Need to decide between MD Anderson and Methodist. Anyone have experience with either? Just found out I have colon cancer 

I don't have any advice but I want to say I'm sorry you have cancer :( 

So sorry about your diagnosis. There is a reason why people travel from all over the world to be treated at MD Anderson. 

I used MD Anderson. I was very happy with them. I had to go for blood work, scans, scopes, etc. I would walk into the waiting room, (there is a waiting room for every procedure) and think, I'm going to be here all day. If my appointment was at ten, I never had to wait more than five or ten minutes. Now I might be there all day, since I would be scheduled for something at 10:00, 11:00 and maybe 1:00. I had my surgery in January and was there for a week. I was very well taken care of. My cousin had colon cancer, they removed it and she didn't even have to have chemo. She does go back every six months for a scan. I can tell you they are doing amazing things. 

I don't have experience with Methodist. But if you haven't already been to MD Anderson, I suggest that you get started on getting an appointment now. Sometimes it can take up to a couple of weeks or more for your first appointment.

The doctors/nurses & pretty much everyone at MD Anderson are great. I've never been to another hospital where you are treated better.

Just a few tips though -
1) I'm not sure what insurance you have...but be ready to pay your full deductible at your first appointment.
2) Know that parking is $8-12 every time you go there. Valet is $15.
3) Don't expect to get "in and out" quickly at any appointment. Expect to spend a minimum of 4+ hours each time you are there. The shortest time I've ever spent is just over 4 hours. The longest is just over 13 hours.
4) Your very first appointment you can park valet for free & ask your account representative (they have a different "title", but I can't remember it off the top of my head) to validate your parking.
5) The hospital is rather large. I highly suggest that you take someone with you especially on days that you don't feel real well. Their website has a "way finding" link that will give you step by step directions to your appointments if you need help.


I'm sure there's lots more I could say, but that's all I have for now. Feel free to message me if you have any questions & I'll add other stuff if I think of it. The hospital is outstanding as far as treatment, etc. goes. There are just some very unpleasant things about them as well (the wait times, the expenses/costs, etc).

I'm sorry you have been diagnosed with colon cancer. I will be praying for you. 

I didn't have cancer but got checked out for a condition with MDA's Endocrinologhy Dept. I can't say enough about MDA. I agree wih the above poster- didn't have to wait Lon for any of my appointments. I went for the original consult and from there they scheduled tests. They try and lump them together back to back 1-2 days. I was there all day and went from one place to another for various tests. The people there were caring, professional, educational and work hard to make sure you are in charge of your treatment. Everything is online- even the doctor notes. I was super impressed and still refer to the labs online to monitor my situation.
I'm sorry about the colon cancer- good luck with your treatment 

I have been going through the MD Anderson center with a family member. Both Methodist and MD Anderson are first rate facilities. But the fact that MD Anderson specializes in cancer means you will have the latest research and experience on your side.

We have been very pleased with MDA. The appointments are usually back to back for the different specialists he has to see so even though it may take all day we can see 4 or 5 drs., get some labs all in the same day.

I have been able to stay at the connecting hotel (Rotary House International) and that has been very convenient.

When we checked in to the hospital, there is a whole team of volunteers that have walked us to where we needed to go, kept me totally informed during surgery, and offered support when we needed it.

Because it is a hospital dedicated to the care and support of cancer patients, we came to know other patients and we stay in touch. That has been a morale booster.

Once you are in the system you can see all of your reports on line, submit questions, make and change appointments, all online.

You will see people that have traveled all over the world to come to the center we have right here in our city. The research being done at MDA is leading the world in the fight against cancer.

What are your specific questions about a hospital and maybe that would help us answer any questions.

I am so sorry to hear you have joined the "C club" but just know that there has been so much progress in this fight. I will offer prayers up for you and hope that you will be another success story. 

Don't even think twice, go to MD Anderson. It is the best hospital for cancer in the world. My brother-in-law had colon cancer went to MD Anderson, had surgery and did not need chemo. He is doing fine. Another relative had cancer, operated and treated at MD Anderson and thanks be to God she is still cancer free. God bless you and I pray that you will be healed. 

Thanks everyone. Was just given the news Fri. afternoon and am getting all my records this afternoon from my regular Dr to fax. already have my name in at MDA. They are just waiting for the fax. I just had a friend at that chose Methodist and enjoyed the personal touch experience. I will most likely stick with MDA since that is where Dr Banker recommended. I am not freaked out just yet and hoping it was caught very early.
It runs in my family but i will be the youngest so far. (49) All I can say is get your colonoscopy. Had my 1st at 41 and it was perfect. Was supposed to get one at 46 but didn't have insurance then. Have had insurance a year now but still put it off, thinking I eat tons of fiber and exercise so i should be good. I think when its in your genetics it just doesn't matter.
Have to get to an appointment so I will update later.
Thanks again 

This is Saturn's husband and she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003 at Anderson and with Breast Cancer in 2012 at Anderson, also.

The leukemia is being treated and the breast cancer resulted in a mastectomy and a year of chemotherapy, radiation treatments and she's now undergoing reconstructive surgery.

