Rhonda
Glad you had a fun time in Toronto (I live here so probably forget how neat a city it is). I am 4 subway stop ride from all the university avenue hospitals.
I will agree with Marianne - however, may be a bit more abrupt, while not perfect, I have no doubts that I can get some of the very best medical treatment in Toronto. The bashing on this site that goes on against the Cdn system is quite horrible - yes you have to wait, but most of us have NON CRITICAL medical issues.
I have no need to go outside of this country to pay for medical care. I have seen specialists with only a a few weeks wait at TGH (big octology centre with Dr. Rutka), the gamma knife centre (Toronto Western not PRINCESS MARGARET ... they wouldn't know much about CK or Gamma knife if they don't use it) and the neurosurgeons at Toronto Western. I mightn't always like their bedside manner, but have no doubts they will treat me well. I have the money to go to the US for treatment without even consulting the bank but why would I when I can get it all here, world class, and for free! [will admit I pay big taxes for this privilege - I also live in Toronto, and can show up at most hospitals for an appointment with just 30 minutes warning if I was sufficiently motivated)
Alberta the 'waste land' ... in defence, both of my parents are cancer survivors. My father had prostate cancer (removed 2 year ago) and my mother had breast cancer (double mastectomy just over a year ago). All with tremendously wonderful doctors in ALBERTA no less (they live in Calgary). They can easily afford US care, but again, why go when it is all here, world class - lots of times Cdn doctors train/educate in the US but don't want to deal with that system (law suits, insurance domains, denial of care if no insurance etc). My father's surgery was six weeks after diagnosis with a huge name in prostate cancer (can't remember the specialty). My mother's wait was a bit longer - about 2.5 months so she could enjoy her month long cruise in Europe prior to treatment. She linked up with all kinds of alberta healthcare sponsorsed support groupds (remember all free) and is doing very very well 12 months later. The doctors were fantastically flexible and available. Canada ain't perfect - my mom should have pursued a $3000 test in the US to determine oncotype of the cancer to avoid chemo (she chose not to, against her kids and husband's advice ... we still think a very odd personal decision). The oncotype isn't covered in Canada, and SHOULD BE covered.
So, I think we need to tune down the negativity about the Canadian system here, or at least allow people like me to preach how wonderful the system had treated them (and their families - cancer survivors, four kids, etc I have been all over this city seeing various different specialists).
Rhonda - I hope you don't get too discouraged. I hope you find the right doctors (they are out there - but don't expect warm and cuddly, I still struggle with that factor) who can tell you about the treatment for your type of tumor (it isn't an AN so the 3 cm limit mightn't apply, the gamma knife in Toronto principally treats malignant tumors in all kinds of different locations - perhaps a vagus (
get that right) schwannoma might be something they can provide you guidance. ) Don't get discouraged when you speak to a specialist not in the gamma knife or CK field - doctors can't be expected to know all specialize treatments, and will definitely not offer opinions) [However, maybe you have already been there and they said they can't treat it - not sure I have read all your posts. If so, out of coutnry CK treatment, if recommended, should be easy to obtain - before GK was available and WITH A HISTORY, very important if you are thinking about CK, Ontario paid for many to go to Pittsburg GK.]
My computer won't allow me type any more.
Good luck - remember CAnada is great.
Ann
