#ChongStrong
Donación protegida
We were devastated when Art was first diagnosed with a grade 3 diffuse astrocytoma brain tumor in the summer of 2015. He has endured 1 brain surgery, 12 rounds of chemo, 36 sessions of radiotherapy, 4 hospitalizations, and ongoing support from neuro-oncologists, pulmonary specialists, acupuncturists, nutritionists, physical therapists, and other alternative medicine. Though we saw some shrinkage of his tumor as a result of the chemo and radiation, his MRIs have remained unchanged for the past year or so, and the tumor continues to reside in his entire right hemisphere. Last year, he was luckily able to wean off of his anti-seizure medication and abdominal muscle relaxers due to chronic hiccups he experienced as a result of his tumor.
This year, Art has struggled with respiratory problems due to his weakened immune system and is now experiencing issues with his mobility and short term memory as a result of the large amounts of radiation his brain was exposed to. He continues to wear the Optune machine to help with fighting the brain cancer, and we believe it has helped in slowing its growth. However, it comes with the burden of having to carry a heavy backpack and batteries with him at all times, as well as enduring sores on his head and having to wear uncomfortable electrodes on his head at least 18 hours a day. The past two years seem like a blur.
During recent weeks, Art has found breathing to be increasingly difficult. This brought him right back into the ER and hospital, beginning the process of tests and an endless lineup of doctors to investigate what is happening. We've learned that the tumor has now made its way into the brain stem - the primary piece of real estate in the brain that controls many critical functions including breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure and consciousness. After several very scary days, he is back on steroids, started chemotherapy, and will begin radiation again next week. Treatment is moving quickly and must be aggressive.
Art, his wife Flora, and their two young children, ages 9 and 4, are grateful for every day, every moment together.
They need support to continue this fight - expenses for lodging to remain close to UCLA for radiation therapy, funds to support the ketogenic diet he will be strictly adhering to, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and alternative medicine supplements.
Art's doctors have said his cancer is extremely aggressive, so we need to fight it with whatever we can. Please support & help him in this fight.
#ChongStrong #BrainCancer #BrainTumor #Glioblastoma #Astrocytoma
This year, Art has struggled with respiratory problems due to his weakened immune system and is now experiencing issues with his mobility and short term memory as a result of the large amounts of radiation his brain was exposed to. He continues to wear the Optune machine to help with fighting the brain cancer, and we believe it has helped in slowing its growth. However, it comes with the burden of having to carry a heavy backpack and batteries with him at all times, as well as enduring sores on his head and having to wear uncomfortable electrodes on his head at least 18 hours a day. The past two years seem like a blur.
During recent weeks, Art has found breathing to be increasingly difficult. This brought him right back into the ER and hospital, beginning the process of tests and an endless lineup of doctors to investigate what is happening. We've learned that the tumor has now made its way into the brain stem - the primary piece of real estate in the brain that controls many critical functions including breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure and consciousness. After several very scary days, he is back on steroids, started chemotherapy, and will begin radiation again next week. Treatment is moving quickly and must be aggressive.
Art, his wife Flora, and their two young children, ages 9 and 4, are grateful for every day, every moment together.
They need support to continue this fight - expenses for lodging to remain close to UCLA for radiation therapy, funds to support the ketogenic diet he will be strictly adhering to, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and alternative medicine supplements.
Art's doctors have said his cancer is extremely aggressive, so we need to fight it with whatever we can. Please support & help him in this fight.
#ChongStrong #BrainCancer #BrainTumor #Glioblastoma #Astrocytoma
Organizador y beneficiario
Dacy Yee
Organizador
Glendora, CA
Flora Yee
Beneficiario
