Cancer Treatment Centers Of America Keep You On The Road To Life

When the words “You have cancer” first enter your life, the world around you ceases to exist and everything stops in time.  Your first thoughts are  “Why me? But what about my kids?” You try to ignore it, hoping it’s all a nightmare, but all too quickly you find out the nightmare is real.  And then later on, when you find that this grim reaper is trying to claim your child, from deep within comes the courage and determination that it takes to fight for not just you and your child, but the future that is yet to come.  Not today, cancer- not today.

 In our family we’ve quickly learned that cancer is not the end of the road as it first appears to be but merely a detour in the journey of life with maybe a few more obstacles thrown into your path, but nothing you can’t handle because truthfully, we have way too much living to do.  To quote one of my all time favorite movie lines, when it comes to cancer “Never tell me the odds!”  The fight may be real, but you thankfully it is one that you do not have to fight alone thanks to Cancer Treatment Centers of America^®  Since 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® has been helping patients win the fight against cancer using advanced technology and a personalized approach.  Their national network of fully accredited cancer hospitals earned Full Standards Compliance from the Joint Commission, as well as recognition for delivering high-quality care and exceeding patient safety standards from numerous renowned healthcare organizations, such as the Association of Community Cancer Centers and the American College of Radiology. Each hospital provides state-of-the-art cancer treatment by a dedicated team of oncologists, surgeons and other health experts. But the best part is that they are truly patient-centered in their approach knowing that you are part of the process and each and every patient is different. They offer a welcoming environment, where patients and their family members can find comprehensive cancer care under one roof and whether you find your way to them at the beginning of your fight against cancer, or turn to them as a last resort, the people at Cancer Treatment Centers of America^®  don’t care about the odds-they care about helping you to beat the odds and more. 

What Makes What makes Cancer Treatment Centers of America different?

• There are a number of great facilities available
• Your cancer isn’t like anyone else’s—and neither should your treatment be. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® (CTCA), we use leading technology to aggressively treat cancer. We also support you with nutrition and other therapies, because we know that managing the side effects of cancer treatment is half the battle.
• Nearly 70 percent of CTCA patients travel to one of our hospitals from another state. Why?

o   Their physicians have expertise in treating many forms of cancer, including complex and advanced-stage diseases. Our hospitals offer advanced technologies and tools to fight cancer combined with integrative oncology services to improve quality of life—all under one roof. Our patients receive an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan from a team of cancer experts.

o   Their care teams put you at the center of your treatment, so you and your family can focus on healing. We call it Patient Empowered Care® and it helps get you get care quickly and conveniently, and decreases the stress of scheduling multiple appointments and ensuring your doctors are communicating about your care. You get all of your information and questions answered in a single setting. And your team communicates about your treatment plan throughout the appointment.

o   They believe treatment should be for your whole-body, which is why we combine our cutting-edge traditional treatments with integrative services such as nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management, mind-body medicine, spiritual support and many more services. Your team helps you stay strong, boost your immune system, combat side effects and maintain your well-being.

o   From the moment you them,  they do all they can to ensure your treatment is as convenient and stress-free as possible. Their experienced team takes care of every detail of your visit, from gathering your medical records to scheduling your appointments to booking your travel and lodging.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month-Give The Gift Of Heart-Give The Gift Of Life For You and Your Family For Valentine’s Day

If your like thousands of us, the thought of undergoing a mammogram may not be at the top of your list of things to do, or on your list at all but what if by doing it you knew that you could save your own life and be there to see many more Valentine’s Days to come? Or better yet, pick up the phone and offer to go with your mother, or daughter or friend or loved one and get mammograms together and then afterwards you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with the knowledge that you have given both of you the chance for many more to come because in the war against cancer, it’s all about early detection. If you’re confused about when to begin getting mammograms, you’re not alone. In recent years, there’s been a great deal of debate in the medical community over when women should begin routine mammograms, as well as the appropriate screening test.

• In 2015 the recommended guidelines not only changed again, but differed depending on the organization. Susan. G. Komen recently created a graph to help outline the differing guidelines:

• David Boyd, Director of Wellness, Prevention and Primary Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center notes, “There are a number of factors that go into deciding when a woman should start screening for breast cancer, including family history and current lifestyle choices. However, it is critical that these conversations start happening so that women can be armed with the information they need to live a healthy lifestyle that may prevent cancer or take steps that might catch it in an early stage.”
• It is also critical to understand the types of screening tests available and how and when to choose the right one.
  • Physical Exam: Annual exam is recommended by most physicians. Speak with yours.
  • Mammogram: Typically done between the ages of 40-74, perhaps sooner based on personal and family history. 3D mammography is a new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. This highly sensitive imaging tool provides individual images of thin layers of breast tissue, which produce much clearer images as compared to two-dimensional (2D) mammography.
  • Needle Aspiration: Also known as a fine needle aspiration, a way of obtaining tissue for biopsy if needed.
  • Biopsy: Usually a wider needle to obtain more tissue. “Tissue is the issue” to make a diagnosis!
  • Below is a graph that shows the general process of testing if a lump is found:

Keep in mind

• According to ACS, approximately 90 percent of women who are 40 and older and find and treat their breast cancer are cancer-free after five years.
• Women who have a mother, sister or daughter who have or have had breast cancer are almost twice as likely to develop the disease.
• There are several risk factors for breast cancer. Be sure to discuss your risks for the disease with your doctor. If you are under 50, ask your doctor when you should start to have mammograms.
• Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer should come up with a comprehensive cancer screening plan with their doctor. For example, women who have a family history of breast cancer should discuss having a genetic test to determine if they have mutations to their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which increase their risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.
• Here is an infographic that illustrates “What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Cancer” : http://www.cancercenter.com/~/media/Images/Others/Misc/Breast-Cancer-infographic-11-19-14.jpg

Each day thousands of people hear the words “You have cancer.”  But take it from us, there’s people out there to help you navigate the journey and get you back on the road to a healthy and happy life. Thanks to Cancer Treatment Centers of America® it’s good to know that there’s people there to make sure that you are never alone. If you woke up today, take the time to celebrate life because at the end of the day, there truly is so much to be thankful for, when you take the time to look.  And if some days are a little more difficult than others, isn’t it good to know that you are not alone –Cancer Treatment Centers of America® are there to help see you through this day, and many, many more days to come. 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America and MomSelect but all thoughts and opinions are my own.