Posted 3/23/2024 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
I totally understand that it is wise to consider all options to treat diagnosed cancer. Everyone has an opinion and advice and here's mind especially if you're a Veteran. I was diagnosed by VA with Stage 3, G9 High Risk cancer in 2020. I was faced with the decision of what treatment and told not to think too long about that decision either even though appeared to still be localized. As a disabled Veteran all my medical issues are covered gratis, but not all services at VA are top-of-the-line relying way too much on PA's and RN's in place of shortages of actual MDs. I wanted no part of VA treating me with something as serious as cancer so I went the VA Choice route to be treated outside VA. In order for that to be granted VA must not have a treatment procedure the Veteran seeks. In my case, my local VAMC did not offer Brachytherapy as an option so I opted for it and it was granted. I was sent to UT Southwestern-Dallas Radiation Oncology where I received HDR Brachy + 25 add'l EBRT treatments completed on May 29, 2020. I will be four years cancer free come May. If your a Veteran know that if your local VA Hospital does not offer the medical services you personally want you do have options to go elsewhere by simply requesting same provided they do not offer it. Brachytherapy was my ticket and I'm very grateful for continued UTSW monitoring care and results to date. They'll (VA) definitely try to talk you out of going outside their system, but hold your ground when it comes to something as serious as cancer.