Alternative Cancer Treatment for Anna Thrasher

Thank you for taking the time to read my story!

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Anna Thrasher. In 2015 I was diagnosed with Ocular melanoma in the sclera of my right eye. It was surgically removed, then removed once again less than a year later.

In early 2018, the melanoma returned, this time attacking my right salivary gland. This was also surgically removed and staged at 4D. Surgery was then followed by a course of radiation in the summer of 2018, and I was started on IV immunotherapy in early fall. We were told to avoid pregnancy while on this drug, as it wasn’t yet known to be safe or not. After 15 years of infertility, we didn’t think that’d be too difficult!

In November 2018, I got some scans suggesting metastasis of the melanoma to my liver — the thing that had previously been presented to me as a "worst case scenario." As I was prepping for scans and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis, we discovered I was pregnant... HOW?!

Melanoma specialists at both Kaiser and UCLA were unable to recommend any treatments for melanoma which would be safe for pregnancy. And after 15 years of infertility and the lifelong dream of being parents, in the face of this strangely timed miracle, I could not terminate the pregnancy.

At this point, we were referred to Dr. Hamid at The Angeles Clinic, who couldn’t rest until he figured out this puzzle. He sent emails regarding my case to melanoma specialists around the world, and with this, he was able to formulate a plan. Between the prayers of thousands and the help of countless medical professionals, Ryker was born happy, healthy, and melanoma free about 7 weeks early! Not only am I grateful to have survived the pregnancy and birth, we have been able to enjoy being a family for over 3 years now!

My melanoma was really well-controlled with minimal issues for two years. Early last year, I began developing inflammatory reactions to my medications. It went from mimicking a sinus infection, to mimicking a really aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. I had to go out of work on medical leave in December 2021. This year my doctors have worked incredibly hard on fine-tuning my treatments to try to manage the new side effects that have developed. We initially made some progress, then everything began falling backwards.

In June, I was feeling rather well, so I was put on a clinical trial drug for the month of August. After which, I began a very rapid decline. My liver and spleen are grossly swollen, and my tumors have grown substantially. My abdomen is terribly enlarged and painful. This has led to me not being able to eat — or even swallow — as the swelling has compressed my stomach and esophagus.

I went to the ER at Kaiser in Los Angeles, and was admitted on Sept 1st, 2022. I was given TPN ( total parenteral nutrition) consisting of lipids, fats, proteins, and vitamins. This is helping to tide me over until I can consume enough orally. Within the last few days, I have been able to eat and swallow small amounts of food at a time. If I have too much, everything becomes very painful, as there is just no room in my abdomen whatsoever.

During my last visit with my local Oncologist — an incredibly caring woman who has given me the best care — I was told that they have done all they can for me, and that it’s time to go home and enjoy my family. I realize that I have already lived longer than expected, and I’m not afraid of dying. However, I am not ready to give up and leave my son, my husband, and our families without exhausting every reasonable option.

We have found The Oasis of Hope Hospital and are in touch with their physician to develop a treatment plan for me.

Here is a link to their website:

Oasis of Hope

Brian, Ryker, and I have received such an overwhelming amount of love, support, day-to-day help and encouragement, and we are thankful for all of you. Because so many are asking how they can help, I humbly ask you to consider doing so in this way, and donating toward these alternative cancer treatments.

Thank you for your time, love, and prayers.

Anna Thrasher

** 100% of the donations will go toward a 30-day treatment at the Oasis of Hope facility (~$1,000/day) and nearby accommodation expenses.