5. Medical Resources
Finding a doctor who specializes in cancer care and choosing a treatment facility are essential steps in any patient’s recovery program. One good place to start is with the 63 cancer centers that the National Cancer Institute recognizes for “scientific excellence and the capability to integrate a diversity of research approaches” (http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers).
You can also check whether the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (www.facs.org/cancerprogram) approves of a given program. Some of the things to look for in a cancer center include a low mortality index, a high ratio of nurses to patients and opportunities to participate in clinical trials. For more tips, see www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/doctor-facility. Here is a selection of some of the most respected cancer treatment centers around the country:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston
866-408-DFCI
www.dfci.harvard.edu
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York City
212-639-2000
www.mskcc.org
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Baltimore
410-502-1033
www.hopkinshospital.org/health_info/Cancer/index.html
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
215-590-1000
www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/service.jsp?id=26696
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Durham, N.C.
888-ASK-DUKE
www.cancer.duke.edu
University of Texas M. D. Anderson
Cancer Center
Houston
877-MDA-6789
www.mdanderson.org
University of Chicago Medical Center
888-UCH-0200
www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/cancer
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minn.
(facilities also in Arizona and Florida)
507-284-2511
www.mayoclinic.org/cancer-treatment
University of Washington Medical Center
Seattle
206-598-4100
http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/PatientCare/MedicalSpecialties/SpecialtyCare/UWMEDICALCENTER/Cancer
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles
800-UCLA-MD1
www.uclahealth.org
6. The 411 on Health Insurance
Worried that your health insurance won’t cover your treatment? Wondering if you’re entitled to disability benefits? These Web sites may help:
www.healthinsuranceinfo.net
www.patientadvocate.org
www.patient.cancerconsultants.com
http://cancerguide.org/disability.html
www.thedisabilityexpert.com
www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability
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5 Comments
Add CommentI had nasal cancer in 1993. I survived. Two of my medical practitioner friends did not, one died at the young age of 35, the other at 61.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNine days of chemotherapy followed by seven weeks of radiotherapy reduced me to skeleton. My teeth became brittle and I had little saliva. The palate and tongue cracked, and it was almost impossible to chew any food.
Cancer is still one of the most dreadful killers. While there have been great improvements in the cure of the disease, the success rate leaves much to be desired (especially those in the near terminal cases). Just pray that the day when better drug and treatment will be available to everyone is not far away.
This article on Living with Cancer is well documented. It is a must-read for all. My sincere thanks to SciAm. (Tan Boon Tee)
Hi My name is Callie Broussard-Wheeler, I found Kris Carr when she had just begun and I had just overcome bone cancer and was working on Lung and Lymph Node Cancer her approach to her film, her life experience supercharged me to change everything about my diet, to become a living foods specialist, and to move daily. My attitude was impowered and today I can work for other cancer survicors thru Basicmissions.com to help them thru thier journey. I can truely say if you have cancer and have not taken the time to read this book see the cd and then read the book recommendation list.. you should. Your life will begin to heal and you will take back a little of the control that cancer takes from you. Kris is a fresh mind and brillant soul tackling a problem with grace and she is giving all of us the information to live a better life. So jump into the cancer crowd and take control back. Come to her site and she what is is like to get answers to small and large question and see your spirit sour as you realize that although cancer can be one of the most isolating diseases because of the sheer magnitude of change it does to your life that you are not alone anymore and you are a Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor. I give her the props for saving my life and how can you do better than that. Callie
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMeditation puts the body and mind system in a state of deep rest helping cope up with the disease and side effects of medication.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFree guided meditation can be tried at:
http://www.clicktomeditate.com
To get relief from stress you can do following guided meditation:
http://www.clicktomeditate.com/slow_down_and_relax.html
I am a cancer survivor and feel great. Let me suggest the "Cancer Fighter" a wonderful salad that has all natural ingredients proven to be helpful. See: http://www.bootheglobalperspectives.com or if you just want to see the video, see:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV3C68ozzAM It is free. Our gift to you. The best thing you can do is eat right, the next best thing is be focused and at peace.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThank you for this information. My father was just diagnosed with cancer and it is definitely unknown territory. This information is definitely helpful. We found a <a href="http://www.patientadvocategroup.com">patient advocate</a> and now are going from there.
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