Life Goes On

CEBU, Philippines -  The writer is a program coordinator of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI). In his job, he has already encountered hundreds of women afflicted with cancer, women with different tales on how they battle with the life-threatening disease. One of them is Lolita Lapingcao, a very strong-willed woman. She is 64 years old, a living proof how cancer can change the course of a victim's life. Her story rings as an inspiration to other women who are fighting the disease. Here it is, in her own words:

Most of my friends call me Loling. My seven siblings are already gone. I am now living alone in Labangon, Cebu City.

My encounter with cancer started way back in 2008.  At first, I experienced continuous bleeding even after my monthly period. I became very worried and suspicious about it. But it took me a year to decide to see a doctor. Medical tests then revealed that I had Stage 2 endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that begins in the uterus.  

Cancer became real to me, an insidious enemy that brought fear, anxiety, and despair. To add to my distress, I was fighting it alone. After my diagnosis, I would often find myself crying, weeping. It was one of the lowest times of my life.

Scarcity of money for the treatment added to the problem and further weighed me down. I was sustained only by a faint glimmer of hope - that one day the disease would just disappear and my life would go on the way it was before cancer.

Fortunately, in one of my visits at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) center they referred me to the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) for a surgical assistance. One doctor saw my dire situation and my determination to live, and assisted me in sourcing out my treatments and other needs. It lifted up my spirit. I got help!

EJACC made it possible for me to have my Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy, crucial procedures for my type of cancer. The affected parts were removed, not only the very part where cancer had grown but also other affected organs and those that had potential of being affected eventually. I would not have made it on my own.

Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. If a woman notices such symptom in herself, she must immediately visit a doctor.  It is not advisable to go the way I did where it took me too long before seeking medical attention. I am just lucky to have survived even if my cancer was already Stage 2 when I started treatment.

I now continue to be active in religious activities in our parish. I have also adopted a healthier lifestyle. Hiking is now a regular routine with me. I am more careful with my food intake, making sure I eat more vegetables.

In deep gratitude for all the help that I got, I have volunteered my time and service to clean the CECAP center and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) quarters during my regular visits at the hospital.

Other women can draw lessons from my experience. Early detection is key in dealing with cancer. Regular screening is also very important to determine early malignancy.

My experience with cancer has made me value more my health and my future. I am getting older, so I make sure that I have enough savings. I am regularly contributing to the Social Security System as a way of preparing for whatever the future will bring for me.

At present, I work as a home care "watcher" of a bedridden patient near my home. Life goes on.