Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses

Lisa White54 said:Your strength and optimism are what matter most. Thank God you're staying so strong. Keep it up.

Lisa, thanks. I want to wish everyone else the same strength I'm trying to find. Truly praying for all the brave fighters out there. Sending my best to you all.

Good evening, everyone. I wanted to reach out and send my warmest greetings to you all. I also want to share some lines I wrote not too long ago, while I was lying in a hospital bed waiting for the doctors to give me the green light for surgery and... NOT EVEN THE THUNDER BOLTS RAGING THROUGH THE SKY
NOR THE STRONG WINDS THAT TEAR EVERYTHING DOWN
NOR THE SNOWS THAT TURN EVERYTHING WHITE
NO HEAVENLY FORCE WILL EVER BREAK OUR SPIRIT
LIKE THEM, I WILL GROW STRONGER AND HEAL.
Thanks to the wonderful Prof. Dolenc, I am here with you today, and I cherish every single moment of my life. I’ve read through all your messages, and I am just so happy to see every little bit of progress toward getting better. I am standing right here with YOU. Sending you all my strength, my faith, and my smiles..

Has anyone here heard anything about Dr. Dark Marđenko from San Diego? He’s a physician with a general practice, but he also dabbles in alternative treatments—that's all I know so far. Just wondering if anyone actually has any firsthand experience with his therapy methods.

My mistake—I misspoke about Dr. Darko Marđetko

Maria Lee54 said:Good evening, everyone. I wanted to reach out and send my warmest greetings to you all, along with some verses I penned not too long ago. I wrote them while lying in a hospital bed, just waiting for the doctors to give me the green light for surgery and...NOT THE THUNDER BOLTS TEARING THROUGH THE SKY
NOR THE POWERFUL WINDS THAT TOPPLE EVERYTHING
NOR THE SNOWS THAT TURN THE WORLD WHITE
NOR ALL THE FORCES OF HEAVEN WILL DAUNT ME
LIKE THEM, I SHALL GROW STRONG AND HEAL.
Thanks to the wonderful Prof. Dolenc, I am here with you today, and I cherish every single moment of my life beyond words. I’ve read through all your messages, and I am incredibly happy about every bit of progress, no matter how small. I am standing right here WITH YOU. Sending you all my strength, my faith, and plenty of smiles..

Maria Lee54, can you tell us a bit more about what you're dealing with? What exactly is the diagnosis?

Angela Wright here. It’s a beautiful day, so I decided to get out for a walk. Everything started three years ago when I went to see a doctor because my hearing was failing. During that first exam, the doctor's verdict was immediate: GO TO THE HOSPITAL. That was the first shock. A CT scan showed a massive tumor—the diagnosis was Glomus Jugulare. I was transferred to the medical center where Prof. Paladino took over my case. His strategy was to use embolization and Gamma Knife radiation to try and avoid open surgery. And that’s when my nightmare truly began. The embolization worked somewhat, but I will never forget the Gamma Knife experience as long as I live. First, one doctor tells you the therapy is possible, then another says it isn't because the tumor is out of reach, extending down into the neck. Then comes the confusion and the disbelief. I'll never forget that morning; it’s not exactly pleasant receiving five local anesthetics in your head just to set the frame. But I grit my teeth and endured the pain just to get cured, just to burn that monster away. I was so excited to finally breathe again and live a normal life. But then, after the MRI, came the bad news: Gamma Knife wasn't an option after all. My head hurt so badly I honestly thought I was going to die. I spent so much time crying helplessly in the hallway. Since I had seen Prof. Dolenc before, he was on my mind. I searched for a way out, looking for approval to seek treatment abroad. Honestly, the bureaucracy almost killed me. I fought through increasingly heavy symptoms and found enough strength to keep going that anyone who hasn't faced this illness wouldn't believe what I'm going through. Even I felt ridiculous sometimes, acting like I was helping someone else while I wrote endless requests. I lost sight of everything else behind the mountain of paperwork I sent to the Social Security Administration. How could I even fall into bed when they wouldn't give me the free time to do so? From the moment this disease was discovered until the surgery, three years passed. Isn't it a thorny path? The tumor was "kind" in its own way, but it was pressing against my cerebellum, tucked deep into the skull, holding me back. I haven't been able to walk independently for three years; I stumble, and I can't even look to the left. When they did my scans in Vienna before the surgery, they couldn't believe I was walking at all. Prof. Dolenc expressed his concern; he was skeptical about the surgery. He requested help from two colleagues from overseas. They agreed and came to the Ljubljana Medical Center, where I was operated on on January 22, 2008. I feel reborn. They partially removed the tumor, and more surgeries await me, but I won't lose my strength in this fight. I won one round. Now, we move forward... My doctor called my tumor a ten-headed dragon! Brrrr... Sounds dangerous, right? He even told me his legs were shaking when he first saw it. But the dragon is gone now; now I just need to take care of those heads so I can sleep peacefully. God is with me, and I pray for everyone else fighting an illness. I've seen enough to know, and I think of them often. I am deeply sensitive to any kind of suffering, and that’s why my heart and soul remain open.

