2009-04-14 (Mylene Rapanut Yu)
The Full Story

In May 2008, I have noticed a mass in my left breast which I thought was only a symptom of my monthly period. But my husband was very confused about that and he told me to have a check-up. I visited the OB-GYN of my friend and she made a request for breast ultrasound. On May 19, 2008, I had breast ultrasound and it showed two solid masses on my left breast, one o'clock position and indicated also the size of each. The OB-GYN advised removal of the mass.

On May 26, 2008, I had a minor operation (removal of the mass). My OB-GYNE removed the mass on my left breast then sent it for biopsy. After a week, my OB-GYN told me and my husband that the result of my biopsy was not good. It was INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA-Grade 1, so my Ob-Gyn told us I need a major operation to remove totally my left breast.  So we both felt not good. I was cried for the first night and prayed to GOD and asked, "Why me Lord? My baby is still too young (she's was only 2 years old)".  But I realized GOD will not give me trials if I cannot take it and I believe HE was there to help me too. So, I prayed to accept the trials without blaming anyone. So after a few days I accepted it and I thanked GOD and asked help. Then I went to my friend who also had breast cancer. She recommend me to her surgeon- cousin who did her operation. After two weeks, I visited the surgeon, Dr. ERIC BARCELON of San Juan De Dios Hospital. He scheduled an operation as soon as possible because the mass was near my armpit. I had lots of laboratory test, such as urinalysis, CBC-platelet, blood typing, chest x-ray, liver ultrasound, Protein, SGPT, and Alkaline Phosphatase.  I thanked GOD because all the results of my laboratory tests were okay and in normal range.

On June 18, 2008, I had an operation performed, MODIFIED RADICAL MASTECTOMY (T2NoMo St II-A). Again, I really thank the LORD for giving us and my family the acceptance of my cancer. I had a successful operation and fast recovery. After a week, the biopsy result was out and we thanked GOD again because there were no lymph nodes affected (all lymph nodes taken from me were negative). But there was tumor very near the margin approximately 0.1 cm. Less than a month of my operation, I went to my friend’s oncologist, Dra. Prescilla B. Caguioa and she recommended eight cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She explained that for the first four cycles, the chemo would be AC (Doxorubicin+Cyclophosphamide) and for the fifth to eighth cycles, it would be Taxol. I didn't know how I could pay for this treatment due to the financial problems. I was not working and the income of my husband was not enough for my treatment. So I put all my trust in GOD and we believed He would provide his angels without wings to protect and help us in our needs. I will always pray to GOD to bless those people who are helping us. I am always looking forward for more blessings to come and thank GOD for the strength that HE has given to each and everyone of us.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours,
Mylene Rapanut Yu