2007-01-03 (Winkie Montevirgen)
The Full Story

It was in May 2006 when I discovered a lump in my breast, which my OB-GYN confirmed. He said that I had to see a surgeon right away. The surgeon, upon my check up, sent me to a pathologist for a fine needle aspiration biopsy. The result was so bad because I was diagnosed to have breast cancer, the most shocking news of my life. I was sent to the laboratory in preparation for my major operation. We had ECG, chest X-ray, hematology, urinalysis, and other tests. Immediately, I underwent a modified radical mastectomy.

Further tests confirmed I had Breast Cancer Stage II-B, and was positive to Her-2-Neu, meaning my cancer cells were aggressive. I was then referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy. I had ultrasound of the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas, heart and lung analysis, and bone scan. These tests would prepare and check if my body can sustain the side effects of chemotherapy and would also determine the kind of treatment plan appropriate for me. My oncologist recommended 8 cycles of chemotherapy to maximize my chance for cure. Every cycle gave me fear and I experienced too much body aches and pain, joint pains, pins and needles on my hands and feet, and a lot more. I got a long list of medicines from my oncologist: if you cannot sleep take this; for headache take that; for nausea and vomiting take this; for stomach disturbance take that; for watery stools take this; for muscle pain take this; for the nerves take that, etc.

I got even more depressed when after my first chemo, I lost bunches of hair, my crown of glory. I wanted to give up as each cycle worsened my neuropathy. First only 1/3 of my fingers were affected, then 2/3, then my entire hand were numb yet with pain and tingling sensation.

Thank God, finally, the 8 cycles of chemotherapy were finished and I had my graduation. I didn’t believe I could handle such a situation. I spent about P400,000.00 with the help of my family, relatives and friends.

It is so unfortunate that this sickness entails a long period of treatment, which worsened my situation because I lost my job. My husband's income is not enough to support my continued medication. It is in this instance that I am seeking financial assistance for my continuous medication and hospital expenses.

My oncologist recommended a one year infusion of Herceptin, which would cost about 1.7M pesos. I backed out and said no as I couldn't afford it. But lately, my doctor said there is one new development, an approved treatment plan of 9 weekly infusion of the same drug in smaller vials. It will cost about 400,000.00 pesos which she said might be feasible. Of course, this gives me new hope. With the help of my lovely friends, and maybe their own friends, whom I may not know, thus this plead. This phase of my treatment has been proven to reduce recurrence rate in Her-2-neu positive patients, which I am. I was scheduled to have my 2D-Echo last Dec 4, 2006 which is a must before infusion of Herceptin, but since I do not have yet my funds for the treatment, sad to say it did not push through.

I hope that you will extend an extra measure of kindness and financial assistance.

Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,

WINKIE