My name is Maria and I have advanced breast cancer. I have gone through the standardization of care with my tumor getting smaller. Unfortunatley, treatment no longer worked and the cancer has gotten worse. I have been on medical leave from my healthcare job since May 2025. I was a very active person, but cancer has limited in mobility with it's ugly debilitating side effects of fatiguability making me bed bound unable to do my daily activities such as self care or just being able to vacuum/clean my floor or even dust my furniture. Unfortunately, no one can understand the physical/emotional/psychological affects of constant medical appointments, having to take numoerous medical tests, taking medications, losing one's hair and of course the never ending medical bills - with the constant reminder of having cancer. Treatment options have been limited with severe side effects. I looked into clinical trials, but was not a candidate.

I heard about integrative oncology and decided to learn more about this type of treatment. I discovered I was a candidate and was determined to pursue this option. The option us called a Pulse Electrode Field (PEF) Ablation with intra-tumoral immunotherapy injections. This type of treatment has given me hope, not only for living a better life, but becoming a productive member of society again. Unfortunately, the FDA has approved PEF in the United States for heart problems only. For me to receive this treatment, I would have to travel to another country. This also meant I would have to pay everything out-of-pocket for all medical expenses.

I have had several treatments already, which has showed that the treatment is working and my tumor is significantly smaller. I have used all my retirement savings for the treatments I have received. I still need 2-3 more treatments, bu will not have the financial funds to complete for process. I was told if I stop the treatments, my tumor would return to the original size with little options to pursue. I do not have any family or significant other to help me financially. All financial transactions have to be paid in advance.

Payment breakdown information:

PEF with immunotherapy injections: $67,300.00 per treatment

Hospital charges between $6,500 - $7,500 per visit. If I need to go to intensive care for additional treatment (I am grateful I have not had to do this yet) charges increase by $20,000 per day.

Flight cost ranges $700-$1000 flying economy.

Hotel for three night stay: $700

there are other costs such as food, medications, CT scans, and bloodwork. Insurance does not cover any of these expenses.