AJ is out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. She will be back on Friday for a BMA and then on Saturday, she'll travel to Pampanga to be with Lolo Dad, Lola Mommy and Muy.
We are so thankful to all of those who have extended assistance to our family.
Our uncles and aunts in the States who sent money - Tita Rina, Tita Lette and Uncle Mon and Uncle Josel.
Daddy Ted Bacani.
Our cousins, Koya Tristan and Yang.
Tito Bart and Tita Lumen.
Relatives from Panipuan and Pandan.
Fellow-blogger Michael Sta. Maria.
My sister's friends, the Zapanta family (thanks to Joy for agreeing to meet up the same day she called), Delia, Kitosch and Noel (who sent money through my PayPal).
My mom's friends and co-teachers who all were there to lend a helping hand without questions and hesitations.
Of course, we are equally thankful to our blood donors from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army as well as my brother Archie's batch mates headed by Koya Pasky Sarmiento.
Our heartfelt gratitude to Rhea Regina for facilitating the blood letting from the PAF members.
Philip Alvarez and his troops.
Kitsy.
Same goes to Raeren and his friend, Warren, Tin and Koya Odee.
We also would like to thank Dr. Ruben Supan and his wife Lalaine for the food and mobilization fund they provided for the Philippine Army's blood letting.
Cousins Budz, Veron and Paul Michael.
Tutang.
And to everyone who prayed, gave us moral support, stayed and made their presence felt during the most difficult, dark hours of AJ's hospitalization...
(I might be missing names, I hope I am not, but if I am please know that it isn't intentional.)
To everyone mentioned, thank you so much! No words would suffice to express our gratitude, we are eternally thankful to all of you.
As we celebrate AJ's home coming, we are also praying that her BMA results tomorrow will yield good results. We are praying for a remission and hopefully, chemo sessions won't be necessary any more. Please continue praying for her.
We are still soliciting blood donations though. I have spoken with my Mom on the phone early today and we decided to continue soliciting under AJ's name and record just in case she needs transfusions again. If not, then we will donate the blood to other leukemia patients who would need it.
We were not able to pay the whole amount of the total bill, AJ was permitted to be discharged only because my brother issued 3 post dated checks and signed a promisory note. We are also still soliciting financial assistance to aid us in settling our hospital bills. AJ will also still be needing medications even if she is no longer confined in the hospital. For those who would like to donate money for AJ, kindly click on the PayPal Donate button on the side bar of this webpage or send your donations to my PayPal address hazelrchua@gmail.com.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
AJ is going home! :)
As of today, AJ can already go home so this really calls for a celebration!
She is scheduled for a BMA on Friday and we are praying that her BMA results will tell her doctors that she doesn't need anymore chemo treatments. Let's hope for the best.
Currently, our running total hospital bill is at P150,000.00. We still don't know how we can raise such amount, but we are confident that the Lord will once more provide. We've survived the most difficult phase of this whole ordeal and never did the Lord falter in his provisions so we just know...
Please celebrate with us and more importantly continue praying with us for AJ's complete recovery. You all know that her doctors initially required six chemo treatments, we are hoping that the first one is all that will be needed and that the BMA result on Friday will put a stamp to that.
She is scheduled for a BMA on Friday and we are praying that her BMA results will tell her doctors that she doesn't need anymore chemo treatments. Let's hope for the best.
Currently, our running total hospital bill is at P150,000.00. We still don't know how we can raise such amount, but we are confident that the Lord will once more provide. We've survived the most difficult phase of this whole ordeal and never did the Lord falter in his provisions so we just know...
Please celebrate with us and more importantly continue praying with us for AJ's complete recovery. You all know that her doctors initially required six chemo treatments, we are hoping that the first one is all that will be needed and that the BMA result on Friday will put a stamp to that.
Friday, April 17, 2009
This is all God's grace
It's been a roller coaster ride for our family and everyone who's been following updates through this blog knows that.
AJ's health is improving although just a few days ago her temps rose again and she developed allergic reactions to the paracetamol that was given her. She is also still getting blood transfusions and will be so until her hemoglobin count normalizes. My mom's been by her side since the first week of April and since then, too, we've seen how special Lola Mommy's touch has always been by looking at how much AJ has recovered from the effects of chemo among other things.
In all of this, we are so thankful that we are not alone. People, some we haven't yet personally met, responded to our call for help and we are just so overwhelmed by such outpouring of love, compassion and kindness. There are days I'd receive calls from people I didn't even know existed, and they would offer their time and resources to help our family, especially AJ.
There are also old friends who immediately stepped in to assist us, sending financial help from across the miles and even keeping AJ in their prayers.
The ordeal becomes more bearable with all the love our family is receiving from different directions and we are so thankful. I can only stand in amazement at how many people God has brought to us these past two months. Truly, His provisions never cease. This is all God's grace.
Again and again, I pray that in all of this, may God's name be glorified above all.
AJ's health is improving although just a few days ago her temps rose again and she developed allergic reactions to the paracetamol that was given her. She is also still getting blood transfusions and will be so until her hemoglobin count normalizes. My mom's been by her side since the first week of April and since then, too, we've seen how special Lola Mommy's touch has always been by looking at how much AJ has recovered from the effects of chemo among other things.
In all of this, we are so thankful that we are not alone. People, some we haven't yet personally met, responded to our call for help and we are just so overwhelmed by such outpouring of love, compassion and kindness. There are days I'd receive calls from people I didn't even know existed, and they would offer their time and resources to help our family, especially AJ.
