Winning my little battles with CA

by Grace Luczon-Foronda 
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Everyone knows that CA is a dreadful disease. I always pity a person afflicted with CA. At an early stage its just a matter of prolonging life and easing the pain, and in its advanced stage-it is getting ready for the inevitable.  It never occurred in my mind I would one day victimized by CA. One early morning of February 2008, while I was in the field gathering corn, I felt suddenly weak, trembling down to the innermost nerve of my feet. I thought all the while it maybe because I havenít taken a complete meal. I have only taken a bite of a slice of kamoteng kahoy and a cup of coffee.  So I went home and soft-boiled an egg and drank a glass of water.  Luckily Iíve got a capsule of revicon left in my medicine kit.

After an hour of resting under the shade, some pep returned. I didnít know that this was a symptom of a still unknown disease. I massaged my left breast to revive my normal heartbeat, when all of a sudden, I felt a hard lump on the inner lower quadrant. Itís about a size of a one-peso coin. I went to consult a doctor and advised me to undergo a mammo ultra sound. The examination confirmed the presence of a cystic structure.  I have to seek a second opinion from another doctor. It is then that I first experienced an FNAB or Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy at the Metro Vigan Cooperative Hospital. It is a pre-operation biopsy  wherein the surgeon, using a fine needle has to aspirate a blood and tissue sample from the lump  and let it examined by a pathologist. I was then very tensed and have had sleepless nights waiting for the result which took about a month.

The result really wracked my nerves and pierced my mind. It was a ductal carcinoma that implied the presence of a left breast cancer. Having a faint hope it maybe a mistake, I had to confirm it with a specialist at the UST Hospital in Manila. The same procedure(FNAB) was done.  Still, the result was the same. The doctor said ìmabubuhay ka pa, early stage paî. I was stressed and felt tension all-over.  First problem is - where will I get the money for my operation and medications?  Then, can I survive the major operation of radical mastectomy  without complication arising? I have had so much of self- pity and regrets, that if I die, I have to leave a pitiful single-handed husband and two sickly kids.  How can they survive without me when just with my advices and guidance they find strength and moral support? We have once dreamt of a brighter future ahead, but now, how could that be attained?

Days and nights I prayed and asked God to enlighten and make as an instruments generous-hearted people to come to my rescue. The Lord heard my prayers. I attained help from friends and relatives. I was operated on at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital, Batac Ilocos Norte. A month after operation without any complicating problem, I was again ordered  by the oncologist to undergo a six cycle chemotherapy. Before that, thorough medical check-up of my heart, kidney, liver and lungs up to my blood were to be made. God!!! I nearly gave it up.

Where can I get more than a hundred thousand for this treatment? Besides, I feared the side effects like baldness, weakness, loss of appetite, hyperacidity and even tachycardia. Some scared me, baka daw di kaya ng katawan ko. Some died at the idea of their chemo because of weak resistance  at mahina ang loob. I asked myself, kaya ko rin ba? Then I finally decided  na kung mamatay na walang kalaban- laban, mabuti pa yung mamatay na lumalaban  basta may tutulong lang.

I Immediately contacted Terry and Nitz, my dear friends in Manila to help me and they immediately took my story and brought my case to the internet (through MVP).  They posted my family history and appeal on the website.  God is really miraculous!! Help came from friends and relatives and all big hearted-people touched by my pitiful condition and status in life. I have finished the 6 cycle of chemotherapy last November and if God permits, I am about to start the 5 years  oral therapy plan. I hope these people used by God as instruments in showering His graces on me will always be there to my rescue. I really need your help not only financially but spiritually as well. I need also your prayers and I will do pray also for your constant health and success in life.

Now, I can already challenge this unprecedented illness of mankind.  I can now say try me!  Not, God why me? Because I believe I am now whole and can live life to a full, because you are there wonderful people, friends and symphatizers, as Godís instruments to help me fight and carry on!

Thanks to you all and God Bless!