One of the NCCN cancer centers, Moffitt is located in Tampa. [See their website.]
The Sarcoma Program at Moffitt is described at [this page].
The Sarcoma Team physicians are listed at [this page].
I am being assigned to Dr. Chiappori in the Sarcoma Clinic. He is not a GIST expert, but am told that he has a lot of knowledge about GIST.
Dear Donna,
I would love to feel that I could help in some small way to a group that has helped me in a large way:
In March of 2003 I was diagnosed with GIST in the abdominal cavity and after one useless surgery I ended up at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. and was operated on by Dr. Timothy Yeatman. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses I also searched for a doctor that would do this BIG surgery, the Whipple, without giving me a blood transfusion. He has the bedside manner of a bed but what an awesome surgeon. I was told that I would be able to eat/drink whatever I wanted once surgery was healed and I have. I was told I would be in the hospital for 15 days. I was out in 9. I was told I would go home with a feeding tube for 2 weeks. Well the dumb thing kept setting off an alarm so I ate in the hospital and I did go home with the tube but never needed it!
Please feel free to call me anytime if you need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on....561-723-2954 or email at starla55@bellsouth.net.
CATHY
Tiffany Valone, is a Physicians Assistant who had formerly worked with Dr. Chris Garret. Tiffany is very knowledgeable in the field of GIST and answered all our questions.
Jonathan Strosberg, MD has taken over the 60 GIST patients from Dr. Garrett(who left for M.D. Anderson). He stated he was learning everyday about GIST and has told patients he would consult with GIST specialists when the need arose.
I saw a Jonathan Strosberg when I was last there. He didn't say much. My primary contact has been Tiffany, Garrett's former PA, who I do like.
Jonathan said little to me and did nothing other than sit and tried not to wrinkle his clothes.
Tiffany did all the work. She appears very smart but is only a PA. I am paying to see a Doctor not a PA. My Apt in a year is with Tiffany not the Doctor.
Something is wrong here.