There are also old friends who immediately stepped in to assist us, sending financial help from across the miles and even keeping AJ in their prayers.
The ordeal becomes more bearable with all the love our family is receiving from different directions and we are so thankful. I can only stand in amazement at how many people God has brought to us these past two months. Truly, His provisions never cease. This is all God's grace.
Again and again, I pray that in all of this, may God's name be glorified above all.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
We still need blood donations
The roller coaster ride continues for AJ and the rest of our family. We are still looking for blood donors since transfusion is still ongoing because her hemoglobin count remains abnormal.
Yesterday, her temp rose again to 39.5 and she developed allergies from the paracetamol her doctors gave her. Although little by little, she can already eat solids, it looks like we are not going home anytime soon yet.
Please continue praying for my niece. If you are a blogger reading this, kindly help spread the word. AJ needs blood donors (any blood type) as well as financial assistance.
Thank you.
Yesterday, her temp rose again to 39.5 and she developed allergies from the paracetamol her doctors gave her. Although little by little, she can already eat solids, it looks like we are not going home anytime soon yet.
Please continue praying for my niece. If you are a blogger reading this, kindly help spread the word. AJ needs blood donors (any blood type) as well as financial assistance.
Thank you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
In Remembrance of Christ's Death
AJ is now getting back to her normal happy self.
She's still being fed via IV and her doctors haven't yet taken off the tube that's suctioning out all of the undigested goo in her intestines but she is getting better. We're just happy and relieved to hear that AJ is no longer in much pain as she'd been for over a week.
Meanwhile, on other thoughts...
In commemoration of Christ's death on the cross at Calvary, I stand in awe as I realize that Christianity is indeed the most liberating experience any human being can ever go through. Knowing that His death paid for all of my sins and that no other sacrifice is needed or will ever measure up to the sacrifice of His crucifixion and separation from the Father gave me that renewed sense of freedom - freedom from the bondage of traditions and man-made customs. Freedom from fear of myths and superstitions. And most importantly, freedom from the chains of religion.
Christ did it all more than two thousand years ago, he walked a righteous life for more than thirty years here on earth so that when he died in my place, his righteousness would be mine also. He endured beatings, spats on his face, insults, incrimination and ultimately death so that I may never have to go through all of it anymore. What a great God we serve! What undeserving grace for a wretched sinner like me!
She's still being fed via IV and her doctors haven't yet taken off the tube that's suctioning out all of the undigested goo in her intestines but she is getting better. We're just happy and relieved to hear that AJ is no longer in much pain as she'd been for over a week.
Meanwhile, on other thoughts...
In commemoration of Christ's death on the cross at Calvary, I stand in awe as I realize that Christianity is indeed the most liberating experience any human being can ever go through. Knowing that His death paid for all of my sins and that no other sacrifice is needed or will ever measure up to the sacrifice of His crucifixion and separation from the Father gave me that renewed sense of freedom - freedom from the bondage of traditions and man-made customs. Freedom from fear of myths and superstitions. And most importantly, freedom from the chains of religion.
Christ did it all more than two thousand years ago, he walked a righteous life for more than thirty years here on earth so that when he died in my place, his righteousness would be mine also. He endured beatings, spats on his face, insults, incrimination and ultimately death so that I may never have to go through all of it anymore. What a great God we serve! What undeserving grace for a wretched sinner like me!
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
- 1 Timothy 2: 5-6
Thursday, April 9, 2009
CT Scan: NORMAL!
AJ's CT scan results announced that my niece's organs are in normal condition and are functioning well. We are so relieved to hear this news and yes, tomorrow's looking brighter and brighter for her.
My mom sent me a message last night and she said AJ just freshened up, put on some gloss and sprayed on some cologne. She's back to being her "kikay" self I guess, my heart just leaped with joy at the thought of her smacking her lips tight and breaking her face into a wide grin after putting on a coat of lipgloss.
She's no longer experiencing stomach pains and in fact, her belly's back to it's normal size. No more bulge, so, yehey! :)
We pray that we are really finally going on an uphill climb, with all these latest developments we continue to remain hopeful that AJ will be back on remission soon. Please continue praying for her and for our family as well, especially my parents. I'd like to thank my dear bloggy friends who sent love, smiles, hugs, waves and encouragement on yahoo messenger. Ladies, I know you are praying for her and I know if we are not so miles apart from each other you would have all gone down here and donated blood and baked us some cookies! :)
My mom sent me a message last night and she said AJ just freshened up, put on some gloss and sprayed on some cologne. She's back to being her "kikay" self I guess, my heart just leaped with joy at the thought of her smacking her lips tight and breaking her face into a wide grin after putting on a coat of lipgloss.
She's no longer experiencing stomach pains and in fact, her belly's back to it's normal size. No more bulge, so, yehey! :)
We pray that we are really finally going on an uphill climb, with all these latest developments we continue to remain hopeful that AJ will be back on remission soon. Please continue praying for her and for our family as well, especially my parents. I'd like to thank my dear bloggy friends who sent love, smiles, hugs, waves and encouragement on yahoo messenger. Ladies, I know you are praying for her and I know if we are not so miles apart from each other you would have all gone down here and donated blood and baked us some cookies! :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
CT Scan Performed on AJ This PM
AJ's stomach pains dwindled after the doctors worked on taking out undigested food this morning but tonight, she's experiencing aches again so to be sure, her doctors recommended another round of CT scan to check on what else could be causing the pains.