Maria Lee54 said:Angela Wright, this is my story. It was a beautiful day today, so I took advantage of the weather and went for a walk. Everything started three years ago when I went to see a doctor because my hearing was failing. During the actual exam, the doctor’s verdict was IMMEDIATE HOSPITALIZATION. That was the first shock. The CT scan showed a massive tumor—diagnosis: Glomus Jugulare. I was rushed over to the hospital, where Prof. Paladino took charge of my case. His strategy was to use Embolization and Gamma Knife radiation to try and avoid an open incision. And that is how my agony began. The EMBOLIZATION was somewhat successful, but I will never forget the Gamma Knife as long as I live. First, one doctor tells you the therapy can be done, then another says it's impossible because the tumor is out of reach—extending down into the neck—and then comes the confusion and disbelief. I will never forget that morning; it is not pleasant receiving five local anesthesias in your head just so they can set the frame, but I grit my teeth and endured that pain just to get cured, just to burn that monster away. I was so excited thinking I’d finally catch a break and get back to a normal life, but after the MRI, the bad news hit: we CANNOT do the Gamma Knife after all. My head hurt so badly I thought I was going to die; I spent so much time crying helplessly in the hallway. Since I had already consulted Prof. Dolenc before, he crossed my mind. I searched for a way out, specifically looking for approval to seek treatment abroad. Honestly, people, the bureaucracy nearly killed me. I fought through increasingly severe symptoms and had enough strength that anyone who isn't dealing with this illness wouldn't believe what was happening to me; at times, I even felt ridiculous, like I was doing someone else a favor, writing endless requests. I'm buried under the paperwork I sent to the Social Security Administration. And how am I supposed to stay in bed when they won't give me the free time to handle it all? From the discovery of the disease to the surgery, three years passed. Isn't that a thorny path? The tumor is benign, but it was pressing against my cerebellum, lodged deep in my skull, slowing me down. I haven't been able to walk independently for three years; I stumble, and I have no vision to my left. When they did scans for me in Vienna before the surgery, they couldn't believe I was walking at all. Prof. Dolenc expressed his concern and was skeptical about the surgery. He requested help from two colleagues from overseas. They agreed and came to the Ljubljana Medical Center, where I underwent surgery on January 22, 2008. I was reborn. Part of the tumor was removed; more surgeries await me, but I am not losing my strength in this fight. I won one round. I'm moving forward... My doctor called my tumor a Ten-Headed Dragon! Brrrr... sounds dangerous, and he even told me his legs were shaking when he first saw it. But the dragon is gone now; now I just need to cut off the heads so I can sleep peacefully. God is with me, and I pray for everyone else fighting an illness; I've seen so much and I think of them constantly. I am deeply sensitive to any kind of suffering, which is why my heart and soul remain wide open.

So, is this type of brain tumor benign?

Hang in there. You've come a long way.😉

Angela Wright said:So, we're talking about a brain tumor here—a benign one?

