[PennBF]

Regarding the question as to why MD Anderson is not first choice. In order to compare in addition to MD we have been to Lahey, Moffit, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland, Westchester Med Center and have had knowledge of Sloan through friends. All are excellent but the problem we had with MD Anderson was that it was an opinion that if you were a VIP or had a rather rare Cancer you would probably get great treatment. Coming off the street with what could have been a routine cancer it was the opinion there was not much difference in treatment.
It was basic that to get reasonable great treatment is must be a teaching hospital and a major objective was "diagnosis". Also the policies and practices are important. Do they have a policy that at the end of the week a series of Dr's will review your case either in written form or at a staff meeting of the Dr's associated with the type of problem being addressed and many so on's.
I don't mean to downplay any local Oncology Dr's but place a major emphasis on diagnosis and recommended treatment from an organization who looks at that as their major objectives.