Inner strength, inner smile

She had it done every year. Always mindful of her health, annual check-ups with the doctor were second nature to Maricris. Every year, she was declared to be in good physical condition. But last year was different.

What began as an annual mammogram resulted in a life-altering conclusion, a diagnosis beyond what her imagination could conceive. Doctors discovered what they described to be a ‘suspicious looking cyst’, and in two days her world turned upside down: it was malignant, and it was breast cancer.
 
After the initial shock was overcome and the first tears were shed, Maricris lifted her head up and began to take control of the situation. She had never before let herself be bullied, and she wasn’t about to let something like cancer be the first to do it. She called her husband, who was away at the time of the diagnosis. He flew home that same week, and together they sat their children down and broke the news. She visited her parents at their home and calmly explained to them what would happen: a lumpectomy, four rounds of chemotherapy, and thirty-three radiation sessions. Serious words coupled with solemn strength.  It was a sense of composure that gave her family what they needed to bear the coming tribulations.
 
Like many others, Maricris had heard horror stories about the negative side effects that accompany cancer treatment. Recognizing the fact that they were an inevitable by-product of her condition, she knew more than to let such effects get the better of her. Soon, she figured out the patterns of weakness and nausea that came after every round, and assimilated facets of her pre-cancer life in between her treatments. It was this sense of normalcy coupled with adamant positivism and a strong support system that buoyed her spirits. An avid fan of Oprah Winfrey, Maricris recalls an episode of the famous talk show host that relayed a message of vital importance to her at the time: “How you handle your crisis now is how you’re teaching your children to handle theirs later on.” It was a lesson that infused strength in Maricris. With her family at her side, her positive attitude relentlessly shone through, interspersed with shared moments of humor, worry, smiles, uncertainty, and tears. Together, they fought. And together, they overcame the disease.
 
Maricris believes that it is important for people to be on top of their health, to listen to what their bodies are telling them. In our modern world with many harmful habits, having the right information about health, sickness, and medication is a must. By knowing about the possible consequences of our lifestyles, we will be better equipped to overcome them. 
 
Maricris has since returned to managing her daughter’s softball team, an activity that had always given her immense joy. She, along with two fellow survivors, set up a support group in her community, which has grown steadily from three members to 20. She firmly believes in the power of discussion for healing: “I have met so many people because of my cancer. Some people say, ‘Oh, how unfortunate,’ but I consider it a blessing. It strengthened my relationship with my husband and children, and it brought me closer to God. I know that the road to Heaven is very narrow, and I know that I’m already on that road, so I’m prepared for anything.”
 
“There are people I counsel now who haven’t been able to reach acceptance yet. But if there is one thing that a patient should always remember, it is this: It will pass. Tomorrow, the sun will rise again. Honestly, it will pass.” And she smiled.

Philippine Cancer Society keeps Cancer Survivors in touch with each other.