It was Saturday,
February 1, 2014 when I felt a lump on my left breast. The following days were
a blur…uncertainties until I went to the Marlborough Imaging Center in
Southborough on February 10th. When the radiologist performed an
ultrasound and told me, he needed to do a biopsy. That made me feel very
scared. I had nobody with me and I felt myself shiver.
“Dear God,” I prayed.
“Please help me, give me courage to face
this ordeal. I cannot do it alone.”
Through the tests and
the many consultations I had with the team of oncologists and hospital staff, I
remained calm. Thank God I had my family with me. Deep inside, though, I felt
nervous. The Jesus Prayer kept me strong and determined. It kept me company. I
was determined to fight the battle.
Surgery- done; the first phase.
Radiation treatment
for 33 days- done; the second phase.
Oral medication: The
five year regimen- two and a half years of Tamoxifen, followed by two and a
half years with another medication- So far, 7 months done. This third phase is
still ongoing.
I worked through the
whole radiation treatment. I took an Incomplete on the two courses I was enrolled
in that Spring semester. At first, I was timid to tell others about my ordeal.
That changed when I realized that I needed others to pray for me, as well.
How have I been since
last year?
Despite some side
effects that the medications give me, I am fine. I’ve learned to accept them as
part of the treatment. I enjoy working…working with my co-teachers that have
become good friends and an excellent support system. I love teaching the students,
who never fail to make me laugh every day. But most of all, through my illness,
my family bonds have been strengthened even more. I thank God that I am well
again.
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| Dana, Lauren, and Peggy |
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| Mother and Daughter |
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| With my Kuya, Bong |
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| With my Diko (Oscar) |
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| Family Picture, Christmas, 2014 |
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| At School for School Spirit Week |
