“Are you a cancer patient?”
Only one question that led to a series of fortuitous events during my stay in Cebu.
After I’d warmed up with the ladies in the Pink October Chair Auction at SM Cebu, I volunteered to man the table the next day since my main objective in Cebu (which was radiation) was basically done in a matter of 1 hour and 30 minutes, treatment proper and traffic to and from the center included.
At SM, we gave out flyers on Breast Cancer Awareness. The last time I gave out flyers was when I tried the real estate stint of passing out information to mallers most of whom didn’t really want to give you time of day. This time around, passing out leaflets of Breast Cancer Awareness, being snubbed only amused me. So I changed tactics, straightened out my shoulders, breathed in, smiled and proudly handed the leaflets: “Not for sale, for Breast Cancer Awareness.” The recipients of the flyers would sheepishly concede in accepting the leaflets and not without curious looks at me who was all smiles while wearing a bonnet.
On this event, I made friends with even more women who survived breast cancer, and who had just met each other (even though they all belonged to the same place) all because of our great equalizer: surviving breast cancer.
“We are an endangered species,” Pam quipped
“Yes, the only requirement for this is BEAUTY,” bantered Tita Rubi.
“Yes, and we are collectors’ items.” concluded another.
Laughter and humor filled our hours at the mall. It was such a lively gathering, you wouldn’t guess for a minute that these women went through biopsies, mastectomies, chemotherapy, radiation, Tamoxifen and the whole round!
As much as I wanted to go to SM daily, I paced myself according to my body’s signals. After moving about for four straight days (after a long time of not being physically active due to chemo and my September down time), my body demanded rest.
At the end of the week, after a day and a half of volunteering within the last five days, I received a text message inviting me to a party in celebration of the successful chair auction. “Because you volunteered, you are part of the success.” Reading such truth as that (thinking of my “Not for sale, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”, how could I not attend?
It was six days after I met these women that I had the chance to sit down and be with them in a party atmosphere. The afternoon get together was held in a quaint old house in Lahug, a pizza place called Handuraw. I couldn’t believe my eyes, seeing more than five breast cancer survivors, happily smiling, thriving and laughing, and YES, BEAUTIFUL AND LIVELY, in one room! Our collective presence lit up the whole place!
With the boldness of a virtual unknown in Cebu, I interviewed the vibrant lady with the beautiful Barbie Curls on how she survived breast cancer.
I no longer quite recall the exact things she taught me, except that in terms of diet, eat in moderation. In terms of attitude, be happy. Release the truth of your situation. Hiding it will fatten the cancer cells. Of course, I was appalled to hear this, being secretive about my condition. To which she picked up the cue: in time, when you are ready. And pay it forward. Serve.
I was mesmerized with this lady’s passion of sharing with a virtual unknown (up to that point I was a virtual unknown to her) her tips on healing.
“I will give you a book before you leave. It’s a book I’ve been sharing to cancer survivors.”
I held her up to that promise – what with my love of books, and moreso that this beautiful woman who THRIVES highly recommends it.
Along the course of our conversation, we went to the topic of treatment. In an inspired and gutsy moment, I removed my bonnet and showed my head with little sprouts of baby hair growing out. The sound of spontaneous applause from my fellow survivors was the sweetest, most genuine sound I have ever heard. It was like in the act of rebelling against my self-imposed secrecy, the whole room was liberated and I felt healed. Never have I felt such love and acceptance from women who KNOW what I was going through. I wasn’t a lone ranger anymore.
After we all simmered down, I took note of the beautiful lady’s promise of the book. I was going home with that. And it wasn’t going to be the last time I would talk to her.
Later, I found out that this exuberant woman was one of Cebu’s beloved daughters. She is a Bessie B. Legarda Awardee, for her efforts of educating the public, especially women on Breast Cancer Awareness and how early detection can save lives. Notching it up, she spearheads fund raising causes (such as the chair auction) for Children with Cancer and breast cancer too.
It was humbling being by this sprightly beauty who exudes LIFE and love. Thank you, Tita Me’Anne. Thank you for approaching me that first day at mass.
Thank you for your friendship, for being an inspiration, for being a light of hope. The time you shared with me was precious. Thank you for bringing together all the women in our rare kind of sisterhood. The support among us is nothing short of amazing.
Because of you and all of the beautiful girls I have come to know, Cebu has been made even more special to me.
God has indeed paved the way to my healing in your beautiful city.
Love you all!
(P.S. I hope you don’t mind me calling you Tita’s. I am the eldest granddaughter in my family, and I am used to calling ladies, as young as those 4 years only older than me, “Tita”. It’s an affectionate sign of honor 😉 ) Love ya!
mybreastmessenger 