A Dubai-based Filipina battling advanced cervical cancer is appealing for prayers and financial support as she continues undergoing treatment for persistent disease, according to her son who spoke with The Global Filipino Magazine (TGFM).
Isaiah Romatico, the only child of Maritess Romatico, shared that their family was caught off guard after his mother disclosed in April 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. He said they had lived apart for years, with his mother working in Dubai while he grew up in the Philippines, making the news even more difficult to process.
“You can imagine my shock when out of nowhere she informs the family that she has developed cervical cancer back in April,2024,” Isaiah said. “I almost didn’t want to believe it because I kept thinking that my mother was the type of person that took care of herself well and kept herself healthy all throughout.”
Isaiah said his mother initially thought she was only going for a routine health check-up, but instead discovered she was facing a serious illness that would soon change her life. He said the diagnosis placed a heavy burden on her, despite her strong personality and calm exterior.
“She always had a strong outside presence but this disease exposed her fragility,” he said. “As her only child, it deeply worries me and hurts me to see my mother like this.”
Medical records shared with TGFM confirm that the patient was diagnosed with cervical cancer, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIC, after she complained of heavy bleeding in May 2024. A biopsy performed in June 2024 confirmed malignancy, while imaging results revealed a cervical mass.
She later underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy on June 27, 2024, where one out of six lymph nodes tested positive, confirming lymph node involvement.
From September 4 to October 9, 2024, she received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by brachytherapy. Despite treatment, a pelvic examination still noted a residual cervical tumor measuring around 3 cm.
An MRI pelvis with contrast dated February 17, 2025 showed an ill-defined cervical lesion measuring 34 x 22 mm with central necrotic areas, with findings consistent with residual disease and post-treatment changes.
Isaiah said his mother has already undergone treatment and consultations across several facilities, including GICC, NMC, and Dubai Hospital, and he has remained by her side as her condition limits her daily activities, especially during chemotherapy.
“She needed me for support in her treatment as her stage 3 cervical cancer limits her day to day activities and most especially her chemotherapy weakens her body and makes her frail,” he said.
He also revealed that he had to stop his education to stay with her in Dubai and provide the support she needed during the most difficult phase of her illness.
“Although my education was cut short, it was a necessary sacrifice in order for me to be there when it really matters,” Isaiah said.
Isaiah also shared that his mother developed a rectovaginal fistula during her chemotherapy, which has caused pain and raised her risk of infection. He said doctors are currently working on a treatment plan for the complication, resulting in the delay of her chemotherapy.
“What she complains about a lot is the fact that she developed a rectovaginal fistula throughout her chemotherapy treatment and it brings her a lot of pain and increases her risk for infection,” he said.
The oncologist’s impression cited persistent cervical cancer with lymph node positivity and extension of the primary tumor despite prior treatment. Residual disease was seen on MRI and PET scan findings, to be confirmed through biopsy.
The patient is planned for PDL-1 testing and is scheduled for salvage chemotherapy every three weeks for six cycles, including Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, and Bevacizumab. Medical instructions state that blood, liver, and kidney tests will be required before each cycle. The prescription also includes Pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion, indicating immunotherapy as part of her continuing treatment.
Isaiah said his mother remains determined to fight despite the physical toll of her illness, and he hopes that anyone who reads their story will extend support, whether through prayers or assistance.
“I hope whoever reads this is able to help in any way and I will be eternally grateful,” he said.
Those who wish to extend financial help may contact Maritess Romatico directly at +971 52 442 9276.