Please pray that it is nothing serious.
Please pray that it is nothing serious.
List of Blood Donors From The Philippine Army
Army Reservist
1st Pampanga Ready Reserve Battalion
303rd (Pampanga) Community Defense Center
3RCDG, Army Reserve Command
Belen Homesite, Angeles City
1. SSg Pascual Lito V. Sarmiento PM-A022550 (Res) PA
2. Sgt Rafael Marcelino L Naguiat PM-R07000326 (Res) PA
3. Pfc Enrique B Cepra PM-R08-000733 (Res) PA
4. Pfc Joemar V Dacuba PM-R08-000729 (Res) PA
5. Pfc Emelito N Micmic PM-R08-000737 (Res) PA
6. Pvt Marlon G Rigdao PM-A010965 (Res) PA
Civilian Donors
1. Mr Rodrigo L Tanglao CVO
2. Mr Erwin B Pingol CVO
3. Ms Ma Carmelita D Santilices CVO
4. Ms Edlyn P Garcia CVO
5. Mr Mark Euro R Eufemio CVO
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
AJ's stomach aches finally resolved
AJ's doctors were finally able to pinpoint the cause of her persistent
stomachaches as well as her burgeoning belly. Apparently, a great amount of undigested food
got lodged in her small intestines, another chemotherapy side-effect.
Her doctors were able to resolve this by inserting a rubber tube in her nose which passed down to her throat all the way to small intestines to help drain the liquid. So far, more than a liter of liquid's already been suctioned.
Currently, she has two IV tubes stuck on her arms, the other one is to keep her hydrated and the other one is medicine.
This is a big relief for everyone because the past days we've all been worried about that and each time we'd check on the net what stomach aches in leukemia patients could possibly mean, we get not so nice results which really scares the us. AJ is also feeling a lot better now, her stomach is returning to its normal size and there are no more aches. She can also now urinate without difficulty.
So many good news to share, isn't it? This last week's been very very productive and her doctors are really on top of things. Let's also include her doctors (names I have yet to ask my brother) in our prayers, may they continue to exercise compassion with their profession because at the end of the day, compassion still more than makes up for everything, it is what drives an individual to go the extra mile in performing his/her duty.
stomachaches as well as her burgeoning belly. Apparently, a great amount of undigested food
got lodged in her small intestines, another chemotherapy side-effect.
Her doctors were able to resolve this by inserting a rubber tube in her nose which passed down to her throat all the way to small intestines to help drain the liquid. So far, more than a liter of liquid's already been suctioned.
Currently, she has two IV tubes stuck on her arms, the other one is to keep her hydrated and the other one is medicine.
This is a big relief for everyone because the past days we've all been worried about that and each time we'd check on the net what stomach aches in leukemia patients could possibly mean, we get not so nice results which really scares the us. AJ is also feeling a lot better now, her stomach is returning to its normal size and there are no more aches. She can also now urinate without difficulty.
So many good news to share, isn't it? This last week's been very very productive and her doctors are really on top of things. Let's also include her doctors (names I have yet to ask my brother) in our prayers, may they continue to exercise compassion with their profession because at the end of the day, compassion still more than makes up for everything, it is what drives an individual to go the extra mile in performing his/her duty.
Forty bags of blood donated for AJ as of today
Members of the Philippine Army smiles for the camera yesterday while waiting for their comrades as they prepare for a trip to Fe del Mundo Hospital where they donated blood for AJAs of today, we have already collected about 40 bags of blood from various blood donors.
Yesterday, 11 members of the Philippine Army from HQ 303 Pampanga,Community Defense Center
Also, AJ’s Maxicare card was replenished two days ago so we have a fresh PhP100,000.00 credit for meds and other related expenses to date.
Wow! God is so gracious!
Yesterday, 11 members of the Philippine Army from HQ 303 Pampanga,
Also, AJ’s Maxicare card was replenished two days ago so we have a fresh PhP100,000.00 credit for meds and other related expenses to date.
Wow! God is so gracious!
Our little fighter is conquering the battle!
AJ fights the big C back!
As of 10AM on April 6, 2009 her WBC is at 5.3. Target value is between 4.5 to 10. The rest of the blood components are following!Cheers! As her dad said, the tunnel is getting shorter and the light is getting brighter!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
AJ's post chemo photos
AJ's hair had started falling off last week due to the six-days-twenty-four-hours-a-day chemo session she had about four weeks prior. She's a bit depressed about it but we try our best to cheer her up by telling her that she's very pretty with or without hair.I don't like seeing her looking this way, but I always tell myself that the chemo worked and her hair falling off is a sure sign that it did and if my niece would have to stay bald for the rest of her life but remain cancer free, then I am all for it. Besides, my niece is the prettiest and nothing can ever change that, period.
We were already able to collect five bags of blood to date, fifty five or so more to go. The Lord has been truly kind, merciful and gracious to us these last weeks, our hospital bills plummeted down to about P140,000.000 from its original amount of about P200,00.00 because of the blood donations and because we are still under RX Watch. The future is also looking brighter because there is a good chance that we will be approved by the Cancer Warriors Foundation by next month and its Founder, James Auste, has been helping us a lot by giving us so much valuable information on other foundations and new medicines. We found out through him that there is a new medication that effects even the cells that are resistant to Glivec.
