Josie's Fight Against Stage4 Cancer

Hello everyone, 

Thank you for all your support, we can’t over emphasize the importance of knowing we have family and friends who care for Mama. Whenever we mention a family member who's asking about her or offering prayers for her, I see a glimpse of hope in her.

As you know, my Mama Josie has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma). It started when she complained about the pain on her lower back, which at times was unbearable. Then last April 27, her doctors told us they found metastasis on her lower spine, and her bone scan showed it also scattered on her arms, chest, and thighs. For three months, they tried looking for the source of the cancer so they could start giving the treatment, but all her tests came out negative.

Last July 13, Friday, she was admitted to the hospital for another biopsy (spine). While the biopsy didn't cause any problems, her health started to deteriorate the following Tuesday. She complained difficulties in breathing and was provided with oxygen to help her breathe. The following day (Wednesday), she said it got harder and harder for her to breathe, and felt like there was something heavy on top of her chest. She also showed signs of cognitive problems (confusion on names of people and objects, memory loss, etc), and problems with everyday physical actvities like sitting down, standing up, moving her legs, etc. Due to this, she was transferred to the Progressive Care Unit that night. The following morning (around 6-7AM), Thursday, she started having seizures and became unconscious so she was transferred to the ICU where she stayed for 7 days (the first 4 days of which she was unconscious). 

According to the doctors, she suffered severe sepsis because of an infection in her blood (which also affected her brain) and hospital-acquired pneumonia. They said that her situation was exacerbated by the fact that the she's hyertensive, diabetic, and that she's been taking steroids for the pain in her lower back and legs the past 2 months.

She was transferred back to the Progressive care unit since she already regained consciousness and her stats have since improved. She also had her ventilator removed and was for just further observations. They initially saw some issues in her lungs, so she was sent to isolation for 2 days, but she was cleared soon after and went back to Progressive care.

She was cleared to start with radiation, and has just completed the second session when she compained about the unbearable pain in her stomach. After a few tests, the doctors saw air in her intestines which meant it had a hole so she was scheduled for an emergency surgery to find it. They couldn't patch up her intestines as it was too infected, so they decided to leave it open until her infection gets treated. She was also required to use a ventilor again to help her with her breathing. She was also asked to stay in the Coronary Care Unit (the ICU was full) for better monitoring.

In behalf of my family, I am asking for financial support as the hospital bills get higher and higher by the minute. Out current bill (as of August 6) is Php 2.5 million, excluding all doctors' fees (she currently has 10 specialized doctors looking after her) and the radiation treatments. She has been in the hospital since July 13, and was in the ICU for 7 days (total of 17 days and running). According to the doctors, she won't be able to go home soon as there still are complications from the sepsis and the cancer, and she needs to be closely monitored by them. 

Any amount would go a long way, and I assure you I will return it in whatever way I can. Even simply sharing the link will be appreaciated. Thank you!

For direct bank transfers (Dollar and Peso accounts), please send me a message.

Thank you!

*My Tita Rueth Palad and I are continuously updating the story so everyone can keep track of what's happening to her.