Vincent Carabeo: He Will Beat This
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Like many Hawai’i grown individuals, Vincent’s wanderlust catapulted him to places where many people can only dream to visit. His love for seeing the world is easily showcased through his passion in photography and through his newly found connections with people, many can agree that Vincent is someone you have to meet! His easy-going nature and contagious laughter is always a treat to the soul. While he is an inspiration to many, he is also a friend, a brother to Erika and his most important role, a son to Aunty Veronica.
The beginning:
On November 2016, Vincent was set to travel and document his experiences in Asia when he noticed a lump on the right side of his neck. The swelling went down and was no longer apparent after doing typical home remedies such as gargling with salt water, warm compress, drinking tea; basically doing whatever he could to avoid the doctor. He wasn’t sick or had any physical changes during his three months of traveling up until his return home in March 2017, where the lump once again made itself known. Vincent finally decided to seek medical attention at a low income clinic where he was recommended to do a CT scan, after blood tests and an ultrasound concluded that there seemed to be nothing wrong with him. Reluctant and afraid to acquire more medical bills, Vincent opted out from doing the CT scan because he had no medical insurance to cover his expenses. Unfortunately, his conditions worsened around the end of April and was immediately admitted to the emergency room due to difficulty with his breathing.
The Diagnosis
During his week-long admission, the medical team ran numerous tests, CTs, X-rays, multiple blood draws, bronchoscopy, EKGs, angiogram for his heart, and a biopsy of his neck which ultimately concluded that Vincent not only had cancerous cells from the mass on his neck but he also had pneumonia which caused the difficulty in breathing, and a blood clot near his heart which developed into Cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart). Basically, his heart is functioning similarly to that of an elderly man’s; therefore, Lovenox shots and numerous cardiac medications were given to help with his blood clot and current condition.
Vincent’s week long admission cost was initially $86,000 but thankfully, with the kind help of the UW Medicine Valley Medical Center, he was finally able to set up health insurance and the hospital drastically reduced and lowered the costs of his bills. More tests were needed to be done to learn and to locate the origin of the cancer. After a month of hospital visits, conducting tests, and meeting with doctors post his release from the hospital, his tumor was located deep in his nostrils. Unfortunately, an MRI scan and a liver biopsy also determined that Vincent now has Stage 4 cancer, which means that the cancer cells metastasized or spread to his liver with a likelihood to attack other critical organs.
Currently
As of June 27, 2017 has finally started his first treatment. The doctors are hopeful that an aggressive chemotherapy treatment will help shrink the cancer as much as possible but they have made it clear that it is “very rare” that his cancer will go away.
Although he has a long and tough battle ahead of him as he undergoes treatment until October 2017, Vince continues to keep a positive attitude and outlook on his grueling journey. His family is thankful for all the spiritual and financial generosity and outpour from the community and around the world. With your help, let's continue alongside of him with your prayers, financial support and happy thoughts for we all know that Vincent WILL beat this! F#CKCANCER
To follow his journey, please share and connect with him through facebook or leave him a happy comment. He frequently gives updates on his journey, which you may head over https://www.vincentcarabeo.com/11668-moments
The beginning:
On November 2016, Vincent was set to travel and document his experiences in Asia when he noticed a lump on the right side of his neck. The swelling went down and was no longer apparent after doing typical home remedies such as gargling with salt water, warm compress, drinking tea; basically doing whatever he could to avoid the doctor. He wasn’t sick or had any physical changes during his three months of traveling up until his return home in March 2017, where the lump once again made itself known. Vincent finally decided to seek medical attention at a low income clinic where he was recommended to do a CT scan, after blood tests and an ultrasound concluded that there seemed to be nothing wrong with him. Reluctant and afraid to acquire more medical bills, Vincent opted out from doing the CT scan because he had no medical insurance to cover his expenses. Unfortunately, his conditions worsened around the end of April and was immediately admitted to the emergency room due to difficulty with his breathing.
The Diagnosis
During his week-long admission, the medical team ran numerous tests, CTs, X-rays, multiple blood draws, bronchoscopy, EKGs, angiogram for his heart, and a biopsy of his neck which ultimately concluded that Vincent not only had cancerous cells from the mass on his neck but he also had pneumonia which caused the difficulty in breathing, and a blood clot near his heart which developed into Cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart). Basically, his heart is functioning similarly to that of an elderly man’s; therefore, Lovenox shots and numerous cardiac medications were given to help with his blood clot and current condition.
Vincent’s week long admission cost was initially $86,000 but thankfully, with the kind help of the UW Medicine Valley Medical Center, he was finally able to set up health insurance and the hospital drastically reduced and lowered the costs of his bills. More tests were needed to be done to learn and to locate the origin of the cancer. After a month of hospital visits, conducting tests, and meeting with doctors post his release from the hospital, his tumor was located deep in his nostrils. Unfortunately, an MRI scan and a liver biopsy also determined that Vincent now has Stage 4 cancer, which means that the cancer cells metastasized or spread to his liver with a likelihood to attack other critical organs.
Currently
As of June 27, 2017 has finally started his first treatment. The doctors are hopeful that an aggressive chemotherapy treatment will help shrink the cancer as much as possible but they have made it clear that it is “very rare” that his cancer will go away.
Although he has a long and tough battle ahead of him as he undergoes treatment until October 2017, Vince continues to keep a positive attitude and outlook on his grueling journey. His family is thankful for all the spiritual and financial generosity and outpour from the community and around the world. With your help, let's continue alongside of him with your prayers, financial support and happy thoughts for we all know that Vincent WILL beat this! F#CKCANCER
To follow his journey, please share and connect with him through facebook or leave him a happy comment. He frequently gives updates on his journey, which you may head over https://www.vincentcarabeo.com/11668-moments
Organizer and beneficiary
Charmaine Camilo
Organizer
Waipahu, HI
Veronica Monje
Beneficiary
