Awareness can make all the difference for you or an afflicted loved one now or in the future. The best defense is early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Take advantage of this "Pink October" to peer into the world of breast cancer, as orgs and publications actively propagate awareness. In light of this, two women share with us their compelling and inspiring accounts of personal encounters with the big C, how it changed their lives and how it could affect yours. Here are their stories of survival:
Christie Fedilis J. Caballlero is a healthy-looking, attractive lady with peachy skin and lively eyes. On a first encounter, one couldn't possibly tell that Christie had actually survived breast cancer not too long ago. She shared her story with warmth and enthusiasm: Christie found a slightly painful lump when she did a breast self-examination (BSE) one day back in June 2003. She told her then-boyfriend (now husband) Jeffrey and he dragged her to see a doctor right away. After a biopsy, an ultrasound and a series of tests, the doctor revealed the disheartening results. Indeed, it was breast cancer. It was rather surprising even to the doctor, considering that Christie was only 24 years old when she was diagnosed. But the doctor instantly told her that of course there is hope yet and to have faith in God.
After the diagnosis, when family and friends would ask her how she was doing, she would admit her breast cancer problem. She says she practically told everyone, since it's hard to keep such a heavy burden to oneself. Her mother was especially depressed and was weakened by the bad news. But Christie remained optimistic and prayerful to God that she could overcome this obstacle.
During that year, in between the operation, the chemotherapy and the radiation sessions, it felt awful. The effects of the chemotherapy made her feel nauseated and often tired. Hyperacidity and cold sweat were common problems. Also, as to what is expected between chemotherapy sessions, all her hair fell off. But her ever supportive family, parents-in-law, friends, and of course, Jeffrey kept her spirits up, as they would often call to ask how she was doing, accompany her to sessions and help her in any way they could.
She found that it especially helped to join a support group. Christie joined Cancer Assistance Network with God (CAN), a cancer support group. She swapped stories and advice with other patients. She positively said to herself, "If my colleagues can survive cancer, then why can't I?" And even when she would be drained of energy from her chemotherapy and radiation, she enjoyed going to the malls and even watching movies. She would also research on the net for inspiring and upbeat quotes
By 2004, when her therapy sessions were thankfully over, a series of tests were done to check up on her cancer levels. Praise the Lord that there were no more complications. Until today, Christie continues to take medication that spans five years, to help combat any possible recurrence of the cancer. These days, to prevent further brushes with cancer, she watches what she eats and is mindful of her diet. She says she rarely goes to stuffy bars anymore because of the unhealthy second-hand smoke. A massage at the spa is also a treat for her every month, to relieve her of stress and to improve blood circulation.
When asked what advice she can give to breast cancer patients, she warmly expresses: Maintain a positive attitude, have faith in God and never stop praying. Be happy and keep smiling because there is always hope. It helps to keep a happy disposition in life rather than a negative one. Healing can also come from the power of the mind. So even when something as terrible as cancer strikes, think positive.
That night, she went through a series of check-ups and exams on the cyst. The doctor said that she needed surgery. In fact, it was a radical mastectomy, which reached her back to prevent possible complications. During that anxious night of surgery, Dr. Alo happily found many family and friends visiting and praying for her. Since she and her late husband were members of the Couples for Christ Community, she saw that many couples - around 50 or so - were cheering her up in the hospital, praying fervently on her behalf. She remembered what a priest once told her: If you storm the gates of heaven with all your prayers, the gates of heaven will open and answer your prayers. She surrendered herself to the Lord, telling Him that she had done her best as a Christian. She asked forgiveness for her sins and allowed His will to be done.
The surgery was thankfully successful. Dr. Alo was then subjected to tests to see if the cancer cells had affected her lymph nodes. The results would take two weeks, which seemed painfully slow due to anxiety and unease. She tried to keep busy with handicrafts and prayers. One day, within those two weeks, she was scanning channels on the television of her living room. She settled on a channel featuring a priest offering a healing prayer. The priest bellowed from the television, urging those who are sick of cancer to please touch the screen as they would pray. So Dr. Alo got up to touch the screen and they earnestly prayed in unison. Then abruptly, she felt an electric current surge from the screen, that passed from her fingertips, to her right breast and then to her back. It was so sudden and quite painful that she cried out and her husband came to her assistance. It was then that she thought that the Lord had healed her.
When the two weeks were up, the results were ready. And much to the pleasant surprise of Dr. Alo and even the doctor, it turns out that the mass hadn't spread and that it was negative of cancer cells. She was safe and she thanked God profusely for His mercy and for the support of her loving family and friends. The doctor told her that if after 5 years have lapsed, without any more signs and symptoms of cancer, then she would be truly on the safer side. It's been 10 years already and the animated Dr. Alo is apparently is doing well. She continues to thank God for the gift of every single day.
She shares that in many ways, cancer actually helped her. It brought her closer to God, to her family and to her friends. She says that a terrible sickness such as cancer is like a barometer of true friends. You can see who the genuine ones are and separate them from the fair-weather friends. It made her stronger morally, physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.
Upon being asked what words of wisdom she might want to impart to breast cancer patients and to those suffering from similar illnesses, she emphasized the importance of faith. God is good all the time, she firmly believes. He will listen to your prayers. God is more powerful than any problem. Trials are merely like sandpaper; they're rough but through them, we become polished. Also, when she was diagnosed, she was not one to worry. She remembered reading once: will worrying add another day to your life? It most certainly won't. Instead of worrying, she found it much more relieving to just have strong faith in the Lord and gather a barrage of prayers. Clearly, the gates of heaven swung open when Dr. Alo, her family and friends fervently prayed to the Lord and then He healed her.
These admirable women show us that breast cancer is not the end of the world for anyone. There is always hope. Healing comes to those who truly believe. Breast cancer survivors, who were once so downtrodden and frightened but now renewed with an optimistic perspective on life, are commendable warriors. The battle scars may still be there but they know that the scars in their hearts are gone.