Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Akaisha's Mastectomy Medical Tourism

Pricing, Perspectives and Stories

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

From time to time we hear from Readers their concern of accessing affordable health care overseas.

"What if I get the Big One?" they ask. Or "What if it's a chronic disease?"

This fear of massive medical bills can deter them from moving to a more affordable country to enjoy their retirement years.

Below you will find stories, pricing and the perspectives of my Journey through Stage three Breast Cancer, receiving all treatment through Medical Tourism.

It is our hope that you find this information to be useful.

Feel free to write to us any time if you have questions.

An Update on Akaisha's Mastectomy and Treatment I am VERY happy to announce that after a mastectomy and 16 radiation treatments I am cancer free. We are dealing with post operative fluid buildup as it arises, and are now into our fourth country (the Caribbean Islands) of this adventure.

Dear Akaisha: Of course I was surprised by the news. But I'm putting you in God's hands to guide the doctor's in this situation & you certainly will be in my daily thoughts & prayers. Also will put you on the prayer list with my prayer sisters. I know God will be with you & will guide you & the doctor's. Thank you for sharing. Love, Kay

The Dollars and Sense Stage Three Breast Cancer Abroad Here you will find the breakdown of costs for surgery, services and medications that I received for my mastectomy.

I hardly know what to say.  I will try to keep a positive attitude going forward. I love you so much! I will ask Terry to put you in his churches prayers.  I will light a candle for you.  You are a wonderful person!  Keep your head up high and go forward.  Please let me know what is going on; definitely keep me updated. You are going to beat this!  I know this.  your positive attitude will keep you alive! LeAna

My Intimate Journey with Cancer How it all began In early summer of 2024, I found myself in the midst of a medical situation that took me by surprise. This, and other stories to follow, are a chronology of my emotional and psychological approach to being diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast cancer. Our lifestyle is one of travel and we take care of our medical needs while on the road. I want to make clear that this was our approach, and you may choose other ways to deal with an illness in your life. It is our hope that in sharing our experience, there might be some nuggets along the way that you will find useful.

Akashia, Thank you for sharing this with us! I have a host of prayer friends and you can bet I will let them all know what a wonderful unique person you are! So happy that you're asking for positive wonderful thoughts and prayers! I really do believe they help! Please keep us posted as you learn more and just know that hundreds of positive thoughts  and prayers are being sent to you and to Billy!  Not certain if you have Netflix or not but whenever I want to laugh I will watch a couple Seinfeld episodes! They just make me laugh out loud! Love Ya! Jack 

Medical Care in Thailand My Intimate Journey with Cancer Part 2 One of the things we like about our experiences with medical care outside the US is how expeditious and competently things move along. There are no weeks to wait in between appointments, no “go to the office and receive your consultation date.” No “you need a referral before we can move forward.” No unnecessary delays, no contacting my insurance and waiting for approval to have something done. You need something, they do it.

  Akaisha, I’m sure you’ve beat thing, it’s yet another success in your lifetime full of successes.  We can forget Dr. Death in Chiang Mai.  Let us know how it goes tomorrow with Doc Fer, and if you have a date for surgery. I applaud your decision to be treated here. In every case I know of, when presented with a choice, gringos believe they have had superior care here.  Paul

Waiting for the test results in Chaing Mai, Thailand, My Intimate Journey with Cancer Part 3 After all the poking, prodding and bio-samples taken, now we wait for the determination of the tests. I was moved very rapidly from wanting a non-invasive procedure done in an outpatient style to being placed on a conveyor belt named “CANCER.” Cripes. How did THAT happen?

Hi Akaisha.  Your letter was beautiful indeed. I am (we are) sorry to hear this news. We will of course keep you in our prayers and add you to several prayer lists.  For this morning, I pray for safe travels and the best possible outcome on your tests. I know you will keep us posted. Although it does kind of sound weird, this may be "the best thing to happen to you in your life". I suspect you will find a sweetness to your deepening love and dependency on God. He gives you strength right when you need it, but not before. Lean into Him and His promises. That will be how Kevin and I will be praying for you, claiming His promises in your life. Hugs and much love, Karena 

An American retiree spent $18,807 on cancer treatment abroad. She said medical tourism saved her money and stress. By Allie Kelly, Business Insider Akaisha and Billy Kaderli retired early to travel the world. When Akaisha was diagnosed with cancer, the couple sought affordable treatment in Mexico, Vietnam, and Thailand. They aren't alone: Rising US healthcare costs have pushed some Americans toward medical tourism.

