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lu ann · 07-19-2006, 01:41 PM

They have councelors who are very knowledgable and could councel you to make the right decisions. I read one of your posts stating you have an HMO. That is what I'm hearing from many to be a problem. They know you are stuck with them. Just please call CTCA and talk to someone. You might need them in the future and will have the info you need to get the care you deserve.

My husband and I were amazed at the treatment we received. We arrived there on Monday. We had all the scans, tests, etc. repeated and by Thursday the Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, my husband and I were sitting around a conference table. They explained everything in detail with us of what I had and their opionion of the best way to treat. I started rad. treatment one week later.

It has been 2 1/2 years since dx. of recurrance. I have been on treatement for all but 14 months. My disease is stable and I am living a good quality of life.

It doesn't sound to me that you are being unreasonable about your treatment. There is a saying the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Take Tom's advice and go in there with knowledge as your ammunition.

I have been treated by 4 different oncologists and 2 different rad. oncologists. I went to my origional oncologist from 15 years ago when I had a recurrance 2 1/2 years ago. I found many mistakes in a letter she wrote to another provider. She also took a personal phone call from her husband just as she was about to give me the results of the biopsy of my spine. My blood pressure was at stroke level. I took my records off the door and read them myself while I waited for her to come back into the room. My husband was pissed off to say the least and found her to be very unprofessional.

I heard from a friend that she had an abnormal mamo and had to have a biopsy. It was benign, but I think she learned a little about what we all go through.

Even though I had excellent treatment at CTCA, I decided not to go there for chemo. I chose a provider 10 minutes from home who was a very good doctor. He took the time to explain everything to us. Even so, we decided last year to go to University Hospital in Cleveland where I can be involved in clinical trials. We have been very happy with the provider and staff.

Just hang in there. You sound like a very intelligent woman. If you can change to a PPO in the future, do it. You might have to pay a little more in premiums, deductable, and co-pay, but it will be worth it. Cancer Treatment Centers of America accepts most plans so talk to someone there even if you can't go to them now for treatment. They will send you a bunch of material, including a video and an inspirational book free of charge.

God Bless You.
Lu Ann

07-19-2006, 01:41 PM	#11
lu ann Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Streetsboro, Ohio Posts: 365	Chelee, You should at least call CTCA.... They have councelors who are very knowledgable and could councel you to make the right decisions. I read one of your posts stating you have an HMO. That is what I'm hearing from many to be a problem. They know you are stuck with them. Just please call CTCA and talk to someone. You might need them in the future and will have the info you need to get the care you deserve. My husband and I were amazed at the treatment we received. We arrived there on Monday. We had all the scans, tests, etc. repeated and by Thursday the Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, my husband and I were sitting around a conference table. They explained everything in detail with us of what I had and their opionion of the best way to treat. I started rad. treatment one week later. It has been 2 1/2 years since dx. of recurrance. I have been on treatement for all but 14 months. My disease is stable and I am living a good quality of life. It doesn't sound to me that you are being unreasonable about your treatment. There is a saying the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Take Tom's advice and go in there with knowledge as your ammunition. I have been treated by 4 different oncologists and 2 different rad. oncologists. I went to my origional oncologist from 15 years ago when I had a recurrance 2 1/2 years ago. I found many mistakes in a letter she wrote to another provider. She also took a personal phone call from her husband just as she was about to give me the results of the biopsy of my spine. My blood pressure was at stroke level. I took my records off the door and read them myself while I waited for her to come back into the room. My husband was pissed off to say the least and found her to be very unprofessional. I heard from a friend that she had an abnormal mamo and had to have a biopsy. It was benign, but I think she learned a little about what we all go through. Even though I had excellent treatment at CTCA, I decided not to go there for chemo. I chose a provider 10 minutes from home who was a very good doctor. He took the time to explain everything to us. Even so, we decided last year to go to University Hospital in Cleveland where I can be involved in clinical trials. We have been very happy with the provider and staff. Just hang in there. You sound like a very intelligent woman. If you can change to a PPO in the future, do it. You might have to pay a little more in premiums, deductable, and co-pay, but it will be worth it. Cancer Treatment Centers of America accepts most plans so talk to someone there even if you can't go to them now for treatment. They will send you a bunch of material, including a video and an inspirational book free of charge. God Bless You. Lu Ann