Cancer Centers Of America?

[Syrinx]

First, I probably won't even look at this thread again until Wednesday afternoon, because I'm trying not to think about this situation much, because it makes me so sad.

Just a few days ago, I made a post about a loved one of mine that found out that she "probably" has cancer.

Now, I have received word that she does in fact have lung cancer that has spread to her "chest wall" among other places.

The doctors tell her that with intensive chemotherapy and radiation, that they can maybe keep her alive for about two years.

She is privately debating whether to follow this course, and all the suffering that will ensue.

This woman is like a second mother for me, and I don't want to lose her.

She's about 65 years old.

I see these ads on late night television about Cancer Centers Of America.

Do any of you know anything about this company, or organization?

Should I point her in their direction? Or are they frauds? Do you know anything about them?

Thanks for any advice, and please forgive me if I don't respond immediately. I'm trying to not get too depressed or angry at the world.

[hermetic]

1. I'm so sorry for you and your friend.

My husband died from cancer several years ago. We looked into "Cancer TREATMENT Centers of America," notice the name difference. Here is their website: www.cancercenter.com I like that they offer a holistic approach to care and that you can call and talk to them before signing on. They did tell my husband that his cancer was too advanced at that point to be able to offer him hope. You do need to consider the issue of where they are located. And that there will be other out-of-pocket expenses.

Best of luck to you and yours.

[Syrinx]

2. thanks so much!

:hug:

[Horse with no Name]

3. I am so sorry.

I just found out that one of my colleagues has Stage 3 breast cancer. I am also coming up on the 5 year anniversary of losing my best friend to cancer on December 14.
My friend that died asked me the same question.
I did some research on them and this is what I found:
http://www.casewatch.org/ftc/news/1996/cancer.shtml
There is lot of other literature along the same lines.
I advised my friend against it.
She ended up dying anyway and I have to say, I have always wondered..."what if..."
Traditional therapy failed as well. IF these centers offer what they claim to offer along with the traditional therapies, then I would say go for it.
It sucks wondering "what if".
Good luck to you.

[Syrinx]

5. thank you

That link you provided seems to confirm what I suspected. Just like most of the stuff advertised on late-night tv, that cancer treatment place sounds like a bunch of bunk.

I'm sincerely sorry about your friend, and about your colleague. I've lost count of the friends and relatives, mostly from my parents' generation, that have fallen to cancer. It scares me.

Just think if all the billions we've spent on war, had've been spent on finding a cure. I really think it could be done. But a cure would probably be less profitable than "treatment." :(

Thank you for your kindness!

[Indi Guy]

4. I don't know the history of Cancer Centers of America...

..but here's a page that might help get you started in your quest to help your loved one -- http://www.webmd.com/solutions/cancer-care

I wish you all the best :hug:

[Syrinx]

6. thanks a lot!

Don't ever tell me that there aren't kind people in this world. :)

[Indi Guy]

7. Love Is

[Bluebear]

8. Oh, Syrinx, I'm so terribly sorry.

A little positive and negative:

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,9651,0.htm

If it were me, though, I would make a visit. If your 'other mother' is contemplating whether to even be treated, it sounds like she needs a dose of hope and positive encouragement. The worse that can happen is she discovers it is not the place for her, but at least you guys would be actively pursuing avenues.

Thinking about you today.

[RB TexLa]

9. So very sorry, I lost my mother to cancer a year ago this past weekend.

I would say if she does start treatment no matter where she should contact these people. The depression and anger are going to happen, just how we as humans deal with this. I'll have you and her in my thoughts and prayers.


http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/uabcc.html

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Edward E. Partridge, M.D.
Director
1824 Sixth Avenue South, Room 237
Birmingham, Alabama 35293-3300
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[Syrinx]

18. thanks!

I didn't notice the import of what you posted first time through. Thanks very much!

:hi:

[OzarkDem]

10. Most cancer centers today offer integrative medicine

where they combine state of the art evidence based cancer care with programs for diet, holistic care, etc. without having to travel so far or pay so much. Many of them also provide higher quality cancer care than Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

CTCA is very expensive and doesn't take uninsured people.

Encourage her to get a second opinion and consider clinical trials - especially at hospitals working with National Cancer Institute affiliated hospitals.

Go to the cancer provider in your area that sees the most patients, particularly if they are affiliated with a university.


http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/

[TZ]

12. we are thinking alike about this I see...:)

I pretty much just said the same thing and posted an NCI-clinical trials link..

[OzarkDem]

16. We are always on the same page

Looks like we may be getting $138 million in the DoD Breast Cancer Research Program next year.

Also, the Breast Cancer & Environmental Research Act is scheduled for markup in the Senate HELP committee next week - some of the R's on the committee may let it go to the floor for a vote. That will mean $30 million through NIEHS for research on bc and environmental factors.

[TZ]

11. From what I have seen of the ads, I am suspicious

Seems like they also are talking about faith based treatment (prayer I suppose) and as a scientist that makes me extremely suspicious.
If the cancer is that bad, and your friend doesn't feel like she has good options, perhaps looking at a clinical trial of new therapies might be an option if there aren't any other good ones. There are some very promising and interesting treatments out there in studies. Although some risk is involved, for people who have no other good options, what can they lose. Plus, free health treatment is involved something that many cancer patients could really use.
Here is a link for research..
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials

[flashl]

13. There is no "correct" way to feel at this time ...

Just went through the same with a family member. I can only offer to send a LOT of positive energy your way to direct and guide you and your mother.

[knitter4democracy]

14. Oh no. Oh, I am so very sorry.

There really are no good options here. Chemo sucks but might keep it from spreading further to bone (extremely painful) or brain (terrible way to go). Radiation isn't as bad as chemo, but it's definitely no picnic.

Does she have a good doctor? Where does he recommend her going? I know most people in town don't think our oncology department is all that great, but one of the doctors there is amazingly talented and caring and kind (helped me through the shock of the kidney tumor last year as a friend), and I would definitely use her if my kidney tumor really was the cancer they were worried about. Hubby agrees and sends patients to her all the time.

[Lurking Dem]

15. They were sued in 1996 by the FTC.

http://www.quackwatch.com/02ConsumerProtection/FTCActions/ctca.html

That had NOTHING to do with patient care or treatment, however, Just questionable advertising.

As I understand it, they are not cheap, though.

This list might offer better choices.

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/index.html

[Syrinx]

17. thanks everyone!

I really appreciate all the advice, and especially the kind support you've all shown.

Thanks!