Nancy, I'm glad to hear you had a good experience with Kaiser. It raises my hopes. My father was treated there 35 years ago, he had the worst kind of lung cancer. His treatment was fraught with errors and negative outcomes from the word go. He wasn't scheduled for chemo for two months because of a scheduling MISTAKE. My sister and I complained, and lo and behold, they apologized for their mistake and took him in sooner. He couldn't tolerate the chemo, so they sent him home to die, which he did within a couple of months. There was no attempt to find an alternative treatment. But as I said, that was 35 years ago when, to be fair, there may not have been much else. My mother, and my sister's mother and father-in-law were treated at Kaiser for other issues, and none of the three made it. I, myself, belonged during the years the kids were small. I have my own horror stories, but the kids and I were young, had nothing too serious, and we survived. My lifelong experience as a health care consumer makes me think they do not get the cream of the crop, and their type of operation makes it impossible to act quickly. I pray I'm wrong.
Cedars has a special G.I. department for these serious cases that is also a team approach. I'm wondering why only UCLA, USC, and City of Hope are designated. What is the difference that makes it so? It would be good to know. My internist, who I hope to speak to tomorrow, is affiliated with Cedars. I bet if I ask his opinion on a consult, he will recommend them. They only know who they know.
I met people throughout my life who have flown from L.A. to M.D. Anderson in Houston. I would do that in a minute if I thought it would help. I would also go to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix if it's considered best. I will do anything.
Nancy, thanks for your recommendation to the Cancer Support Community. I will call them. I am a great believer in reaching out.
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