Health advocate and cardiologist Dr. Willie Ong deals with one of the toughest battles of his life yet, as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
The 60-year-old internet personality who bears the nickname "Doc Willie," shares the heartbreaking news on Facebook today, September 14, 2024.
Doc Willie reveals in a video recorded on August 29, 2024 that he had been diagnosed with a 16x13x12 cm sarcoma located in his abdomen, which he now refers to as "the worst pain in my life."
Hidden behind his heart and positioned in front of his T10 spine, the tumor has caused significant blockages in vital areas, including his esophagus, the inferior vena cava, and his right atrium.
"Ang bukol na ito, malaking malaki daw. Isa sa pinakamalaki na nakita nila," he says, describing the severity of his condition.
According to the World Health Organization, sarcoma is defined as a rare type of cancer that originates in the bones and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, and nerves.
Sarcomas are known for their diverse range and are often challenging to diagnose and treat.
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He recalls first experiencing symptoms around a year ago, including persistent back pain that worsened over time.
"Pagdating ng October 24, 2023, wala pang 1 year ago, doon ako nag-60th birthday, senior ako.
"Wala pa akong gaanong naramdaman pero, noong birthday ko around eight months ago, doon ako nakaramdaman ng back pain.
"Matagal na ako may back pain, matagal na ako masakit ang likod. Pero this time, biglang may masakit bandang dito sa taas.
"Ito mga butas ito ng mga biopsy, biopsy 1, biopsy 2. Unang biopsy sa baba, itong biopsy dito, dito pinaka masakit."
He adds, "Pero pag tinulugan mo, okay lang. Pag tinulugan mo siya, kaya. So that's 8 months ago, 8 months siguro, maybe up to a year ago.
"Doon ko napansin, pag humiga ako, masakit. Kaya ko nalang humiga sa isang gabi mga 2 hours or 3 hours. Or pag antok na antok, nakakahiga ako.
"Pero pag-higa ako, masakit dito. Pero iniisip ko, muscle pain lang yan, matigas yung kama mo, palitan mo yung mattress mo."
Despite initial medical assessments showing no significant issues, his condition deteriorated, leading to a critical admission to the hospital.
His medical team has been swift in their response, performing various tests and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
Read: Dr. Willie Ong, paano nakumbinsi ni Mayor Isko Moreno na maging running mate niya?
DOC WILLIE ONG URGES FOR COMPASSION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Fighting cancer is a challenging journey on its own, but Doc Willie also describes how he faces added stress from public scrutiny, including harsh online remarks and misinformation, which he believes have worsened his condition.
"Saan ko nakuha to? Tingin ko stress. Kaya kayo, wag kayong magbabasa ng comments sa Facebook," he warns.
"Nas-stress ako sa mga comments. Nas-stress ako sa mga bashers. Nas-stress ako kasi hindi tunay lahat ng sinasabi."
Despite these challenges, Doc Willie remains resolute in his commitment to battling cancer with the same vigor he has shown in his career.
"Sabi ng doktor ko itong sarcoma, mahirap na kalaban. Isa sa pinakamahirap na cancer na kulang ang research, kulang ang bagong gamot. Medyo miracle, medyo miracle dapat.
"Dapat labanan daw ang cancer. Sabi niya, ‘Kainin mo lahat ang gusto mo.’ Sabi ko sa doktor, ‘I'm ready to fight.’
"Sabi ng Doktor ko, ‘Kung may cancer ka, fight with me. Parang Pacquiao versus ano ito, Marquez fight. Palakas ka. Tayo si Pacquiao, palakas ka. Kumain ka ng marami.
"‘Palakas ka kasi marami kang chemo. Palakas ka. Positive lang. Walang negative ha,’" he relates.
Finally, he declares with determination: "I have a large abdominal cancer. It is serious, but I will fight this battle.
"Para sa lahat ng cancer patients ng Pilipinas, gagaling tayo ng sabay."
As Doc Willie continues his treatment, he remains hopeful and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support.
He reflects: "If you can feel that the people around you love you, you want to go on and fight this challenge for them.
"But if you feel that people hate you, then what is the reason for going on?"
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