How far do you go for treatment

HapB
HapB Member Posts: 527
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi. I know we come from all parts of the country and I am trying to decide whether to get a doctor closer to home than an hour and a half away.  How far do you go for your treatment in miles?  I know it would be easier for family to have treatments at a local, but less than reputable, hospital.

Comments

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #2
    Hap

    We drove 4 hours for my son's treatment and would stay months at a time.  This was a 3 yr. ordeal.  Only once durnig the basic chemo  the doc's would work with a local for infusion.  That was only one time though.  We were fortunate to stay free of charge in a beautiful place donated by Eli Lily foundation for cancer patients who where going through intense and long term chemo and stem cell treatments.  That was back in 2001. 

    My docs are an hour away and I am forutuante enough they have cancer clinic in my town they staff and run.  I know this is a blessing.

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #3
    Traveling for Treatment

    I feel very fortunate in that all my surgeons, oncologists, imaging facilities, labs, etc were within 7 miles of home. I would have been willing to travel 50 miles or about an hour if I felt more specialized care was needed. I think it all depends on the availability  of your family/caregivers, traffic issues, weather, and whether the care you require is available closer to home. It also makes a difference how frequently  the traveling must take place. It is wonderful when living accommodations are provided by the hospital or pharmaceutical companies  as Annie mentioned in her post. Maybe that is something that is worth some investigation. Hope all goes well for you.

    IRENE 

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #4
    Mayo

    The Mayo Hospital is 80 miles from my house,  so about a 1.5 hour drive.  My local facility is about 30 minutes from my house.  I too have considered staying local,  but feel like I'll get better care at Mayo. Plus,  i connect with the cancer society and it sounds like there are volunteers available to take me to my appointments/treatments if I need it.  

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #5
    Distance and drivers

    my hospital is 60 miles away from my home. Does the cancer society have drivers that are willing to drive that far. my appointments have been lasting about 4-5 hours so far. That is a long day cor me to ask someone to wait for me. I sure wish I could drive myself, but they give Benadryl in the drip, which makes it impossible. 

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #6
    I would call them.  I think

    I would call them.  I think they will be willing to drive you back and forth.  They have a ton of volunteers, you it may not be the same person each time,  but I'm not sure.  From what I gathered most of the volunteers are survivors or caretakers of survivors, so they are aware of the time commitment 

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #7
    Getting to Treatment Site

    You should look into the American Cancer Society's program called Road to Recovery. You can find out by zip code whether this ride program services your area. I hope it does. It would make things easier for you. Perhaps you belong to a church or community organization where people are willing to donate their time (and vehicle) for a good cause? 

    IRENE 

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #8
    Sticking with the best hospital

    I had a talk with my family and I am sticking with the best hospital. I would just never rest easy otherwise. 

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #9
    my BC was 2008 and i went on

    my BC was 2008 and i went on my lunch hour-about 10 mins away from work-guesing 7-8 miles. IF from home 12 miles or so...

    Denise

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