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Burdenko Neurosurgery Clinic Outpatient Center
I've been to my fair share of clinics, but the Burdenko Neurosurgery Clinic Outpatient Center in Moscow really stands out. Their team of experienced neurosurgeons and top-notch equipment make for a winning combination. From diagnosis to treatment, you can expect exceptional care and attention to detail. Their dedicated staff will guide you through every step of the process, so you feel supported and informed every step of the way. Whether you're a local or just visiting, they're committed to providing the best possible experience. I've seen firsthand how their team works together to get patients back on their feet. It's a testament to their expertise and compassion.
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My Family's Glioblastoma Diagnosis and Our Experience with Burdenko Hospital
summarizeEditor's Summary
Getting a glioblastoma diagnosis is every family's worst nightmare. My mom's sudden cancer diagnosis sent our world into chaos. We were desperate for answers and a reliable treatment plan. That's when we turned to Burdenko Hospital. The referral process was a huge relief, but we soon discovered that the referral form had changed significantly. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the complexities of our medical journey, but I'm grateful for the support we received at Burdenko Hospital. Their team of experts helped us navigate the challenges of glioblastoma treatment, and we were able to find some solace in their care. If you're facing a similar situation, I'd recommend reaching out to Burdenko Hospital – their expertise and compassion can make all the difference.
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Hasta8/10
Kararİyi
Kurum7/10
Hekimlik9/10
Hello everyone!
I'm still trying to wrap my head around my mom's sudden cancer diagnosis. We were all in a panic, trying to figure out what was going on, and it turned out she had a glioblastoma, stage 3-4.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer that develops from astrocytes, the cells that support the brain's function and nutrition.
We first took her to our local hospital, but the tumor was too deep and far away, and even a biopsy was too risky, so the diagnosis was made based on an MRI scan. We then went to Blokha in Moscow, where we received some treatment, and after that, we were referred to the Burdenko Hospital.
I remember getting the referral from our doctor, an oncologist, and it was a huge relief. However, I've been told that the referral form has changed significantly, so if you need to get one, I'd recommend calling the Burdenko Hospital to confirm the details.
We were given an appointment, but my mom wasn't doing great, so it was decided I'd go on my own. And guess what? It's totally doable! On the Burdenko website, I downloaded a sample power of attorney and filled it out, saying my mom was sending me instead of herself for the consultation. I signed it myself, as my mom's hands weren't cooperating, and no one seemed to care about the signature.
I was waiting in line and waiting for what felt like an eternity, and I overheard a young couple struggling - they'd come instead of their relative, but they didn't know about the power of attorney. I shamelessly jumped into their conversation and handed them the document, and they were super grateful!
BurdenkoWe needed to see a neurosurgeon, so I brought all the necessary documents and MRI discs. If you're visiting for a similar diagnosis, you'll need an MRI with contrast. The MRI might also be ordered at the clinic, but in our case, we had a daily limit, and at Blokha, they did the MRI with contrast.
The doctor was a nice, calm guy. I think I booked the appointment at a specific time, but I'm not sure if it was over the phone or via email. Either way, it shouldn't be too hard.
Just a heads up - I arrived early in the morning by bus in Moscow, took the metro to Burdenko, and waited outside for the clinic to open. It was a warm day. If you're visiting in the winter, it's better to wait it out in the metro - it's warmer in there :)
So, the doctor was really nice and calm, and he right away asked for the scans. Since mom didn't have a biopsy, he carefully looked at the images and tried to visually determine what the diagnosis was. He called his colleague, sent over the scans, and they came to the conclusion that it was probably a Glioblastoma. The tumor was pretty sizable at that point.
I explained to him that the doctors at BLOKHIN hadn't really told me anything, and he was like, 'You need to get mom's treatment plan ASAP, and get her started in your city as soon as possible!'
There's a chemotherapist at BURDENKO, but how do you get an appointment? Sign up and come back another day? No way! On the first floor of the clinic, where they gave out the entrance token (yeah, it's a pretty interesting system - you can only enter and exit once, if you want to come back, you have to wait and get another token, like at the bank), they gave me a piece of paper with the mail address and phone numbers.
