Chris Schlabach

<< All Prostate Cancer Survivors

I found something special at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and it just wasn't a team of exceptionally knowledgeable, skilled, caring professionals. I also met a wonderful woman who has become a very important part of my life. While I could go on and on about her, let me tell you how CTCA changed my life. CTCA is a facility complete with the technology and systems in place to support its health care professionals. It is a hospital that doesn't look or feel like a hospital. It is warm and inviting unlike other hospitals that feel cold and sterile.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June, 2005. Unfortunately, this was not my first experience with cancer. I lost my wife to cancer in 2001. I saw firsthand what can happen when a patient is told there is no hope. One evening a psychiatrist visited her in the hospital against my wishes. He told her she was going to die. That evening she needed to be placed on a ventilator. I also saw firsthand what happens when a physician attempts to practice beyond his area of expertise. Neither of these things happens at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

My last physical examination was two years before my diagnosis. My PSA level at that time was normal. At the time of my diagnosis, my PSA was elevated and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Fortunately, the cancer was still in its early stages and was totally contained within the prostate.

A friend of mine told me about CTCA's Midwestern Regional Medical Center. I then thoroughly researched all of the treatment options and I learned that CTCA offered TomoTherapy^®. I was advised that the radiation equipment was the newest and best worldwide. What really made the difference for me was the process by which CTCA selected its medical staff and the seriousness with which it took its commitment to retain only the best practitioners. That selection and detailed interview process resulted in their retention of Dr. Eden.

Dr. Eden provided me with several options in terms of radiation therapy. Each option was presented clearly with full discussion of risks and benefits. He offered me choices and gave clear explanations of each choice so I could make an informed decision. When I decided on the course of action to pursue, Dr Eden said that I chose the option that he would have chosen for himself. Sometimes you know when a doctor is just saying that but in my field of work, you have to know how to read people. He meant what he said. Dr. Eden has never said anything he doesn't mean or doesn't believe.

I am an ordained minister. I have devoted my life to counseling and teaching others. I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. I was also a strong believer in naturopathic medicine prior to my diagnosis and the benefits of mineral and vitamin supplementation. However, what I was looking for was a cancer facility that not only had a similar mindset on alternative therapies but one that offered the advanced radiation technology that I also required.

During the course of my radiation therapy, I was seen by the naturopaths. We discussed appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements and other treatments to complement the radiation therapy. Nutritional counseling was also provided. Mind-body therapy and spiritual support were also made available. Every day after my treatment, I would walk down to the beach and walk two miles in the sand. I had little, if any, fatigue which I attribute to CTCA's whole mind-body philosophy.

As a minister, I have had the opportunity to visit individuals who have faced various health challenges. I have observed caring and not-so-caring health care professionals. As a patient myself, I have formed opinions. At CTCA, you will never find anything but awesome, caring intelligent providers. CTCA puts thought and effort to ensure that they hire only the best employees. Staff members consistently demonstrate they are interested in you as a person, not as another statistic.

They go the extra mile. I particularly remember one occasion when I had an appointment with the naturopathic doctor, Julie Martin, N.D., on a Saturday. When I was unable to make that appointment, she met with me the following day, even though it was Sunday, her scheduled day off. That is the type of commitment that distinguishes these providers from so many others.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America also recognizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. They work to minimize stress, bitterness and depression to better allow your immune system to fight. They treat all of you, not one isolated part of you. They do this with love and skill and all under one roof! I don't know what else you can ask of a facility and yet, they are always looking for ways to make things even better. This is one option for your care that you should not overlook.