Hang in there. You did great.😉

Yeah, that’s a benign brain tumor involving the vascular system. Operating on it carries the highest possible risk because the bleeding can be absolutely terrifying, not to mention all the other complications. Honestly, an operation like that just isn't feasible here in the States. Plus, a tumor like that is incredibly rare. It’ll be hard for me to run into a patient with that specific diagnosis, and I’d really love to swap experiences if I could. If there aren't any similar cases, then even better. We're looking at odds of about 1 in 4,000,000 over a four-year period.

HEY EVERYONE, JUST DROPPING IN TO SAY HI AFTER A LONG TIME. WE FINALLY MADE THE CALL TO HEAD OVER TO MOSCOW FOR TREATMENT (TM NON-OPERABLE MALIGNANT)
WE GOT BACK LAST NIGHT FROM OUR SECOND ROUND OF THERAPY. HONESTLY, THEY’RE SEEING HUGE SUCCESS WITH BRAIN TUMORS AND LUNG CANCER THAT HAS SPREAD TO THE BRAIN—AND IT WORKS FOR OTHER TYPES OF CANCER TOO. IF ANYONE WANTS THE LOWDOWN ON THE DETAILS, JUST SEND ME A PRIVATE MESSAGE.
THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKES A WHILE. EACH ROUND OF THERAPY RUNS ABOUT 7 DAYS. THE COST COVERS THE TREATMENT, THE PATIENT'S LODGING, AND HAVING SOMEONE THERE TO HELP, WHICH COMES OUT TO ABOUT $3,000. YOU’D ALSO HAVE TO COVER YOUR OWN TRAVEL COSTS TO MOSCOW AND BACK, PLUS FOOD, OF COURSE.

Kyle Cruz8 said:Actually, my bad, I meant Dr. Darko Marđetko

I was asking around with some folks from San Diego, and the word on the street there is basically "don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true." People are pretty skeptical about anyone selling snake oil in town.
Look, I'm not making any claims here, just passing along what I heard.
JUST DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING!!!

So, what does this doctor actually do? Is he some kind of alternative practitioner? Because if he is, you gotta watch your step! Make him walk you through his whole process—what he’s actually doing, why he thinks it works, and exactly what’s inside those formulas he's whipping up. And honestly, I just hope he isn't running a total scam.

cosmicsurfer7 said:LISTEN UP EVERYONE, JUST CHECKING IN AFTER A LONG TIME. WE DECIDED TO PURSUE TREATMENT IN MOSCOW (NON-OPERABLE MALIGNANT...)
WE GOT BACK LAST NIGHT FROM THE SECOND ROUND OF THERAPY. THERE IS HIGH SUCCESS IN TREATING BRAIN TUMORS, LUNG CANCER WITH BRAIN METASTASES, AND OTHER CANCERS AS WELL..IF ANYONE WANTS DETAILS, SEND ME A PRIVATE MESSAGE.
THE TREATMENT IS AN ONGOING PROCESS; EACH COURSE LASTS 7 DAYS. THE COST FOR THE THERAPY, PATIENT ACCOMMODATION, AND ESCORT IS 3000 EUROS, PLUS TRAVEL EXPENSES TO MOSCOW AND BACK, AND OF COURSE, FOOD.

Greetings.

Could you provide more specifics regarding the type of treatment being used? How long does the whole process take? Which hospital is it? How does one even get in touch with them...

My father is suffering from glioblastoma (a brain tumor), which is non-operable.

Many thanks.🙂

Hey everyone, it's been a while since I last checked in... I'm still hanging in there, just waiting on my PET scan results with a bit of nervous energy... if I'm being totally honest, I'm pretty scared, but I'm not giving up!
Sending good vibes to you all, and of course, wishing for everyone's recovery

I'm Lela from San Diego,😛

I'm 46 years old. About five years ago, I went through surgery for ovarian cancer. I had six rounds of chemo in Rijeka and underwent three different operations. By trade, I work in the hospitality industry. I stumbled upon this forum by chance, and I'm honestly just glad to have a little space where I can open up my heart. I hope we all get along well.
On a side note, I was wondering if anyone knows how to change a username to a real name above the avatar? When my husband signed me up, he automatically typed in the last name, and now we're both a bit confused..

