Anyone have experience with/knowledge of Cancer Centers of America (except for the commercials)???

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Permalink Reply by Sherry on June 15, 2008 at 10:14pm

Hey Jenny, I have seen the commercials and they are very intriguing. I cannot for the life of me figure out if they are a type of alternative center, or a more conventional, yet team approach. Its something that I keep tucked away in my mind for now, but would love to hear what anyone else may know. Also, if you decide to go, I live about 15 minutes from Philadelphia and if you'll be here, I think the site is not too far from me, so please let me know and maybe we can meet.... xo Sherry

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Permalink Reply by Sweetlife on June 15, 2008 at 11:21pm

I always mute the TV when the commercials are on. I friggin hate cancer. Ugh!
They are calling me again tomorrow to schedule an eval. I will probably go the beginning of July b/c I have so much going on in June. Yes, maybe we'llhave the chace to meet . I'll let you know when I'm going. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Sherry on June 17, 2008 at 12:34pm

Anytime Kris, hope you're doing ok....is this the last week of treatment for you?? Just let me know when you are up for it....I'd love to get together! Jenny coming in would be a bonus for us!! xo Sherry

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Permalink Reply by Joanie on June 15, 2008 at 10:53pm

I'm currently under treatment of the Cancer Centers of the Carolina, which are part of the America's. The nurses and financial assistants are great. My appointments are usually running behind schedule. They have a great resource library. The lab techs use butterfly needles to take blood and are very good at poking only once. I love the fact that it is a one stop shop and I can usually get everything done in one day. CCofC facilities are part of the hospital. All my doctors are board certified and very involved with ACS. They have access or are part of lots of clinical trials. My doc presents the facts and I have complete trust in the fact that they will follow my wishes for treatment. Although, the bedside manners sometimes leaves something to be desired. However, I never have trouble getting in touch with them whenever I have problems after hours. Also with all the various doctors, it is very easy to get a second opinion within in the building. They have snacks and coffee. My overall experience is very positive.

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Permalink Reply by Ana on June 15, 2008 at 10:56pm

Joanie - is this center overall an alternative medicine center?

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Permalink Reply by Joanie on June 15, 2008 at 11:07pm

It is a cancer treatment facility. I don't think they emphasize alternative medicine, but they are not against it. They have nutritionists and councilors. They help organize support groups and all that stuff too.

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Permalink Reply by Sweetlife on June 15, 2008 at 11:18pm

They are a conventional hospital. They use a team approach & you have a case manager. You have a nutritionist & a naturopath which I was told is complimentary...they know insurance doesn't cover it, but they include it as part of your team.
They will fly me there w/ 1 guest at their expense..and then if I decide to get my care from them they will fly me there for every treatment. The inital visit is the 3 -5 day eval. They will have me stay in a hotel they have a deal w/ for 30-40$ a night.
They said a limo picks you up at the airport (couldn't that money be better spent?) and they provide car service from your hotel & the hospital.
At this point I think I will go & let them go over all of my medical records carefully & discuss with me what they think.
My recent PET/CT showed cancer in my liver again. My current onc. says the chemo is working, but how can that be? He hasn't returned my phone calls. I go this Tues. for treatment & will try & get some answers. Either way, I don't see how it can hurt to get evaluated & get more info. unless anyone has had a very bad experience there.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on June 15, 2008 at 11:17pm

During the time I was researching treatments, I considered CTCA. I consulted with Ralph Moss, who gave me the personal extension of Dr. Timothy Birdsall, a naturopathic oncologist on the board and staff at CTCA in Zion, IL. He said this way I could bypass the sales pitch and get the answers I needed.
I was also lucky enough to hear Dr. Birdsall speak at the Annie Appleseed alternative symposium in West Palm Beach, FL in Jan.
During my phone consultation with Dr. Birdsall he spoke at length with me about the treatments and modalities employed by CTCA. They are a CAM and conventional hospital, which simply means that they utilize both conventional and complimentary/alternative methods of treatment.
Many of the conventional treatments are enhanced by cutting edge alternative modalities such as fractionated or low dose chemotherapy enhanced by infusions of Vitamin C and other antioxidants to protect normal cells. They get around the "red tape" by submitting their new methods as clinical trials.
To state it another way, they are a conventional hospital that pushes the envelope with their techniques. They have done wonderful things for many people, including pioneering work on cancer treatment for pregnant women.
I was very impressed with both Dr. Birdsall and CTCA, but ultimately decided to take another avenue. The only unfortunate thing is that the sales pitch can be overwhelming, but if you can get past that, they are a very reputable hospital.

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Permalink Reply by Sweetlife on June 15, 2008 at 11:40pm

Thanks Jill!
Yes, the sales pitch is a concern of mine...it is both good & bad that I spoke w/ a customer service rep. Plus all of the commercials. It is a bit much. Like you said...they do seem to have a great program....mind, body and spirit are considered.
It would be weird to take a plane to my appt.s Plus I worry about fuel costs influencing that...and they don't fly you there if you are on medicaid....so if we ever lost our ins. & ended up that way, I'd have to switch doctors.
I'm so tired of switching doctors...I always seem to have problems w/ my onc.s I really don't think I ask too much.
Any way... I am pretty sure I will schedule teh initial 3 - 5 day visit. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jill on June 15, 2008 at 11:51pm

I think going to the consult sounds reasonable. This gives you food for thought and can help you to make the ultimate decision. Remember, nothing is set in stone and you can always make changes at any time. This is something that I always take comfort in.
You also don't have to make so many decisions at one time. I like to try to break things down to blocks that are doable. For example, for now you could just focus on going to the consult and don't think about anything further along than that. Sometimes thinking too far into the future clouds our judgement for the things we need to do today.

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Permalink Reply by Sweetlife on June 15, 2008 at 11:55pm

I agree with you. Unless someone here gives me a good reason not to, I will go to the eval./consult asap & see what they have to say/offer.
Now I can't sleep! It's midnight in NY.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on June 16, 2008 at 12:04am

I hear ya, sista! It's the same time in FL.

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