Cancer treatment centers of America?

[chrisy]

CTCA - Is controversial, they are mainly known for their emphasis on (in the words of their commercials) "treating the whole person". That is not a bad thing; they seek to be a truly integrative system combining western medicine with integrative therapies around nutrition, mind body, etc. Which can certainly be helpful.

That said, they are NOT known for cutting edge research. I think they do limited studies but not really new medical approaches. So you would, in my opinion, not go there to get the latest medical treatments. They are not a research facility or a comprehensive cancer center.

I have actually heard of the heat therapy work done in Germany, and have heard anecdotal stories that it can be effective. I actually know a person who has done this I think. It is not a considered a proven therapy - I'm not sure it is even a standard in Germany. The source of that information was a fairly "out there" alternative medicine group. So it may turn out that that will someday be THE treatment, but it is not currently a widely accepted approach.

I think your mom's Her2 status is still possibly in question; that may determine if the therapies that target her2 will be good options. But it sounds like Xeloda has been offered as an option - which would be a reasonable choice. I disagree that that is the "only"option which is what you said her doctor said.

You do need to make decisions soon, and it seems that the priority would be to first get your mom stable and get the cancer under control. While continuing to seek other answers.