It turns out that they also took my appendix, part of my colon and bladder and 25 cm of intestines; plus the 3 tumors 25 cm, 12 cm, and 10 cm (and also I dropped 50 pounds with the 3 tumors weighing over 25 lbs.). I now have a scar from my groin upto my breastbone with 60+ staples--no more bikini's for me (LOL)!!

The tumors were all cancerous and the other areas (bladder, colon, intestines) were NOT. The tumors were a very slow growing type and since they got 100% of the tumors there is no need for chemo.

I was admitted to Gorgus Hospital (Institute Onocological Nacional) on May 3 in preparation for my surgery. I was discharged on May 13 and also spent several days in ICU.

I paid my bill for EVERYTHING before I left and I also had the option of making a payment plan for the doctors, surgery, hospital stay and medicines--of course I could afford $410. for the whole kit and kabootle.

We paid out-of-pocket for the presurgery tests: $10 for EKG, $75 for Colonoscopy, $750 for 2 CAT scans with dye, $150 for 2 Ultrasounds, and $150 for 3 weeks of all kinds of blood work.

I see the doctors on August 25 for my 3 month check-up. My visit to see the 4 U.S. trained cancer specialists will cost $1.

I underwent another 2 Cat scans ($325 total) and blood work ($12) on September 15. I had a follow-up appointment on September 30--the appointment was cancelled due to it being a "day of mourning" for a former president of PANAMA.

On November 17 I went to the hospital and had a mini-consultation and the 2 U.S. trained doctors said everything looks good. I have a new appointment on December 14.

Well I had my official appointment today, Dec. 14. Everything is great--the CAT scans showed that what they thought was a mass turned out to be scar tissue due to the major surgery. All of the blood work was normal and my kidney and liver functions are normal. Next appointment is April 15.

My April 15 appointment went very well. I meet with my cancer specialists in PC at the cancer hospital. Everything looks great and I go back in August.

The August appointment went very well and things are looking very good. I go back on December 19.

December 19 appointment found another tumor. We will be monitoring it to see how slow it grows. On April 27 it was decided I will be going back on June 27, 2011 to schedule another surgery. On June 27 they did an ultrasound and scheduled 3 cat scans. Will get the results on July 7, 2011.

We want to thank everyone for their support and especially Jackie Johnson, Rodger Carroll and Sylvian Duford for the blood donations!!!