My Journey Through Prostate Cancer: A Life-Changing Experience in Costa Rica
I am a very private person and generally don’t share much outside of my very close circle. However, after my recent experience, I thought it was important to share my experience as well as the need for health checks and health insurance.
I never imagined my health would one day depend entirely on the support of others. 2024 was a year I wish had never happened. It started with a strange feeling—something just felt off. Initially, I suspected kidney stones, but after several doctor’s appointments, I received shocking news: my PSA level was 164.2, far above the normal range of 1.0 and 4 ng/ml. A simple check-up could have caught it earlier.
Following a biopsy at Archangel Hospital in Liberia, the diagnosis hit me hard—prostate cancer. Hearing the words “You have cancer” is something I never thought I’d experience, but it became my reality. It sure makes you look at life and prioritize differently.
The Road to Treatment
My medical journey began after the biopsy and diagnosis with a bone scan at CIMA Hospital in San José, followed by surgery in Liberia. By then, the cancer had spread to my bones, bringing unbearable pain. One of the most compassionate doctors I encountered was Dr. Edgar Olortegui, who was my anesthesiologist during my first surgery in Liberia. He truly understood my pain and ensured I received the right pain medicine and care. His follow-up was amazing and still is. Texting to see how I was and just cared to communicate with me and understand my needs. You just don’t get this level of care in the United States.
After returning home to recover, I thought the worst was over. But a couple of weeks later, one day, I collapsed and lay on the floor, unable to move for several hours. A friend, Jaime Esquivel, found me and called an ambulance, setting off another chain of events that saved my life that was nearly ended.
I was rushed by ambulance to Hospital San Rafael Arcangel in Liberia, where they quickly realized I needed specialized care beyond their capabilities. I was loaded into another ambulance, but somewhere between Liberia and San José, the medical team pulled over, realizing my condition was even more critical. My hemoglobin levels had dropped dangerously low, and I was loaded into another ambulance on the roadside and was redirected to a CAJA hospital in Puntarenas on the way I barely remembered them doing the chest massages for my heart, once I arrived I received an emergency blood transfusion and an endoscopy, that was performed with only lidocaine to numb the insertion down my throat. The Doctor gave me a cup of gel lidocaine and said, Here, drink this. After that, she kept telling me as she inserted the scope to not gage. I almost laughed. This was quite an experience, and I had no idea how bad off I was.
A Near-Death Experience
Once stabilized and after two days in the CAJA Hospital in Puntarenas, I was finally transferred —this time to my original destination, Hospital Clínica Bíblica in San José. When I arrived, the medical team immediately let me know how lucky I was to be alive. Later, I learned that my hemoglobin level had dropped below 4, with normal levels ranging from 13.5 to 18.5. I was on the brink of death due to severe internal bleeding.
I spent 88 days at Clínica Bíblica, undergoing multiple procedures to stop the bleeding. My Oncologist, Dr. Carlos Zúñiga Orlich, led my treatment with precision and compassion. I looked forward to his visit every day. Not only did I trust him for my treatment, I also knew that he cared about my progress. Over the next many weeks that turned into months, the Doctor conducted extensive tests that located the bleeding source, soon diagnosing me with a large, severe bleeding ulcer and an 80% block for the hole that transfers food to the small intestine. The surgery added another hole in my stomach into my small intestine. I had other options that would have been less invasive however, this surgery was the right option for me.
The numbers for my hospital stay at Clinica Biblica are staggering:
- 2 days at the Caja Hospital in Puntarenas, then 88 days in Hospital Clinica Biblica for a total of 90 days.
- 15 blood transfusions
- 13 endoscopies (thankfully performed under anesthesia after the first painful experience)
- 1 major surgery in Liberia and 2 major surgeries at Hospital Clinica Biblica
- 5 sessions of radiation therapy
With Dr. Zuniga Orlich’s level of care unmatched, not only did he navigate my insurance to make sure I was not burdened by this. But his communication was far beyond what I experienced in the United States. If you ever need an Oncologist, I highly recommend him. I pray that you never have to go through this, but surrounding yourself with real professionals who care is vital to regaining your health.
The People Who Made a Difference
One of the best decisions I made was choosing Clínica Bíblica for my care. My friend Jodene Lynette had always told me it was an exceptional hospital. I didn’t fully understand it until I experienced it firsthand. I certainly highly recommend them.
The 4th-floor west nursing staff was remarkable. From the moment I arrived on October 23, 2024, they treated me with kindness and tireless dedication. No matter how busy they were, they always had a smile. There are too many for me to name, but they are all superstars.
During my hospital stay, I was mostly fed intravenously, but for a few days, which included I was able to eat regular food Thanksgiving. They surprised me with a special chicken pasta meal—not quite a traditional feast, but it meant the world to me. I could count on my hands the number of real meals I ate instead of the IV nutrition there.
One day, after a procedure, I returned to my room to find it decorated for Christmas. That moment brought me to tears. These small but meaningful acts showed that the staff truly cared about my emotional well-being, not just my physical recovery.
