Cancer treatment centers of America

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HazelFrances
HazelFrances Member Posts: 70
edited August 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I had bilateral mastectomy aug 14. Left prophylactic, R 16 mm invasive ductile, grade 2 plus 10 mm intramammary lymph node. 6 other lymph nodes were tested and clean. HER2 negative, +1, estrogen negative, progesterone positive, 35-40%. Awaiting oncotype. Currently under care of a suburban branch of a university hospital, location convenient, (25 minutes) no complaints about my care except that psychological ramifications and my prior fibromyalgia and depression have not been addressed. Considering changing to CTCA, location would be 1.25-1.5 hrs away. I would like to try a wholistic approach and work on improving my diet and addressing depression, while staying away from pain meds as much as possible.

I was applying for SS disability prior to CA Dx. Not sure what to think. SS says my job requires lifting 40 Lbs but actually more.My COBRA will end in February. Will need to go back to work, find out if I somehow qualify to extend COBRA, or use Obama care.

I hope I didn't narrow it down too much with my title. I am open to all thoughts and advice from those who have gone before me.


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited August 2015

    Do you have a nurse navigator at the university hospital that could help you get your other issues addressed? You should definitely get referrals to other departments where you currently are. I would trust the level of expertise at most of the big university medical centers

    CTCA has been in trouble for their advertising bordering on "snake oil" claims. Their stats also reflect the fact that they "cherry pick" the patients they accept, and they only accept patients who have very generous insurance coverage.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited August 2015

    Hi There, CTCA did a great job with my Uncle who had pancreatic cancer. Very thorough, caring and explored may treatment options. His life was definitely extended beyond the quoted " normal" timeframe for this cancer type. He was not a well off man with a large insurance purse. Its always good to explore your options. He did very well under their care with what is a very difficult cancer to treat. Good luck to you.

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  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited August 2015

    I went to CTCA in Tulsa, I live in AZ. The facility here was not yet opened. I was very pleased with the care I got there. When I was done with treatment, and wanted to change over to the AZ facility, I was turned down and told I would need a $250,000.00 retainer. So, bottom line, they ARE all about the almighty $$$. You can go for a 3 day visit, to check them out. They will gather all of your information for you. I had some insurance issues, and they took care of it, did not want me worrying about anything other than my treatment. The staff were awesome, the food amazing, they will pay for your gas for travel. They DO have a lot to offer. You will be doing conventional treatment as well?

    Which center are you considering?

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited August 2015

    I've heard a lot of negative feedback about CTCA. That's good they helped your uncle, bevin. My SIL contacted them when her DH had lung cancer and they wanted a 25k down payment! Needless to say they didn't go there.

    There is always reason for hope despite the odds and CTCA offers that plus their supposed new approach to treatment. I'd like to know how many of the people in their infomercials survived. I hope they are just offering other options and not miracle cures. That would be cruel.

    Diane

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  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited August 2015

    CTCA does do conventional treatment. And NO, not all the people they use on their commercials survive. The lady that got me to go, has since passed away, she had lung cancer. Our local radio station had her on, discussing cancer and CTCA. She was a friend of the DJ at that station, and the DJ is also a personal friend of mine. They have lots to offer, on top of the conventional treatment, and all of your doctors meet with you at the same time. Everything is under one roof. They have nutritionists to work with, naturopathics, psychologist, they have the hospital there for surgeries. You can stay on site, the cafeteria serves all organic food, they have outings and transportation for anything off site, clergy...etc. Just about anything you want/need.

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  • HazelFrances
    HazelFrances Member Posts: 70
    edited August 2015

    Thanks for all the replies. Still thinking. I appreciate being part of an active forum where I wake up to so many replies.

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