It is recommended that when you or your family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma that you be evaluated at an academic, multi-disciplinary, mesothelioma center. Here is the latest edition of our monthly review of a mesothelioma cancer center:
The University of Chicago’s Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Care Center
The University of Chicago Medicine
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 50637
The University of Chicago’s Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, includes an active mesothelioma program.
According to its web site, “Our primary goal at the University of Chicago Medicine is to identify and develop treatment regimens to improve the quality of our patient’s lives and to eradicate mesothelioma as a life- threatening disease. The opportunities in our clinical research program to deliver focused, targeted therapies give us confidence that survival of mesothelioma patients will continue to improve the quality of our patient’s lives and to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-threatening disease.” Started over 25 years ago, the center was one of the first mesothelioma treatment centers.
Led by Hedy Lee Kindler M.D. Professor of Medicine, Medical Director, the program is one of the largest in the United States. Dr. Kindler is an internationally-recognized leader in the mesothelioma community. The physician team consists of surgeons Dr. Mark Ferguson and Dr. Christopher Wigfield, pathologist Dr. Aliya Husain, radiation oncologist Dr. Renuka Malik, radiologists Dr. Alexandra Funaki, Dr. Brent Greenberg, Dr. Steven Montner, Dr. Christopher Straus, Dr. Steven Zangan and Dr. Heber MacMahon, MB, BCh. The University of Chicago Medicine uses the team approach as the basis for its treatment protocols. Under the direction of Dr. Kindler, they have weekly meetings to review treatment options for their patients.
As one of the largest programs in the United States, and the largest in the mid-west, research is an important part of their program. The program has an active research component with eight Clinical Trials listed on its web site, which states: “The opportunities in our clinical research program to deliver focused, targeted therapies give us confidence that survival of mesothelioma patients will continue to improve as they have in the past.”
University of Chicago – Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Resources to support patients while getting treatment at the University of Chicago include a “Welcome to The University of Chicago Medicine” brochure, which lists area hotels, maps, restaurants, directions, and other practical information.
To request an appointment and a Welcome to The University of Chicago Medicine brochure, call the new patient coordinator at 855-702-8222.
If you choose to attend the University of Chicago for treatment, they offer a large list of resources. There are many hotels available ranging from an affordable to very expensive. If you are a cancer patient, many hotels will offer a reduced rate. For more information on that please contact the Cancer Resource Center at 877-824-0660
Like many hospitals there are many volunteer services that may help you out while you are visiting the University of Chicago medical center. For example you possibly could get a haircut from their local barber or hairdresser.
There may be situations where your loved one is getting treatment, testing or resting and you are bored or anxious. There is local gym for the use of 10 dollars per day. This may a good idea to alleviate some stress and just take a deep breath. You may contact Ratner Athletic Center at 773-702-7684
There is a pharmacy located in the medical center as well as a Walgreens pharmacy that is open 24 hours a day. 773-667-1177 (It is always best to fill new prescriptions as soon as possible)
If you still continue to have to keep up to date on your work-life there are computers, wifi, and a notary public if one is needed.
Sometimes you and your loved one may find some downtime during visits. You may want to check out some of the local tourist attractions. Chicago official tourism site is www.explore.chicago.org
