not worry about it or go to Northwestern in downtown Chicago. I know they have some top colorectal surgeons. I am a bigger guy so I'm worried about complications. I met with one of the Northwestern surgeons when I was first diagnosed and I felt pretty comfortable with him.

I'd love to hear your thoughts cuz I'm not sure what to do.

I can't give you a lot of info, but I think you really want a board certified cr surgeon. The "eligible" surgeon might be fine, but why is he only "eligible"?

When you say that neither of board certified surgeons are available, in what timeframe are they not available? You've waited 2 years, so if it takes a bit of time to get to one of those surgeons, it may be worth it. Also, check on other board certified colon surgeons in your area - perhaps your primary can recommend one, and there's always the internet (as a first filter).

Good luck,

Rob:
I would not discount the expertise of the surgeon who is "eligible" to be certified in colon-rectal surgery. This surgeon has completed all necessary residencies and fellowships in colon rectal surgery and is waiting to take the certification exam.

"Eligible" means that the General surgeon has successfully comoleted all advanced study and practicun requirements of colon-rectal surgery and is now eligible to sit for the certification examination. The surgeon has one final hurdle to being board certified in colon-rectal surgery: The speciality certification and licensing exam.

Personally, I like physicians that are "fresh" from residency programs. They tend to be wickedly smart and well-learned in the latest of medical advances. Newly minted specialist surgeons are eager to be great clinicians and tend to spend more time on building patient repore by listening and engaging as a health partner.

In making your decision, take time to listen to your intuition. Our inner voice or intuition often offers valuable wisdoms in decision making processes.
Karen

I know they have some top colorectal surgeons.

I searched and searched and reviewed and talked to patients of the doctor's before I found the best colorectal surgeon. I even had to switch my mom's insurance just to see him. Even though, his office and hospital is about one hour from our home, it was worth drive. He mentioned to my mom that he could hand sew her a new rectum to avoid a colostomy. https://www.doximity.com/pub/sang-lee-md/9

RobDontGiveUp wrote:
I am a bigger guy so I'm worried about complications. I met with one of the Northwestern surgeons when I was first diagnosed and I felt pretty comfortable with him.

I'd love to hear your thoughts cuz I'm not sure what to do.

With the tumour in your caecum, is the proposed surgery a right hemicolectomy?

My surgery was an unexpected and unscheduled emergency and, quite by chance, one of my surgeons was Adam Skidmore, who I later found out
is also one of Australia's most experienced bariatric (obesity) surgeons. Now, I am in Melbourne Australia but as you are concerned about
complications because you are a plus-sized dude, I thought I'd mention it, so you can check out who might have dual qualifications in your
neck of the woods.

http://www.vosc.com.au/

My husband went to Mayo Clinic for his surgery. They said he is one of the best in the country. We traveled from Chicago area and was very impressed with their whole process. It all cost about the same so why not get the best.i will find his name and get back to you. I really urge you to go there. Jackie

Surgeons name was dr Robert Cima. My husband was able to do his chemo locally, which was a good thing. Good luck n let me no how you make out. Someone told me one your cancer is only as good as your surgeon. Dan was a stage 3 n had resection done. He is Ned now. Good luck, jackie