When I was released on January 18th, the nurses asked what meal I was going to have as my first outside of the hospital. I said for sure a hamburger.. They laughed, and later at dinner time, I was told that they asked my Dr. If they could order me a hamburger. He said yes, and I was surprised to get that for my going-away meal. They had Uber Eats bring food for me and the 4th-floor staff. I am so impressed by the staff and have developed a bond with them.
The physical therapy team played another crucial role. They pushed me daily, helping me regain my strength. I even started sneaking down the hallway, walking on my own when they weren’t looking—though they often caught me! (I would be in Trouble!!) Their dedication was evident in everything they did, from encouraging my progress to giving me a thoughtful handmade Thanksgiving card. I looked forward to my daily exercise routine. I looked forward to my PT sessions daily and when I could not I was very disappointed. I really loved the energy and dedication each of the therapists had.
Beyond the medical team, I was privileged to meet Marcus Pérez, the President of Clínica Bíblica. He visited my room, sat with me, and even sent me books he wrote on spirituality. Though I’m not deeply religious, his gesture resonated with me, and the books had a comforting effect. I took time every day to read, and I still do. This was a very lifting experience for me and made me look at my life in a much different light.
The Critical Role of Nutrition
While recovering, Dr. Patricia Herrera Castro, who is an MD, double Master in Clinical Nutrition and Hospital and Health Services Mgmt with a PhD in Medical Sciences / Clinical Nutrition (in fact the only Phd. A Nutriologist in Latin America), stepped in to manage my nutrition through a much more involved bag nutrition. She meticulously adjusted my diet, ensuring I received the nutrients I needed to rebuild my strength. Despite my personal resistance to daily blood tests, they were essential in tracking my progress. One day, I gained 3 kilos in a single day—I thought it was mostly water weight, but it was discovered by the InBody scan that the water nutrients that went into my muscles were helping rebuild my lost muscle. Her expertise and dedication were life-changing. She recently published a book on Nutrition for Cancer Patients, a must-read for anyone navigating this battle. I will be showcasing this when she sends me the information. Her care gave me the boost that I needed to get healthy and made it possible for me to leave the hospital nutritionally fortified.
Healthcare in Costa Rica vs. the U.S.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of my journey has been the superior level of care in Costa Rica compared to the U.S.. Here, doctors personally follow up, texting and calling to check on their patients. In the U.S., you’d be lucky to have one direct meeting with your doctor before being handed to assistants.
My expat health insurance also played a vital role in my survival. I enrolled with Cigna Global, and their service exceeded all expectations. They assigned me a dedicated care nurse who still calls me weekly to ensure my coverage is seamless and that I am receiving the best care possible. If you’re an expat, don’t wait—get insurance now.
The Power of Real Friendship
While medical care kept me alive, my friends saved my spirit.
- Rock Patterson visited weekly, bringing companionship that helped me stay strong.
- Jodene Lynette, my childhood friend from Colorado, drove to San José before Christmas to spend the weekend just talking with me. She even made the long drive from Guanacaste to pick me up and bring me home when I was discharged.
- Jaime Esquival from JyG Furniture not only saved my life by finding me and calling the ambulance but has also been a great support during my recovery.
- Dr. Edgar Olortequi, my anesthesiologist in Liberia, checks in with me weekly and even took the time to visit me at Clínica Bíblica.
- Dr. Milen Gil Yee, my urologist, regularly checks in to ensure my recovery is on track.
- Terry Carlile, my partner at Howler Magazine, has been amazing. Not only has he kept me in his prayers, but he also stepped up and managed so much while I was incapacitated.
I know I am not mentioning many of the people who called me or texted or video-called me daily. These people lifted my spirits higher and gave me a sense of belonging and have been very instrumental in helping me to heal.
These friendships reminded me that healing isn’t just physical—it’s about the people who lift you up when you’re at your lowest.
As I am trying to remember the ordeal that I went through, I am finding how amazing the brain is for shielding us from certain experiences, “trauma”. It now is just a blur to me, and when talking about it I realize that recalling certain experiences is more difficult and seems surreal.
A Message to Everyone
If you take one thing away from my experience, please get checked for cancer. I ignored routine exams and paid the price. Though my prognosis is very good, this could have been caught earlier.
If you’re an expat in Costa Rica or anywhere in the world, invest in health insurance now. Cigna Global provided me with incredible support and coverage. The peace of mind it offers is invaluable. My insurance was handled so well; I never once had to question coverage. My Oncologist, Dr. Zuniga Orlich, and the billing assistant made sure that everything was seamless and nothing was needed from me. This in itself was a huge relief, as I heard many instances while there that the patient needed to deposit thousands of dollars before treatment would be given. Peace of mind, knowing that CIGNA had my back, was priceless.
To Hospital Clínica Bíblica Doctors and Staff, I simply can’t put into words how grateful I am. They didn’t just save my life—they gave me hope.
