Readers have been following Glen’s story of his slow-growing brain tumor, and his approach to making treatment choices. Glen’s doctor had explained his treatment options. Doing some Internet research on his own, Glen had discovered a therapy offered by an out-of-state clinic that claimed it could use a natural substance to dissolve his tumor.

Glen chose the clinic’s treatment. His doctor disagreed. After further discussion with his doctor, Glen decided he needed to look further.

As part of his background check, Glen had contacted the clinic’s director. Their conversations had given him some hope that their treatment would leave him tumor-free. He then contacted the National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NINDS), both agencies of the federal government. He inquired about the supposed tumor-dissolving substance. Neither had anything positive to report about dissolving tumors, although they did say the substance is used in some medical treatments.

Fearing he might have done more wishful thinking than objective decision-making, Glen asked me to take a look at the possibilities on his behalf.

Since Glen had already done the necessary due-diligence about the substance, I concentrated on the clinic’s website. It provides easy contact information, plenty of testimonials about its successes, and showcases its doctor of naturopathy.

But there were some discrepancies in the information that made Glen think again.

First, it was impossible to find a second confirming source for the clinic’s claims about the natural substance therapy. Further, a review of the credentials of the "doctor" who oversees the clinic proved she is not a licensed doctor of naturopathy. In fact, the college where she claims to have earned her degree offers only online programs and is not accredited by the federally-recognized Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.

None of this information was difficult to find. All of it was easily and freely available.

Based on that evidence, Glen has changed his mind. He has decided, although reluctantly, to choose his doctor’s recommendation of chemotherapy. But he does so with the confidence that he uncovered all the treatment possibilities, and chose the one that, for now, gives him the best possibility for success.

It’s tempting to let wishful thinking color our decision-making. But sharp patients know that empowering themselves with objective, confirmable, and credible information about all treatment possibilities will yield their best chances for a good outcome.