Help Save Our Mama Nora
Fundraising campaign by
Nerissa Olson
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₱14,970raised of ₱200,000.00 goal goal
No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities
Campaign Story
Dear Ma’am/Sir:
Just a few minutes and you can help me buy more time!
Cancer -- Merely uttering this word sends out a twitch of discomfort for us. It’s a terrible illness that one would not even dare imagine going through. However, in the case of our family, it’s not just a matter of concept, but an aching reality that we have to face head-on, as my mother has been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.
After much prodding, my mom finally agreed to pay a visit to an oncologist last March 15, 2019. However, we missed out the doctor, but we pleaded the secretary in-charge to jot my mom’s name on top of the list for a consultation following Monday. But instead of prepping up early for a consultation, my mom was aching in pain in her pelvic area. There was no room for back pedaling in being admitted to the hospital, as she urgently needed to address this pain and was also compelled to tell to the attending doctor of her breast condition, at the same time.
After a series of tests and results, it was found out that she had appendicitis. Undergoing appendectomy may be a common procedure, but it was an exception for my mom. As she had this going on with her left breast, we were notified beforehand that it was a risky operation. Despite her slim chance, she managed to overcome the procedure.
Yet, the challenges have been queueing in, as the breast mass has also been causing excretion of fluid to her left lung, which would, of course, be making it difficult for her to breathe. Initially, she underwent thoracentesis, a procedure where needle has to be inserted into a space between the chest wall and the lungs to take out the water. My mama was scared, I could tell, as she was gripping my fingers tight while the Internal Medicine Dr Mark Sarmiento was doing the procedure. Although this has helped her out, it was only temporary. After getting a liter from her system, a week later the water (by the way, it has increased to a liter and a half) has once again snuck into my mom’s left lung. Ultimately, to address the fluid, we were referred to another doctor, Surgeon Gerry Abadies, who installed an Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) to drain the water from her left lung.
Soon afterwards, the oncologist Dr. Christy Abas of Cagayan de Oro Medical Center, informed our family that surgery at this point, since the breast mass is relatively large, is not the 1st option. She has to undergo chemotherapy at the soonest time, to stop the excretion of fluid going to her left lung, and to make the cancerous breast smaller until it is safe for mastectomy (removal of the breast). All these treatments and surgeries need to be done to make sure that it does not anymore spread to other parts of her body and while she is still also able to have the treatment. 2 days after our mom finally agreed to go with chemotherapy.
You will be amazed how my mom is trying her hardest to battle the disease, and I, for one, felt that in the simplest of her gestures. While I asked her to do a high five with me for a boost, she instead extended her index finger (like a playful little child will do), smiled, and in return, I did the same and comically said ‘align’. Responding back, my mom beamed one of her sincerest and sweetest smiles, as if to say, she’s taking a leap of faith.
As much as we are one with my family to be always there for my mom, we are also in need of anyone’s assistance to help her and my family out. After 2 instances that she was admitted to the hospital, seeking help from several doctors, and 2 chemotherapy cycles later, we are left with the reality that the need for financial support is very necessary as it is only my sister and I who are working now for the family.
At present, we are waiting for approval from the pulmonologist Dr. Abbie Lim that she will be cleared for the next chemotherapy session. Our mom is scheduled for an additional 4 chemotherapy sessions and mastectomy afterwards.
Again, with your thoughtfulness and generosity, you can help our mom fight her battle, and prayerfully, earn more time!
Sincerely yours,
Daughters Joanne & Nerissa Olson and Son Frederick Olson Jr.
You may also choose one of the ff. Bank Accounts to send your donations:
BDO: 002310324406 (SAVINGS PHP)
BPI: 1199139327 (SAVINGS PHP)
Account name: Nerissa Olson
Organizer
- Nerissa Olson
- Campaign Owner
- Cagayan De Oro, PH
Daughter of a mother who has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer
Daughter of a mother who has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer
Donors
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 19, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 16, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 12, 2019
Done with 5th Chemotherapy Cycle
Update posted by Nerissa Olson at 03:43 pmAfter mama was done with the 6 laboratory tests, now including the bilirubin test last July 17, the oncologist gave us the go signal to proceed with the 5th chemo cycle for July 19. Since mama’s blood count was low, the doctor also instructed us to prepare 1 RBC unit. . . . .
Pre-chemotherapy laboratory tests for Mama's next chemotherapy cycle - Good to go
Update posted by Nerissa Olson at 01:43 pmEarlier today, we got good news as our Mama was cleared for her next chemotherapy cycle (4th session) which is scheduled this June 28, 2019. Apart from the 6 pre-chemotherapy laboratory tests last time, she underwent 2 additional tests, the Biliburin test and the Ultrasound test. Fasting was involved this. . . . .
3rd Chemotherapy session and 1st Blood transfusion
Update posted by Nerissa Olson at 06:54 amMama was finally cleared by all laboratory tests from CBC, Serum, Creatinine, SGPT, Alkaline Phosphatase, Urinalysis and X-Ray since the phlegm in her lung had lessened. We had the go signal to push through with the 3rd chemotherapy session, which was supposedly scheduled last May 21. The 3rd cycle happened. . . . .
Donors & Comments
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 19, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 16, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 12, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 09, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 09, 2019
God bless you. I'm also a Cancer Warrior. I hope and pray that you will be healed.
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 07, 2019
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 06, 2019
get well
- Anonymous
- Donated on Jun 06, 2019
Get well soonest Anty Nora. Love you. <3
- Mike Park
- Donated on Jun 05, 2019
Prayers and good thoughts from California. God Bless.
- Cresel Tubianosa
- Donated on Jun 05, 2019