Hi all, I could use some advice. I was diagnosed with Acute B Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, in April 2024. Needless to say it was difficult getting a diagnosis and I got really ill, they put me on Hyper-CVAD chemo regime and even then, there have been breaks in treatment which aren’t supposed to happen. I know Hyper-CVAD is aggressive and continuous, I have had about 4 months cumulative breaks for this treatment because of administrative issues. Currently on my 6th cycle. Doctor told me this is my second malignancy so I need a stem cell transplant. However I am from the Caribbean, so no local centers for stem cell. They did recommend Colombian institutions for stem cell, one is asking for $50,000 USD for autologous but no housing/transportation and another is asking for $125,000 USD for allogeneic and retesting/ housing/transportation in Colombia. Now I graduated a few years ago and shortly after I started working, I was diagnosed with stage 3b testicular cancer, so that cut my career short and l didn’t even think of taking insurance after I felt better from this first treatment and I started working again. I got sick shortly after I started working as junior engineer for two years but still didn’t have insurance. I depleted all of my savings paying for diagnostics like B-ALL full panel(FISH), histopthalogy… which my hospital did not provide. So now I have no savings and need to have stem cell. I am not sure who to turn to for help. I have message sloan kettering and md Anderson but they’re so expensive. Not sure what to do or who to turn to. I also started a gofundme, which has been at a standstill and I am not sure what is next. Do I really need autologous or should I get allogeneic? Are there international aid institutions that may help fund this treatment? Any assistance will greatly appreciated.
It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly challenging time, and I’m truly sorry to hear about your situation.
Unfortunately, as a volunteer on this UK-based forum, I’m limited in my ability to provide specific financial advice for international treatment. The NHS here in the UK covers all of these kinds of treatments, so I don’t have the expertise to advise on international costs or funding.
Have you tried reaching out to local cancer support organisations within your own country? They may have knowledge of local resources, financial aid programs, or connections to international charities that could assist you.
While I cannot recommend specific charities, you could research international cancer charities that provide financial aid or support for patients seeking treatment abroad.
Don’t be discouraged with your GoFundMe do continue to share your campaign across all your social media platforms. Reach out to local media outlets in your region, they might be willing to share your story, potentially increasing donations.
Try to engage with local any community groups, churches, or other organisations that may be able to help with your fundraising.
I understand this is a very difficult situation, and I wish you all the best in your search for assistance. I hope you find the support and resources you need to access the treatment you require.
Hey Jules thank you for taking the time to reply. Its certainly been frustrating because they have taken me on and off of treatment when they weren’t supposed to and then a stem cell is so expensive, I probably should have moved to the UK after I graduated to work, after all it was accredited in the UK so at least my engineering degree would have been accepted. I guess I can’t undo time but I am keeping positive and will keep at it. Progress is slow, this disease is certainly awful but I hope to be out and about and making positive changes so I will keep on trying. Its just sometimes wall after wall but this is life right? We all have different challenges, thanks again so much for replying I really appreciate it.
I had a Stem Cell Transplant in December 2024 due to advanced Mycosis Fungoides which is a T Cell Lymphoma, most Lymphoma (and Leukemia)is B Cell, and pretty rare.As I live in England luckily I didn’t have to worry about the cost and mine was an Allogeneic one.The Autologous one is when they take your own cells out and irritate them and transplant them back but that wasn’t an option for me .The Allogeneic one is when they use another persons Stem Cells but they have to match.I am not sure of the respective advantages/disadvantages of both types.They mainly seem to be used to treat Blood Cancer and I don’t think that they would work with things like Testicular Cancer as it’s a Carcinoma.Good luck!