ICONS OF HOPE: Jo-Ann Camacho

Jo-Ann Camacho
“Our lives are always worth the fight!”

I thought I was immortal and will never get sick. However, I found out that I was vulnerable as well. I was humbled tremendously. I was on vacation around October 2023 when I felt a hard lump in my right breast with some secretion. At the end of the year, I decided to go for my first ever mammogram and biopsy. As I suspected, the lump was malignant and present in both my right breast and lymph nodes. My doctor advised me to get a PEcan and by January 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer since it has already spread to my liver. My reaction? It is what it is. I did not feel a need for second opinion. I discussed my treatment options with my oncologist and agreed to start treatment immediately. I also stopped smoking and drinking cold turkey. This is it! New adventure, new chapter in my life.

Thankfully, I had my close circle of friends who provided emotional support when needed… They were the ones who scheduled my first ever mammogram, introduced me to doctors and made appointments. They always made sure that I was well fed to the point that I gained weight! They came to my treatment sessions to make sure that I was not lonely. I had to repeatedly tell them that they didn’t have to go since I would just sleep, watch my iPad or play video games anyway. But they were adamant and would show up anyway. My partner and children were very supportive as well. While I felt their worry, I told them that I was ok and ready for the challenge of the treatments. I also told them to treat me like I was not sick. I needed the normalcy in my daily life.

Funny thing was that I was being jokingly branded as “fake news” by friends who saw me after I was diagnosed. They would say, “How can you have cancer and look so good?” Or “You look better now than before.” I was amused; but how was I supposed to look? I don’t want to be ugly because of cancer. So admittedly, I really became more conscious of the way I look. And since I was blessed and fortunate enough to not experience the hard side effects of my treatment, looking good was a breeze! I also watched a lot of concerts before and after treatment to keep my spirits up — The Rose, Taylor Swift, Hatsune Miku, JHope, Ado, GDragon.

Cancer is personal. Each person’s challenge is different so don’t impose your experience on others. People respond to treatments differently. Go for consults with your doctors and make sure you both understand and agree on a treatment plan. If you need a second opinion, go for it. Seek help and support, don’t be afraid. Pray and ask for prayers. God has a plan for each one of us. Personally, I have become grateful for every blessing and challenge that comes my way. I know that I will overcome them eventually. I live life to the fullest — I travel, go hiking, eat my favorite food. So, if you have been diagnosed with cancer, or are a survivor, go for medical check-ups. Eat and live healthy. Spend more time with your loved ones. Take things one step at a time. Our lives are worth the fight!

#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories

Photos by: TJ Davocol

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.