Norma’s Battle against Cancer (NonHodgkin Lymphoma of the stomach)

Hi! I am Ma. Rica Gracia Bulaso granddaughter of Norma S. Braga. I am campaigning this for my grandmother who is a 74-year-old, a resident of Tanque Calubihan, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines and recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the stomach this January 2017. This is a rare blood cancer affecting lymphatic system.

Prior to her diagnosis, she was admitted last October 11, 2016 due to persistent abdominal cramps, episodes of vomiting and melena. She was recommended to have Upper and Lower GI Endoscopy(Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy) to examine her condition. Upon the examination, there was an obstruction seen and specimens were taken for biopsy. Her hospitalization took for 4 days and costs us P60, 000 something for our hospital bill regardless with her medications and laboratory tests. 1 week later, we received the biopsy result. She was diagnosed to have Adenocarcinoma of the stomach(Gastric Cancer). Then, her physician suggested us to undergo the operation. Last October 21, 2016 a week later from her previous hospitalization, her surgeon asked for CT Scan Triphasic prior to surgery. This is to visualize if the cancer has already metastasize to her other organs. So this costs us another P12, 000. On October 25, she undergone Subtotal Gastrectomy, Gastrojejunostomy. In layman’s term, ¾ of her stomach was partially removed to prevent the spread of cancer and for further obstruction. This means, she can eat well and there will be no other symptoms as I mentioned above.It took her for more than a week to stay in the hospital since she had a Pneumonia, a complication from her surgery. Our bill shoot up to P300,000 something. But thank God, we are discounted by our dearest doctors, surgeon and anesthesiologist. We only spent approximately more than P150,000 for our hospital bill and medicines. The specimens taken from her surgery were sent for biopsy and immunochemistry with CD 3 and CD 20. This is to determine what cell type of Lymphoma she has and what treatment plan she will have.We spent another P9000 almost for that tests. Upon the final result, she was diagnosed to have Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma(Stomach) Diffuse B- Cells Type with CD20 positive. Her attending physician referred her to oncologist for cancer treatment. At first two months after her surgery, we were undecided if we will still push her for chemotherapy since we are still monitoring her recovery and due to financial constraints. During those months, we come and go to her gastroenterologist for further treatment of her condition. Later, she still keep on complaining about her abdominal discomfort and body malaise. We decided to seek her oncologist. Our oncologist requested us to do the Whole Abdomen Ultrasound, 2DECHO and other blood laboratory tests. Upon the result, it was seen in her ultrasound that there are another existing multiple nodes visualized.This prompt us to undergo chemotherapy because if we won’t it will spread more since it’s bulky and fast-growing. Another complication will have happened in the future if not treated.

We were appraised by our oncologist, Lymphoma is curable and responsive to chemotherapy but the treatment costs (Rituximab-CHOP) are expensive. My grandmother is a senior citizen. No SSS, no business, no insurances. She only rely on her children's financial support. The members of my family and her children have already applied loans just to help her. The expenses are relatively huge. We applied other chemo assistance in the province but there are no response yet. She is a PhilHealth member. But all of these are not enough for her 6 sessions (every 21 days) and other tests during her chemo which would costs around P146,000 per session and a total of P800, 000 or more for 6 sessions.

My grandmother is very dear to us. She took care of us since we are small and now is the time to return the favor. Hence, I put up this fund campaign to help alleviate the costs of this heartbreaking and life changing event in our family. We wanted to extend her life more with us. Thus, we are graciously asking for any donations to help cover our medical and other unforeseen expenses related to this shattering event. I and my family would be forever grateful for any prayers and financial support that you can send to me.

The donations that will be raised will disbursed to grandma’s treatment.

You can help thru Paypal or thru :

BPI Savings Account: Norma S. Braga/ Ma. Rica Gracia Braga Bulaso

Account No. 5566-0056-64

or you may contact me thru 09467207814.

Thank you in advance and God bless us all!! Help spread the word!

See photos above for Grandma’s treatment protocol.

Details: Oncologist - Dr. Jay-Ar Palec