Bettina Aboitiz
“I almost forget I ever had cancer.”
In 2014, during a routine screening, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t have a lump, no pain, no symptoms. It was just another annual check-up. But that mammogram caught something I never would have found on my own. I was in complete shock. I couldn’t speak. At first, I only told my husband, Sabin, and my son, Samel. I asked Sabin to break the news to my parents, and share it with anyone else who needed to know. I was overwhelmed with fear of the unknown, fear of dying. I was only 46. I was farrrrrr from ready. I was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer. Although it was caught early, it was an aggressive type. I underwent surgery and radiation. Sabin and Samel were both by my side on this journey.
As I began to understand my diagnosis, the fear slowly gave way to clarity. Knowledge brought calm. I started to feel a sense of control again. But it wasn’t always easy. The waiting times for results, biopsies, scans, follow-ups were torture. And like many women, I felt I had to be strong. We’re so used to taking care of everyone else, to reassure others that we’re okay. We put on a brave face so our loved ones don’t worry. But that emotional weight can add up. I remember one night at a restaurant, while waiting for different results, Sabin and Samel teased me about something so silly — and I suddenly started crying uncontrollably. They didn’t know what to do! I guess I bottled up all my tension and fears that even a small trigger caused it all to spill over.
Since the cancer, I’ve learned to take pauses. I take time to rest and recharge. I surround myself with people who radiate positive energy, and the healing company of my pets who have been my best buddies through it all. They give so much, ask for nothing, and bring pure joy. I now have three dogs, seven cats, and a parrot named Bamboo — the show-off! These days, I look forward to spending more time with family and good friends. My son is now married to Sarina, and I’m happy that our family is growing. Cancer has given me a deeper empathy for people with cancer. I’ve learned that offering a listening ear to a person going through cancer is often the most meaningful support I can give.
I’m a very private person, but I chose to share my story because I want other women to know, an annual mammogram can save your life. And I want to say, you can live through cancer. You can come out of it whole. You are stronger than this disease. Today, I carry only gratitude and hope in my heart. It’s been such a meaningful journey — some days I almost forget I ever had cancer!
#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories
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- “I almost forget I ever had cancer.”
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- Bettina Aboitiz
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- Bettina with two of her beloved dogs and parrot, Bamboo. The company of her pets were part of her healing.
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- Bettina with two of her beloved dogs, and parrot, Bamboo. The company of her pets were part of her healing.
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- Bettina Aboitiz
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- Learn about breast cancer signs and symptoms: https://www.icanservefoundation.org/about-breast-cancer/
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- Download the breast cancer patient manual: https://www.icanservefoundation.org/patients-manual/
Photos by: Miles Roces and Jahia Roces
Video (Bettina singing with her parrot, Bamboo) by: Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala
Icons of Hope is a social media campaign that features cancer survivors who share their own stories, learnings and the lives they now live. It is part of ICANSERVE Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration in collaboration with Camera Club of the Philippines. With thanks to Owen Santos and Zonia Bandoy.