Warm wishes to all the ladies out there...

Hi everyone... I just finished reading the story from that young man in Miami. Seriously, props to you for how bravely you're handling all of this. Sending nothing but good vibes your way. I can actually relate to what you're going through because I haven't left my house in over three years. Man, it’s tough. Some days are harder than others. Sometimes I feel like I'm just going to snap. My left eye stays open, but I have no vision on that side. Every time I try to use it, I get dizzy and fall down. Then there's the paresis, not to mention everything else. Reading your story makes all my struggles seem small. I don't even have much to complain about. Keep being who you are. I really admire you... (sorry, I forgot your username).

Hey everyone... I just finished reading the story from that young man in Miami. Seriously, props to you for how bravely you're handling all this. Sending nothing but good vibes your way. I can actually relate to what you're going through, since I haven't even stepped foot outside my house in over three years. Man, it’s tough. Some days, it feels like I'm just about to snap. My left eye stays open, but I have no vision on that side. Every time I try to use it, the world starts spinning and I just fall over. Then there's the paresis, not to mention everything else. Reading your story makes my struggles feel small by comparison. I don't really have any right to complain. Keep being who you are. I truly admire you... (sorry, I forgot your username).

Hey everyone, I know a lot of you have been hitting me up asking what kind of treatment this actually is, or if it's just some kind of hype/propaganda.
You guys probably noticed when I first joined this forum that I’ve been on a mission from day one to find something that actually works.
To anyone out there thinking about taking this step, I’m here to help however I can—and yeah, totally for free. My brother was the very first patient from the States to try this, and honestly, people were so kind to lend us a hand.
Anyway, here’s the website where you can dig into all the details. My big piece of advice? Make sure you check out the pages in German too, just to be safe.
www.doctor-borisov.ru

Cheers, everybody!

Nancy Thomas18 said:Hey everyone, it's been a minute... I'm still hanging in there, just waiting on my PET scan results. Honestly? I'm pretty terrified, but I'm not backing down.
Sending good vibes to everyone out there, and obviously, hoping for a full recovery for myself too.

So glad you checked in. Just keep pushing forward. Everything’s gonna be fine, you’ll see.

Rachel Morris2 said:I'm Lela from San Diego,😛

I'm 46. About five years ago, I had surgery for ovarian cancer. I went through six rounds of chemo in Rijeka and had three different operations. Usually, I work in the hospitality industry. I stumbled upon this forum by accident, and I'm honestly glad to have a place where I can just let my soul breathe for a bit. I hope we all get along well.
By the way, could someone tell me if there's a way to change my nickname to the name above the avatar? My husband typed it in automatically when we signed up, and now we're both a little lost with it..

Best wishes to all the ladies...

I don't think you can fix the nickname anymore.😢

There are a few incredibly tough and brave women here fighting ovarian cancer. Aside from this, you should definitely check out the forum for the For a new day Association; they actually have a specific thread dedicated to ovarian cancer. Just click the link in my signature below to get to their site.

Today just absolutely wrecked me 😢
I knew this moment was coming eventually. And here we are.
My mom's roommate moved out, so I ended up staying over at her place a bit longer. And I just snapped—started sobbing, everything hitting me at once. I couldn't keep up that cold front I’ve been maintaining for the last two months. She hugged me, and I just broke down even harder.
She’s so small now, honestly like a child, yet still so incredibly caring. It’s like those meds sucked all the fear and anxiety right out of her, leaving nothing but who she truly is: this beautiful, nurturing soul who isn't even fully aware of her own situation—she’s too busy worrying about everyone else, about her brother, about me... So there I am, crying silently so she won't see, just holding her, and she keeps telling me what an amazing kid I am and how lucky she is to have me. I completely lost it, damn it all. I could have been such a better daughter. I should have seen the *real* HER, seen her true essence, fought with her less, hugged her more, and just told her the truth—how much I LOVE her and how incredible I think she is.

And she doesn't hold a single grudge. She doesn't remember the bad stuff; she just wants me to be okay.
Life is brutal.
My sweet girl, my everything... 😢