Dearest Akaisha, You share your challenges and evolving perspectives so wonderfully, I celebrate you! Your courage and your faith are evident and are a great foothold for your healing.  "faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, the evidence of that which is not yet seen" Hebrews 11 (great read) I appreciate your sharing this very personal journey with us, and I pray to "Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3), to do just that... May this journey continue to unveil God's love for you, to you, in new and unexpected ways. May your hope rise up in you daily, and your healing be more and more evident everyday. Strength, clarity and wisdom be unto you, and unto all who provide care for you throughout your healing! Love you!!!!! Ellie

How I handled the Emotional and Mental Chaos My Intimate Journey with Cancer Part 4 At this point in our journey, it reminds me of people whose houses burn down in a forest blaze. Or people who lose everything in a major flood or earthquake. The shock is jarring and sometimes devastating. We were discombobulated and trying to gain focus in order to function on a daily basis.

Hi Akaisha (and Billy), Thank you for sharing your recent health challenge with us. I can imagine the rollercoaster you have been on. I really liked your suggestions for how we can help I just sent you .... The feeling of my first sip of coffee in the morning. I would also be open to helping you in any other way you may need. I have no problem in joining you on any part of your journey.

I don't dislike hospitals and I am not squeamish. I can be with you, I can pick things up for you, I can hold your hand, I can distract you with talk about our next art projects. Please feel free to reach out to us. Jim is only a little squeamish but otherwise he is very good in all the same things....but instead of art talk he will speak about computer related things.... Also helpful if you are finding it difficult to sleep.

Be prepared for a lot of wonderful feelings and lots of love to come your way. I find beauty and wonder and love everywhere. Currently I am sitting outside enjoying the fresh scent of nature, the birds and insects. Nature is very special to me. I am sending you the happiness, calmness, and peacefulness I am feeling.  Please feel free to ask us for help if/when you would like it. We are here for you both. Lots of love Kathy (and Jim)

Strengthening Mind and Spirit - My Intimate Journey with Cancer Part 5 With my particular heritage, I knew acutely that I needed to guide the wandering of my mind and to strengthen my internal spirit. I have seen depression, attempted suicide, and oppression close up and how that can ravage perfectly good people - leaving them with no hope or a workable path through trauma or tragedy. This was not going to happen to me. I vowed to make the most of this situation, no matter what the outcome might be.

Please send my best to Akaisha! I honestly can't even imagine what going through this must be like. Feel free to use my place as a stopoff or overnight point any time you need it in Guadalajara.  I return Monday evening Travis

Thank you for letting me know.  Akaisha, that’s a beautifully written letter to your family and friends.  I will be sending all those good vibes you requested, and then some.    As you noted, breast cancer is not a death sentence, not anymore.  Two lady friends who I grew up with were each diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago … both underwent the same surgery and both are fine today.   Going further back, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, probably at the same age we are now.  She lived to the ripe old age of 90 before her heart gave out on her.

Anyway, my thoughts are with you.  Sounds like you are in good hands with a capable medical team.  That and a positive attitude will see you through. All my best.  See you again down the road … somewhere. Dale 

Meeting Dr. Death - My Intimate Journey with Cancer Part 6 The Cancer Track? Somehow during this time, I was placed on the “cancer track” and we made an appointment with an oncologist there at Chiang Mai Ram who would be discussing the next steps. We moved further into the hospital building and registered at another desk.

You are one of the most strongest women I know Love ya, Tammy

My Intimate Journey with Cancer Part 7 - DaNang, Vietnam - A different country, new possibilities It was early morning when we left our hotel inside the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai in Thailand. We were saying “goodbye” to the nightmare of Dr. Death and the unexpected experience of being placed on the “Cancer fast track.” We were off to DaNang, Vietnam - a different country and hopefully, new possibilities.

Hello Akaisha, What a beautifully written letter from a beautiful person.  I'm totally with you in keeping with the positive and we will be praying for you.  I can also put you on the church's prayer list. Love and the best of thoughts your way. T

 

 

For more on Retirement Topics, click here and here and don't forget to signup for our free Newsletter.

 

About the Authors

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

HOME   Book Store

Retire Early Lifestyle Blog      About Billy & Akaisha Kaderli      Press     Contact     20 Questions     Preferred Links    

Retirement     Country Info     Retiree Interviews      Commentary     REL Videos