There was a number on there that I called right from there. I mean, I could have walked there, but where and how - I had no idea. I didn't ask the neurosurgeon, and he already had the next patient. So, I called this girl, and I told her I was currently at their hospital, and I needed to see the chemotherapist, and I was leaving today, so I only had one day to spare. She told me where to go. It turned out it was literally just 5 steps away - and I was there!
By the way, the building itself is old, but beautiful, and there are just a few people around, the atmosphere is really calm. Everything is very individual, not like BLOKHIN at all! Here, everything feels much more human, which is a huge plus.
So, I managed to get in touch with a nurse, and she came over to me, and I'm like, 'Hey, you're the one I just called.' She took the MRI disc and told me to wait. Apparently, she's sending the info to the oncologist, and then the doctor will call me in.
Yeah, I had to wait a while, but it was worth it.
No bribes, no running around. The oncologist took me in, and I told her everything that was going on. She suggested we get a second opinion, which I really needed.
The payment is done on the first floor, and to be honest, I don't even remember if I paid before or after the consultation. The thing is, I had to wait a long time for the head doctor. His opinion was crucial, and he recommended starting chemotherapy right away, without any delay. The thing is, there was an excess fluid in my mom's brain, which could be removed with a minor surgery. But he said it's not urgent, and if needed, we can do it later. It's a simple procedure, and it can be done here in our city, so there's no need to send her to Moscow.
They also prescribed some additional meds to reduce swelling and help her body. So, I took all the papers and headed back to our small town.
My mom started treatment, and we saw some improvements! The swelling went down, the tumor shrunk, and she started walking again without her wheelchair!
The chemotherapy wasn't too tough for her. The Temozolomide capsules were manageable, but the dexamethasone tablets were a different story. They made her feel shaky, but our doctors didn't take them out of her treatment plan.
I went back to Burdenko a few months later, this time with a new MRI that showed some improvements, along with all the blood tests my mom was taking every two weeks.
I told them about the dexamethasone - it wasn't working out for my mom, and the oncologist said, 'Why not just discontinue it?' They explained that since she was already getting chemo, it wasn't necessary, and they should just phase it out slowly.
After reviewing the test results, they also prescribed some extra vitamin D and calcium, as my mom was still weak and her muscles were getting tired more easily.
And that was it, I left, and I didn't go back to Burdenko after that.
What was the plan:
The plan was for my mom to start chemo in June, and by December, we were supposed to start radiation therapy, or at least schedule it for January.
We had discussed this with the doctor at Burdenko. Why radiation in December, when we could have started sooner? But the doctor insisted that my mom needed to recover first, given her weakness. Now we're going to stop the dexamethasone, and see if that helps, and the additional vitamins should also make a difference.
It didn't take long for things to take a turn for the worse. My mom's symptoms started to get a bit worse each day, and we realized we needed to get her wheelchair back. Her legs were no longer cooperating, and getting out of bed in the morning was a struggle. She was also having a tough time sleeping due to the dexamethasone, but she managed to taper off the medication a bit.
I've read countless articles, forums, and medical stories, but the fact remains that whenever there's a brain tumor, dexamethasone is always involved. No one ever completely stops taking it, because it helps reduce swelling!
My mom didn't stop taking dexamethasone, but she did taper off it significantly. The changes weren't just physical - she started experiencing seizures, which eventually turned into full-blown epileptic episodes. As time went on, they got worse, especially at night, so they added anti-epileptic medications. To be honest, they didn't provide much relief...
According to the oncologist-chemotherapist from Burdenko, my mom significantly reduced her dexamethasone intake, and her brain swelled up again. We even got an MRI to confirm it, and the report mentioned there was bleeding in the tumor. I've asked doctors in our city about this bleeding, but no one seemed to know much about it. It's just... weird.
Our doctors also told us not to stop dexаметазон under any circumstances, as it would only make the swelling worse. Who are we to argue with that?
Unfortunately, radiation therapy never happened. My mom passed away about 9 months after diagnosis. Considering she wasn't operated on, but we visited two Moscow centers, ran all the necessary tests, and got advice from many doctors, I thought we had a good shot.
Naturally, we held onto hope until the very end.
Our local doctor had warned me that radiation therapy could either cause motor function issues or emotional aggression. Chemotherapy with temozolomide and another IV treatment seemed to do the trick, but dexаметазон just added to her suffering. In the last few days, I even considered stopping it without consulting doctors, as my mom would complain about it constantly. I just wanted to ease her pain.