Apart from AJ's continuing fever and flatulence, she's doing okay. We doubt she will be discharged from the hospital anytime soon but that's fine. Right now there is no place we would rather for her to be in than in the hospital where everything she needs, medical-wise, is just within immediate reach.
Please continue praying for AJ. We still need help, financial and/or otherwise, and we are also still looking for blood donors within the Manila area. You can get in touch with me via email at hazelrchua@gmail.com or call/text 0908-685-4240. Again, our sincerest and most heartfelt gratitude to all of those who have been in this journey with us these last weeks. Knowing that you are all praying for our dear AJ motivates us and helps make the pain we are going through more bearable. Those who have extended helping hands - financially, morally and in kind (blood donors), no words would suffice to express our gratitude. Again and again and again, we have no words except thank you Lord for bringing these people to our doorsteps and thank you everyone for your kind and compassionate hearts.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thoughts and Updates
My sister, who is in Canada, emailed her fraternity brothers and sisters here in the Philippines and in minutes, news of our niece needing blood donors spread like wildfire, reaching the different offices and departments of Clark Development Corporation where she worked for 9 years.
Many people from CDC signified willingness and intention to donate blood but we are now facing a dilemma - transportation and approval from the HR department for the bloodletting to be considered an "official business". A lot of people, most of whom have known my sister for years, are currently up on their toes exploring options and possibilities to make all of this happen.
Also, an army camp based in Angeles City requested us to submit a formal letter to their Commanding Officer to seek help in looking for more blood donors. One of the army reservists, my brother's high school batch mate, believes that his battalion will extend assistance since they really donate blood for cases such as ours. Again, in case approved, our only hurdle will be the means of transport for the donors.
I have spoken with the local bloodbank (PNRC) and although they have approved our request to use their venue, manpower and facilities, which means they will do everything from screening to extraction, then they will just issue cards to each donor which we can use to redeem blood from the PNRC-Manila bloodbank, we still have one major problem: We still have to pay P500-P800/bag upon redemption at PNRC-Manila which defeats the whole purpose. So scrapping that idea altogether, we have no choice at the moment but to go on with transporting donors to Fe del Mundo.
There is also an ongoing text brigade right now calling for more donors to proceed to Fe del Mundo or to get in touch with me. So far, not even one has contacted me yet, but it is still pretty early so we'll see in the next few days.
To be my usual honest and transparent self, folks, this has been very stressful not just for me but also for my family. We all worry for AJ, his dad and my dad who's been on crying spiels every now and then. There are days when I know people around me are starting to somehow lose hope, some of them would sometimes just feel that the pressure is too much to handle and yes, I am no exception to that.
But you know what? God has been really gracious and merciful these past weeks that I cannot help seeing how truly blessed we still are in the midst of this crisis. I cannot help but compare our pains to God's own pain when Christ hung on that cross on Calvary. If we, mere humans who are wretched sinners, could feel all of these frustrations, pains, hurts and sufferings for a loved-one, how much more God the Father whose Son lived a righteous and sinless life on earth? Truly, His pains in seeing His Holy Son suffer condemnation and death is incomparable to the pains we are feeling right now. And that thought is where I draw my strength and inner peace from... Oh how blessed we truly are for having a Redeemer. It makes all of this amount to nothing for He is the only Light at the end of this dark tunnel and He is so reachable and so possible!
Many people from CDC signified willingness and intention to donate blood but we are now facing a dilemma - transportation and approval from the HR department for the bloodletting to be considered an "official business". A lot of people, most of whom have known my sister for years, are currently up on their toes exploring options and possibilities to make all of this happen.
Also, an army camp based in Angeles City requested us to submit a formal letter to their Commanding Officer to seek help in looking for more blood donors. One of the army reservists, my brother's high school batch mate, believes that his battalion will extend assistance since they really donate blood for cases such as ours. Again, in case approved, our only hurdle will be the means of transport for the donors.
I have spoken with the local bloodbank (PNRC) and although they have approved our request to use their venue, manpower and facilities, which means they will do everything from screening to extraction, then they will just issue cards to each donor which we can use to redeem blood from the PNRC-Manila bloodbank, we still have one major problem: We still have to pay P500-P800/bag upon redemption at PNRC-Manila which defeats the whole purpose. So scrapping that idea altogether, we have no choice at the moment but to go on with transporting donors to Fe del Mundo.
There is also an ongoing text brigade right now calling for more donors to proceed to Fe del Mundo or to get in touch with me. So far, not even one has contacted me yet, but it is still pretty early so we'll see in the next few days.
To be my usual honest and transparent self, folks, this has been very stressful not just for me but also for my family. We all worry for AJ, his dad and my dad who's been on crying spiels every now and then. There are days when I know people around me are starting to somehow lose hope, some of them would sometimes just feel that the pressure is too much to handle and yes, I am no exception to that.
