Help KEN-KEN WIN against BONE CANCER (synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma) #KenWinAgainstCancer

The past couple of months from January to February was especially taxing on Ken-ken and everyone around him who support and love him unconditionally.

He finished his 5th chemo cycle last February 5th and was soon rushed through follow-up for his planned surgery to remove both tumors on his left and right knees.

Synchronous Multifocal Osteosarcoma meant that he had more than one tumor sites growing almost at the same rate and time. For his case, the tumors were on the left and right ends of his distal femurs, just above his knees.

As with other childhood osteosarcoma patients who have their tumors on their limbs, Ken-ken was immediately considered for ROTATIONPLASTY at the start of his first chemo cycle.

The procedure would look like this:

But in Ken-ken's case, he will need rotationplasty on both legs, done almost simultaneously. Now, try to picture that for both legs.

By the 2nd week of February, he was already scheduled for surgery on February 21. However, his blood counts and electrolytes were low so they had to postpone it until February 28, during which his right leg was operated on and turned backwards.

It was...in part, difficult to accept that Ken-ken would never look "normal" to any other person. But for us, as much as we have reassured ourselves and accepted that it NEEDS TO BE DONE, we are not focused on "how" it looks, but on how he WILL ACHIEVE THE SAME MOBILITY BEFORE HE GOT CANCER. He's an active kid who loves to dance and run, and we'll make sure that he still gets to do those things as he grows up and moves on from cancer. Only this time, he'll have prosthesis on both legs.

On March 7, his left leg was also turned backwards.

After both operations, he is still under recovery as it is very painful to move both legs. However, he is already able to move his toes even just hours after the actual surgery. His legs feel warm and alive and besides the fact that it's turned backwards, HE IS STILL THE SAME LOVING, FUN AND SWEET CHILD THAT HE ALREADY IS.

But as expected, others may seem "weirded" out by the fact that Ken-ken's feet are now intended to replace his knees. Both feet were turned around 180 degrees and we know that it will never look "normal" to others.

Despite this, we are HOPEFUL, FAITHFUL AND POSITIVE that he will OVERCOME cancer and live a life full of possibilities ahead. He wants to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) when I asked him about it and I can already see the future in his eyes. He has so much potential and we will never let anyone ridicule or belittle his supposed disability.

He is fighting a courageous battle, but it's sometimes hard for us to cope with the expenses.

These days, following surgery, he needs to be taken care of, hands-on, and his wounds need to be dressed once every three (3) days. His antibacterial ointments, surgical wound plaster, vitamins and other medicines to help him recover are costly and most of these cannot be provided for free by the hospital. Besides that, he also needs a constant supply for sanitary care until he's able to move his legs without pain. These include diapers and sanitary wipes, which also consume so much out of their family's income.

We manage to make ends meet, despite all this, but it adds strain to their family who is battling against cancer with Ken-ken 24/7 until he's all well and recovered.

We are so much personally involved with Ken-ken because we have so much HOPE and LOVE for him, despite the challenges he has to face.

And I, personally, have so much love for my inaanak. Any help in any way you wish to extend through his gogetfunding page or through our personal accounts will be much appreciated and will all be intended for Ken-ken's healthcare.

And please, please, PLEASE, for those of you who may think that Ken won't look "normal" after this, PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS TO YOURSELF. It is both difficult for us to hear and to process other people's comments, what more for Ken-ken who is still so young to be ridiculed because of something that was out of our control...and something we DID NOT WANT to happen. But IT NEEDS TO BE DONE to get rid of the cancerous bones in his legs.

And if others have the same respect and patience we show towards Ken-ken, you can perhaps help us in explaining the ADVANTAGES OF ROTATIONPLASTY as well as SUCCESS STORIES ON YOUTUBE.

We try our best not to post any pictures after his surgery, but we also think that it's best to let you all know just how hard it is for us to cope with this much needed procedure.

BE KIND TO KEN-KEN AND SEE HIM LIKE HOW WE SEE HIM. ROTATIONPLASTY ISN'T ALL THAT BAD AND HIS LIFE CANNOT BE DEFINED BY THE LOSS OF HIS LOWER LEGS.

So for this update, we have decided to show this photo of his legs. He isn't lying with his face down, so you know what we mean:

We are winning against cancer.

#KenWinAgainstCancer #iCancervive

First of all, we apologize for not having updated this page for some time. We concentrated most of our efforts in reaching people through FB, utilizing most of our friends list after considering that most people are not familiar with Paypal and don't have credit or debit cards, but still wanted so much to help.