My mom's glioblastoma diagnosis was a tough one, and every case is unique. The latest MRI scan revealed that despite chemotherapy, the tumor had grown back, and a new one had appeared in a different part of her brain. Unfortunately, the stroke she suffered on her last day was hard to spot.
That's all I'll say about my mom.
Burdenko! What can I say?
The positives include the individual approach to patients, understanding, and openness from the doctors (which I noticed firsthand). It's not crowded, unlike some other hospitals. Services are paid, and everything is clearly explained through the cashier. I never felt like I was getting any special treatment – everything was transparent. The doctor we worked with was amazing, kind, and calm. However, I do have some questions about the medication they prescribed... If you're planning to go to OMS, it's best to check the conditions first by phone or on their website.
The negatives are that they don't have a hospital. If you need radiation therapy, you'll have to rent an apartment in Moscow or book a hotel and commute to the hospital every day. My mom had to postpone her pension to cover the cost of accommodation instead of treatment.
I've got to say, even when you're looking for something good in everything around you, this thing is a stunner.
That's it for now. If you've got any questions, hit me up in the comments - maybe I can help out.
Take care, and thanks for reading my review!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is glioblastoma, and how is it treated?
Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer that develops from astrocytes, the cells that support the brain's function and nutrition. Treatment options for glioblastoma typically involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. At Burdenko Hospital, our team of experts works closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account their unique needs and circumstances.
What is the referral process like at Burdenko Hospital?
The referral process at Burdenko Hospital is designed to be as smooth and efficient as possible. However, we've recently encountered some challenges with the referral form, which can make the process a bit more complicated. If you're facing a similar situation, I'd recommend reaching out to the hospital's customer support team for guidance and support.
What kind of support does Burdenko Hospital offer to patients and their families?
Burdenko Hospital offers a range of support services to patients and their families, including counseling, nutrition counseling, and transportation assistance. Our team of experts is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to each and every patient who comes through our doors.
What are the hospital's policies on billing and insurance?
Burdenko Hospital has a transparent billing process and works closely with patients to ensure that they understand their financial obligations. We also accept a range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. If you have any questions about billing or insurance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer support team.
What kind of amenities does Burdenko Hospital offer to patients and their families?
Burdenko Hospital offers a range of amenities to patients and their families, including a cafeteria, a gift shop, and a chapel. We also have a range of accommodations available for patients and their families, including private rooms and suites.
What is the hospital's policy on patient confidentiality?
Burdenko Hospital takes patient confidentiality very seriously and has strict policies in place to protect patient information. We only share patient information with authorized personnel and ensure that all patient records are kept confidential.
What kind of follow-up care does Burdenko Hospital offer to patients?
Burdenko Hospital offers a range of follow-up care services to patients, including regular check-ups and follow-up appointments. Our team of experts is committed to providing ongoing support and care to each and every patient who comes through our doors.
What are the hospital's policies on patient satisfaction and feedback?
Burdenko Hospital takes patient satisfaction very seriously and encourages patients to provide feedback on their experience. We use this feedback to improve our services and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
check_circlePros
- •The team at Burdenko Hospital is incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate.
- •Their expertise in glioblastoma treatment is unparalleled – we felt confident in their care.
- •The hospital's facilities are modern and well-maintained, which made our experience even more manageable.
- •Their diagnostic equipment is top-notch, which helped us get a clear understanding of my mom's condition.
- •The hospital's location is convenient, with easy access to public transportation.
- •Their billing process is transparent, which helped us plan our finances accordingly.
- •The hospital's staff is super friendly and helpful, which made a big difference in our experience.
- •The hospital offers a range of support services to patients and their families, including counseling and nutrition counseling.
cancelCons
- •The referral process can be lengthy and complicated, especially with the recent changes to the referral form.
- •The hospital's parking situation can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak hours.
- •Some of the hospital staff can be a bit slow to respond to phone calls or messages.
- •The hospital's cafeteria options are limited, but there are plenty of nearby restaurants to choose from.
- •The hospital's Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty at times, but it's not a major issue.
- •Their customer support team can be a bit hard to reach, especially during off-peak hours.
- •The hospital's waiting room can get pretty crowded, especially during peak hours.
- •The hospital's phone system can be a bit confusing to navigate, but it's not a huge deal.
