Hi Laura -

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. While I've not had personal experience with MD Anderson, I have heard that they are on the cutting edge of therapy and one of the best, if not THE best, hospitals for AML. They are also currently working on a "Moon Shots" program where they are aggressively searching for cures for a few cancers - AML happens to be on that list. Wishing your sister the best. Big hugs.

Yes twoboyz I have heard the same. Once the dr said no more chemo I started researching. I sent them an email and one week later we are working on a transfer. I'll check out the moon shot program. Thanks :)

Hi Laura, I'm so sorry about your sister. I'm at MD Anderson, diagnosed with AML in May and about to start my 3rd round of chemo, waiting for a stem cell donor.

I had a hospital to hospital transfer too, I hope that you can get her there soon. The hospital transfers come in through the ER, where MDA does initial assessment and admittance (in my case). She'll then likely go to floor 16 and be assigned a specific Leukemia doctor, although a team of doctors and PAs will take over the case. My doctor, Dr. Pemmaraju is one of the AML specialists at MDA.

The Leukemia Center at MDA is the best in the world, so please feel confident that they will do whatever needs to be done to help your sister.

Please keep us posted on your status as I can give you the "tips and tricks" that I have learned as you start the process.

Take care,
Lora

Hi Lora thanks for responding! She was already assigned to a Dr. Borkathur (sp) . I've been in email contact with someone from there that said her records were reviewed and she was accepted :)). Now we are working on transfer. What flight service did you use?

Hi Laura. Sorry for the bad turn of events for your sister. I'm from New York so we here generally stay close to home and receive our treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Cornell Weill or any number of other well regarded cutting edge centers.

But whenever you search for top cancer centers, MDA is always among the top centers. They do a lot of cases, they are world class and attract the best talent in the medical field and they run tons of trials. Your sister will be in good hands there. Good luck.

Laura -- that is quite an offer from Lora -- I would definitely take her up on it -- sometimes the red tape is worse than the treatment. You are definitely doing the right thing getting your sister to MD, and I am sure that the outcome will be quite good. I switched treatment centers myself early on and it saved my life -- would not be writing here now had I not made the move. I will be praying for your sister and I feel like you all have a positive outlook on this new approach -- dave

Thanks Dave I appreciate that. Last time we spoke we were talking hospice. I'm glad I pursued this. Sloan Kettering wasn't very helpful in helping me on getting her there which is why we are going to Texas.

That's where I'm currently being treated. I was diagnosed mid-February and am just about done with the chemo. They have so many trials and protocols there that I doubt there is any type, shape, or form that they don't have something for. They are world renowned so it definitely is the place for AML, or leukemias in general.

The more replies I receive, the more hopeful I am. This has been an emotional rollercoaster and to finally see some positive stories is a wonderful feeling. I just don't understand why a doctor at local hospitals can't suggest patients try MD Anderson, especially after they have told a patient that the chemo is not working and preparing them for hospice. Am I being naive?

Hi Laura,
I have heard and read only positive things about MD Anderson. I have been extremely impressed by them and I am very happy to hear that your sister will be treated there!!!

Unfortunately, some doctors/hospitals do not keep informed about AML (among other things as well). It is very old info that these doctors are looking at, and it's lucky that your sister has such a wonderful sibling as YOU to look further into this. Treatments for AML have progressed, and MDA is on the cutting edge. Good job, sis!

All the best to you and your sister,
Monique

Hi, my sister Jo is being treated at MDA. She was diagnosed in January. She is doing well and we have been very impressed with MDA and feel very fortunate to have lived within driving distance. Her Dr. is also Dr. Borkathur. Good luck with treatment and my prayers are with your sister.

Debbie

Hi Laura,
I live in Houston so I wasn't taken by flight service, just ambulance. I'm sorry I can't provide any help with that piece.

My doc told me that they are constantly doing Leukemia research at MDA, so much so that treatments can change/improve/become more specialized by the week.

Well I just found out her insurance will not cover!!! We are now thinking of transporting her on a non stop flight with a family member , and be sure she has her mask on at all times.

Cover med flight transportation that is.

Well we got my sister to MD Anderson yesterday. We are all praying they can help her in this fight. Thanks for all your responses.