Anyway, it hasn't really been that long since the last update.

When we started this page, we were expecting to keep track of our expenses down to the last centavos, but it's really hard to do especially since most expenses also include those that are hugely variable and cannot be supported by receipts and whatnot, like daily hospital provisions for food, hygiene and travel expenses back and forth to the hospital for check-ups.

As a result and to still be transparent with all that has been sent to us, we came up with a simple spreadsheet to note all receipts and disbursements, made thru bank reconciliation of balances.

Before I get to more details on that, let me share with you how Ken-ken is doing so far in this difficult battle to get rid of ALL CANCER CELLS in his system.

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• Ken-ken finished his 4th chemo cycle last December 23, which was also his 9th birthday. A lot of things happened that day, including a visit from our very own President Duterte who has a soft heart for children with cancer. Before going into his 4th cycle, we had an advance birthday celebration for Ken-ken last December 16, which was party sponsored by some good-hearted people from a private firm as a way for them to reach out to the less fortunate during the holidays. It was the first time Ken-ken had a really huge party with a magic show and loot bags for his guests. He had a blast and the sweetest smile ever.

• After his advance 9th birthday celebration, he was immediately due for his 4th chemo cycle and was admitted again on December 18th. He was feeling very well entering into his 4th cycle, but as he started his 3-day infusion of Doxurubicin, he gradually lost appetite and has been vomiting a lot. He hasn't eaten any solid food for the past 4 days and only had some lugaw (porridge) and milk. Since it was the season of giving, he received a lot of gifts from donors and those who have shared their Christmas blessings with pediatric cancer patients.

I made this Christmas card especially for him, to show him how much he truly means to me <3

• In between the last update and this one, Ken-ken has been on several ups and downs, good days and bad days. But we are still very thankful for all those who continue to fight with him and with us, for him and for everything he means to us.

We have so many pictures and daily updates of his battle towards victory on our facebook pages and profiles. You can find the links at the bottom.

In keeping with the holidays, I have written a piece for all of you as a simple thank you

*****

To all beautifully hearted persons who helped us and who continue to share their blessings with us, both prayers and aid, along this very difficult, stressful and emotional year with Ken-ken, abot langit akong thank you sa inyong tanan (heaven knows we are truly grateful to all of you).

We continue to have sleepless nights and tiresome days, pero we don't let it show too much...for our sake and for Ken-ken's. It's difficult to keep the tears from flowing. Just having him rest his weary body on ours, we feel so much love for him.

No words can truly express that really deep desire to protect him from every needle poke, chemo infusion and all the ugliness that comes with it.

Sakit kaayo, sobra sobra na makita ang (It's very very painful to see the) side-effects sa iyang treatment. And we know, we know too much that we still have a very long way to go.

But to what can we compare our weaknesses and doubts, if not to the truly painful experience he has to go through? Our weary bodies and spirits are nothing compared to his.

And yet, he has shown so much resilience over and over and over again. You'd be amazed at his truly beautiful smile and musical laugh.

Make him smile and hear him laugh, you'll have all your troubles and fears chased away, even for a brief moment.

It's a very emotional holiday season for us as we keep on fighting for and with him.

But I just want everyone who has helped us to know, we are truly grateful for your kindness.

Kabalu namo kung kinsa mo (You all know who you are), I do not need to tag you in this.

As they say, there's always some fragrance left in the hands that give out flowers.

May you have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Salamat jud kaayo sa inyo (Thank you so much to all of you).

We keep on fighting, for Ken-ken and for everything he means to us ❤

*****

As always, there are several ways to reach us and to send us any aid you wish to extend for Ken-ken:

Gogetfunding: https://gogetfunding.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirtrusselle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenwinagainstcancer/
Instagram: @kenwinagainstcancer
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +639955142466
Mobile: +639090564285

*****

For balance updates, refer below, as far as the bank accounts under my name are concerned. We also have other friends and relatives sending directly to his parents and we are thankful for that.

We have all receipts earmarked for Ken-ken's ongoing treatment.

Please do check-out our facebook pages to receive more updates!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We keep on fighting, for Ken-ken and for everything he means to us.

#KenWinAgainstCancer #childhoodcancerawareness #fuckcancer #fuckosteosarcoma

Ken-ken finished his 2nd chemo cycle last October 17 and was immediately discharged on the 18th, with normal electrolyte levels and blood tests.

