Rosario Largoza Sharing

Dr. Reynaldo O. Joson’s newsletter

Stories about my Cancer Crusaders…

Her name: Rosario A. Largoza

Her age: 76 years old

Ruby has been my patient since 1990 and this is her story….

Yes, I am a cancer survivor. I had a mastectomy on my right breast 32 years ago, and with joy in my heart I am proud to share that it has been 32 years of good health since then, accompanied by yearly check-ups (now) with Dr. Joson and my unwavering faith in the Lord.

I was diagnosed with a Predominantly Intraductal Carcinoma (IDC), with Paget’s disease on my right nipple when I was 43 years old. When I learned about my diagnosis, I didn’t experience any emptiness or any type of depression. It was mostly anxiety that I felt at that point in time. I was more worried about my children who were all very young then. I had a 15, a 12 and a 6 year old. Their wellbeing was foremost my concern, that’s why I was determined to fight it. I can’t leave them.

I was petrified at first. I was in my early 40s and my children were still finding their place in the world. I, for a moment questioned the Lord, wondering why I was given such a challenge but after some time, with the support of my family and my loving husband and earnest prayers, I knew that the Lord made me experience this because he knew I can overcome.

I was misdiagnosed at first, from Makati Med to Manila Doctors. Dr. Joson was the 4th Doctor I went to. He didn’t mince his words. He told my family and I that I had to be operated on so that it can be removed as it hasn’t metastasized yet. I recall the manner he spoke about the operation, somehow felt very reassuring to me. He promised that he will do his best, but as we would come to know with this unfortunate disease, there won’t be any guarantees. I appreciated that.

Two days after the operation he told me that I could go home. I remember cheekily asking for another day in the hospital. When I went to my first monthly check-up he told me, “Congratulations, you have a new life!”

It’s been 32 years for me, and I know that there are people that have had a harder time than me, and there are those who have loved ones pass away because of it. I experienced this grief myself, as I lost two of my older sisters, also to breast cancer.

Sickness is not an easy thing and I share with you, my fellow ROJoson Cancer Crusaders Members what I tell my daughters and nieces:

1. Early detection is best. Make sure you have a copy of all your diagnosis so that your Doctors are able to check your history.

2. Pray to God. Surrender yourself to him.

3. I took to heart all the advice Dr. Joson has given me all these years. I am diligent with all our check-ups from where I started, our monthly check-ups, to our bi-yearly and now our yearly check-ups.

4. My husband, my family and relatives were my support system. Tell them, share what you’re feeling and reach out. Have a strong support system, and if you don’t have, I believe this Club can be your support system.