Diana’s Lung and Brain Cancer Treatment Experience at ITC Tijuana

0:02My name is Diana; I come from Cancún, though I was born in Mérida. I was diagnosed at stage five, with the cancer having metastasized from my lungs to my brain. The doctor who first treated me told me that I had no more than six months to live, regardless of what I did.

0:24That gave me the push to look for other alternatives, and I first tried acupuncture. Then, things changed, my tumor grew so I reached out to ITC here, and what I appreciated was that ITC was very responsible in explaining what the next steps would be.

0:54Because at that time, I was indeed a candidate for brain surgery. To be honest, my experience in hospitals was quite intense in the sense that you’re just another number. But here at ITC, from the very beginning, you’re treated as an individual addressed by your name, recognized as a person, as a human being and there is a great deal of human warmth from everyone.

1:16And I’m very grateful for that, because in this process, you really need it. Then I came back after my brain surgery. I stayed for three weeks, underwent an extended treatment, and eight months after that terrible diagnosis I mentioned, where I was told I had only six months to live.

1:36At 8 months, my PET scan showed only 1 cm remaining in my lung in other words, everything in my brain was gone. The mass in my lung, which had been very large, was now down to just 1 cm.

1:49Then, the following year, I returned for just about a week sort of as a "boost" to the overall treatment to keep things moving forward. This is my third year, and I like to call it my "graduation" year, because back in January, I underwent my final radiosurgery for that last remaining centimeter in my lung.

2:18And so, this is essentially the final stage, right? I’m really happy because the diagnosis came in October 2023 and now, in April 2026, I’m basically just waiting for the PET scan to get the final result.

2:42Someone I met, who had also dealt with a tumor, told me that she first tried acupuncture, and that if that didn’t work out, she planned to undergo treatment at a clinic in Tijuana. I began doing my own research once I realized that I needed something more.

3:10We called, and they responded very quickly; they treated us in a way that was both highly professional and humane. It was a truly wonderful experience from the very beginning from the very first moment. The call we had with the doctor gave me a great deal of confidence. I felt very secure, and we are very happy to be here.

3:37Wow, honestly, I really felt like I was in the best hands. I met Dr. Bautista and Dr. Álvarez, who worked together to determine the best treatment for my case. Both of them treated me with the same human touch. They were genuinely concerned about my emotional well-being, too.

4:03It wasn’t just about the physical aspect; it was also about how I felt during this procedure, and how my companion, my husband was going through the process as well. We went through it together, step by step; we were very well taken care of, that was my experience.

4:26Well, what I like most about ITC is that they provide the perfect food for this particular stage. I’ve always been someone who prioritizes healthy eating both before and during this process but the nutritionist here and the entire team are truly magical; the food they provide makes you feel right at home, and at the same time, you know you’re getting proper nutrition.

4:50Honestly, I really love that part. And when you go upstairs, the nurses are so friendly and kind. They explain every treatment they’re administering, which I really appreciate. It’s like spending the whole morning being treated with such care during a very vulnerable moment.

5:11Honestly, it feels like a warm embrace. There’s also the psychological aspect, they have a coach who provides guidance and works with you on a psychological and emotional level. When I first arrived, I was extremely weak; there was even a coach who focused on my physical condition and strength to help me get back on my feet.

5:38And every day the doctor stops by to ask, "How are you? How are you feeling?" That, in itself, creates a very important bond because I felt seen, I felt cared for, and that happened every single day. That’s the most beautiful part, isn’t it?

6:01Well, first of all, I believe that alternative medicine employs scientific methods that are highly credible. That is what inspires the most confidence, especially for those who are particularly focused on the medical aspect. And I think that here at ITC, they are very aware of that.

6:19In other words, the treatments here are dosed according to the level you’re ready to receive not like a one-size-fits-all, standardized approach, but rather tailored to you as an individual, taking into account your weight and your medical history; it’s much more personalized.

6:37This is not at odds with traditional medicine; on the contrary, the two go hand in hand very well. Together, they can lead to a more successful outcome in less time than a standard method alone.

6:54It’s very safe. And, on top of everything else, they provide transportation to bring you to the clinic for your treatments and take you back to your hotel or to the apartments they have here. So, you’re in very safe hands; and, besides, if you ever want to call a taxi or use some other outside service...

7:13You get to know the area for instance, they can arrange taxis for you from here and recommend places to visit. You’re in a safe environment, and, most importantly, the people here actually live in Tijuana, so they know where it’s safe to go and where it’s better to avoid.

7:31Well, if you’re focused on coming here for your treatment, you’ll just come, go back, and maybe head out for some entertainment but nothing like going out to parties at night, you know? Besides, everywhere even in the United States has unsafe areas. So, that’s not really an obstacle.