MY BATTLE WITH PANCREATIC CANCER

   My name is Silvana and I have been fighting pancreatic cancer since November 2011. 

    At first my treatment was delayed for three months because I had no medical insurance.  Then, an area hospital accepted me as a charity case in order to provide life-saving cancer treatments. 

    After eight months of very aggressive chemo and radiation treatments, the tumor on my pancreas shrank.  The oncologist advised follow-up exams every two months.

       For approx. seven months the tumor was stable. Recently I received the devastating news that the tumor has grown back even bigger than before. The doctor recommended that I postpone chemotherapy treatments because right now my body is too weak. This delay means the tumor has more time to grow even bigger. 

       I am currently struggling with many side effects from chemo and radiation such as: hair loss, severe weight loss, newly-acquired diabetes, liver, stomach and intestinal problems.  I am enduring constant, terrible pain and I have been hospitalized many times.

       Pancreatic cancer is very aggressive and has the highest mortality rate among all cancers. Since I cannot do chemo at this time, the tumor will continue to grow.  My time is very short and my situation is very desperate.

       There is one light of hope which I have recently discovered. If the funds can be raised, I could get treatment in California at an integrated oncology clinic.

    If any of you or any of your relatives have ever fought cancer, you know that even with medical insurance you cannot cover all the costs of treatment.  I do not have any kind of medical insurance nor any other resources which can cover my medical expenses.  A modest income from disability is all the income I receive.

       One must be on disability for two years here in Georgia before she/he can receive help from Medicare, which in my case is August 2014. This already tragic situation will be even harder at the end of June when I will be forced to prepare to move out of my home, which I lost to foreclosure.  I do not know where I will go. I don`t have any family except my twenty-year-old son (in Arizona) who struggles with his own serious health problems - also without medical insurance. 

    When I go to bed every night, I cannot sleep because I realize one more day has passed by without being able to do anything about my situation. I have an acute sense of urgency to do something without delay. I wish to live, but money is the greatest barrier to extending my life.   Would you be so kind as to make a contribution toward my medical expenses and give hope of survival to another human being just like you? Please know that your donation will give me the chance to prolong my life for a few more years, or even many, many years to come.

   All donations will be used as follows:

-$7,800 per week for four weeks of treatment at the Clinic totaling $24,000.

       The treatment components enhance one another and are integrated into an individualized protocol.

       Attack against the cancer and enhancement of overall immune functions by research-based, non-toxic substances and treatment modalities.

- round-trip transportation for myself and caregiver = $1,500.

-accommodations for one month for two people = $3,000. (the Clinic is an outpatient facility)

- food for two for the month = $1,000. (approx.)

- prescriptions and supplements for a month = $500-$1,000

- continuation of some of the treatments at home, supplements and organic foods for at least one year $5-6,000 (approx)

       Your precious contribution and great concern for my cause is greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much.