#130 - Don't Like (Need) Ritzy Treatment

There must be 1,000 options for radiation treatments in Houston. I go to a place in a shopping center.  There's nothing glam about it, but I feel so incredibly lucky to walk in that door every day.  Plus the parking is free, with spaces reserved for patients, right by the door!

My Nigerian friend and I chat daily while we wait for our treaments.  The other day, we both laughed about the fact that we live in the city with the highest ranked cancer hospital in the world and yet we aren't able to go there. We agreed that we are fine with not going to MD Anderson. We both trust and appreciate our doctor and staff.

My friend told me about the MD Anderson patients he has met through his work. His job at St. Regis Hotel has put him in contact with the wealthiest of patients, who fly in from all over the world to be treated.  "They bring their families and sometimes book entire floors of the hotel. Sometimes they stay for a couple years while being treated..."  I was shocked to picture these cash paying "customers" and it made me feel even more grateful to be surrounded by patients who are real, everyday people.  

My friend told me how grateful he was for his care, since leaving Nigeria 30 years ago. We both talked about the people all over the world who don't have the means to be treated for their cancers at all.  I'm glad to meet people who can remind me to appreciate what I have!