Following Up from a Distance
In 2006, Michael Burton underwent a routine physical and chest X-ray as a medical precaution for his job at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. His X-ray revealed several suspicious spots on his lungs. Two weeks later, after consulting with his primary physician, Michael was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.
As he broke the news to his family, Michael's cousin told him about a place in Illinois-Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Ill.-that had an integrated, whole-person approach to cancer treatment. His cousin, Gregory, worked at the center and was confident in the hospital's care model.
During the next two years, Michael made dozens of trips from Hawaii to Illinois to seek treatment, including a five-month stay for chemotherapy, away from his wife and daughter. "That was the hardest part-being away from my family," he said.
After 18 months of treatment, Michael received news that he was officially in remission. "I traveled for so long," he said, "but it was well worth it. I received premium care at the hospital, and I'll continue to seek treatment there, even though it's so far away."
Michael is now in a maintenance mode and only travels to Illinois periodically. He has routine blood tests done at the local Veterans Affairs Hospital, and they fax the results to his care manager in Illinois.
"My care manager is my contact person for everything," he explained. "Whatever needs to be done, she takes care of it." Through the CTCA After Care program, Michael can get help whenever he needs it to manage the medical and non-medical aspects of his care, including medications, side effects, and pain, as well as nutritional, physical, and emotional support.
"Whatever I need, they are there for me," Michael said. "Even if 'there' is 4,000 miles in between."