Acoustic neuroma surgery

Hello. My name is Gaye, I am a mom of two boys (4 y.o. and 6 months old). I am currently working as a teacher in the Philippines while my husband is a government employee. I was diagnosed with cholesteatoma and acoustic neuroma last year.

Cholesteatoma is a disease of the ear drum caused by chronic ear infection that results to cysts forming in the eardrum. My ENT here inTacloban, said that I had weak eustachian tubes that increases the risks of infection in my ears every time I get colds or cough. It is genetic and sadly I have allergic rhinitis and I had frequent colds since I was young. This may have caused the frequent ear infections leading to cholesteatoma. The doctor decided that it was better to address the cholesteatoma and infection first before the acoustic neuroma due to the possibility of the infection spreading inside the brain. The infection may cause meningitis that would be fatal. Last year, I underwent surgery to remove the cyst and infection. It was thankfully successful.

This year I am about to undergo another surgery to remove the tumor in my brain. Acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma is a type of brain tumor that stems from the vestibular nerve of the inner ear to the brain. It is, fortunately, benign. But due to the size of the tumor (3.9 cm) it has to be removed as it is already pressing my brain stem and causing symptoms such as frequent headaches, loss of balance, occasional blurry vision, tinnitus and hearing loss. The growth of the tumor may cause further intracranial pressure which is a very dangerous and life-threatening situation. This schwannoma is also genetic and slow growing. With the size of the tumor I may have had it since I was 10 years old. It was only recently diagnosed as the size of the tumor is already causing alarming symptoms.

I have consulted with my ENT in Manila and we have discussed the details of my surgery including the costs and risks. The surgery is scheduled on September 9, 2023 at the Philippine General Hospital. She will be teaming up with a neurosurgeon to remove the tumor. The operation will last for at least 6 hours and cost 600, 000 pesos. This is already a package and a discounted price of the professional fees of all the doctors including the anesthesiologist. The hospital fees are not included and based on their estimate, it may cost up to 60-80, 000 pesos.

I have tried looking for alternatives at other public hospitals to get a free operation, unfortunately the doctors are not specialized yet to address my condition. My current ENT is the only doctor with a specialization to operate on the removal of my acoustic neuroma. I am thankful to have found a doctor that could address my current illness even if it would cost a lot. Having had surgery last year, our finances took a huge hit and are honestly not enough for this operation. Our current income is only enough to cover our basic needs, even the loans we could apply for will not be enough to cover the surgery expenses. Despite the costs, I am pushing forward for this because I still want to live to see my children grow up. The headaches and blurry vision scare me enough to push forward with it.

I am humbly asking for financial help for my operation. Any amount would greatly help us prepare for the operation as well as the post operation costs for me and my family.

Thank you so much for your generosity.

You may also donate at this Robinsons bank account:

Account Name: Gaye Petilos Tumulac

Account number: 200530100005561

Gcash:

Account Name: Gaye Petilos

Account number: 09175090221