Cancer centers of America

[PMK]

Hello,
Has anyone been treated at one of the cancer centers of America? I'm looking for a second opinion on alternative treatments. I met with a homeopathic and they gave me a suggested list of herbs and supplements. However, my onc team did not seem on board at all, and scared me a little, saying they might interfere with my treatment that is currently working (antibodies). I called the closest Cancer Center of America and they have a total holistic approach to treatment. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Patrice
Dx Stage IV Her +, April 2015,
taxol and antibodies since then improved scans every time.
Now on antibodies alone, hoping for continued improvement

[Donna H]

I haven't but would be interested in hearing from others who have, as well.

[v-ness]

i know nothing of the Cancer Center of America *but* i can tell you that my boyfriend is being treated for stage 4 colon cancer at Dana Farber and the onco referred him to their department for nutrition and supportive treatments who consult with his oncology naturopath dr. lise alschuler. DF reviewed the herbs and supplements she recommended and he was OK to take them all during active chemo. in fact, she reviews any changes in his treatment and alters his supplements if necessary (such as when he had to start on blood pressure meds). i was skeptical at first about the whole naturopath thing, but i have to say that 10 months into chemo, this man is going to CrossFit 5x a week and working full days except chemo day. she has a book out called The Definitive Guide to Cancer. she has had cancer herself, as has her partner. my BF is doing exceptionally well and i have to say, i have changed my opinion about supplements. i started taking Turmeric myself, in fact, in addition to my vitamins. so i hope you are able to find a doctor who is not so narrow-minded and who will work with you. BTW, what do you mean when you say 'antibodies'? is that referring to Herceptin? good luck to you! valerie

[Laurel]

I consulted with them and loved their attitude and programs! Unfortunately, my insurance would only permit me to go out to the one in Zion, IL which was just too arduous for me to do my treatments and too expensive in terms of hotel rooms and flights. I think you may be pleased.

[PMK]

Thank you for that info! I am being treated at DF as well. I feel like I need a second opinion about the herbs/supplements but I want to try everything. Yes, I am on Herceptin and Perjeta. Sorry about the vague profile, I am really confused about what is left of my cancer, they are not sure what is scar tissue and what is cancer.
I have another question about Herceptin and Perjeta, so Im going to start another thread. I am going to look into that book. Thank you
Patrice
Dx Stage IV Her +, April 2015 with collapsed lung-mets to lung, liver, questionable bone, and some nodes
Chest tube placed to relieve 5 liters of fluid in right lung
1 round of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin until tumor biopsy confirmed Her2+
May 2015-began taxol/herceptin/perjeta
chest tube removed
3 lung taps to remove continued fluid problem and shortness of breath
September 2015- plural tube placed in lung
Continued with taxol/herceptin/perjeta
Scans slowly improved
December 2015-discontinue Taxol due to increased neuropathy in feet and hands
February 2016-plorax drain removed, fluid issue resolved. Bottom of right lung remains collapsed, but feels ok.
Continuing on herceptin/perjeta

[Shirley]

If you are talking about Cancer Treatment Centers of America I would stay far, far away. They are a for-profit operation that has been accused of dubious practices. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-us...9250L820130306

Shirley

[PMK]

Thank you Shirley, the more I look into it I agree.
Patrice
Dx Stage IV Her +, April 2015 with collapsed lung-mets to lung, liver, questionable bone, and some nodes
Chest tube placed to relieve 5 liters of fluid in right lung
1 round of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin until tumor biopsy confirmed Her2+
May 2015-began taxol/herceptin/perjeta
chest tube removed
3 lung taps to remove continued fluid problem and shortness of breath
September 2015- plural tube placed in lung
Continued with taxol/herceptin/perjeta
Scans slowly improved
December 2015-discontinue Taxol due to increased neuropathy in feet and hands
February 2016-plorax drain removed, fluid issue resolved. Bottom of right lung remains collapsed, but feels ok.
Continuing on herceptin/perjeta
(lost 5 yr. old daughter to cancer in 2011, after a 2.5 year battle)

[v-ness]

patrice - how odd that you're being treated at DF too and the team you have pooh-pooh supplements. Sloan-Kettering has an entire area devoted to integrative medicine. i mean right here on their website they have an area for herbs and botanicals, etc.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/tr...ative-medicine
as for lise alschuler, she will do consultations via skype since obviously most people can't see her face-to-face, but i think she's also expensive. however, she tailors her recommendations to your specific treatment, and as i said, my BF is thriving despite his mets in his liver (which shrank by half first CT then half again by the 2nd). he had neuropathy in hands and feet and i know something he was taking was supposed to help with that. he also swears by juicing and going on this diet he found that is called the NED diet, but he's willing to do anything he can and others of us aren't able to be that radical. i found that the Anti-Cancer book was helpful. anyway, good luck and let me know if you would like any more info. BTW, i think shirley's right. i have a doctor friend who does not like the Cancer Treatment Center of America one bit. valerie

[v-ness]

ok, checked with him. his onco doesn't actually 'work' with alschuler. instead, the onco admitted that such things are beyond the scope of his knowledge since naturally he focuses on oncology. he said you should check with the Zakim Center, they cleared his supplements. good luck!