Defying the odds with HIPEC-CRS: A Domestic Helper’s Inspiring Journey of Battling and Healing from a rare type of Cancer

Home | Patient & Visitors Guidelines | My Asian Story | Defying the odds with HIPEC-CRS: A Domestic Helper’s Inspiring Journey of Battling and Healing from a rare type of Cancer

Driven by her desire to create a better future for her family, Catherine Edria seized an opportunity to work as a domestic helper in Singapore. Little did she know that this journey would soon take an unexpected turn, forever altering her path. Her pursuit of a brighter future for her loved ones as a domestic helper dimmed when she noticed something unusual growing in her stomach. What she initially thought was pregnancy turned out to be a rare and formidable adversary—a stage 4 sarcoma called desmoplastic small round cell, adding her up to the limited number of patients who acquired this rare type of cancer.

Alone in a foreign land, Catherine struggled to make ends meet with insufficient income. The weight of her situation grew heavier as she grappled with the distance from her family and the limited options available to her. Her employer extended financial assistance for her diagnostic tests and initial medical needs abroad. But she was aware that this support would not last indefinitely. Determined to find a medical institution in the Philippines that could accommodate her needs, Catherine and her employer worked closely with the doctors to ensure a smooth transition. Understanding the urgency of the situation, her Singaporean doctor reached out to Dr. Mary Igot, a trusted colleague, to discuss Catherine’s rare cancer case and plan the next steps for her medical treatment. In their extensive discussions, the doctors delved into the intricacies of Catherine’s condition, exploring potential avenues for her care. In this discussion, both doctors knew that the next step in her medical care is to undergo one of the most advanced chemotherapy treatments for cancer, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in combination with Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS).

Dr. Igot knew that Catherine nor her employer will be able to shoulder the expenses for this treatment which led her to reach out to the charity arm of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Asian Hospital Charities Inc. (AHCI) to partially subsidize the treatment. With unwavering dedication, the entire medical team both at Asian Hospital and in Singapore rallied together to facilitate Catherine’s journey back home. Spearheaded by Dr. Mary Igot and a team of skilled residents from Asian Hospital, an extensive preparation process was meticulously orchestrated in order to prepare Catherine to receive her HIPEC- CRS treatment.

The day of Catherine’s long-awaited arrival was met with anticipation and a carefully coordinated plan. An ambulance stood at the ready, poised to transport her directly to Asian Hospital. Upon her arrival, a team of healthcare professionals awaited her, prepared to provide the necessary care and evaluation. This critical evaluation would serve as a pivotal step in her healing journey, oﬀering renewed hope and the potential for a better future.

The Weight of Catherine’s Tumor

Catherine’s once-ﬂat abdomen had transformed into a striking bulge, resembling that of a full-term pregnant woman, if not larger, according to some doctors. The magnitude of her condition was evident, demanding immediate action upon her return. Not long after her arrival, she was able to receive her HIPEC treatment. During this treatment, Catherine went through a CytoReductive Surgery (CRS), a highly specialized complex procedure to remove the tumors. Given her condition and the overgrowth of her tumors, the operation took almost 10 – 12 hours, performed by Dr. Marc Paul Lopez, one of the few Philippine experts on CRS. After removing kilos of tumor from her body, HIPEC was done to eliminate tumor residues.

HIPEC and how it helped Catherine

HIPEC, or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in combination with CytoReductive Surgery (CRS), is a specialized treatment approach used to combat certain types of cancer that have spread to the abdominal cavity. It combines CRS with targeted chemotherapy to deliver a potent and localized treatment directly to the aﬀected area.

The HIPEC-CRS procedure involves several steps. First, an extensive surgical operation is performed to remove visible tumors and any visible disease within the abdominal cavity. The CRS intervention aims to excise as much of the cancerous tissue as possible.

After the tumor removal, HIPEC is done wherein a heated chemotherapy solution is infused directly into the abdominal cavity. The chemotherapy drugs used in HIPEC are specifically selected to target the type of cancer being treated. The solution is warmed to a higher temperature than the body’s normal temperature.

The heat serves multiple purposes during HIPEC. It helps to enhance the eﬀectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs, as the elevated temperature makes cancer cells more susceptible to the cytotoxic eﬀects of the drugs. Additionally, the heat improves drug penetration into the tissues, ensuring better distribution of the chemotherapy within the abdominal cavity.

The chemotherapy solution is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity for a specific period, typically ranging from 60 to 120 minutes. This extended exposure to heated chemotherapy allows for thorough eradication of any remaining cancer cells or microscopic disease that may have been missed during surgery.

HIPEC is most commonly used for cancers that have originated in or have spread to the abdominal cavity, such as certain types of ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, and mesothelioma. The treatment is performed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, and specialized medical professionals who work collaboratively to tailor the procedure to each patient’s specific needs.

After undergoing this treatment, Catherine’s stomach significantly reduced in size. This treatment also gave her better fighting chance to still beat the Big C. Further, her response to cancer medication will significantly improve giving her the potential for a longer lease of life.

The Meaning of Alagang Deserve, Alagang Sulit for All Walks of Life in Action

Catherine’s battle doesn’t end after receiving her HIPEC-CRS treatment. As a service patient, there are still medications and diagnostic tests to fund to which the medical team and the Asian Hospital Charities Inc. collaboratively and wholeheartedly responded to. Everyone played a significant role in order to help Catherine survive her day-to-day needs. The resident doctors with the help of Asian Hospital Charities, Inc. took the lead in finding ways to sustain her medications gathering help from wherever possible and sourcing the patient’s needs.

