I accompanied a friend to Moffit Magnolia for his stage IV cancer treatment. We initially felt confident in seeing if Moffitt had a second opinion of treatment for his Prostate cancer. There was good guidance about not doing cryosurgery previously advised here in Orlando. The treatment recommendation was different, and we felt we were moving in the right direction. After 4 months, we asked to have his next appt. with the primary Doctor, as she was soon scheduled for personal leave for a few months. Besides his monthly shot, the intent of the visit was to consider a drug vacation. She scheduled a scan that would be a baseline to evaluate his progress. My friend is very claustrophobic and all but begged twice for a few anxiety pills to take just prior to the scan as his other doctor had done for previous successful scans. She refused him even after a second request. This med. was on his previous charts and even the prep sheet given to him referred to such medication in preparation for the scan. When questioned her nurse proceeded to cancel the scan and advised him to go elsewhere for it. What started out as a hopeful relationship with this provider soon plummeted to an awful sense of rejection and possible prejudice. He was very concerned that if things went downhill, would she be there for him. We also contacted a Moffit patient advocate department concerning his experience and were promised a follow up call by a supervisor- which never happened. Nevertheless, he has returned to his previous doctor with Fl Cancer Specialists who have treated him with profound respect. As his health care advocate, I give one star for all the kindness of other staff. This does not negate the Doctors behavior. I advise research and homework before making a caregiver decision.
Moffitt Cancer Center has saved my life. Regardless of the treatment required, regardless of when I had Insurance and then when I had Medicaid or Medicare I am always given the most modern, up to date treatment possible. Having be diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma and given only 6-9 months to live by other facilities in 2009 June, I have been blessed to be NED ( No Evidence of Disease) for over 2 1/2 years so far. Moffitt offers the most current clinical trials for melanoma. I am thankful to Dr Jeffrey Weber and the team at Moffitt Cancer Center!