Faith, medicine help breast cancer survivor

MANILA, Philippines - When Tessie Tobiano was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2002, she and her family were devastated. The Tobianos had no family history of breast cancer, and Tessie’s twice-a-year mammograms always turned out normal.

“Why me?” Tessie recalls asking God. Angry and in denial, she thought breast cancer was an “unfair reward” for being a good Christian who always went out of her way to help people in need. But she quickly realized her mistake. “I prayed for forgiveness and told God, not my will but Your Will be done.”

Her family had wanted Tessie to go to the US for treatment, but she refused. “I wanted to be treated here, where I could be with family and friends.” She immediately underwent surgery followed by six sessions of chemotherapy and 32 sessions of radiation therapy.

The support of her friends at Bosom Buddies also made a huge difference. “The first time I attended their session, I realized there were so many of us breast cancer survivors. I no longer felt alone in my battle against the Big C,” recalls Tessie. 

Founded in September 1998 by breast cancer survivor Linda Panutat, the late Marisette Galang-Recto and breast surgeon Dr. Diana Cua, Bosom Buddies is the country’s first breast cancer support group foundation. Two Thursdays in a month, members gather to support each other, share stories, and laugh together because, as Tessie notes, “laughter boosts the immune system.”

Seven years after being diagnosed with the dreaded disease, Tessie today remains breast cancer-free. Aside from divine intervention and the love of family and friends, she credits scientifically proven treatments such as anastrozole for staving off the return of her breast cancer. Anastrozole is an adjuvant hormonal therapy supporting conventional cancer treatments. It is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.

Through a special arrangement with several research-based pharmaceutical companies, Bosom Buddies is able to purchase branded anti-breast cancer drugs such as tamoxifen, letrozole and anastrozole at very low prices. “Bosom Buddies then provides members with these branded medicine at significantly discounted rates. These discounted cancer medicine are a huge help, especially to our less well-off fellow breast cancer survivors,” explains Tessie.

Tessie’s message to Filipino women: “Embrace a healthy lifestyle. Eat fruits and green leafy vegetables, drink fresh homemade fruit and vegetable juices daily. Exercise regularly and have a positive outlook in life. Get regular medical check-ups — early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer.” 

For inquiries on Bosom Buddies and the benefits and services it offers, get in touch with Tessie Escueta at mobile number +62 0918-9354621.

Anastrozole is currently licensed in the Philippines as an add-on treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early invasive breast cancer, including those who have received two to three years of adjuvant tamoxifen, as well as those with advanced breast cancer.

Anastrozole and tamoxifen are prescription medications and can only be used as advised by a doctor. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional.