Really, any of the options for treating cancer are never on our list of top 10 things to do. Treating a lymphatic cancer systemically with chemo or locally with radiation will have an impact. There are some larger facilities which have the capability of proton beam radiation treatments. The advantage being more precise with a reduction in long and short term side effects.
If you want a second opinion it sounds as though you have time with the cancer being stable. I can feel you’re just not sure with how to proceed so maybe it would ease your mind visiting Mayo or Northwestern for a consult.
Here’s that link for Mayo again. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
As for a second opinion for my trip through cancer land, I didn’t have an option with my AML treatment. It was hospitalization within an hour of diagnosis. I’m so fortunate with my cancer team at home as they’re the clinic I would have chosen anyway, so that was a relief.
Transplant phase, I had a choice of 4 clinics within ‘reach’, being Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Mayo.-Rochester. It was a no-brainer as far as my husband and I were concerned. Even though it was further away, Mayo was our first choice. After meeting with my assigned doctor in the BMT transplant department in Rochester, we both knew this was the doctor and team who would give me a second chance at life. We never looked back. Best decision we ever made. The compassion and quality of care, the braintrust of the staff, and the sense of hope at Mayo, made it an easy decision. Yes, I’m biased. ☺️
You have a great support team with your wife, sister and dad. This is a big decision so I’m glad you’re not going through this alone.
If you go ahead with your treatments in Thailand, is this through an infusion center as an outpatient or will you be admitted to the hospital?
Your experience at Mayo sounded really great! "The compassion and quality of care, the braintrust of the staff, and the sense of hope" is what I am in need of right now!!
If I stay and get treated in Thailand, it is through Bumrungrad International Hospital, and I would be admitted for 2 days during each treatment, and if feeling okay, then allowed to return home until the next treatment 4 weeks later.