Hi, my name is Amanda and I am fundraising for my husband Michael.

Michael was diagnosed with Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in December 2021.

The UK prognosis and treatment options painted a very bleak picture. Michael did manage to tolerate 2 chemo sessions however issues with his bile not draining and a compromised immune system meant chemo was no longer a viable option in the UK.

We were very fortunate to receive a referral to the Herzog Clinic in Germany, the attitude was immediately positive and for the first time since diagnosis Michael was made to feel as though his life mattered and was of value.

We took the bull by the horns and immediately put house/dog sitters in place and booked our flights, the initial suggestion being a 4 week stay.

We arrived in Germany on 4 May and it has been somewhat of a rollercoaster.

Michael spent 3 nights in the University Hospital of Gleeson last week for the stent procedure, they found a very serious infection and had to do a drain instead. Following a few days of intensive IV antibiotics at the clinic he was back at the hospital yesterday and I am delighted to report that after 6 hours on the operating table, lots of ‘scheisse’ and throwing down of tools there was finally a ‘hallelujah’ and the stent was positioned. Delighted and relieved is an understatement as to how we both feel. Whilst there Michael has been fitted with a port through which he will receive all IV treatments and chemo. We are hoping he will be discharged and back at the clinic tomorrow. Ordinarily this stent procedure would be a simple 1 night stay, Michael’s always been somewhat complicated… ;0)

This is phase 1, now for phase 2 which is targeted chemotherapy, directly into the tumour, not a treatment offered in the UK.

The original quote, without the complications outlined above was £20k, we know the total cost will be more but we do not yet know for sure what it will run to. We anticipate having to stay for 1-2 weeks longer than originally thought plus there are now additional hospital treatment costs. As for the future, we think regular trips to Germany will be needed but hopefully for much shorter periods.

The complimentary treatments Michael receives at the clinic are to support the immune system, to reduce chemo-therapy related side effects and to improve quality of life. They include local hyperthermia, oxygen therapy , ozone therapy, IV antioxidants and vitamins homeopathic medications for detoxification, magnetic field therapy and physiotherapy - he is being very well looked after.

Michael has been determined since the diagnosis that he can beat it and at home we switched to a no sugar, plant based diet, he has been taking regular FAR infrared saunas, oxygen therapy, rebounding, hypnotherapy, castor oil packs, coffee enemas and a whole host of supplements. On average the cost is IRO £1500 per month, not what he had planned to spend his hard earned pension on but ultimately a small price to pay to come out the other side.

Any donations would be appreciated by us both, positive vibes also very gratefully received.

I will provide regular updates as to how things are going.

Michael and I have been quiet on the social front, I’m sure you can appreciate the time and focus it has taken for him to come this far.  We look forward to catching up with everyone on the other side.