01/02/2024
***post updated as of Feb-07***
Updating this campaign again for our family, friends, loved ones and concerned individuals who's been so worried about Chris. Apologies, as I'm that person who rarely post on social media.
Just a quick update regarding Chris' status, 2021 his cancer had spread to his brain and liver. From Crizotinib in 2018, he shifted to Alectinib in April 2021. Then due to another tumor growth, he shifted to Lorlatinib in September 2022. Unfortunately, come December 2023, his previous tumors increased in size again and needed to shift to Brigatinib. We've been waiting for the availability of this medication since December. Alunbrig (Brigatinib) was launched in the Philippines last January 20. Sadly, after constant follow up and requests to expedite the release of the medication, we still haven't heard from the distributor yet.
Last December 8, Chris was admitted for a week due to low sodium levels, pneumonia and right pleural effusion. Thoracentesis was done with 695mL of fluids aspirated. Chris can still walk with assistance upon his discharge. He needed mild to moderate assistance on his activities of daily living.
But this January, he started deteriorating. Started having difficulty of breathing while walking and climbing up stairs, until he's too weak to sit or walk or stand up - bed ridden. Just recently, he relied on oxygen as his o2 saturation started going down. Jan-28 he started having difficulty of breathing but is relieved with oxygen.
Jan-29 he had another episode of difficulty of breathing so we decided to bring him to the Emergency Room. There nebulization was done, antibiotics was started, blood work ups showed low levels of sodium again, chest ultrasound showed another pleural effusion on his right, Nasogastric tube was inserted. He's also referred back to his Neurologist for further evaluation of his weakness. He's currently admitted.
Right pleural catheter was inserted Jan-31 with an initial drain of 500mL and for draining of 200mL every 2 hours. A total of 1620 mL was drained from his catheter.
About 12 hours after his procedure, Feb-01 around 12:30 AM, he complained of difficulty of breathing and chest pain. ECG, ABG, 2D Echo, Trop I was done - negative. Paracetamol then Tramadol was given but he's relieved only with Morphine and was able to sleep. We're still observing him now. He's currently on close monitoring, for possible intubation and transfer to ICU. He's on O2 at 10LPM via Facemask, on Nasogatric (NGT) feeding, on heplock. He's able to respond to our voices, but couldn't keep up on our conversations.
We're humbly asking for your prayers for Chris' recovery. Monetary help would be much appreciated as we're preparing to purchase his medication through an access program and help pay his increasing hospital bills. Our Lord sees your good deed. Thank you for extending a helping a hand to our family.
***update***
We feel so overwhelmed from all the help we are receiving right now. Family, friends, colleagues, loved ones and some are even strangers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Feb-02
Episode of DOB (difficulty of breathing) after flushing the pleural catheter. He was given a Morphine at a lower dose and immediately felt better.
Feb-03
Chris was referred to an Oncologist here so we'll have one on board while on this admission.
We also received a good news on this day, Chris' medication Brigatinib finally arrived. Delivery was expedited because I use a friend's city address and picked it up. If I used a provincial address, delivery will take 4-7 days.
Feb-04
Oncologist ordered blood work ups in preparation for the administration of Brigatinib. Chris was also cleared by Pulmo and Neuro service to start on Brigatinib.
And finally, Brigatinib was started at 4PM.
Feb-05
Multiple episodes of difficulty of breathing.
Feb-06
Referral to Infectious Diseases service for the start of another antibiotics due to the worsening pneumonia.
Around 1144H, DOB was noted after flushing, (+) desaturation. Nebulization amd pain reliever was given. He was relieved for a while but at 1439H DOB was noted again, and, desaturation as low as 84%. Pain reliever, nebulization and a dose of Hydrocortisone was given to him but he's not relieved at all. Feeding and meds via NGT was put on hold.
At 1730H, intubation with endotracheal tube was done to him and hooked to a mechanical ventilator to help him breathe. Improvement of vital signs was noted. Chris was awake and aware few hours post intubation.
From 90% FiO2 settings on his mechanical ventilator, goal is to reach 40% but Chris was able to tolerate up to 50% FiO2 only.
Meropenem, the new antibiotic was started. Anti-seizure meds was shifted to IV for the mean time.
Feb-07
NGT feeding, and meds via NGT was resumed.
Around early morning, desaturation was noted.. FiO2 was increased to 100% for now.
Another sad news from our doctor, worsening pneumonia was seen on CXR. And possible fluid build up on his left.
Plans for ultrasound guided pigtail insertion on left.
***will update this post again***
https://gogetfunding.com/alisin-lung-kanser-ni-chris-help-chris-fight-lung-cancer-stage-4-alk-positive/
