Cancer Journey Sharing of Mayvell N. Cordova

MY JOURNEY WITH THE BIG-C

I am a cancer survivor and in three-year remission. Diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer, October 2017. I was diagnosed a week after my 38^th birthday. I underwent modified radical mastectomy on October 13, 2017, started my chemotherapy in December 2017, targeted therapy (Herceptin) on March 2018 and completed May 2019, started my radiation August 2018 and finished October 2018.

I considered myself highly favored since the start of my journey with cancer. I actually don’t have enough resources for treatment, and I don’t know good oncologist to go to for treatment. I was helpless. I don’t know what to do and when to start.

I was scared. I am a solo parent. I have two kids. One was 11 and one was 10 then. They are still young. They only have me. I cannot stop working coz who would provide for their needs. I am also supporting my parents and siblings. So the fear and anxiety were very overwhelming.

But amidst, all of the apprehensions, I tried to conquer all my fears. I did not let depression take a toll on me. I prayed hard. I bargained with my Creator. I know I am a strong-willed person. With the help and assistance of my family, co teachers, relatives and dear friends and of course with God Providence, I have completed my treatment.

My fear from the diagnosis to treatment and until now, never lost. I am pretty sure it will always be there. I am just on my third year of journey/remission. I have a long way to go. I am scared till this day, especially that my mother who was also diagnosed with breast cancer recently lost her battle.

But, I am always telling myself, “I will give my best effort to be not part of the casualties of this illness, I don’t wanna be part of that statistics on mortality rate. I would be giving this illness a good fight.

I was just lucky I have a good and best Onco out there. Dr. Joson has been an instrument for me to be more inspired and continue my life. He and Ms. Beth, his secretary, made me part of Cancer Crusaders Club. I attended their Christmas Party on 2017 and shared my experience. I was inspired to see other survivors and they were all positive and very supportive. That event gave me more inspiration to stay alive and stay well.

I have been sharing my journey to others who are currently experiencing what I have experienced. My friends and colleagues and even acquaintances even asked me about what I’ve gone through to inspire them.

Fear, apprehensions, anxiety, depression and stress are all factors that can make or break me during this journey. However, my faith and my will and my determination and my God are all bigger than them. God has been with me since Day One. Will always be proud of what I’ve been through.

MAYVELL NAVARRO-CORDOVA

3 YEARS IN REMISSION