2007-07-04 (Annette Dangazo w/ Carla Paras-Sison)
The Full Story

In November 2004, I noticed a mass in my right breast. The mass was flat on palpation, non-tender & movable. I consulted a general surgeon. He told me it was cystic. So a needle extraction was done.  Several areas were extracted. A slightly brownish fluid was extracted which was sent to the laboratory for cytology. The result was negative for cancer. Two months after, recurrence of the cystic mass was noticed. Repeat extraction was done with the same result.

In the early part of 2006, I noticed a mass again at the inner upper part of my breast. My surgeon did an extraction but only bloody specimen was extracted. A second extraction was done by the pathologist. The result was fibrocystic. So I was reluctant for surgery anyway it was benign. In November, 2006, I noticed a slight hardening around my nipple and a slight dimpling of my nipple as well. In January 2007, I noticed hardening in my upper inner breast. Later I noticed redness in this area associated with itchiness. I never consulted my doctor. At this point, I knew I had cancer. I had no plan for treatment. After all, my brother & two sisters died of cancer inspite of treatment. I kept all this to myself. Deep within me I accepted my destiny that I will go anytime. I lost weight. I have pains in my back, shoulder joints, my behind, ribs and pelvic joints.

On April 14, 2007, I had my complete blood count. The result was severe anemia. I was advised admission for blood transfusion. After my transfusion, further work up was done. All laboratory results (ECG 2D echo, blood chemistry, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound) were normal except my CBC. Sono-mammogram was done which revealed a big mass. On April 20, 2007, fine needle biopsy was done at my supraclavicular node. The result revealed intraductal carcinoma. I was advised to consult a medical oncologist.

The doctor convinced me to seek treatment, rather than die an agonizing death. My eyes were opened to the reality of hope, and that I still had work to do in this world. My first chemotherapy was on April 24, 2007. I was admitted because of my age, 59. My doctor just wanted me to be safe. On the 3rd & 4th day I experienced the bad effects of chemotherapy. The good effect was all the pains in my body disappeared. Two weeks after treatment I felt better. My chemotherapy is every 21 days. At first, I did not notice the financial burden. After my 3rd chemo my doctor told me that I will be on a higher chemo drug. The price is quite expensive. I forgot to tell my doctor that after my first chemo I had my bone scan which revealed multiple bone metastases. So I had additional drug for my bones. My 4th chemo will be on June 27, 2007. Also, every after my chemo my WBC dropped to 2.5, 2.0 & 1.2. That is why I cannot go to work because I am prone to infection. Since April 2007 up to present (June 25) I have had no income. I also received treatment to increase my WBC. Another bad effect of chemo was loss of hair.

My doctor told me that I have to undergo eight chemotherapies. Then I will have my mastectomy, removal of my right breast. After that, I will have radiation. I really do not know where to get financial assistance. It is a long process. I am an obstetrician-gynecologist and my colleagues in the medical field have generously provided their services for free. It is their graciousness that has strengthened my resolve to find the right means to fund my remaining treatments.

I believe God will send His angels without wings to protect and provide our needs. I will always pray for whoever you are touched by God to share your blessings with me.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours,

Anecita T. Talines-Dangazo