came to the CTCA in Tulsa, OK with my sister last night. they flew us both in for her consultation. picked us up at the airport in a limo and provide all transportation for wherever we want/need to go. they have guest rooms available at the center, but they were full, so we're staying at the HILTON across the street!! the NICEST hotel i've EVER stayed in, and we're paying $30 A NIGHT!!

but forget all that stuff, the most amazing thing here is THE PEOPLE!! they are so nice!! the atmosphere is absolutely amazing!! that's the only word i can think of to describe it! they really are centered around the patient here, and it shows! i was expecting a sad atmosphere (i mean, c'mon, people are dying here. or at least, they're dying when they get here) but it's not!! it's happy, and upbeat, and positive, and everyone has just been soooo lovely. the doctors take their time to talk to us, answer any questions we have. they make us feel WELCOME to ask questions! we met with a doc in Nebraska, and i just didn't feel it from him. but here, they're just wonderful. as Jehovah's Witnesses we don't accept blood transfusions, and we usually expect to confront some type of resistance from doctors, but not here!! there has been no problem with that at all. they just asked her preference, and that was it. you won't accept a blood transfusion? not a problem, we won't give you one if that's what you want. it's sooooo refreshing!!! i like it here.

today we met with two doctors to get their recommendation based on all the tests she had done in Nebraska. tomorrow we meet with a naturopathic doctor, and another doctor (i can't remember of what) then she has another test done in the afternoon. she hasn't decided if she's going to have the surgery ( ) but has said that if she goes that route she will definitely have it done here. if she can't get it done right away, they will fly her back for the treatment, and any time she has to come back for treatment they will pay for her plane ticket.

if you know anyone who has cancer, tell them to come here. this place is absolutely amazing. they don't just treat the cancer, they treat the whole patient.

fantasyislander said:

they'll find some treatments she can feel good about.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister - it's tough for everyone when a relative gets ill.

My sister-in-law has just come out of a wonderful hospice at Mount St Vernon in Northwood. They also have very caring staff and a wonderful treatment centre. I think cancer care in Britain is outstanding also. Our National Health Service has its problems but due to charitable funding, cancer care is excellent.

I wish you both well.
xxx

Am pleased to hear your sister is happy with the environment I agree with what Reincanate says, my partner does find his hospital a glumb place though. The cancer ward where he is at is not nice. The people both being treated and providing the care are lovely though.

Love to you all

positive thoughts go a long way towards positive results.

That's so awesome! I'm glad she's looking into the surgery!

applekisses said:

she says she hasn't decided for sure yet. we're meeting with a naturopathic doctor in 20 minutes. if she says that heather needs surgery i think she'll decide for it too. then, hopefully, she'll have some natural remedies to help her deal with the side effects and hypothyroidism, etc.

but still, she seems to be leaning more towards the surgery! yesterday was the FOURTH doctor to tell her to get it out, and the second doc from here, where they look at other options as well! plus, the surgeon said it is in BOTH lobes, so it's even more important to take it out.

Sounds good, hun.

HamsterHuey said:

thanks!

jerseykrs said:

btw, thanks for the cd/playlist. i'm listening to it now!

I've had a friend remove her breasts due to cancer. She got them back last Christmas (well, she got a new pair at least), but it was truamatizing for me to watch this upbeat woman go through cancer. It was upsetting.

She beat it, and is back to her old self, but it took 2 years of bouncing back. If we were closer friends or if she was family I'm sure I'd be an emotional wreck as I tend to take feel my closests friend's fears and emotions for them.

fantasyislander said:

I think she'll make the right choice Plus, it's so awesome that they're adhering to your relgious beliefs Hang in there!

dont forget to steal a robe for me..

Environment is everything!

I do hope your sister chooses the surgery.. Get that disease out of her body..

Good Luck, and happy thoughts!

thoughts and prayers for your sister...

and for your sis and you, FI!

A positive environment can really make a huge difference. My mother-in-law beat breast cancer last year, and I really think it had a lot to do with the positive vibes from everyone, coupled with great medical care and a whole buncha prayer!

that's great!

I'm sending positive energy over to you and your sis.

xxoo
M

I have seen the commericals for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America- I told my aunt about it when she was diagnosed with her lung cancer. I need to check back with her to see if she ever called or contacted anyone there. She lives in Delaware- I need to check into this for her.. Before it is too late.


I wish you and your family all of the best care during these trying times. I am glad she has a place to go that can help her..

jerseykrs said:

oh hell to the yeah jers!

i am so glad to hear you are having a positive experience so far... i want to dance a little happy jig right about now!!

big hugs to you fantasy!

my sister has decided to go ahead with the surgery.

she knows she has to have it done. only now we're finding out there may be some issues with the hospital here being covered under her health insurance.

is this ever going to go easy?

Yay.
Best to find out about the insurance now rather than later. Hopefully the hospital there can help guide her to a quality facility if they aren't able to perform the surgery.
Oh, and I checked the manual....can't find anything about it ever going easy.
Hang in there sweetie and give sis a hug for us.

Well, they have to have a positive guise at someplace like that. It will help the cancer patients heal better. Positive enforcement is what licks ailments, even chronic ones.

fantasyislander said:

Samaar said:

she can still get it done here, just gotta pay more.

sending good thoughts and prayers your way girl.....

This is great news!!!