Catherine’s case sparked and proved that the bayanihan spirit in Asian Hospital and Asian Hospital Charities Inc. continues to ignite in the heart of the experts. It was later on that the team noticed that she was placed in the bayanihan ward, a coincidence, indeed.

A Triumphant Return to Hometown

After a 10-day stay at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Catherine received the green light to return to her hometown and continue her medication there. The medical team ensured a smooth transition by preparing a comprehensive turnover report and coordinating with the receiving hospital. This meticulous handover of information and care instructions would allow Catherine to continue her treatment in a more stable condition, increasing the likelihood of improved outcomes.

When Catherine initially left for Singapore, she had a diﬀerent vision of how it would be when she comes home. but after battling the toughest enemy and continuously beating the odds of her case’s undefined survival rate, there’s no better triumph than to go home to her family alive and breathing. As of writing, Catherine is now in Iloilo reunited with her beloved family claiming a diﬀerent treasure, a treasure we can often neglect to acknowledge, a treasure we call — life.

Asian Cancer Institute and HIPEC-CRS

Asian Hospital’s Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) stands as a beacon of hope for patients battling cancer. With its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class medical expertise, ACI oﬀers a comprehensive range of advanced treatments, including the groundbreaking Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy – CytoReductive Surgery (HIPEC-CRS) procedure.

HIPEC-CRS, a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment, combines surgery and targeted chemotherapy to combat abdominal cancers. This highly specialized procedure is performed by a team of skilled surgeons and oncologists who work tirelessly to deliver personalized and eﬀective care to each patient.

With a commitment to excellence, ACI continuously strives to push boundaries in cancer care. Its unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and quality of life has earned it a reputation as a leading cancer institute in the region.

If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, trust the expertise and compassionate care oﬀered by Asian Hospital’s Asian Cancer Institute. Together, we embark on a journey towards healing, empowerment, and a brighter future.

For inquiries, contact Asian Cancer Institute at (02) 8771-9000 local 8105 or email at infohub@asianhospital.com.

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Leading the Way: Dr. John Añonuevo’s Passion for Shaping the Future of Healthcare

 Dr. John Añonuevo, a distinguished cardiologist at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, is more than just a healer. He is also a mentor to aspiring physicians, determined to cultivate a new generation of doctors whose hands will carry on his legacy of compassionate patient care. With a sense of pride and accomplishment, Dr. Añonuevo speaks of the residency training program he has established at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, confident that the doctors he has trained will continue to heal and make a positive impact on the lives of their patients long after he has retired. Meet the manDr. John Añonuevo recently received the Distinguished Teacher Award from Philippine College of Physician, a medical organization in the Philippines, in recognition of Dr. Añonuevo’s remarkable contribution to the betterment of the medical field. He was the chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Asian Hospital and Medical Center from 2014 – 2018 where he pioneered the residency training program and was recognized for Extraordinary Leadership in 2019. He is also known by many for his deep passion for teaching.Dr. John Añonuevo’s passion for medicine and teaching began at a young age. He knew early on that he wanted to become a doctor, and his determination to pursue this dream never wavered. Throughout his career, he has devoted himself to the practice of medicine and the education of the next generation of physicians. His love for teaching is evident in his work as a professor, where he imparts his vast knowledge and experience to his students, inspiring them to become the best doctors they can be. His commitment to teaching and mentoring has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and students, and has cemented his place as a beloved figure in the field of Philippine medicine. On his role as one of the stewards in bettering the Asian Cardiovascular InstituteDr. Añonuevo is not only dedicated to producing the next generation of doctors but also committed to providing the best healthcare options for patients. As an Asian Hospital’s Clinical Excellence Awardee and an active member of the Asian Cardiovascular Institute, he consistently advocates for the improvement of facilities, procedures, and doctors’ training and expertise. Additionally, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s residency training program continues to accept applicants and offers an opportunity for physicians to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Through hands-on clinical experience, the program has produced highly skilled and competent physicians who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. This program continues to attract top-notch medical professionals who are passionate about advancing their knowledge and skills, improving patient care, and delivering compassionate healthcare to patients from all walks of life. On healing hearts“Being able to see patients go back to their homes, being able to go back to their work, with their family. It’s the passion and the satisfaction of being able to treat patients, make them better, make them of service to the family again. It’s not just the patient that you’ve helped but also their family and the community.”Dr. John Añonuevo strongly believes that being a doctor is more than just achieving awards or financial success. For him, the primary goal of being a doctor is to heal people and make a positive impact on their lives. 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They praise him for his willingness to help clarify anything they need, no matter the time of day. “He would never let you feel that your call is bothersome,” says Dr. Alegria. “Dr. John would make you feel that your call is very important and give his advice.” Dr. Añonuevo’s impact on the next generation of doctors goes beyond imparting knowledge and skills – his compassion and dedication inspire them to strive for excellence in their own careers.Let us share to you the 10 lessons that Dr. Añonuevo imparts to his mentees, for this can be a reminder not just for doctors but for everyone in any industry. 10 Advices On How To Be Happy and Successful In Your Medical PracticesMoney is not everything in this world.Treat your patient’s as a source of opportunity for service and not as ATM machines.Figure out who you are and never ever compare yourself with anyone.Drive yourself to where you want to go, but never at the expense of others.Failures are bound to happen for everyone. They are what we call learning experiences.Always err in the direction of kindness. Selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself.Spread your wings and soar high. Chase your dreams and never stop trying to achieve. Never stop trying to achieve your goals.Never forget to treat yourself. Take care of yourself. You only have one body, so pamper it every now and then.Pay it forward. Respond to a person’s kindness by being kind to someone else.Be close to Him. That’s God. Because he will remain forever the source of your strength and the light to your happiness.