[Baltimore Guy]

Would like to know if anyone has been their, or know anyone that has had any experience that they would share.

[Carl in Tampa]

My experience with Moffitt is with the TAMPA FACILITY.

My wife was discovered to have late stage ovarian cancer with about a 21% chance of survival for 5 years (the standard measure used in cancer cases.) Moffitt doctors, using experimental medicines, got her to the point that she went into full remission.

However, about 5 years later she developed leukemia. After about 2 years of treatment, during which she went into and out of temporary remission a few times, we agreed to another experimental trial medication. This time it did not work and I lost her.

During this period I developed a cancer and had surgery and subsequent radiation treatment at Moffitt.

Throughout all of this we were greeted with friendliness and treated with compassion. I still return periodically for check ups and there are some receptionists I always seek out to visit with because they became friends.

The actual number of hospital beds at Moffitt is relatively few. Moffitt is primarily an outpatient treatment facility. It is set up for a high volume of patients, with appropriate diagnostic machines, chemotherapy and radiological treatment machines, all on site.

For ladies who might lose their hair during chemotherapy, there is an on site shop for selecting fashionable head scarves and/or wigs.

All parking is by free Valet Parking. Because of the high volume of outpatient traffic this is the only efficient method of moving traffic. There is a cafeteria in the hospital. Visiting hours are virtually unrestricted.

Volunteers provide a number of services to make the patients comfortable. At certain times a volunteer plays the piano in the lobby. A bass violin player visits individual rooms and plays requests. Other musicians provide music in different venues. There is an art department where patients are encouraged to express themselves with painting.

And, throughout the facility jigsaw puzzles are everywhere. This is because a lot of waiting is inevitable and assembling the puzzles helps pass the time.

The bottom line, for me, is that the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff at every level were friendly and compassionate in their relationship with us.

The facility efficiently handles hundreds of outpatients daily. It is well organized and efficient.

Moffitt Cancer Center is one of 41 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country and the only one based in Florida. They engage in research and clinical trials. And, of course, it is a teaching hospital.

Having said all of this, I cannot offer an opinion regarding the associated Moffitt facility here in The Villages.

[Abster]

Originally Posted by Baltimore Guy

Would like to know if anyone has been their, or know anyone that has had any experience that they would share.

My husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer October 2013. We completed all preliminary work at Moffitt/Tampa. We then came to The Villages and completed six weeks of radiation at Moffitt/The Villages. I can't say enough good things about the care, the staff, the convenience of the clinic. We were very impressed and I am happy to report as of last week my hubby was told he is cancer free. If we had to do it again, we'd do everything right here in The Villages.

[mrsanborn]

I completely agree with Carl in Tampa. Couldn't ask for a better facility than Moffitt. We as Floridians are fortunate to have such a highly ranked care center. Access is very easy.

[folkh]

Thank you all for your insight it something that will be a concern for us when we get to be full timers.

[Baltimore Guy]

bump

[BJ Spencer]

My husband had malignant melanoma removed there, with a clump of 5 lymph nodes in March. They got all the cancer. He only needs to go there every 6 months. Our dermatologist here highly suggested going there for surgery other than the surgeons around here.

[Wandatime]

My husband was diagnosed in Virginia with a particularly aggressive Mantle Cell Lymphoma last year and had to start chemotherapy immediately. This type of cancer is known for coming back even stronger after chemo and our doctor suggested if we wanted a second opinion to get it after the first six rounds of chemo.

While Sheldon took chemo I did research and found Moffitt in Tampa and with it Dr. Sotomayor, a world renowned Mantle Cell Lymphoma expert. As we got closer to finishing chemotherapy we made an appointment and drove to Florida to see Dr. Sotomayor. He took one look at my husband and said, "You do not have Mantle Cell Lymphoma, you have B-cell lymphoma." This was FABULOUS news for us as it is a much less deadly form of cancer. As an aside, thank goodness the same type of chemotherapy is used for both lymphomas. Dr. Sotomayor took it upon himself to personally call our doctors in Richmond and tell them Sheldon had been misdiagnosed.

I found Moffitt in Tampa to be very busy but very organized, from the valet parking to the registration and all throughout the process. Everything was explained to us in a most professional yet empathetic manner.

[zcaveman]

I went to Boissoneault for my cancer treatments in TV and I cannot say enough about them. Good service and caring doctors and support staff.

There is an alternative.

Z

[jgreen12]

Originally Posted by folkh

Thank you all for your insight it something that will be a concern for us when we get to be full timers.

Excellent hospital and agree with all the positive statements above. A Dr. in Fl diagnosed my husband with stage 3 cancer and said he had 1 1/2 yrs to live all from 1 x-ray. I immediately took him to the Moffitt center in Tampa. After numerous tests and navigational biopsy they said the could not find cancer in his body. They said he had some type of infection and are attempting to treat him. His breathing immediately improved with the treatment. I would highly recommend them. Honesty and integrity is outstanding.

[Salogvin]

I am currently in treatment for breast cancer with Florida Cancer Specialists, I am pleased so far with my oncologist, but I wonder if there would be any benefit in going to The Villages facility of Moffitt. We are going to Mayo in Jax for a second opinion in a few days. I would appreciate any feedback.