MANILA, Philippines – Social media influencer and Filipino cardiologist, Dr. Willie Ong shared on his YouTube channel his battle against cancer.
Doc Willie, who rose to popularity for giving medical advice online, announced his cancer diagnosis in a post uploaded on Saturday, September 14. In the “life update,” the doctor recorded his chemotherapy session.
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| Photo courtesy: Doc Willie Ong / Screenshot from YouTube |
According to him, the doctors found a 16 x 13 x 12 centimeter sarcoma, which he said was among the largest his doctors had ever seen. It was said to be located behind his heart and in front of his spine.
Sarcoma is a malignant tumor and a rare type of cancer that usually develops in the bones and soft tissues, including fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissues and fibrous tissues.
Despite the diagnosis, Doc Willie remains positive that he will fight through the cancer. He said, “I have abdominal cancer. It is serious. But I will fight this battle. Para sa lahat ng cancer patients sa Pilipinas. Gagaling tayo ng sabay.”
The doctor recalled that it was in April 2023 when he started having struggles during his medical missions. He said he would experience difficulty breathing, fatigue, especially when it’s hot. He underwent several tests, including an ultrasound, and his blood tests were all normal a year ago. Despite the results, he insisted that his back pain was worsening, moving from the lower back to a higher position.
Around August 18, he got admitted to a hospital due severe back pain. He also has other symptoms like a swollen stomach. He was soon diagnosed with sarcoma which his doctors described as “very rare, aggressive, very big.”
Despite it all, Doc Willie said he is very thankful and feels blessed that he has a wife and daughter who take care of him. He also added that the diagnosis had a silver lining as it drew him closer to his children.
He said, “Is this negative or positive? Negative, may bukol. Pero positive, naging close sa akin 'yung dalawang anak ko, na dati may barrier kami. Pamilya ko naging close.”
“Nalungkot ako? Nung una. Pero hindi eh, masaya na ako na basta may purpose pa ang Diyos,” he added.
Doc Willie admitted that his doctors revealed that the fight might not be easy because sarcoma is one of the most difficult cancers to beat. “Medyo miracle dapat,” he said.
Doc Willie ran for vice president in 2022 alongside former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. He has a growing following on Facebook with 17 million followers.
You can watch the rest of the video via Doc Willie Ong’s YouTube channel:
— Sally, The Summit Express
