On 4/19/2008
DeniseB wrote:
On 4/18/2008
Ralph4 wrote:
On 4/18/2008
DeniseB wrote:
Well said Ralph. This is my understanding also. I'm going to see an expert on proton radiation and tomo next week. I'll try to discern info on that option too and bring it back to the group. But like Ralph said--ask your docs too.
Being that Ga does not have tomo--I'm just wondring "why" if it is the going thing. There are some references to helical tomo with on board scans---wonder if TomoHi-Art is just a brand name for equipment that may be around---like "kleenex" for "tissue paper"
DeniseB
Glad to be of help Denise. If possible would like to know what you find out about proton radiation. This is an area I have not ventured into yet
As for the Tomo-Therapy Hi Art designation which stands for "Highly Integrated Adaptive Radio Therapy" I believe refers to the systems highly sophisticated computer software. This is where the on-board CT scanner determins the exact position of the tumor, processes this data indicating to the radiation technologist the necessary correction factors that need to be inputed for accurate positioning and alignment. At least this is what I observed while undergoing treatment. I always try to be very observant--who knows you might learn something useful.
As for the state of Georgia not only do they not have the latest in medical imaging equipment the state does not want any new hospitals. In fact there is a web site in reference to this situation.
Ralph4
Hey Ralph,
Please forward the web site concerning new hospitals, I am a RN living in Atlanta area and would love to read it. Also, I'd like to know where they are going to get nurses to staff--nationally we have a horrible nursing shortage. The root of that problem is lack of nursing teachers. There are wait lists to get into nursing school.....
Emory does have "on board scanning" but I was not able to hook up with a radiologist quickly to discuss if this is an equivelent, but not name brand Tomo Hi-Art. Pheobe Putney, in Albany Ga, is getting the Tomo Hi-Art in mid-May, but they will not treat head and neck at first.
Stay in touch,
DeniseB
Hi Denise
The website I mentioned previously is www.cancerpatientsfirst.com but I believe I have some good news. I was just up on this site and apparently the state of Georgia has recently passed house bill #433 permitting Cancer Treatment Centers of America to build a new facility in or near Atlanta. I'm not familiar with the political system in Georgia but in Illinois any new bill has to pass both the house and senate where it could be put on the back burner unless some politation has a financial interest in it. Anyway, check out the website and its related links.
I share your concern about the shortage of nurses nation wide Also of major concern is the upcoming shortage of doctors and hospitals that will be needed to take care of an increasing ageing population. And our presidental candidates don't even want to address the issue muchless offer a solution
.Since your concern seems to be of the head and neck I do want to mention a new type of radiation therapy very similiar to tomo. It is called Cyber Knife and several hospitals in the Chicago area are now using it. The article I read on this mentioned that initally this was use mainly for head and neck treatment but found that it could also be used to treat prostate and other cancers. Check it out.
Let me know what you find out.
Ralph