He had his follow-up check up yesterday, October 22, and is scheduled for his next line up on October 31 and on November 3, he'll be on his 3rd chemo cycle.

He also started catching up with 3rd grade school work at home and is doing well so far with his lessons. In 2nd grade, he finished 8th in his class ^_^

As with his protocol, his doctors will decide on the type of surgery to be performed after 3 chemo cycles, which we estimate will be performed in December.

Ken-ken's 9th birthday, however, is on December 23, a day before Christmas eve. If his surgery does happen in December, it is highly likely that he'll spend some weeks in the hospital for recovery.

It's kind of sad to be spending both Christmas and Birthday in the hospital, but we remain hopeful that Ken-ken will get through ok.

Going into his 3rd chemo, we are scared of what type of surgery will be performed.

We are scared of how Ken-ken will feel before and after the possible loss of both his legs, down below his knees as a result of rotationplasty or whatever his doctors will recommend for his case.

But in keeping with the spirit of Christmas, we shall remain faithful that whatever challenges may come his way, we will overcome these with him.

Please, if you can spare a little for his cause, you may donate or contact us to know of other ways you can help. Out-of-pocket costs for hospital admissions and visits are starting to pile up. And we expect these to increase significantly once Ken-ken undergoes surgery and recover for several weeks.

Thank you so much!

Ken-ken's fever finally went away on Friday last week, and he was immediately started on his 24-hr cisplatin infusion, followed by 3 days of doxorubicin infusion, split into 2 infusions per day lasting 4-hrs each with a 12-hr interval between each infusion.

Before the start of his 2nd chemo cycle, his appetite was returning to normal. Here he is smiling after having a blood transfusion and waiting for his requested chicken dinner to be served:

However, as soon as he was started on doxorubicin, his appetite started to decline again as well as feeling tired almost all the time.

Still, we are faithful and hopeful that he'll complete his protocol without any serious troubles nor any delays <3

To loving you, Ken.

Keeping up with daily expenses is difficult for his family, especially since his papa can rarely find time to work as a pedicab driver anymore. His mama tries to squeeze in some finances through various sidelines such as direct selling of products.

We will be very thankful for any help you wish to send our way, for Ken-ken's WIN against cancer.

#KenWinAgainstCancer #childhoodcancer #osteosarcoma #fuckcancer

Last October 3, 2018, Ken-ken was admitted back to the Children's Cancer Institute (CCI) at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for his 2nd chemotherapy cycle.

However, on that same night, he got feverish and his electrolytes were below normal so he wasn't immediately started on chemo. Over the weekend, his fever went away and was moved to a clean room in preparation for pre-hydration. His magnesium and potassium levels were still low so he was prescribed some meds to correct these.

He wasn't feverish for the rest of Saturday and Sunday, so we were hopeful for him to start chemo by Monday.

However, on Monday night, he got feverish again and by early morning today, he was moved to an isolation room to be monitored closely.

#KenWinAgainstCancer #childhoodcancer #osteosarcoma #fuckcancer

Ken-ken's schedule for the week will be the following:

1. Follow-up check-up on October 2, 2018, a day before his 2nd chemo infusion; and
2. Chemo infusion with cisplatin and doxorubicin on October 3 and the days that will follow, under his usual protocol.

He's already lost his hair as side-effect of the chemo, but he's being cool with it. He dislikes having his pictures taken and often finds it irritating, so we skipped photo documentation for now.

His biopsy wound has healed considerably, but the blue stitches are still there. Perhaps until definitive surgery.

We are all taking part in his treatment, but sometimes, we find ourselves lost and fearful of the outcome. However, we try our hardest to stay positive and strong for Ken-ken.

He's our own beacon of hope in this dark time and we will always be there for him, no matter what.

We know donations aren't coming as frequently as it used to for the first week when his page was up, but we continually hope for some good-hearted people to at least share his story and page so that we can reach a wider team-base.

Please, for a little bit of your time, share his page among your friends, groups, colleagues and community. We can use all the help we can get.

Thank you and lots of love from Ken-ken and us.

#KenWinAgainstCancer #childhoodcancer #osteosarcoma #fuckcancer

It has been a week since Ken-ken's first chemotherapy cycle with cisplatin and doxorubicin. Immediately after chemo, his sodium levels were below normal, but his appetite was slowly returning. His doctors had to delay his discharge from the hospital, but he was finally cleared to go home last Tuesday.

