Help extend my Tatay’s Life – a good man with a good heart

They say that fathers will do everything for their children. They will give and sacrifice everything to give their children the best future they deserve which I truly believe. The same way goes for us children, we will give and sacrifice everything just to give our parents a life they deserve. We will also let them feel the comfort of life they didn’t have while trying to raise us up.

Hello everyone, I am Joan Agaran, 24 years old, a Filipina. I’m working here in Singapore for three years now(OFW). We are six in the family. It was last April 2016 that my tatay was diagnosed with Colon Cancer Stage IV. From time to time, he had abdominal bloating, stomach cramps and constipation. He kept this to his self and never complains to us. We got a hint that there is something wrong in him since he started taking herbal medicine and wasn’t eating dinner anymore. We begged him to see a doctor but he refused and made excuses every time we were about to go to the hospital. One month prior to being diagnosed, his condition got worse. He couldn’t longer sleep and eat. That was the time he agreed to see a doctor. A supposedly check up to the hospital became a week of hospital confinement. A lot of tests were done; ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy, blood test, and CT scan after it was found that it is sure enough cancer. The colonoscopy showed cancer in the transcending colon and the CT scan and laparoscopy confirmed that it had spread in his peritoneum, liver and lungs.

The primary tumor was not taken out anymore because of the complication. He had ileostomy so he can eat and excrete waste. One month after surgery, my father had his first chemotherapy (FOLFOX). Unfortunately, it didn’t go well. He had pneumonia during the treatment and had to be intubated for four days. Through, God’s mercy he recovered. He was traumatized by the experience that he didn’t want to undergo for another cycle of chemotherapy. It was for a days that we have convinced him. He failed to complete again the second cycle of chemotherapy. His body was reacting badly to 5-FU. The doctor had to stop the cycle because he was disoriented, agitated and was feeling chest pain. It was then that they concluded that he can no longer have the5-FU as chemo meds.They have to eventually administer CAPEOX therapy and he is now on his second cycle. So far, the only side effect that is hurting him so bad is the fatigue. He is losing his appetite during chemo but eventually comes back after that. He has 7 days rest period before the next cycle.

(mother's day - He is the sweetest tatay on earth)

I admire my Tatay (father) so much even though he was experiencing so much pain, he decided to keep it from us because he doesn't want us to get worried, at the end of the day he was still looking out for us, he was still providing for our family and he was still helping others who are in need. As a daughter it breaks my heart to hear him saying how much he wants to continue living which makes me wonder why him? why us? why our family? but seeing him fight and together with our God Savior we believe that our family will surpass this challenge.

Being an OFW, the most difficult part is being away from my family, my tatay. Because of our financial problems I have no choice to stay and work hard, My biggest fear is that I'm letting time pass by away instead of taking care of him, spending more time and make memories.

Aside from the emotional and physical challenge we are facing, we are also having financial burden. Our resources had run out after 5 hospitalizations in five months. His chemotherapy meds are very expensive, one amounting to 150,000 pesos. ($3,200usd)per session

My siblings and I need a father. It breaks my heart to see him lying on his bed, unable to do nothing. I know he never stops fighting, for me and our family. If anyone is able, we are asking for any support you can offer to help with the costs of the cancer treatment to help extend his life. We thank all our friends, family and everyone for love, support, concern and prayers for my tatay's recovery.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

#tatayVicFighter #FightAgainstCancer

BPI ACCOUNT NAME : Joan Agaran

BPI Family SAVINGS ACCOUNT NUMBER :673-6153-589

BPI Family Branch: Amorsolo Makati

BPI ACCOUNT NAME: Jenny Agaran

BPI savings account number:

0069-5399-39

BPI Branch: Glorietta

Before Operation

This is when he is in a critical condition, suffering from Pneumonia.