My name is Jocil Pinga " Jo Jo". Everyone is saying 2020 was a heck of a year, but I did not realise that this year will be even tougher until the first few days of January 2021, I was diagnosed of Esophageal cancer (malignancy).
The story:
The beginning of June 2020 I was complaining of difficulty of swallowing and constant stomach reflux, I thought it was from one of my diabetes medication. Slowly I was losing significant amount of weight (30kg in 6 months) which prompted me to see a medical practitioner.
Initially, they thought it was just acid reflux until Christmas of 2020 I could not pass any food which was very alarming. Few days of January 2021, I managed to see a Gastroenterologist (GI Specialist) that performed an urgent endoscopy.
The doctor found a 35cm Mass in the middle of my oesophagus about >95% occluded, hence I could not eat at all. Later that day, I went for a CT scan- Chest and the whole abdomen to find if any of this mass has spread. Subsequently, I was referred to as cancer surgeon as I needed a feeding tube into my small intestine during the procedure they found another mass which has the same size of an egg attached to my spleen and liver.
Treatment and hope:
The biopsy result came and my medical oncologist has diagnosed me of STAGE3 going to 4 Esophageal Cancer with metastasis. With combined/Radiological therapy and maybe Surgery I will be able to eat again perhaps have a miraculous healing restoring a quality life. At present, I am receiving Intravenous Chemo Therapy every 15 days that is 1 cycle every 15 days also with the Radio Therapy costing about Php 60,000. I still need to complete 5 more cycles and will be repeating CT scans to check the progress of the treatment.
Things are getting challenging with all the treatment expenses and doctors professional fees in the Philippines. The chemo side effects is requiring me to have other medications to help me be comfortable.
I have a brother in Sydney Australia his name is Joaquin Jr Pinga "Jay Jay", he has been helping me fund my treatment since hospital day 1- surgery for my Jejunostomy Tube feeding until now for chemo. I know it is getting very tough for him, as he also has financial responsibilities in Australia and his own family. My mum and her siblings who have been with me emotionally and physically aiding me to fight this terrible disease. Also, a few of my relatives and Mum's friend helped me financially.
However, the battle to fight Cancer is lengthly, I wish to help in any way so I decided to create this fundraising page.
Any assistance that is big or small will greatly help. What is happening right now serves a reminder that life is too short. Spending time with your family and friends , embracing every moment, because we never know what tomorrow will bring us.
- BDO account name: Cecile Pinga
- Branch: Astoria MD Jalon, Zamboanga City Philippines
- Account no: 001790116099
- GCASHMobile Phone: 09054936513
National Australian Bank(NAB)- Acc Name: Joaquin Jr Pinga
- BSB: 082-274 Acc: 30-951-5432
PAYPAL Link Easy donation/collection Pool:
https://paypal.me/pools/c/8xatqAogv0
- Thank you very much..I truly appreciate everyones help…please pray for my healing. God Bless.
Jocil "JoJo" Pinga
Please click the style of widget you'd like to install
Zamboanga, ph