mcwgoat

Hi Jayne,

When I was first diagnosed in August 2011 it was with adenocarcinoma unknown primary. I was re-diagnosed with CC this past February. They said the tumor was originally so small in my liver that it didn’t show up on CT, PET or MRI until it got larger this past February. I started treatment in October 2011 with Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC and have stayed with them since then. However, when I was first diagnosed, in August 2011, I did receive two other opinions in addition to Sloan. One was Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. I know a lot of people are skeptical about CTCA. I was too but decided to try them out. They were very kind and accommodating for me. They usually request you stay for three days for evaluation. I had an appt with Sloan on the third day and did not want to cancel it so CTCA accommodated me by scheduling all the testing and appts in two days. It was very hectic for me but worth it so I didn’t lose my Sloan appt. the hotel they had me stay at worked with them and we only paid $75 to stay there. Also, when I spoke with the financial person at CTCA, I was assured they took my insurance and there would be minimal expenses for me other than the normal deductibles for my insurance. I was also told if the expenses were too much for me they would work with me. My total out of pocket was under $400 and I was able to pay that on my own but I believe they were sincere in helping me with it if necessary.

On to the real important info. They performed extensive testing on me. On the end of the second day, I met with appropriate doctors regarding each testing and results given to me. They gave me the same diagnosis as the first doctor I went to which was a local cancer medical center in my area. And then when I had my appt with Sloan I also received the same diagnosis. So CTCA was accurate with my diagnosis. The reason I didn’t choose them for treatment was twofold. I was nervous because they weren’t so well known and I had heard they were in it for profit. Honestly, aren’t all hospital profiting from the illness of people? My second reason was because it was far from my home and I worried about travel to/from home to CTCA for treatment. If I decided to stay at the hotel during treatment then I wouldn’t be able to see family and friends. I feel it is so important to be near to those close to you when going through a difficult disease and I knew I would be depressed and feeling lonely far away from home. So I went with Sloan and as I said I am still there being treated.

Hope this gives you some insight to CTCA.

Wishing you and Ken the best in fighting this terrible disease.

Peace & Love,
Mary

Hi Pam,

I haven’t posted in quite some time because I am going through a very difficult time. But when I read your post I felt the need to respond. I think about you and Lauren every day and how difficult this time must be for you. I lost my son to cancer back in 1989. We spent two years doing everything we could to help him survive even though the odds were against us. At the end I felt that we did all we could and that left us with some peace. You and Lauren did all you could and took all the chances possible for survival and I hope that can leave you with some peace.

Take your time and grieve your sweet, beautiful Lauren. I didn’t know her personally but through all your posts I felt like I did and I felt a closeness to both of you that was so personal to me that it surprised me. You made Lauren come alive in your posts and I rooted for her everyday!

Take care of yourself Pam. Be kind and gentle with yourself. There will be a time when the good times with Lauren will outweigh the sadness but that takes time – give it time and know that we are all thinking of you.

Peace & Hugs,
Mary

Dear Pam,

I don’t even know what to say to you at this time. Lauren did fight and you and the family were fighting right along side her. Please accept my most sincere condolences and know that I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

Love, Hugs & Peace,
Mary

Hi Pam,

Thanks for keeping us updated. Lauren, you and your family continue to be in my prayers. The ups and downs must be so difficult for all of you. I will pray, as time goes on, there will be more ups then downs.

Take care of yourself and tell Lauren there are tons and tons of people praying for her!!!

Hugs & Love,
Mary

Pam,

Please know Lauren is always in my thoughts and prayers, as are you and your family. I’m glad you got to sleep in a real bed last night. I know it must have been so hard for you to leave Lauren but I hope you were able to get a decent night’s sleep. I know it’s a long road to recovery for Lauren, but the little steps you saw on Friday are all good signs. I will pray that it continues that way.

Stay strong.

Peace, Love & Hugs,
Mary

Anna,

I am so sorry that this terrible disease took your mother from you. It sounds like she went peacefully and that should bring you some comfort. Take care of yourself during this grieving time and know that you are surrounded by your mother’s love.

Peace & hugs,
Mary

Lisa,

Thanks for posting the link with Pam’s updated blog.

Pam,

I think about you guys every day – many times a day. Difficult doesn’t even begin to describe what you are going through. I feel your pain in your blog and wish there was something I could do. I will continue to pray for Lauren and ask God to bring her back to you so you can hear her voice and see her beautiful smile again. Tell Lauren so many people are praying for her.

Please take care of yourself Pam. I’m glad more of the family will be with you this weekend. Lots of noise in Lauren’s room – that will wake her up!!!

Peace, Love & Hugs,
Mary