para-aortic node surgeon rec at MSK??

[jep]

Can anyone recommend a surgeon at MSK (or Smilow) with expertise in the removal of para-aortic lymph nodes? My husband is looking for a skilled surgeon to see once he finishes his chemo . . .
Thank you!
jep

[jep]

We're thinking about trying to get an appointment with either Garcia-Aguilar, Nash, or Paty . . . please chime in if you have any experience with these docs (or others) . . .
Thanks so much!!
jep

[Brearmstrong]

Jep,

I had para aortic node removal at Smilow (MSK said no although I didn't pursue too deeply due to insurance issues) by Dr. Charles Cha. He did my original surgery at Smilow and said that my node dissection was easy for him for some reason as I'm very thin and he could find them easily. It will all depend on how the nodes look and if they have wrapped around any part of the kidney or aorta. I was in good shape but still risky risky risky.. PET scan showed 1-2 enlarged nodes that were also lighting up but once he got in there he was able to remove 8 of them and 5 were metastatic. I took the risk and thankfully so did he. I think he's a rock star! I hope that helps and your husband has great success with their removal! Please update on how it goes. I'm currently NED but have been told I'm still on chemo for life because of the distant nodes. I'd love to hear others who have been told differently. You can see the timeline in my signature. 9 months now on maintenance chemo.

-Brenda

[jep]

Brenda! Thank you so much for your response . . . I will absolutely look into Dr. Cha . . . we are so close to Smilow, but are also willing to travel to MSK. I am very nervous about the surgery, but my husband if pretty calm . . . he feels like this is his best option, so we're headed in this direction . . . he has to finish chemo (done April 8 . . . ), have another scan, and then we move forward . . . I will definitely keep you posted, but your story is very inspiring!
Thanks!
jep

[Jack&KatiesMommy]

Dr. Bernard Park (thoracic surgeon at MSK) removed 3 of mine. They were tucked behind a lobe of my right lung which he had to remove to remove the nodes....but my local cancer center said there was no surgery option...wanted to radiate. I am happy that Dr. Park was willing to do surgery. Though I will say that I ended up with other lymph nodes nearby that became cancerous months after the surgery.

Cynthia