Additional Amenities

I have to admit that when Carroll and I first came here we were skeptical. The claims seemed like marketing hype - just too good to be true. However, as each day passes I am becoming more and more convinced that CTCA actually lives up to the advertising. Everything here is first rate.

Even before you get to the center, they are on the job. They handled getting together all my medical records, scans, lab work, mammograms etc. going all the way back to my first diagnosis of cancer in 1998. That was a MAJOR burden that I didn't have to deal with.

The transportation is all taken care of. A driver meets you at the airport and makes sure your arrival at the Tulsa airport and your check in to the center is stress free. We are staying off-site at the Raddison, so a shuttle is provided every 30 minutes to take you to the center. If the shuttle doesn't fit into your schedule, they will send a private car. They also provide free transportation to the movie theaters, restaurants, church, and shopping (including Whole Foods). Every day they have outings scheduled to different points of interest in Tulsa. So far I have been too busy with my scheduled evaluations, but if I stay, it will be interesting to visit the museums.

CTCA believes that patient education is an important part of the treatment plan. Every day there are lectures you can attend on topics such as nutrition and the immune system, handling the stress of cancer, imagery and visualization, humor as part of cancer treatment, and naturopathic medicine. CTCA also provides support groups for patients and caregivers.

The center provides live music throughout the day to help the patients relax. There is a grand piano in the main hall, and other pianos are located throughout the building. The patients are invited to use the pianos as part of their therapy.

But the greatest thing is that the only thing CTCA does is treat cancer patients. I feel like I have a built-in support group. It is fantastic to be around folks who are going through the same experience as I am. And if people are willing to travel away from home for treatment, they are hopeful, not just coming here to die. It is a very upbeat group.

Being here is like being at a cancer spa - and the cost is no more than conventional treatment in your hometown. Instead of focusing just on radiation or chemo, their goal is to treat the entire patient.