Florinda’s battle against Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Most of us would probably agree that there is no greater love, than a mother could give her children. She is the most kind, loving, supportive and cheerful person for us. Those who knows her personally can attest how courageous, resourceful and aggressive woman she became for striving so hard to raise 5 children. Now that we are on our way trying to achieve our goals to become successful in our own personal and professional life in which we owe a lot to her not to mention that she gave up her personal life and happiness in order for us to flourish….Surely you will agree that being grateful is not enough for all the sacrifices she had done for us.

It has been a year now since she was diagnosed with 4th stage Lung Cancer. We are fighting this cancer with all we can, and my Mom is very courageous for the past year. It's hard to see her being in pain, and her smile slowly fading but we have to stay strong and positive.

Below is the progress of her cancer:

2014 Dec, it all started with a chronic cough. She was given antibiotic and several antitussive medicine that gives her a temporary relief.

2015 Jan, she underwent chest ct-scan which resulted to a left lower lobe malignant mass with lymph nodal and hepatic metastasis.

2015 Feb, several test were conducted, which includes biopsy and several metastatic work-up for lung cancer such as whole abdomen and brain ct-scan as well as bone Scintigraphy. The whole abdomen CT scan confirms the liver metastasis. We insisted for the tumor removal. However, the doctor explained that surgery is not an option as by doing so part of her rib needs to be removed since the tumor in her lungs already touches one of her ribs.

Advanced testing in lung cancer (EGFR Mutation) has been conducted as well to determine the best treatment option for her. And with all our hopes and prayers she qualified for the chemo pill treatment. Hence last March 2015, she was prescribed the medicine called Iresa (Gefitinib chemo pill) as 1 ^st stage of treatment.

May of 2015, (2months after) follow up CT scan of chest and whole abdomen has been done which shows a decrease in size of mass in her lungs and liver. This news put smile in our faces, and we all felt joy. Our hope and will to fight cancer increased. For the next 3 months my Mom was full of hope and we can see it in her eyes.

4th of August 2015(3 months after), A follow-up chest ct-scan was done, showing a minimal decrease of the mass. Furthermore, a new development of nodule at the left lower lobe has been detected. We were advised to continue the same chemo pill treatment.

After 2 months, last October 2015, we went back to the hospital for another Chest CT-scan. We were expecting another good news but the results were different. This time, cancer cells continued to spread and the mass increased it size. Her doctor gave her a new medicine called Afatinib (another chemo pill) as 2 ^nd stage treatment.

Last Jan 2016, 3 months after, during the follow up checkup, test result revealed that the mass had increased in size compared to when it was first discovered. Her oncologist referred her to another specialist in Makati Medical Centre who is doing a study regarding a new chemo pill which was supposedly the 3rd stage for her medication. We waited for at least 2months to be able to get an appointment as well as to get the result of the test. However, this time she was not qualified for the treatment and was advised to undergo traditional chemotherapy.

We felt like we were back to zero, with no proper treatment plan and oncologist for our mother. We were able to obtain an appointment with the oncologist in Lung Center of the Philippines only last April 6 ^th and the doctor immediately advised that she undergo IV Chemotherapy and daily Radiation Therapy for a month.

Early this month (May 2016), she was having severe cough and this time with more blood which had caused an acute drop in her hemoglobin level. The doctor told us that she needs to be admitted to the hospital immediately for proper treatment.

Just this Monday, the 23^rd May, another episode of hemoglobin dropped had occurred and for the 2^nd time within this month she was hospitalized.

For the past year, we have tried all the best that we can to surpass all the challenges that we are facing most especially in terms of financial. Cancer is an expensive illness and our mom doesn't have an insurance. Hence, it is a challenge to keep up with the additional costs of treatment and procedures. Moreover, additional expenses such as transportation costs, expensive diets and care giving also add to the staggering bill. We have already exhausted all of our resources and in spite the hardships, we are determined to win this battle and we are not giving up on her.

If you don't have a paypal account, you may deposit your donations to;

Account # - 005600785470

Bank name - Banco de oro (BDO)

Account name - Cindy Rosales

This is the reason why we are calling out for your help. Cancer is very hard to fight, but we will never give up, we need your prayers and assistance. With great faith and confidence we believe that we will surpass all of these trials FOR NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. Luke 1:37