Battle Against Brain Cancer: A story of Faith and Fortitude

My friends:

I pondered on this many times, posting what I, my family, my mom is going on. Finally, after a deep thought and trust this cyber platform has, I have decided to share with you, what I, my mom is undergoing at this very moment.

My inspiration, mentor, best friend, debate opponent, critique, spiritual adviser, my Mom, was in 'light' comma 8 a.m. of October 10, 2017. She has been admitted at the Luzon Medical Center in Dagupan City, Philippines 11 a.m. of Sunday, October 9, 2017.

At first, I wanted to personalized this plight, this 'test' and never publicized it but time is involved; her health status rapidly deteriorated since her admission to the hospital. Like a lightning that passes our eyes quickly, her condition became low. No eye movement, no response, slow breathing and weakening heart condition was observed. Her attending physician decided to use advance life support as an anticipation of possible occurrence of cardiac arrest. That time, the attending physician told me that at that very moment, it's about time to 'inform' everybody about her condition and to 'prepare'.

Now, try to close your right hand. Yes, a nearly half fist-sized mass (tumor) was discovered in her left brain (tempoparietal lobe) and with cyst which are causing edema and advancing brain herniation. Shocked, alarmed, scared, teary and with rapid heartbeat, I and my sister talked to the Neurosurgeon. By then, I realized that my mom is in danger. It was a medical emergency. And after weighing the consequences and risks, I looked at my mom. I saw a woman, a loving mother with a strong body but with collapsing brain: a scenario that burnt my heart, the heart of a son.

Suddenly, memories had a flashback. All of those mental images reaffirmed my stand to fight for mom, to fight for her life and 'risk' to save my mother. In such times that well-phrased answers to questions are almost unendingly repeated to respond to all sorts of queries, all I needed were sincere concerns, genuine love, compassion, peace and fortitude. All I need is a hug and reassurance that everything's gonna be fine.

WE prayed hard. Though unconscious, I talked to my mother and I even asked her to pray herself and hold on to her faith. While holding her hands, my tears are pouring and prayed hard. I have said: God, I know that you will soon fulfill your promises. But, why not perform a miracle to me now? To mom? Please, show me a miracle. I don't know how would you do it. I don't know what's happening inside mom's head but please, perform me a miracle."

Indeed, a miracle happened, a successful major brain surgery was performed in Thursday, October 12,2017. The brain tumor was removed and the cyst was suctioned out from her brain. At the moment, she is still recovering at the Luzon Medical Center. Her case is suspected as a brain cancer by 80-90%. But with God's grace, we are winning in this battle. Surely, the battle may take a long way but I and my my mother are determined to win.

Now, both optimistically and realistically looking beyond this storm, I appreciate a wave of support from everyone. Please help me get funding to pay my mom's major brain surgery. Like her and all the others who are battling against brain cancer, please extend more help and generosity through your donations. Through bible reading and prayers, may God continuously pour his loving-kindness to everyone and set His eyes and act to end all forms of suffering.

My mom taught me that there is innate kindness in all human beings, that everyone should always do good. Thus, earning 'good points' in the heavens that will be counted by the God Almighty, our Grand Creator to grant us back His mercy.