Journey Through Cancer Treatment in the USA: A Personal Account

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported my previous blog entry. Your encouragement means so much to me. I’m committed to continuing my record of accompanying my mom in her battle against cancer, detailing our experiences, treatment plans, and emotional journeys through this challenging time.

Choosing the Right Cancer Treatment Facility

As we navigate the complex world of cancer treatment, one critical decision was choosing where to seek care. We opted for MD Anderson Cancer Center, renowned as a leading cancer specialty hospital in the United States. The institution’s reputation for cutting-edge research and treatment methodologies is second to none, making it our preferred choice for a second opinion.

Another fortunate aspect of our situation is that following my mom’s diagnosis, we had the opportunity to switch to a nationwide insurance plan. This allowed us to visit MD Anderson without incurring substantial out-of-pocket costs aside from travel and accommodation expenses. Given the chance to fight for my mom’s life, we were determined to seize it.

Our Experience with MD Anderson

We initiated contact with MD Anderson in mid-March, even before our insurance became active. Despite the insurance status, the team promptly helped us set up my mother’s medical records. They made follow-up calls every couple of days to ensure all departments had accurate information, with everything conveniently documented in the My Chart app. During this period, we inquired about self-pay costs if our insurance didn’t come through, and they estimated around $20,000 for the initial consultation—a price that initially made us hesitate.

Once our new insurance was active, we reestablished contact, and the soonest appointment available was on April 30. The staff maintained constant communication, providing guidance on parking and finding the doctor’s office, alongside conducting phone registration surveys. For first-time patients, valet parking is complimentary, while standard valet service is priced at $20 for a 24-hour period.

The First Appointment

Upon our arrival at the main building, I felt as if I had just stepped into a bustling airport terminal—there were so many people. After entering, volunteers and security personnel quickly approached to ask if we needed directions, ensuring we were guided properly. Understanding that many patients travel from out of state or abroad for treatment, the first day’s schedule was packed. It included consultations with doctors, blood draws, and CT scans, all occurring on the same day in the same building.

Our oncologist, Dr. Dan Zhao, who was extraordinarily compassionate, reviewed the treatment plan, which included four different medications over a period of 4-6 months. If we can manage to control the cancer, radiation therapy may be an option later on. We pressed on the possibility of a cure; unfortunately, the doctor advised that late-stage pancreatic cancer is quite challenging to cure. Genetic testing could reveal targeted medications, but they would still need to be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, rather than as standalone treatments.

The Road Ahead

Currently, the recommendation is to continue with local chemotherapy while awaiting the results of the genetic tests. Should my mom experience discomfort or side effects, we will reach out to clinical trials for potential alternatives. After our extensive day of appointments, it was nearly 8 PM by the time blood was drawn, and the CT scan was completed. Having to fast throughout the day, my mom was exhausted and on the brink of feeling faint from hunger.

We have an appointment tomorrow with the clinical trial team, and I look forward to sharing further updates on our journey.

Final Thoughts

Cancer treatment is undoubtedly a challenging journey, but we are committed to staying positive and exploring all our options. Thank you for following us on this path; your support strengthens our resolve.