Cure Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma International (iCureASPS)

MD Anderson just recently changed their policy (last week). They do not do second opinions for sarcomas anymore in the adult sarcoma center. They do however still provide it in the pediatric clinic for the kids.

Dear ASPS Community Friends,
Thank you for sharing this important information Olga. Following Brittany's initial ASPS diagnosis at SCCA in Seattle, we went to MD Anderson seven years ago to receive a second opinion and to discuss possible treatment options because our research had indicated that MD Anderson was one of the premiere sarcoma centers in the United States. Unfortunately we had an extremely negative, very discouraging, and completely unproductive experience there after investing considerable expense, time, and Hope in our efforts to receive some help and advice from them. We had been told by the sarcoma department coordinator to plan to spend a week in Houston for various appointments and tests, and had therefore made all of the necessary transportation and housing arrangements. After spending less than fifteen minutes with the very pompous and negative sarcoma oncologist ( he arrived an hour late for an 8:00 A.M. Monday morning appointment and offered no explanation or apology) who offered no treatment options, compassion, or Hope as he rushed us through our appointment, he told us that there were no effective ASPS treatment options, that there was no reason to put Brittany through any kind of treatment because no matter what we did that she would definitely die from this disease, and that we should just return to Seattle and enjoy each day with her. He then abruptly stood up and walked out on us as we were still asking him some of our well researched list of questions leaving us sitting stunned and devastated. When we asked why we had been told to plan to stay for a week, no explanation was given other than that no further tests or appointments were scheduled or needed. Based on our and another ASPS patient's almost identical very negative second opinion experience at MD Anderson, I think that MD Anderson's decision to no longer offer second opinions for adult sarcoma patients is certainly in the best interest of everyone.
With special caring thoughts and continued Hope,
Bonni Hess