Dr. Naruhiko Ikoma, MD

When I was diagnosed with PanCan, the Las Vegas medical community only made me worse (septic, retaining 30 pounds of fluid, unable to eat, and weak.) Desperate, I reached out to everyone I knew for the best care. A mutual friend referred me to Dr. Ikoma and he agreed to take my case. Two days later I was flying to Houston and two days after that I met Dr. Ikoma and his amazing team. They all showed up to the appointment, reviewed my situation with me and immediately admitted me to the hospital. They visited me daily and addressed all of my needs (anti-biotics, drain tubes, nutrition, breathing, strength recovery) over the next 8 days. He did all of this as Surgical Oncologist. Dr. Ikoma relies heavily on his skilled staff who clearly pursue their careers and studies under him vigor. The dynamics between them is amazing and each team member's voice is heard and valued by Dr. Ikoma. But at the end of each discussion, the team clearly looks to him for the final decision which is… sometimes his own idea or many and sometimes the idea offered by one of his staff. It is clear he cares about them and they revere him. 15 days later I started chemotherapy and now 30 days later, my strength has returned and I'm able to walk several miles a day and ingest 2500 calories a day. I may or may not ever be a candidate for Surgery on my pancreatic tumor, but If I am, you can bet I will be back to see Dr. Ikoma.

Dr. Ikoma performed robotic gastrectomy for me. His and his team's care at clinic and in the hospital was just amazing. Quick recovery. I am extremely happy with my decision to go to MD Anderson to see Dr. Ikoma.