Helping Monica, medical cost for tumor surgery

Hello everyone, my name is Monica Rodriguez, I’m from Colombia, Three years ago I arrived in Australia, with the same illusion and expectation which we all arrive with. Perhaps some people recognize me as I’ve been here a long time. In that time I have met so many wonderful people that have become the kind of family that we cling to.

A few months ago I began to experience severe headaches. To assist with this, I began taking over-the-counter medications such as Panadol & Advil, which gave no relief. For days I woke up with these headaches, limiting my ability to work. The light & loud sounds became unbearable. As I began to notice the pain to be mainly on my left side, I realised this might not be normal so I decided to see a doctor. I was prescribed medication which did not work. The next step was to undergo scanning.

After the scan, my life changed drastically. I was diagnosed with a pituitary macroadenoma, which is a tumor that grows on the pituitary gland located in the cavity of the brain. The tumour is expanding towards the left side and if it is not removed in time it can touch the brain and affect the optic nerves to the point of losing sight. I have gone through several tests to determine that no other gland has affected me, since the pituitary gland is the most important in the body and controls the other glands.

There have been many blood tests and head scans and other medical appointments. For a little over two months I have been medicated by an endocrinologist with medication that makes me dizzy and tired. This medication is not helping since it has no effect on the mass growing on my head. The diagnosis is to perform surgery to remove the mass. “Stereotactic endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumor”

These have not been easy months emotionally and financially. As we all know as international students, the insurance we arrive with has low coverage. I have had exams in which insurance has assisted me with a significant percentage, as well as exams where i have had to cover the full price.

Being away from home makes things even more difficult for me. There are so many mixed feelings and thoughts. Fear, anguish, sadness, loneliness, making the process much more difficult. Wondering if I’ll ever see my family again breaks my heart and soul into pieces. My voice breaks and my eyes fill with tears. My financial resources are running out.

At this point I need help from as many people as possible. I can no longer be alone, the costs of the surgery are very expensive. They include the neurosurgeon, the other specialist doctors who must be present during the procedure, the anesthesiologist, medications etc. In addition to this, the care after the operation is a minimum of 4 weeks of incapacity. This means I will not be able to make any type of force or sudden movement, thus I will not be able to work.

I have resorted to this medium because I never imagined going through a situation like this. Nobody expects that something of this magnitude is going to occur. Thank you to each and every one of the people who can help.