But you know what? God has been really gracious and merciful these past weeks that I cannot help seeing how truly blessed we still are in the midst of this crisis. I cannot help but compare our pains to God's own pain when Christ hung on that cross on Calvary. If we, mere humans who are wretched sinners, could feel all of these frustrations, pains, hurts and sufferings for a loved-one, how much more God the Father whose Son lived a righteous and sinless life on earth? Truly, His pains in seeing His Holy Son suffer condemnation and death is incomparable to the pains we are feeling right now. And that thought is where I draw my strength and inner peace from... Oh how blessed we truly are for having a Redeemer. It makes all of this amount to nothing for He is the only Light at the end of this dark tunnel and He is so reachable and so possible!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Glimpse of light in this dark tunnel
I received this SMS from my brother yesterday:
To everyone who offered prayers, financial and moral support and/or who sent AJ healing thoughts and good vibes, SALAMAT (THANK YOU)! It's not yet over, we still have five chemo sessions to go, but this latest development is enough to make us want to just keep on going.
*White Blood Cells
our first faint glimpse of the light in this long, dark tunnel... AJ's latest CBC result as of today, April 1, 2009: From .9, her WBC* is now at 3.4 whereas the target value is 4.5. Good job, Aejae!!!
To everyone who offered prayers, financial and moral support and/or who sent AJ healing thoughts and good vibes, SALAMAT (THANK YOU)! It's not yet over, we still have five chemo sessions to go, but this latest development is enough to make us want to just keep on going.
*White Blood Cells
Flowers for AJ
These two long stemmed roses are for AJ. They were given to my dad this morning during the Baccalaureate Mass held in her school, she was supposed to graduate from secondary education tomorrow.
Sadly, AJ won't be there to receive her awards for being an excellent student, nor even her diploma for a job well done. She is still in the hospital and it looks like she will have to stay there for another week or two. We miss her a lot, and we wish for her to be back home soon.
Brethren, friends, I beg for your continued prayers for my niece. We are still in need of blood donors and/or financial assistance and for anyone interested, kindly contact me at hazelrchua@gmail.com or text/call 0908-685-4240. To date, we have already received, through this blog, cash donations amounting to PhP5,000.00/ US$107.00 and so far two bloggers have already blogged about our situation, you can visit them also at www.stoicpassion.com and www.websaytko.com. For financial donations, please click on the PayPal Donate button on the sidebar of this blog just below AJ's photo.
Again, a million thanks to all of those who have responded so far to this call for help. Some of you we have not even met, not known prior to this crisis and yet, you took time and effort to blog and offer financial help... We are so grateful for your hearts of gold. May your tribes increase! Mabuhay!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Looking for blood donors for my niece
It's been a week since I last blogged an update regarding my niece, AJ.
Currently, she is still in the hospital and is supposed to finish taking antibiotics on Wednesday, April 1, however just two days ago she started experiencing pains on her lower abdomen that no amount of cold/hot compress can relieve. The doctors did a urinalysis to rule out the possibility of a urinary tract infection since she just had her menstrual period. I do not know what happened to the urinalysis, but today, at 11AM, she was wheeled in to the lab for an ultrasound. As of this writing, we are still waiting for the result of the test and praying that it isn't something bad.
I will not deny the fact that we need financial assistance. As of yesterday, our hospital bill already mounted up to PhP200,646.00/US$4,270.00, we are now under what they call "Rx Watch" meaning we now have to buy medications outside the hospital because we were not able to give them the required PhP60,000 deposit two nights ago (we have already used up our previous deposits). Being under Rx Watch has its advantages, actually, because the medicines are a lot cheaper outside, however, it is also stressful because these medicines are not that easy to find and with this new set up, we should make sure we always have some cash ready for purchasing, and sadly that is not always the case. The other night, we needed PhP16,000.00 to buy meds that AJ needed by 3am that same night and we did not have cash on hand, so you can just probably imagine how stressful that night was. This morning, we needed to get PhP5,000.00 to my brother before 11am because AJ's antibiotics needed replenishing, we were informed at 10:15am -- 45 minutes! It sent everyone on a frenzy!
We are still in the process of being inteviewed by local social workers and some charities like PCSO, PagCor and the Cancer Warrior's Foundation and hopefully, AJ gets approved for support. Until then, we just have to try our best to raise funds to cover the expenses.
We also are requesting for blood donations (which incidentally makes up 35% of the bill), please just proceed to Fe del Mundo Children's Medical Center along Banawe Ave., Quezon City and tell them you are donating blood for AJ, the leukemia patient at room Waling Waling. And while you are already there, why don't you do drop by her room to cheer her up as well? Please feel free to email me at hazelrchua@gmail.com or call 0908-685-4240 if you would like to extend assistance in any way so I can make arrangements for you ahead of time. Thank you.
Currently, she is still in the hospital and is supposed to finish taking antibiotics on Wednesday, April 1, however just two days ago she started experiencing pains on her lower abdomen that no amount of cold/hot compress can relieve. The doctors did a urinalysis to rule out the possibility of a urinary tract infection since she just had her menstrual period. I do not know what happened to the urinalysis, but today, at 11AM, she was wheeled in to the lab for an ultrasound. As of this writing, we are still waiting for the result of the test and praying that it isn't something bad.
I will not deny the fact that we need financial assistance. As of yesterday, our hospital bill already mounted up to PhP200,646.00/US$4,270.00, we are now under what they call "Rx Watch" meaning we now have to buy medications outside the hospital because we were not able to give them the required PhP60,000 deposit two nights ago (we have already used up our previous deposits). Being under Rx Watch has its advantages, actually, because the medicines are a lot cheaper outside, however, it is also stressful because these medicines are not that easy to find and with this new set up, we should make sure we always have some cash ready for purchasing, and sadly that is not always the case. The other night, we needed PhP16,000.00 to buy meds that AJ needed by 3am that same night and we did not have cash on hand, so you can just probably imagine how stressful that night was. This morning, we needed to get PhP5,000.00 to my brother before 11am because AJ's antibiotics needed replenishing, we were informed at 10:15am -- 45 minutes! It sent everyone on a frenzy!
