However, while reading "There is No Place Like Hope," I could not help but to conclude that it is, in large part, a marketing tool designed to attract patients to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). Vickie was treated at one of the organization's hospitals. While I appreciate Vickie's opinions regarding CTCA, I question her statement indicating that this organization attracts and employs the "best and the brightest" in cancer care.

I was treated for breast cancer at a CTCA hospital. Since the conclusion of my treatment at CTCA more than 10 years ago, I have been re-diagnosed with breast cancer twice. In the labyrinth of hospitals, clinics and physicians I have encountered during my own treatment odyssey, I strongly believe that the best and the brightest cancer experts are located in research hospitals where there is an all-out commitment to cutting-edge, new cancer therapies. Oncology physicians at these centers do not merely read about and indicate treatment protocols for their patients, they are in the laboratories developing and perfecting them. These physicians are educated at the best-known colleges and universities worldwide. They teach, lecture and are actively and aggressively attempting to make a difference in the lives of people victimized by cancer. I am not sure that this is part of CTCA's approach to cancer treatment.

Vickie's story is remarkable and should be shared with everyone - not just those touched by cancer. She is an inspiration to all people, everywhere. My advice to readers of Vickie Girard's book is to look beyond the marketing ploys of CTCA and revel in the wisdom, humor and real-life coping strategies which Vickie so thoughtfully and eloquently puts into words.....


P.R. Piece for Cancer Treatment Centers of America   August 27, 2005
 18 out of 21 found this review helpful

Although Vickie Girard's advice and information is, for the most part, sincere and helpful, this is too obvious a PR vehicle for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. While the CTCA may offer more hugs and limo rides for patients when compared to other cancer centers, they still use standard cancer treatment therapies that are available elsewhere. You don't have to go to one of the CTCA hospitals to get top-rate care or find an understanding and competent physician. Most major cancer centers now have integrated medicine departments, so the idea that only CTCA is engaged in treating the whole person is erroneous. As a cancer patient, I have come to realize just how many people want to persuade you to spend your money on this treatment, that facility, or some alternative juice or pill they happen to be the "network distributor" for. In my opinion, this book would have been much more credible had it not contained so many references to the CTCA.


Mandatory Reading   June 10, 2001
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Best book I've read for dealing with cancer. I think all cancer patients should read it - wish I'd had it five years ago when I was taking treatments. All cancer centers should have a copy of this book in their library and/or should give a copy to each patient. The American Cancer Society should recommend this book. Can't begin to say enough good things about it.


Great book   November 29, 2002
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book was so uplifting and informative. I sat down to read it and didn't stop until I was finished with the entire book. My Sister has breast cancer and I found so much "HOPE" inside this little book. I bought the book for my Sis and sent it to her after I read it. Hopefully, she was as impressed with it as I was.


There's No Place Like Hope   November 26, 2001
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I am a Breast Surgeon. I found the thoughts that Vickie Girard had helped me to look at breast cancer differently. Patients can obtain significant support and great advice from someone like the author who has been through metastatic breast cancer treatment and has survived. It has changed my way of practice and will change the way women choose to receive their care.