At home, his mood is much better and his appetite is as normal as we'd expect it to be. Except for the bilateral tumors on his legs, he appears to be like any other kid without cancer all over. But we know that the real battle is inside the cells in his body - the tumor cells, to be specific.

A week after his first chemo, Ken-ken seems to be generally well. We continually hope and pray that he'll get through the whole treatment and triumph over osteosarcoma.

For all those wondering about his case, we present to you the following photos:

A few strands of hair? It's too soon to tell, but he hasn't lost his hair as of today.

A little appetite for some merienda.

And always the best smile in the world.

Keep your kind donations coming! And thank you for helping Ken-ken win against osteosarcoma!

#KenWinAgainstCancer #childhoodcancer #osteosarcoma #fuckcancer

For all those days we spent together, Ken, before cancer made you ill, it's good to look back at some of your happy moments, di ba?

We build on our past and look forward to your future

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Mahilig ka sa ice cream, Ken.

Pero ngayon, medyo wala ka nang gana sa matatamis. Minsan ay nasusuka ka pa nga kahit tubig lang.

Pero yung di rin siguro madaling makita ng iba, ay ang iyong mga mata. Minsan ang lalim ng iniisip at minsan din ay ang kulit ng liwanag ng mga ito.

Laban, Ken. Para sa ice cream and for the future you see through your eyes.

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HELP US WIN THIS BATTLE

Paypal: https://gogetfunding.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Bank deposits / transfers:
Account name: KIRT RUSSELLE C. PECONADA
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Acct: 8669116382
One Network Bank Acct (ONB): 041250009454
Palawan/Cebuana/any pera padala or money transfers:
Receiver: KIRT RUSSELLE C. PECONADA
Contact no. 09955142466

You donations:
https://docs.google.com/…/1edggGWBNTs7KW2F25W731JT1A5…/edit…

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Connect with us:

Gogetfunding: https://gogetfunding.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirtrusselle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenwinagainstcancer/
Instagram: @kenwinagainstcancer
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +639955142466
Mobile: +639090564285

Ken-ken's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kleentdexter.delacruz

#KenWinAgainstCancer

This week's update - #KenWinAgainstCancer

1. We have the official MRI result - bilateral osteosarcoma, both distal humerus

2. We have the official bone scan result - osteoblastic activity involving distal end of both femur

3. We have the official CT scan result - no noted lesions nor pulmonary mass

4. We have several plain x-ray results - no remarkable findings

5. Ken-ken did his 1st cycle of cisplatin and doxorubicin - no noted adverse reactions, except for infrequent throwing up

6. He is scheduled for his 2nd cycle after 21 days or so.

Overall, Ken-ken's response to his first cycle is great. And besides the already noticeable lump on his two knees, there have been no other findings on his imaging studies.

But, his appetite is down and he really needs to up his food and water intake

We have yet to receive our first medical bill, but no matter the cost, we will see this through

Very good, Ken, kay ok imong pag receive sa imong 1st chemo cycle, kaya nimo na ha

Daghan pa tag agihon pero salig lang ha.

For us to be strong, you need to be stronger, Ken ❤

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WAYS TO DONATE:

Paypal: https://gogetfunding.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Bank deposits / transfers:
Account name: KIRT RUSSELLE C. PECONADA
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Acct: 8669116382
One Network Bank Acct (ONB): 041250009454
Palawan/Cebuana/any pera padala or money transfers:
Receiver: KIRT RUSSELLE C. PECONADA
Contact no. 09955142466

You donations: https://docs.google.com/…/1edggGWBNTs7KW2F25W731JT1A5…/edit…

********************************************************

Connect with us:

Gogetfunding: https://gogetfunding.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenwinagainstcancer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirtrusselle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenwinagainstcancer/
Instagram: @kenwinagainstcancer
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +639955142466
Mobile: +639090564285

Ken-ken's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kleentdexter.delacruz

Hi all!

Seeing that not everyone is familiar with online donations and Paypal and to save on fees and charges from online transactions, you may send your donations as follows:

Account Name / Receiver: KIRT RUSSELLE C. PECONADA
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Acct. No.: 8669 1163 82
One Network Bank (ONB) Acct. No.: 041250009454

For direct money transfers (i.e., Palawan, Cebuana, ML, RD, Western Union, etc.):
Receiver: KIRT RUSSELLE C. PECONADA
Address: DAVAO CITY
Contact No.: +639955142466

Contact us ahead of time for us to monitor any help you wish to send our way.

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kenwinagainstcancer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirtrusselle

#KenWinAgainstCancer