We are still in the process of being inteviewed by local social workers and some charities like PCSO, PagCor and the Cancer Warrior's Foundation and hopefully, AJ gets approved for support. Until then, we just have to try our best to raise funds to cover the expenses.
We also are requesting for blood donations (which incidentally makes up 35% of the bill), please just proceed to Fe del Mundo Children's Medical Center along Banawe Ave., Quezon City and tell them you are donating blood for AJ, the leukemia patient at room Waling Waling. And while you are already there, why don't you do drop by her room to cheer her up as well? Please feel free to email me at hazelrchua@gmail.com or call 0908-685-4240 if you would like to extend assistance in any way so I can make arrangements for you ahead of time. Thank you.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Scam
How could anyone still have the guts to scam people who are already in the middle of a crisis, I wonder.
You all know that my family's going through a tough time right now because I wrote about it on all of my blogs with the hopes of getting information/leads to organizations/foundations that could help us avail treatments for my niece who is afflicted with leukemia.
Two days ago, I received a comment from an update post on After His Own Heart, Warren woke me up excitedly to let me know that someone from China offered to help, it all sounded so appealing because the claim was that 9 of their patients since December are now completely, 100%, cancer-free and have returned to their normal lives (school/work/family).
I contacted this person, let her know that we cannot afford anymore expensive treatments especially such as the one they are offering but asked anyway how we can avail of the medicines, what company manufactured it and I asked for references that I can use to check the validity on the internet. She replied and this is what she had to say: (I am assuming it's a "she")
And lastly, not someone who would just brush this email off and throw it on the recycle bin for the www to gobble up in oblivion forever, I responded and this is what I have got to say:
You all know that my family's going through a tough time right now because I wrote about it on all of my blogs with the hopes of getting information/leads to organizations/foundations that could help us avail treatments for my niece who is afflicted with leukemia.
Two days ago, I received a comment from an update post on After His Own Heart, Warren woke me up excitedly to let me know that someone from China offered to help, it all sounded so appealing because the claim was that 9 of their patients since December are now completely, 100%, cancer-free and have returned to their normal lives (school/work/family).
I contacted this person, let her know that we cannot afford anymore expensive treatments especially such as the one they are offering but asked anyway how we can avail of the medicines, what company manufactured it and I asked for references that I can use to check the validity on the internet. She replied and this is what she had to say: (I am assuming it's a "she")
Dear Mrs. Hazel ChuaWell, that was all it took for me to realize that it was all a scam. This person, whoever it is, takes advantage of people like us and that is just so, so sad. I wasn't supposed to write about it anymore thinking that people like this Ming person are not worth investing time and energy on but I realized that I am not the only blogger who has a cancer-stricken family member who blogs about it, so yeah, this is more for the benefit of those who are going through dark periods like us and may have or could received/receive an email/comment on their blog from a scammer like Ming, please beware.
Thanks for you reply.
It is very sad to know that you are short in budget. But we cannot provide your niece with free treatment. We spent 14 years on developing medicine and still have a loan of 1 million US dollars behind us. We charged $40,000 for each patient in China with the promise of completely cure (live as normal people, no chemotherapy, marriage and have children). Without any profit, the cost is still around $20,000. I know this must sound cruel for you and your family, but in order to pay back the loan we cannot compromise any more. Hope you can understand our difficulty.
You cannot find the medicine in market. It is a secret prescription and only made by us. (emphasis added)
On the other hand, I will still help you to spread the news of your niece. I sincerely hope you can raise enough money as quickly as possible for your niece. Hope you will still turn to us at that time. But I will always respect your choice.
May our faith save your niece.
Best regards,
Ming
And lastly, not someone who would just brush this email off and throw it on the recycle bin for the www to gobble up in oblivion forever, I responded and this is what I have got to say:
I just thought I should have the last word. :)
Hi Ming,
Why would you keep it a secret if it is as effective as you say it is? Would you not make more money if you advertise it and put it out on the market? There are millions of people affected by cancer all over the world and you could certainly make so much more, pay back your loan and get rich by getting this medicine on every pharmaceutical company worldwide.
Why do I suddenly feel that your email and your drug claim is just a scam? I am not bitter that I cannot afford your medicine, but I am not stupid not to smell the stench that you lace your correspondence with. I hope that what me and my family and my niece are going through right now won't happen to you or your family or someone you love. Taking advantage of people who are already in crisis is not humane, so I wonder, from what zoo do you belong?
Hazel
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Help for AJ
This is an attempt to disseminate information to get more people to pray for my niece who has cancer/leukemia.
Alleah Janine Reambillo, we call her AJ, was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in 2001, she was nine years old at that time, a smart little girl who loves to draw and color and a consistent honor student in our local grade school. She went on remission with the help of oral medications (Glivec by Novartis) and in October of last year, her doctors gave her the permission to fly to Singapore for a final round of tests before they can give her a complete clearance.
