Small Cell Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Inflammatory
Breast Cancer
with bone and liver
lesions. After 1 month liver
lesions disappeared, after 5
months bone scan virtually
normal and breast tumor
almost gone. January 12th,
2008 in her own words:
"I am very happy and thankful..."Admission to the Issels Treatment Center
Your admission to ITC is a specialized process, which begins with the Issels Information Center and the Issels Treatment Center Admissions. Please call 888.4.ISSELS (888.447.7357) from the USA and Canada, or 001.888.447.7357 from abroad, so that we can provide you with all the information you need.
[Photo: Liliana, the Issels patient coordinator]
Medical Records
We recommend that you fax the medical records such as the reports of the pathology, of the surgical summary, the latest CT-scan, PET-scan, bone-scan, MRI and blood examinations to the fax number 1.619.690.8426, ATTN: Issels Department. The medical team will evaluate the condition and if they feel they can help, they will propose a treatment protocol that will be submitted to you for review and approval.
Ask your current physician to order the essential documents. If possible, specific diagnostic films (i.e. magnetic images, CT scans, ultrasounds x-rays, bone scans, etc.) should be requested (unremarkable films are unnecessary). We suggest that you hand carry your films when you travel to the Issels Treatment Center.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.
Financial Arrangements
Once you have decided to come to the Issels Treatment Center, you should make your arrangements with the Issels Treatment Center Admissions office prior to your arrival. We will communicate with the hospital, advising them of your arrival. An admission form that you will be required to sign and fax back will be sent to you. This form will include the costs and methods of payment for the Issels Treatment. Payment will be accepted upon admission in the form of cashier's check or wire transfer.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.
Facility and Accommodation
Patient rooms are very spacious and comfortable with a second bed for
a companion.
In addition to all specialty medical services, the hospital offers many activities that are conducive for healing and very much appreciated by the patients and their companions. Patients and their companions are encouraged to get together in the community rooms for educational lectures, videos, art therapy, sing-alongs, games, etc. Outdoor activities such as strolls by the nearby ocean are recommended. A special area is designated for meditation and prayers, if so desired. Psychological guidance is offered by the hospital psychologist.
The patient rooms are very spacious. Each room has in addition to the hospital bed, a king size bed for a companion and a recliner for your comfort. Each room has been equipped with its own thermostat for individual preference.
Each room has a private telephone line and a TV. Patients can bring their laptop computer and there is also free access to computers for patients for 15 minutes per day, or longer, if nobody is waiting. The hospital also has high-speed internet access.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.
The Pacific Ocean, only a few steps from the Hospital, invites visitors
to stroll in the fresh air.
Travel and Arrival Plans
Make arrangements to travel from your home to San Diego, California. Airlines can impose advance-purchasing restrictions, but will sometimes waive them if you indicate you are traveling for medical reasons.
Once you know your flight schedule, please contact the Issels Treatment Center at 888.447.7357 from the USA and Canada, or 001.888.447.7357 from abroad.
The hospital provides door-to-door services from the San Diego Airport to the Issels Treatment Center at no charge for patients who have made admissions arrangements for therapy as long as the patient is able to walk on his own power. You will be met by the driver in the baggage claim area. He will have a sign with your name and the hospital logo. He will help you with your baggage and take you directly to the Issels Treatment Center. It is a 30-40 minute drive from the airport to our hospital.
If you miss a plane or your plans change en route, please contact the Issels Information Center at 888.447.7357.
Patients who do not have a US visa can fly to Tijuana airport where the hospital driver will meet them.
*** Patients who will need the support of an ambulance must inform the Issels Treatment Center Information or Admissions office before traveling. The hospital does not provide ambulance service and any expense incurred for ambulance services is the responsibility of the patient. ***
Fasting Requirements:
Begin fasting at midnight before your first day of treatment. It is important to consume liquids, drinking water only.
Checking In:
You will be greeted and welcomed by your Patient Representative who will accompany you to your room and give you a tour of the hospital.
Registration:
You will be asked to fill out a registration form. Once you have registered, you will receive an identification card and meal tickets. You will be asked for this card regularly, so please keep it handy. You will also receive an Issels Treatment Handbook that provides information that will prove helpful during your stay. Your Patient Representative will check in with you daily and help you with any special needs or requests that you may have.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.
Reservation
To make a reservation, please call--
In North America (toll-free): 1.888.447.7357
From Abroad: 001.888.447.7357
Some treatments and nutrients are administered intravenously.
What to Bring
- Bring pajamas! Once again, your comfort is one of our main concerns. That's why we don't like to use the traditional hospital gowns here. Please bring sleepwear that you find comfortable.
- Many patients find sweatsuits to be most comfortable and walking shoes for strolls by the ocean.
- Bring a sweater or sweatshirt for spring and summer, and a coat for the fall and winter. Although the climate is mild year round (temperatures range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit) the ocean breeze often chills people.
- The hospital has a laundry facility where you can have your clothes laundered for $5.00 per load. Laundry bags are available in the patient’s room. Laundry is collected, washed, folded and returned.
- Bring an extra duffle bag to take home medication and other things you may purchase on your trip.
- If possible, bring a tape recorder and blank tapes. It is a good idea to record all doctors' consultations and lectures. The tapes will prove to be very valuable when you wish to review information.
- Many patients make lifetime friends with other patients and staff here at the Issels Treatment Center. You may like to bring a camera to take the memories home with you.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.
Nutritional Immunotherapy made tempting. Freshly pressed vegetable and
fruit juices offered every hour of the day.
Nutritional Support
Knowing that one-third of cancer patients die of malnutrition, we make nutrition a top priority in your overall treatment plan. Our nutritionists are registered dieticians who create a well-balanced diet plan, often including vitamin and mineral supplements, to boost or sustain your immune system and help reduce treatment side effects.
Spiritual/Emotional Support
The Hospital has an emphasis on spiritual and emotional support. An independent ministry sponsors full-time live-in counselors who are available to every patient at the hospital at any time, night or day. Counselors are very respectful of a person's religious convictions. They are quick to share love and support with any patient, no matter what spiritual orientation he or she may have. The spiritual/emotional program is optional but very beneficial for those who partake, no matter what religious orientation they may have.
Issels Treatment Home Care Program
Depending on your response to the treatment your attending physician will prescribe the 3-month home care program, which may amount up to USD 2,000 - 3,000. Payment can be made by credit card. It is advisable to bring travelers checks for unforeseen expenses.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.
Home Therapy Program and Follow-up
After your initial treatment at the Issels Treatment Center, we encourage you to come back to the hospital for follow-up visits. It has been our experience that the patients who return periodically tend to recover faster and have better long lasting results. Follow-up visits are the most effective way for us to make any modifications to your home therapy program and for you to clarify any part of the treatment with your doctor.
Your health is important to us and to circumvent any financial difficulty, we offer you a follow-up program at no additional cost. The follow-up program consists of ten visits over a five year period to The Issels Center, one every six months after your initial in-patient program.
Each visit includes:- One consultation with your physician.
- Review of your medical history.
- Lodging for one night at the hospital.
- Three meals for patient and companion.
- Free round-trip shuttle from the San Diego airport to the Issels Treatment Center for the patient and companion.
>>>For additional information on Treatment and Costs please click here or call 1.888.447.7357.