Hello family and friends. This is Nick.

This will probably come as a surprise to most of you - especially if you were unaware of my current situation, which many of you may not be - as I don't normally reach out to people in this way.

Now, things are different. Until now I have been a relatively fit and healthy guy. This year, actually this summer, I've been hit with a bombshell, totally unexpected and alarming.

In October I had a large tumour removed surgically from my left adrenal gland. Unfortunately, the gland had to come out too, so I am now functioning on the remaining one, which means I have to take medication (corticosteroids) to support it until it can catch up (if it can catch up, which has yet to be determined).

I'm also having abnormally high blood pressure, for which I also need to take daily medication.

Painkillers are also a daily must, as well as other medication to ease the load on my stomach.

Today, December 9, 2024 I have found out that there are cancer cells remaining in my body in the site of the original surgery, closely hiding near my kidneys and other organs. If not dealt with in the next couple of months, they could become more aggressive and spread to other parts of body, eventually becoming harder to eliminate.

Therefore I'm researching as many protocols to slow or kill these rogue cells as possible. This means trying a combination of conventional and holistic therapies, from radiation - targeted if possible - and chemo (with very aggressive and unpleasant drugs) to various supplements and herbal treatments, many of which have been proven to be very successful in treating and even eliminating cancer in subjects.

I am no longer able to work, nor may ever be again, unless I get clear of this and certainly in no way ever at the level of the past in terms of physical energy and endurance.

My only income, therefore is my pension, which just covers the rent and no more. Duong's work, being seasonal, has wrapped up for the year and she may only be eligible for minimal benefits.

Although most of my current medications are covered, other expenses are not. Special treatments, while they may be effective, are still costly and not covered my any kind of plan.

Conventional treatments, like radiation and chemo, are not only not guaranteed to work, are pretty horrendous and sometimes can be harder to endure than the cancer itself.

I forgot to mention that mine is a very unusual and aggressive form of cancer. If you want to look it up, it's called adrenal-cortical cancer.

I am looking into targeted beam radiation (also known as Cyberknife) which appears to be successful for some people, but my urologist has told me it might not be so easy in my case as the tumours are located in very awkward and tight spots in close proximity to other vital organs. Hence the need to research as many options as possible.

So I'm currently working with a naturopath from Holistic Clinic in Ottawa https://holisticclinic.ca/services/naturopathic-medicine, who was recommended to me by a friend who had recent surgery to remove a tumour from her uterus.

The naturopath has me on specific supplements and has also recommended other treatments with a proven track record of success.

Here's a quote from her website:

"Integrative Cancer Care

Many people with cancer will use natural therapies both during and after conventional treatment. Conventional therapies offered may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The goal of integrative cancer care is to use naturopathic medicine to support the individual’s quality of life, minimize side effect, improve healing and recover times, reduce risk of recurrence, and support conventional therapies.

Lifestyle, intravenous therapy (High dose IV vitamin C) and appropriate supplementation recommendations are made to support the overall health of the individual receiving care. All prescriptions are researched to prevent drug-herb/nutrient interactions.

European mistletoe has been widely studied as an integrative support for people with cancer. Research in animal and human studies has shown:

A direct cytotoxic (cancer cell killing) effect.

To slow tumour growth and metastasis improving overall survival by slowing progress of the disease.

Immune stimulation with protection of healthy DNA in immune cells.

Leading to fewer side effects and improved quality of life when used with standard chemotherapy."

The mistletoe is administered in monthly doses by injection. Each shot costs $400. I plan to try this treatment for 12 months.

I am making lots of trips to the four main hospitals in Ottawa on a weekly basis and have a team of doctors following my case. This has been really demanding on not just myself, but also my family. I'm not done yet and have to think about my daughter, who is very worried for her dad.

This is why I'm reaching out to you all now. I've never needed help like this or or on this scale ever before, but this is my life on the line and I'm not ready to quit just yet.

Please help in any way you can.

Thank you and God Bless.

Nick