She was supposed to fly with her dad this summer after she graduates from high school on April 3, she is also supposed to receive awards for being a student journalist and for being the school's Ms. Alma Mater. Unfortunately, three weeks ago, my niece had high fever and my mom saw some bruises on her legs and arms again. She was rushed to the hospital and after a round of tests, it was discovered that something triggered the cancer to recur and it has mutated, it has become non-responsive to Glivec and from CML, it looks like it has now turned into Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She is still confined at the Fe del Mundo Children's Medical Center Foundation in Banawe St., Quezon City as of this writing.
AML is relatively curable, according to some research I did a few days ago, but it requires chemotherapy, transfusions and a host of other procedures. We do need financial assistance to get through this, her parents are ordinary call center agents and she has siblings who also need care and support, my other brother and sister are also pulling their resources to help out, but it isn't enough. Conservatively, we need PhP150,000.00/ US$3,200.00 every month for the next six months at least. She needs 6 chemotherapy sessions, one of which was already done two weeks ago and several blood transfusions. She was also prescribed several antibiotics to ward off possible infections. Until she finishes with her 6th chemo, we won't know for sure if the bad cell was arrested or not. If it was, then we're probably good to go, if not, then we will probably be needing more chemo therapies. These are just intelligent guesses, of course we still need the doctors prognosis which we will have only when she finishes her 6th session.
In behalf of my family, I would like to ask for your help. We need leads for foundations or organizations that help support children afflicted with leukemia/cancer in the Philippines, and yes, financial assistance at this time is also badly needed. *But most of all*, we need prayers from everyone, please help us pray for my niece, please help us beg the Lord for His mercy on AJ. If you are a blogger and are reading this, please help spread the word so that we can get more people to pray for her.
I have blogged about her on After His Own Heart, there are also pictures of her in the hospital if you'd like to see, you can just click over.
Thank you so much.
In Christ,
Hazel Chua
Philippines
Note: You can forward you financial assistance via www.paypal.com to hazelrchua@gmail.com. Please don't forget to include a note that the funds you are sending are for AJ. We will update this as soon as we are able to set up a separate paypal account for her. Thank you.
Alleah Janine Reambillo, we call her AJ, was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in 2001, she was nine years old at that time, a smart little girl who loves to draw and color and a consistent honor student in our local grade school. She went on remission with the help of oral medications (Glivec by Novartis) and in October of last year, her doctors gave her the permission to fly to Singapore for a final round of tests before they can give her a complete clearance.
She was supposed to fly with her dad this summer after she graduates from high school on April 3, she is also supposed to receive awards for being a student journalist and for being the school's Ms. Alma Mater. Unfortunately, three weeks ago, my niece had high fever and my mom saw some bruises on her legs and arms again. She was rushed to the hospital and after a round of tests, it was discovered that something triggered the cancer to recur and it has mutated, it has become non-responsive to Glivec and from CML, it looks like it has now turned into Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She is still confined at the Fe del Mundo Children's Medical Center Foundation in Banawe St., Quezon City as of this writing.
AML is relatively curable, according to some research I did a few days ago, but it requires chemotherapy, transfusions and a host of other procedures. We do need financial assistance to get through this, her parents are ordinary call center agents and she has siblings who also need care and support, my other brother and sister are also pulling their resources to help out, but it isn't enough. Conservatively, we need PhP150,000.00/ US$3,200.00 every month for the next six months at least. She needs 6 chemotherapy sessions, one of which was already done two weeks ago and several blood transfusions. She was also prescribed several antibiotics to ward off possible infections. Until she finishes with her 6th chemo, we won't know for sure if the bad cell was arrested or not. If it was, then we're probably good to go, if not, then we will probably be needing more chemo therapies. These are just intelligent guesses, of course we still need the doctors prognosis which we will have only when she finishes her 6th session.
In behalf of my family, I would like to ask for your help. We need leads for foundations or organizations that help support children afflicted with leukemia/cancer in the Philippines, and yes, financial assistance at this time is also badly needed. *But most of all*, we need prayers from everyone, please help us pray for my niece, please help us beg the Lord for His mercy on AJ. If you are a blogger and are reading this, please help spread the word so that we can get more people to pray for her.
I have blogged about her on After His Own Heart, there are also pictures of her in the hospital if you'd like to see, you can just click over.
Thank you so much.
In Christ,
Hazel Chua
Philippines
Note: You can forward you financial assistance via www.paypal.com to hazelrchua@gmail.com. Please don't forget to include a note that the funds you are sending are for AJ. We will update this as soon as we are able to set up a separate paypal account for her. Thank you.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Our Visit with Aejae
We got to the children's hospital along Banawe Street in Quezon City on Saturday afternoon. I opened the door and my niece's aunt from her mother's side of the family was lying on the bench asleep. I woke her up and asked for a face mask. I had to firmly set my feet where I stood because I wanted so badly to run to my niece and just give her a tight hug and hundreds of kisses. She was on the hospital bed wrapped in blue blanket and she looked up to me and greeted me with a weak smile and an equally weak, "Tita...". I wanted to burst into tears. 
Wearing a face mask, I approached her and gave her a kiss, talked to her, asked her how she is doing and tried my 'bestest' to be brave. She told me her bones ached because her bone marrow had to be removed the day before and she just finished her 6th bag of blood transfusion. She showed me where her IV had been before doctors had to transfer it to her right hand, she showed me the needle marks and her bruises, she was also complaining of pains and dizziness. I checked her feet and they were almost ice-cold so I tucked them in. That was the most difficult one hour of my life, I tried to breathe normally but was really having a hard time because the tears were on the verge of seeping out of my ducts and I had to concentrate on not making them fall. I joked lightly from time to time, telling her to get some strength and we would paint the town red. She would smile half-smiles and the knife cutting through my heart would twist painfully each time.
