How much?

@infodemers
Welcome to Mayo Connect. The members of the this group are here for support and advice. Cost is always going to depend on the patient and what is needed.

For information on appointments for Canadian residents, you can contact a patient advocate for Canadian residents, see https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/international/locations/canada

What type of surgery are your providers recommending?

My oncologist does not recommend a surgery because my proscatic cancer has spread to liver, lung and hip. I am 58 years old and before my diagnostic 6 months ago , I was training 5 days a week, running and body building. I haven't drank alcohol for the last 26 years and I haven't smoked for the last 23 years. After 6 months with that diagnostic, I am not feeling worst. I keep my weight of 180 pounds. I dont have strong side effects. I can easily do my day to day things and I try to run 2-3 times a week. I thought I could get the whipple surgery but she says it is a tough one and it is not worth it. What I am getting she says is a palliative chemotherapy. I may be able to get a radiotherapy or another type of chemotherapy and that is about it. I am a fighter and I am not about to give up. I want to be surrounded by people who see other opportunity. I am willing to try any new treatments that are available.

@infodemers We aren't medical professionals here on Mayo Clinic Connect. We do provide emotional support and recommendations for one another. We also do not have information on costs at Mayo Clinic.

Your interest and motivation in keeping yourself healthy is certainly a huge plus factor. In my experience I have entered into medical care such as surgery with my proactive approach to my own health and it has made the recovery process more facile. For instance, when I unknowingly fractured my sacrum a few years ago and learned about the fracture through a CT scan as part of my cancer surveillance appointment I wanted to follow up on the fracture. The physical therapist I saw at Mayo Clinic told me that he did not expect to see me walking into the exam room or moving around so easily. He said that at my age (71 years old at the time) and the fracture he usually sees people with a lot of pain and disability. My experience is a Mayo Clinic Connect way of supporting of letting you know that your efforts in good health and willingness to try new treatments will serve you well. If I were you I'd want another opinion on options for treatment. Maybe there is a research clinical trial available?

Will your oncologist in Canada refer you to Mayo Clinic? You can self refer but a physician referral is a good method for getting in at Mayo Clinic.

Where are you located? Is there a possibility of going to another cancer center in your province or can your oncologist refer you to a different province?

Hi Helen,

I will verify with my oncologist or research clinic like you mention and from there see.

Thanks!