Christopher Gadong mourns the death of his wife Monique Gabriel Gadong, who courageously fought the most aggressive type of brain cancer just months after their December 2022 weddding.
After sharing their story with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Christopher relayed the unfortunate news that Monique died on October 28, 2023 due to a blood infection from her third brain surgery.
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It was only six months after getting her diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Grade IV.
According to Brain Tumor Research, only 25 percent of GBM patients survive more than one year while only five percent of patients survive more than five years.
Monique had three brain surgeries after her diagnosis.
The first one was on June 5 to remove the tumor. The second was done two weeks later on June 24, to remove the abcess in her brain caused by an infection called early celebritis.
Unfortunately, the brain tumor recurred. On October 19, 2023, Monique had another craniotomy to have it removed.
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SURGERY COMPLICATIONS
While her condition became stable after the third surgery, Christopher said they noticed an immediate complication.
“Yes mabuti ang lagay niya but her short-term memory was affected. She keeps on asking kung nasaan kami, ano nangyari sa kanya, ipaliwanag ko daw kasi di niya naintindihan.”
On October 27, Monique’s condition took a turn for the worse.
Christopher recalled, “Her oxygen level and blood pressure continued to decline. Even if she had oxygen intake, her oxygen would drop at 82 level and her blood pressure would drop to 80 over 50.
“Her pulse also increased to 150. The normal pulse rate should be 100 only. The doctors said they had to add medications to increase blood pressure of Monique and control her pulse rate.”
Several laboratory and blood tests revealed Monique had sepsis caused by a blood infection due to her weakened immune system.
The doctor informed them that the decision was up to them if they are willing to let Monique take antibiotics that would cost PHP30,000 per day.
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Apart from the sepsis, Monique’s right leg also became infected from the surgical central line.
“It was hard for us to see Monique in a situation where her body was weakened already due to diffirent complications caused by side effects of her medications and treatments.”
While Christopher could still talk to Monique, she had been unstable that night.
“She was very very weak. Di ko na maintindihan ang sinasabi niya.”
When her neurologist dropped in for a visit and asked her how she felt, Monique admitted that she was already weak.
Christopher added, “Her doctors told us that they are just giving medications to extend only hours of her life. Lahat ng medications ay may hangganan. Since I was not able to talk to her properly, I asked her sister, Queenie Gabriel, to help me decide if we will still continue her antibiotics given the status of her weak body. We both decided to stop antibiotics because her body is really not in good condition.”
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MONIQUE THE BRAVE
It was a heartbreaking decision for Christopher, who never stopped looking for ways to extend Monique’s life, and fought beside his new wife until the very last second.
“Monique was really the courageous one. Even sa last breath niya lumalaban siya. It was painful to see it. She really doesn't deserve this.”
Indeed, Monique gave a valiant fight.
When she first got her diagnosis, she even wanted to continue her work as a public teacher. She thought of the students in Pinagbuhatan High School’s reading club, of which she was the adviser.
She had wanted to request for a no-teaching load and just supervise the reading program.
When asked what kept her going, she told PEP.ph, “I want to continue my life to do my mission and my passion for teaching, and to be with my husband for many more years.”
She added: “I believe this challenge shall pass. I just trust the grace and plans of the Lord for us. Big blessings and a brighter future ahead are waiting for us after this challenge.”
Aside from going through three brain surgeries in just four months, Monique had also completed 30 sessions of radiation therapy and the first phase of her chemotherapy. She was supposed to start the second phase of her chemotherapy after recovering from her latest surgery.
MONIQUE'S LETTERS
Before Monique had one of her seizures, a common symptom of GBM, she gave this letter to her husband.
The letter read (published as is):
Sa aking mahal na asawa,
Salamat sa mga sakripisyo mo para sa akin. I know that is not easy for you to do it, but you still carry on. I know that after this we can surpass, Just trust the grace and plans of the Lord. We can move forward in Life. Thank you and All glory (with) to God!
Always and forever,
Monique
After she died, Christopher also saw a note on Monique’s phone that reveals her thoughts on the possibility of leaving Christopher behind.
It was a note addressed to the OPM band Ben&Ben, one of the couple’s favorite artists. She had written it as a comment to one of the band’s social media posts asking for suggestions for a new song.
The note read (published as is):
Hi Ben & Ben [yellow heart emoji]
My husband and I are an avid listener of yours.
Recently, I diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage 4 (Malignant Brain Tumor).
At first, I felt frustrated but I did not blame anyone, even God. I know God is carrying and helping across in this path. He is my strength. [praying hands emoji]
As God strengthened me, all I know now is that I want to continue with my life and dreams with my husband and family.
My husband and I was married last year, December. I still want to cherish many happy moments and memories with him.
Ayoko siyang iwaan. Minsan kasi mahirap umalis at magpaalam lalo na ay may iiwan kang mahalagang tao. Ayoko syang masaktan…..
Minsan mahirap umalis kasi alam mong may naghihintay sayo.
Perhaps Monique’s love for her husband is also what helped her hold on for as long as she could.
Christopher revealed that Monique’s condition continued to deteriorate after they decided not to go ahead with the antibiotics.
“Monique just waited for her best friend and maid of honor to come to the hospital before she took her last breath.
"She joined our Creator last Oct 28, 2023. It was really painful to see that she really fought until her last breath but her body already gave up.”
Apart from overcoming the grief and shock of losing his wife so soon, Christopher also carries the burden of the hospital bills left to be paid.
For those who would like to extend help to Christopher:
- GCash is 09175139826
- Bank account is 1645036669 Land Bank of the Philippines, Monique Gabriel