Warren then sat beside her and with a very unusual pitch, started evangelizing. I can feel how heavy hearted he was, and judging from the tone of his voice, he too was about to cry. He struggled to finish preaching the gospel, I watched him take in gulps of air so he could at least breathe comfortably, his feet were drumming the floor and his arms were flailing wildly infront of him. When he was about to finish, I tapped him on the shoulder and told him I will continue. He moved to the other chair and I sat down, held my niece and summarized everything that Warren told her - sin, cross, Christ, faith, repentance, salvation, eternal life. Tears fell from my eyes and my niece started
crying too.
We left the hospital and as soon as we were inside the car, I just exploded. I cried my eyes out and I begged the Lord to save her soul.
On Sunday, we returned and she was in better shape than yesterday. Her fever's down and there are no more aches. She was smiling a full happy smile when she greeted me. They were feeding her apples for breakfast and she was just about to finish her 4th bag of blood transfusion when we got there. No more blanket, she was her usual happy self. She even treated me and Warren to funny stories about their recently held Junior-Senior Prom. She was giggly and just laughing out loud and my heart danced a happy dance, of course. After awhile, she asked to be brought to the loo and after that she sat up on the bed to watch tv.
We left the hospital with memories of her laughing and up on the bed watching Gossip Girl (I could not protest!). I know that she is not stable and we won't know for sure if she's on her way to recovery or not until after her sixth chemotherapy session but we remain hopeful. Six sessions of chemotherapy, that's about six more months of time... Maybe we can buy more. Who knows.
Wearing a face mask, I approached her and gave her a kiss, talked to her, asked her how she is doing and tried my 'bestest' to be brave. She told me her bones ached because her bone marrow had to be removed the day before and she just finished her 6th bag of blood transfusion. She showed me where her IV had been before doctors had to transfer it to her right hand, she showed me the needle marks and her bruises, she was also complaining of pains and dizziness. I checked her feet and they were almost ice-cold so I tucked them in. That was the most difficult one hour of my life, I tried to breathe normally but was really having a hard time because the tears were on the verge of seeping out of my ducts and I had to concentrate on not making them fall. I joked lightly from time to time, telling her to get some strength and we would paint the town red. She would smile half-smiles and the knife cutting through my heart would twist painfully each time.
Warren then sat beside her and with a very unusual pitch, started evangelizing. I can feel how heavy hearted he was, and judging from the tone of his voice, he too was about to cry. He struggled to finish preaching the gospel, I watched him take in gulps of air so he could at least breathe comfortably, his feet were drumming the floor and his arms were flailing wildly infront of him. When he was about to finish, I tapped him on the shoulder and told him I will continue. He moved to the other chair and I sat down, held my niece and summarized everything that Warren told her - sin, cross, Christ, faith, repentance, salvation, eternal life. Tears fell from my eyes and my niece started
crying too.We left the hospital and as soon as we were inside the car, I just exploded. I cried my eyes out and I begged the Lord to save her soul.
On Sunday, we returned and she was in better shape than yesterday. Her fever's down and there are no more aches. She was smiling a full happy smile when she greeted me. They were feeding her apples for breakfast and she was just about to finish her 4th bag of blood transfusion when we got there. No more blanket, she was her usual happy self. She even treated me and Warren to funny stories about their recently held Junior-Senior Prom. She was giggly and just laughing out loud and my heart danced a happy dance, of course. After awhile, she asked to be brought to the loo and after that she sat up on the bed to watch tv.
We left the hospital with memories of her laughing and up on the bed watching Gossip Girl (I could not protest!). I know that she is not stable and we won't know for sure if she's on her way to recovery or not until after her sixth chemotherapy session but we remain hopeful. Six sessions of chemotherapy, that's about six more months of time... Maybe we can buy more. Who knows.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Prayers for AJ
Some of you may have read that story I posted last October regarding my niece's remission from Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a type of leukemia where there is a "clonal bone marrow stem cell disorder".
About two weeks ago, she had to be rushed back to the hospital because of fever and reappearing of what looked like bruises (hematoma) and after a series of tests, her doctors found out that a cell mutated and became non-responsive to medications of Glivec (by Novartis), the cell that has mutated apparently is more aggressive and since Glivec is no longer effective in arresting said bad cell, my niece had to undergo chemotheraphy. She was released from the hospital last week but yesterday, my brother had to rush her back again because she had elevated temp (fever), was having difficulty breathing and again, there were bruises on her arms and legs. I just got off the phone with my brother a few minutes ago, six bags of platelet was transfused immediately last night and there's 2 more bags today. So far, she's stable and it looks like the IV is helping her breathe more comfortably now. Another chemo session is scheduled sometime next month.
Friends, this is not an easy time for me and for my family. I find myself on crying episodes every hour or two since yesterday and sleep did not come easy last night. Only God knows what's next for my niece and for those that loves her so much so I pray, and may I ask you to join me, for hearts that would embrace without question the will of God, whatever it will be. I also pray for my dad's health because he is not taking this family ordeal very well.
I may or may not be posting as regularly in this blog for the next few days, depending on how things go, but I will keep blogging on Food Couch and Warren might be blogging for me on After His Own Heart.
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