Does anyone have any experience with Cancer Treatment Centers of America?

By chamomile
Posted April 18, 2008 at 6:02 pm · 8 replies
In Cervical cancer stages and treatment
Edited April 18, 2008 at 6:02 pm

I've met with 2 oncolgists in my city since being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in March 2008. I have a cone biopsy scheduled for April 30th. My mom called Cancer Centers of America and got some info for me. I spoke with a representative there who told me that they have you come in for 4-5 days for evaluation and to meet with a team of specialists (including a nutritionist and for complimentary homeopathic care) to develop a treatment plan. They are sending me more info, but I wondering if any of you have any knowledge into this facility????? Thank you.

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By ariel1
Posted April 18, 2008 at 8:08 pm

hi chamomile,
i don't have info about cancer centers of america but their ad on t.v. peeked my interest too.
you stated that you have stage1b1 cervical cancer. and this post you say that you are having a cone biopsy. i wonder who is doing this cone, a gyn or an oncology gyn, because i have never heard of staged cancer being treated with just a cone biopsy. i would get another opinion before the cone. i think you should be treated more aggresively, if this is cancer and not just dysplasia.

By Nurse2b
Posted April 19, 2008 at 9:09 am

I have heard they are very good, but only take limited insurance plans.

By kb1200
Posted April 19, 2008 at 9:44 am

chamomile
I agree with ariel1 that I have never heard of a cone for this diagnosis. My understanding of what depth tissue is taken during a cone would not be enough to get a complete 1b1 cancer. I did not have a cone so I may be mistaken? Please think about getting a 2nd opinion. good luck and keep us posted

By Cmeadows
Posted April 20, 2008 at 2:06 am

Hi Chamomile. I have to agree with Ariel. I read that you had already been diagnosed with 1 B1 Cevical Cancer and have been concerned with that your still having the Cone Bi-op. I also have 1 B1 and have already had the Cone. Unfortunately, they had to do the Cone for me to stage the cancer. I believe with yours they are able to view it on the CT scan which seems to make the Cone procedure a little invalid. To my knowlege, after Cervical Cancer is staged at 1 B1 the only treatment that isn't high risk for recurrence is radical hysterectomy vs. trachelectomy. I think it's great that you are so proactive and your exploring all of your options. But, maybe you should consider a conversation with your current Ob-Onc. to determin if the cone bi-op is still necessary. I hate to see you go through that if it is not going to change the overall outcome of the recommended treatment of 1 B1.

By chamomile
Posted April 21, 2008 at 9:56 am

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am seeing a gyn/oncologist. The doctor who scheduled the cone hadn't called me with my CT results. However, I took my CD of the scan and report (along with my other records) to see a doctor for a 2nd opinion and she is the one who read the CT and told me that it would be 1b1. I've tried to call my first doc a few times, but I'm haven't got anywhere thus far. Last night I missed a call from him, but he said on my voicemail that "the CT looked fine and no worries." He is supposed to call me again today. I will definitely as him about the cone as unnecessary at this point. It seems like this is a waste of precious time (when I could be trying to decide which surgery and/or finding a doctor) and an unnecessary proceedure.

As for the Cancer Treatment Centers.....I suspect that insurance will be an issue. My insurance is an HMO and is limited to my surrounding geographical area. It sounds appealing because of their wholistic treatment approach. I'm just afraid of scams that prey on vulnerable people, so I wanted to see if anyone had any experience there.

By glitz
Posted April 21, 2008 at 11:42 pm

My aunt went to the cancer centers of america in oklahoma for breast cancer. From what I got from her if you are heavy religious, into new age medicine and want to be babied by strangers. You have come to the right place. To me a more individual spiritual type. For me that would be time spent in hell. But, it is also like a retreat for cancer patients. So it depends what type of person you are.

By chamomile
Posted April 22, 2008 at 12:54 am

Glitz: That actually sounds kind of good (a change from the normal medical shuffled around feeling that I have at least). Unfortunately, I found out my insurance does NOT cover it b/c it is out-of-network. Thanks.

By irene1
Posted April 22, 2008 at 5:30 am

hi chamomile

I was diagnosed 1b1 cervical cancer adenocarcinoma and have my hysterectomy. Better asked for a 2nd opinion as soon as possible.

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