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11/10/2006: "Alta Bates Comprehensive Cancer Center"

I knew it was the right decision to switch my care over to Alta Bates when, as I pulled up, the valet came out to take my car. This is the Alta Bates Comprehensive Cancer Center in Berkeley on Dwight and Shattuck. It is a bustling place but clean and professional. What impressed me initially is their use of technology. All scheduling is done on a computer system and when I checked in for my appointment, they handed me a pager like they use in some restaurants. My new doctor, Dr. Martha Tracy is a casually dressed older lady but very sharp and forward thinking. She specializes in bone marrow and stem cell transplant work. When she heard I was going to Germany to try the Dendritic Cell Therapy, she was excited and wanted to know more about the process. Quite a contrast to what I have been used to.

Dr. Tracy ordered several baseline blood tests and recommended a flu shot. Both were expedited and taken care of across the hall. She also thought I should consider acupuncture for my nerve pain. There is great doctor at the center who has been certified in both China and in the US. I have been called twice now as a follow up to schedule various appointments. One call was from the Nutritionist. The doctor thought I might want to meet with her to go over my diet.

I can drop by the center any Monday from 1 – 4pm for massage therapy. Tuesdays is Stress Reduction Group and Thursdays includes Healing Yoga, Jin Shin Jyutsu and Guided Imagery. All days of the week offer a support group of some kind. And all treatments and drop-in services are covered by my insurance, which the Financial Counselor told me was one of the best plans she has seen.

My new doctor was not in a rush to get me back into chemotherapy. She was impressed with my summer exercise and didn’t feel like the work accelerated my cancer. Looking over the latest PET scan she felt like the tumors, though present, are not too big. Since my current anti-inflammatory drug seems to be helping with the pain, we both agreed that the neck tumor is inflamed from the radiation and should not be a permanent issue.

I like this place.

Replies: 5 Comments

on Monday, November 13th, Cindy said

I'm so glad to read you feel optimistic about your new doctor--that will make such a huge difference for yo--to feel you are fighting this as a team. And it sounds like you are part of a great team. Keep posting.

on Saturday, November 11th, Millie said

Glad you are happy with your doctor and hospital. That is very important!

on Saturday, November 11th, Janet said

Wow Doug....this sounds like heaven to me. What a wonderful place. I too am hearing the optimism through your blog. Your happiness has been transmitted through this amazing electronic mail. Janet

on Saturday, November 11th, Dave said

Your last comment raqng a bell .i.e.-"I like this place . " I reckon so ! ! May the Lord make His face shine on you and the Dr.

on Saturday, November 11th, Mia said

I'm glad that you found a treatment facility and a doctor that is more aligned with the type of care you're looking for. It's nice to hear you once again optimistic!