Filipino Women are facing the higher risk of Breast Cancer in Southeast Asia.Some 6,360 breast cancer patients die each year in the country, making it the leading death among Filipino women (data from the Philippine Cancer Society as posted by Bulatlat)
What would you do if you are one of the women diagnosed with breast cancer? Would you want a treatment? or would you rather spend the money to travel around the world and enjoy life from day to day basis?
My third lovely lady is CARMELITA DUYA NALZARO,born March 10, 1958 in Baguio City, a graduate of ECE (Electronic and Communication Eng. 1985). Married to Engr. George Nalzaro blessed with 3 children (Jady,Christine and Gentry).
As i was putting make-up on her, I was in awe, I cant believe she is a cancer survivor! Her skin is so soft and clear, her persona is so gentle and yet I also felt her inner strength.Her happiness and peace in life is visible in her face.
Are you working?
Yes, for almost 11 years now. I am working as a Math teacher in IPSJ ( International Philippines School of Jeddah)
How does it feel working out of your Engineering field?
I find it fulfilling, I love teaching more than being in my field.I took and passed the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) at the age of 47 years old.
What challenges do you face everyday in teaching?
My challenge is for the student to love Math and not to hate the subject. I challenge myself to let the student understand the concept, to bring interest to the subject and get them focus.Teaching is my passion, I like the new challenge it brings everyday. For me, teaching is no longer my work, it becomes my playground of knowledge…a play I know that my students can participate,learn and at the same time enjoy.
Well said my lovely lady! Let’s talk about other challenges in your life, When and how your breast cancer was detected?
the discovery was accidental, George was doing massage of my arm, he was joking around… went a little bit further and suddenly he was surprised that there’s a hard mass ,we went directly to consult a physician and asked if she can do mammography. She was adamant that nothing was wrong and mammography was not needed. Months had passed and I noticed that it becoming more larger, we went to another doctor, mammography was done and I was diagnosed with carcinoma stage 3.
how did you and George took the news? What was your first reaction?
Why? why me?… we were advised to have another medical opinion, we went to another Doctor and Needle Biopsy was done. The first diagnosis was confirmed: Invasive Carcinoma of the breast Stage III.
The Doctor was so plain and direct to the point,” You have cancer,we will remove it and you will survive” ! wow! this help me a lot because i did not see any worries in his face, that he was sure I will survive… God bless…I did survive!
How did you break the news to your family…to your children in particular?
Acceptance and Faith…George and I accepted the news knowing God will always be there for us, the children took it the same way and we all embraced the situation with open heart and mind.
Surgery,Chemotherapy (6 cycles) Radiotherapy (25 exposures) and a lot of prayers. I was bald … I was not bothered so i did not covered my head.
At that time, bald was in fashion, one lady taught that at my age “nakikiuso pa rin ako” (at trend) she was apologetic when she knew I was under chemotherapy.
Other than your family, where do you get the inspiration?
Maritoni Fernandez said ” It’s like walking though fire…how do you get to the other side without burning your feet? You just have to take it one step at a time, and eventually, you’ll get through the flames.” She is an inspiration!
What is your message to ladies who might be on same condition as you are?
for those women diagnosed with cancer specifically breast cancer wherein I’m a survivor for 11 years now, go back to your normal life after treatment but be sure to have a not less than 8- hours sleep daily, shy away from foods with high in fats and preservatives. Learn to relax to overcome stress. Always have a positive outlook in life and have a personal relationship with God.
Well, were not done yet..what about beauty secrets? what are the things that you cant do without?
spray net( hair spray) and toner! I do routine exercise such as Taebo, 30 minutes treadmill, lots of water
there you go Ladies, there’s life after cancer, there’s beauty beyond physical, there’s hope for everyone…have faith…Gods’ willing… We will all survive!
To answer the question: yes i would seek treatment, travel around the world and enjoy life!
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She is a remarkable lady even at the age of 53! She sees life with so much optimism…
An inspiration to everyone! thank you for reading.