All at Anderson, which is only 37 miles from our doorstep to their's, so it doesn't get any better than that.

We don't have any experience with Methodist, so I can't make a comparison, however; had it not been for Anderson it's quite possible that she may not see our son graduate from high school this Saturday.

I think the above posters have pretty much summed up the experiences you can expect at Anderson and we wish you well with your journey. 

Best wishes on your health issues. Being in Houston Med Center, no doubt, you will be in great hands and will get the best care.

The wait was too long for DH to get in for a second opinion at 'Anderson, as the doctors call it. Back in January 2013, the wait was 8 weeks. instead we used Memorial Hermann Cancer Center. He did have a biopsy at Methodist and has a great effusive,too. Come to find out, all of our doctors came from 'Anderson. It's a small circle of Specialsts/Oncologist out there and we found everyone knows everyone. And that's a good thing when it comes to them having questions and for referrals. btw DH has been cancer-free for over 1 year.


Please keep us posted in your progress. 

If I may add another point of view. (sorry for your situation by the way)
Your caretaker/spouse, partner, etc will eventually get exhausted mentally and physically along with you. Your support system needs support too. I know it's about you because you have medical issues, but I urge you to find ways to make sure your caretaker gets a break too. Speaking from experience. Good luck. 

^^^ I am in 100% agreement ^^^ 

My mother in law is currently undergoing treatment at MD for lung cancer. I can't say just how amazing they are. They are top notch and know what they are doing. I am her primary caretaker as all of her kids live in another state and my FIL has also been ill. It is exhausting but you get lots of support there. I'm so sorry, adding you to my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with; you were so good to us when my sister was sick. Hugs! 

Thanks allycat. I have another question. How long did it take to get in for 1st visit at MD anderson? My paperwork was faxed on May 20th. Received my call back on the 21st. My appointment is not until June 10th. Wondering if that is the norm? My pathology report said my cancer is invasive, so I'm I'm a little nervous just waiting around. 

We are Going thru a process now with MD and they have been great. 

She was diagnosed in October and first appointment was scheduled for end of November. They put her on a cancellation list so we actually took her at the beginning of November. Let me know if you have any more questions. 

I'm from the northern United States and MD Anderson is very well known and very well respected. It is a frequent referral hospital from where I am from. You can't go wrong. So sorry you are going through this. Medicine has made great strides in the fight against colon cancer. Good luck to you and take good care of yourself through all of this. Good nutrition, exercise, lots of water (not Houston's water) :) Positive attitude, laugh alot. Listen to your doctors. Keep us posted on your progress. 

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I hope that they have caught it in time and you heal quickly. 

I was diagnosed with Stage II rectal cancer in 2010. I am a nurse for 26 yes. I chose MD Anderson. Yes the wait to get n I'd normal. Once you have your appt. it will get going. I did 12weeks radiation then surgery had temporary ilieostomy for 9months. Did chemo. Then reversed ileostomy and I have been cancer free. Dr. Skibber was my surgeon and Dr. Kee is my oncologist. I hope this helps. 

If you have an appointment to see the doctor, I'd call and see if I could get in earlier. We have a friend who waited about three, four weeks to get into the doctor. They were talking about the wait and the doctor was surprised. He said they should have be able to see him within days. My daughter has a friend whose mom had basically the same diagnosis and she waited almost two months for an appointment. 

Thanks TlP, it helps to hear successful stories. So far they have me with Dr You. She looks great on paper. Was at Mayo Clinic several years before coming to MDA. Did you have to pay anything up front? That scares me me more than the cancer. 

I always had to pay a $30 co pay. Thursday I was there for blood work and a scan, $30. I was there on Friday to see the doctor, $30. I did get a bill after the surgery. Your insurance company should be able to tell you what you will owe at each stage of treatment. Before surgery I had to go to the business office, they had everything okayed from the insurance company. I just had to sign the paperwork. 

My co pays are normally $40. I did call the insurance customer service and he said labs should be all covered. I know there will plenty to pay after but can worry about that later. Sounds like lots of people going through cancer treatment these days 

I only paid my copay and was billed the rest.. All of the doctors there are great and they all collaborate together. 

Good thoughts and prayers going out to all of you cancer patients. 

Thanks GP. 

My diagnosis was Stage 3 colon cancer. Got a port put in yesterday and chemo in late afternoon. Came home with a fanny pack of different chemo in a pump for 46 hours so far my only side effect is sensitivity to cold things. I have meds if the Nashua comes. Really happy with everyone I've seen at MDA 

Magicmom, it sounds like you are getting the very best in treatment. I am sure you are on a journey you never planned to take, but so much progress has been made through research and trials and MDA has been at the forefront. I am so glad Dr. Banker found your cancer and that you had gone in to see him when you did.

Did you have any symptoms (if you don't mind me asking)? Thank you for updating us and I will say prayer for you. Posts like these may save a life just by the information and the reminder to those who are due for the dreaded colonoscopy to not put it off. 

Prayers going up for a successful treatment. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. It seems so many people I am aware of are fighting the big C right now. Keep up a positive attitude, it seems to help the friends I have the most.