Help Me Fight My Next Chemo Cycles

I have always wanted to go abroad and pursue my dreams! And I did! But I didn't expect that soon as I got to Turkey, things will change. I was just starting my new work as an OFW nanny (Overseas Filipino Worker) when I started to feel pain in my right breast. At first, I thought it was just because the baby I was taking care of keeps hitting it. It took me a month to observe and realize that it wasn't. It took another month to get my courage to tell my employer that I was feeling pinching pains in my breast. My employer was kind enough to take me to a cancer hospital for a check up. At that time, a lump was already present, too. The doctors made the physical checkup and requested for a biopsy. On June 5, 2017, we got the results – Invasive Carcinoma Grade 3. I am blessed to say that it was just only in my right breast and that it hasn't found its way anywhere else. I couldn't hold back the tears in front of my employer and doctor. My employer encouraged me to go home and undergo treatment. I didn't have family or friends to take care of me in Turkey (if I'd do it there even if it was for free). I came home soon.

On June 27, 2017, I visited an oncologist in Baguio City, Philippines. He immediately had me admitted and had my first chemotherapy. It didn't go well with me. My body reaction wasn't great. I vomited a lot, had diarrhea and like the movies, I started to lose my hair. I eventually went for bald haircut and didn't wait for it all to fall. It was a very scary experience that I stop after my first cycle. I opted for natural remedies. As though I thought things were improving, the lump started to get bigger again and then it itched and broke through the skin.

My friends and family never failed encouraging me and though it took a while, I have finally realized I have to fight for it. I have never had that courage again to try chemotherapy until now. I am asking for financial help to complete the chemotherapy sessions including a possible removal surgery based on the doctor's diagnosis. I am finishing all the test but I know that it would take a while to raised enough funds to get me started with my chemo. I hope that as I start the fight, you may join me with your prayers, support and assistance.

With the will to go on and keep going,

Fernalyn