I had an excellent meeting with the staff at Sylvester Cancer Centre in Miami earlier this month which convinced me that they were the route to take - I was getting nowhere trying to get treated in Canada.

Turns out that I got very good advice from my rad onc in Toronto who urged me to seek IMRT treatment in the US.

The fact that I could get my preferred treatment at Sylvester - IMRT - and also stay for free in the Cancer Hospice a few steps away. just made the final decision a no brainer.

Because I have no insurance they were very helpful in providing some substantial discounts, which will mean, barring complications, that I will end up paying quite a bit less than $100K.

I had my simulation last week and will start the first of 35 treatments this coming week.

My doctor is not starting me out with a PEG tube. His opinion seems to be that dependence on a PEG can easily occur, so unless it is really warranted it's better to keep eating the old fashioned way. I am of two minds, having read some of the comments expressed here, but I will go along with him for now.

My wife will be joining me on Dec 15 (hope I can hold on until then on my own). It will be a difficult Christmas away from home and the kids.

Thanks to all who offered counsel and advice. I know this is likely to be an unpleasant experience, but at least now the process has started and I now have a definite plan going forward.

Will keep you informed of my progress.

Best,
tower