Female specialist recommendation? (Huntsville, Madison, Anderson: ob-gyn, insurance, school)

[tammie2]

I am in need of a gynecological oncologist, does anyone have any recommendations? I can get a list from the insurance company, however, personal recommendations are usually a bit more reliable. I don't mind going out of network to get a better doctor.

I would be a new patient, so I need one that doesn't have a 6 month wait list and a friendly staff would be nice(but not necessary), most important would obviously be successful treatment.

Thanks much!

[Bamachic80]

I've been in HSV since May 08 and I've went to the OB-GYN Associates in Madison off Lainer Road. That's just off Madison Blvd. They have a lot of men working there, but the NP on staff was who I saw. I'm still not thoroughly convinced that's who I will keep going to, but I guess I'm still in search mode myself. Would like to find someone great in Madison.

[tammie2]

Does that practice have a dedicated oncologist also(ie cancer)? Male or female doesn't bother me anymore, I was high risk in a teaching hospital, after that you have NO modesty In houston I saw a dedicated gynocological oncologist that was part of an OB/GYN practice(actually 2, one for testing/diagnosis and one for surgery), maybe Huntsville isn't big enough for such a specialty. In which case I am willing to travel to B'ham as long as additional testing/services(ie chemo) could be handled locally if they are needed.

[Bamachic80]

I have no clue Tammie, to be quite honest. I'm actually asking for advice on another forum that I'm active on. Your thread here prompted me to reopen my own search for a good one.

[Maya Blue]

Hugh Bailey is one of the best in the area. Although I'm not sure he is an oncologist though. I know he deals in high risk pregnancies.

[daac09]

Here in Huntsville, Dr. Joe Kelly. He's fellowship trained and has a practice devoted to gyn oncology. (256)533-6233 is his office number according to the Huntsville Hospital website.

UAB also has a Gyn Oncology division with a national reputation if you're able to travel a little, or if you just want a second opinion. My sister had surgery there and I used to work there, and I think they're great. I'm sure that Vanderbilt has similar services, too.

[rnc76]

For something that serious, I think I might do a road trip up to Vandy or down to UAB. Not trying to say that HSV doctors aren't good doctors, but why not drive 1.5 hours for some of the best?

[tammie2]

Ah, not serious yet, they just don't let me see a traditional gyn anymore.

But I definitely agree with you.

The problem that I am facing is picking a doctor further away blindly. When this issue came about in Houston, I was there for 7 years, I had a regular GYN and family doctor, my GYN set me up with a great specialist out of MD Anderson who typically dealt with more difficult cases, but she made an exception due to my age and how fast the cancer was attempting to spread. I couldn't have been more pleased, since everyone coordinated, I was able to do chemo at a suburban facility near the kids charter school, I only had to go downtown occasionally, it was great.

Now for this area, I would like a doctor that is willing to coordinate locally in the event that further testing or chemo would be needed, I can't imagine making that long of a drive while undergoing chemo, I may forget a lot these days, but that was a memory that will last a lifetime I would have to have an IV of zofran and still need a paper bag just to get there

[Southlander]

You might could (doncha love that Southern phrase?!?) contact the folks back in Houston and ask them to recommend somebody(ies). If they know of your particular issues, they might be able to come up with someone who can address them.
Good luck!