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BiographyLast Jan. 2004 I spent a vacation in Florida and I feel a lump in my left breast and decided to go home to New York and get a check-up at the hospital. At the hospital the doctor told me that I have a breast cancer! So I ask myself, is this my destiny? Something so unfair…what will become of me? God only knows. And to think that I was here in New York without my family and relatives beside me. However, when the time comes that I need to have my surgery I began to worry about my finances for I had to give up my job. The aftermath of my surgery caused me a lot of anxieties again despite my resolve to be strong…(my human frailty surfacing me now and then ) knowing I’m alone and without my family beside me. I finish my 4 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation and now I’m on my 4th yr. this october of my hormonal therapy taking tamoxifin. Again, the humbling experience I have give me a full insight that God in his wisdom allowed it to happen to bring about in me a deeper understanding of my being as a Chirstian…Christ humility was never more real to me than when I had to humble myself before a few people employed in government agencies providing social services. I hold on to my Christian values and managed to be diplomatic as I could, even forgiving at times of other insensitivity. May they one day realize how fortunate they are to be on the “other side of the window”. God also showed me the way how to carry my load by keeping the positive attitude and that was indeed my faith that i need to fight and bury the sorrow and need to LIVESTRONG. During those days I am sure and always ready that for every procedure that is done is a step closer to the cure of my case. Recalling those moments in the hospital, I cannot but filled with joy in my heart and always carry with me the CD tapes of worship songs and sang silently in my mind as I went through every prescribed procedure. I had always have tears in my eyes as I went through it all and I did fight for my battle with him on my side… How could I without him? I was blessed with a very kind filipino doctor and nurses at the clinic and a cancer survivor that supports me. The rest of the staff was very accomodating and courteous. I have come to regard them not only as my new found friends but also as my “medical family”. I have met Jesus in them..in their hearts…in their words and deeds…that I never felt alone. When I am asked how I was able to hurdle my “battles”, I would simply say,”GOD AND MYSELF” God who hold me closely to his side…make a way when there seemed to be no way…who loved me unconditionally. Our daily prayers, though I’m far away from my family revealed our oneness in believing that with God, nothing is impossible.As a way of thanking God for his blessings, I continue to share my story whenever possible, to encourage others and hoping by doing so, I can provide a way to others that when faced with difficulties it is only the way of the Lord and nothing else!Now I do my best to continue doing volunteer works at the hospital where I was treated, our parish and joining some support groups in Manhattan. Cancer SymptomsWhen I did a self breast exam I felt a lump and pain in my left breast and I know at that very moment something is wrong so I decided to go to the hospital and see the doctor. Surgery Description, Dates & Side EffectsHad my surgery last March 22, 2004 . I had the lumpectomy and negative for my lymph nodes. Radiation Description, Dates & Side EffectsI had my radiation for 38 days and I feel so tired most of the time. Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side EffectsI had my 4 cycles of chemotherapy a month after my surgery and had the neupogen injection. Hormone Therapy Description, Dates & Side EffectsI started taking tamoxifin last Oct. 2004 and I am on my way to my 4th yr. I’m taking tylenol pm so I could sleep and also I experience the shortness of breath once in a while. Fundraising DescriptionTo expand the breast cancer advocacy in our community and educate women about the proper health care that they need. |
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09.27.08 - 
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