I went to CTCA in Zion for second opinion

[lu ann]

I went to CTCA in Zion last March for a second opinion for bone mets. They flew my husband and I there 03/15/04 at their cost. We immediately met with the staff, doctors, repeated tests, had more tests, etc. By 03/18/04 they had a treatment plan. My husband went home 03/20/04 and I stayed for 6 weeks and completed 22 rad. tx's. They provided some additional travel home for me to visit and all meals were included. All we had to pay for is my lodging and co-pays. They offer more then just traditional cancer threatment. Naturopathy, accupuncture, nutrition, mind/body, pastoral, physical therapy, etc. are included in the plan. All the staff were wonderful to us. I have never been treated with the respect and care anywhere else, like I was treated there. The radiation oncologist sat down with us and my scans and explained everything. We were never rushed to make a decision. I think you are doing the right thing to get a second opinion regardless of where you go. I'm sorry about your reoccurrence. God Bless You. Love, Lu Ann.

[Sandy H.]

How did you work this with your insurance? I wanted to go there once and my insurance would not pay for treatments only a consultation. I had Cigna at the time. The center I dealted with was wonderful!! My insurance wasn't as nice telling me that they control where they send us cancer patients!!! Hope I am not getting too personal if so you can e-mail me off the board. Hugs, Sandy

[Susie]

I wanted to go to CTCA in Tulsa but they do not contract with Blue Cross of California. There was just no way.

[Deb F]

LuAnn, thanks for sharing your experience. Sandy and Susie I am sorry that it didn't work out for you to go there. I am checking out to see what my insurance feels about it. It sounds like such a wonderful place. I'm still praying about it for me. If I am to go to the center in Tulsa the doors will continue to open. I pray for good treatment and care for you where ever you have to go to get it. God Bless each of you! Deb F

[Sher]

Hi, I am new to this forum and happy to have found it. I am 46, married, and live in Tulsa but Blue Cross is not affliated with CTCA in Tulsa so I am flying out to Illinois with my husband on Tuesday for a 2nd opinion. Was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma on 09/08/06, with tumor 18cm in right and 2cm in left and surgeon did not perform biopsy on left like he was supposed to. Planned on doing a mastectomy all along so I am relieved to hear positive things about CTCA. They have been wonderful and are paying for mine and my husbands airfare. My housing is free along with free meals. My husband pays for housing and very low fees for meals. Can't wait to get there and get a COMPLETE and ACCURATE diagnosis. I am completely confident I made the right decision on postponing my mastectomy until I meet with CTCA. Good luck to everyone in their fight. I'm scared but both myself and my husband have a very positive attitude.

[Sheila]

Sher...
Or anyone else who goes to CTCA in Zion...I live about 2 hours from there, and worked in Zion at the ComEd Nuclear Plant for over a year until it closed....it is a great area and I have heard great things about them, although I have never gone there. If you have a break, take a walk along the State Beach Park on Lake Michigan...it is so refreshing! Good Luck!

[Sher]

Sheila,
I'm hoping to have many opportunities to walk the area, once again, in Zion. I was born and raised in Chicago and would love to be able to take my husband around the area and show him were I grew up. I left Chicago when I was 14 but still remember the area quite well, although I'm sure it's changed since I last visited about 1o years ago. What's your weather like there, by the way, so I know what to take clothes wise. Another good thing, my sister is only 4 1/2 hours away from CTCA so if I stay there for treatment she's just a phone call away to be there.

[Sheila]

Sher
It has been warm, in the 80's, but this week the high is supposed to only get to 60 with lows at night in the 40's....typical iLLINOIS WEATHER, GO FROM AIRCONDITIOING TO THE FURNACE! Yes Chicago has changed....lots and lots of traffic.....you are only a short trip from the outlet mall in Gurnee (Waukegan) and to Racine Wisconsin which is about 30 miles north...another pretty area.

[skibunny]

What is CTCA?

Skibunny

[chrisy]

CTCA is Cancer treatment Centers of America. They are known for taking a more integrative approach to treatment, incorporating "traditional" therapies (surgery/chemo/radiation) as well as nutritional and mind-body approaches. You may see their ads on TV.

[Sher]

Good Morning everyone! Thank You Sheila for sending us your cold weather LOL. It's 51 here so looks like we're about the same as far as weather goes. Last night my husband put on a jacket! I had a nerve racking day yesterday, the closer I get to flying out the more nervous and emotional I get. I feel like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown before I get there and actually meet with the drs. Why can't they just fly to our homes and do all the testing??? :-)

[skibunny]

Is there a list of the CTCA?

Thanks,

Skibunny

[Sher]

Here's a link to their site:


http://www.cancercenter.com/

[skibunny]

Thanks so much

Skibunny

[StephN]

Some of you may be looking for such a center who live on the west coast.

The head oncologist here is one I consulted with as a third opinion. I was very impressed with his ideas and ability to explain complicated treatment in detail. At that time they were not in the present facility and I chose SCCA which was going into a brand new building with all the latest, bright, shiny and new. As well as a brilliant med onc who had few openings but was interested in my case.

If I develop another cancer, I would think seriously of seeking treatment at the Seattle branch of CTCA.

P.S. Sher - I am sure they will take wonderful care of you and put you at ease as quickly as possible. The fear of the unknown is the worst.

[lu ann]

I had wonderfull care while being treated at CTCA in Zion, Ill.

Sher I can't believe you have to go all the way to Zion when CTCA is right in your backyard in Tulsa.

We have anthem Blue Cross which is not in their system, but they still accepted my insurance as payment in full. I did have to pay deductable and co-insurance but it was the same as if I were in network. Maybe things have changed since I was there in 2004.