choosing drs in massachusetts

[Lizard]

I know this is a tough decision to make and these Dr's are top notch, but if you're not comfortable please go get another opinion.  Send the MRI's to HEI, they will give you an opinion over the phone.

You should feel comfortable with your decision, so until you do keep on searching and get the answers you need.  Again, many of us agree that this was the toughest part...once you get that "gut" feeling you will know what's best for you in your individual circumstances.
Hang in there,
Liz

[wasky]

I'd like to thank you all for your input.  I am now awaiting a date for the surgery...with Dr. McKenna and Dr. Barker.  To Texsooner, our situations do sound similar with tumor placement and I thank you for your input.   Its nice to hear its okay to think towards one procedure and then understand it might not be the best choice after all.  Having faith in the doctors is also what is helping.  Thanks again all!!

[ppearl214]

wasky, you are in terrific hands at MGH/MEEI with Barker/McKenna as your team!  Please keep us updated and we'll be following along!

Phyl

[krbonner]

You'll be in great hands.  Please let us know when you're scheduled!

One note - if you're dealing with Milli at Dr. Barker's office (she's his admin/office manager - at least she was a few years ago), you need to be persistent to get anything from her.  It usually took me several phone calls to get the forms I needed from her, answers to questions, etc.  Never had those issues with McKenna's administrative team, and the nurses in McKenna's office were amazingly responsive when I had questions post-op.

Katie

[wasky]

Thanks for the heads up (krbonner) regarding Dr. Barker's office.  I was wondering why I hadn't been called this week regarding appointments.  I'll be calling them first thing Tuesday morning.  I want to get the date set and feel like I'm moving forward with this.  Will keep you informed.

[LisaP]

wasky,

Good luck and keep us posted, I too see Dr. McKenna, let us know when the big day is.   What made you steer away from Western Mass?  Just curious.  I am from Western Mass and am seeking treatment in Boston only because my ENT sent me there.


LisaP

[NancyMc]

Barker/McKenna/McCall grad here, heading down for belated one year follow-up on Wednesday.
Definitely want them to have the best view.
I think Mili "retired", so no worries there, but be persistent and flexible.  I doubt they'd bump your surgery date due the size of your tumor, but it can happen.  Be proactive, follow-up on bureaucratic matters, but most important of all . . .
TAKE MUFFINS into surgery.  (Read my story NancyMc's Spa Day: Lipo and a Face Lift or something like that from March/April '09).
Good luck.
Nancy