There is life with and after cancer

Written by Tarcing A Erbina

Cancer was not new to me.  I had read about it and I had met some people with cancer.  It never crossed my mind that I will get afflicted with it. I did not have any symptoms. So, it was the greatest shock in my life when my doctor declared that I had breast cancer.  That was 19 years ago; I was 36 years old then.  My initial reaction was to sulk and blame the creator for giving me such undue punishment. I felt I did not have any serious infractions of his commandments.  I was temporarily numbed and deaf to the consolation and advice of family and friends, who with great concern and unselfish efforts, unceasingly tried to free me from grief and despair.

Having cancer never prevented me from having a normal life.  I became dancing queen in my own way. I grooved and grooved and sang some more.  II believe this lengthened my life.  Presently, I am involved with SMILES Support ng May K, a cancer support group, hoping to inspire those like me to have a full life despite cancer.

Now, I live happily with my loved ones and grandchildren whose innocent laughter makes me more alive each day. Most of all, I owe everything to God our creator and my husband Rodrigo who has reliably been with me thru thick and thin.

Philippine Cancer Society and C-Network support support groups.