ICONS OF HOPE: Marge Jorillo

Marge Jorillo
Vice President for Corporate Communications, GSIS
Board of Trustees Member and Treasurer, ICanServe Foundation

“Totoo pala, your life truly does flash before you.”

I found out I had breast cancer in May 2005, thanks to the reddish brown discharge I had on my right breast. It was a blessing in disguise because I wouldn’t have known otherwise — I had no inkling at all because there was no pain. Before then, I didn’t bother to do any breast self-exam and mammogram. I thought I was leading a relatively healthy lifestyle. I actually thought I would be the last person to contract cancer (how presumptuous!) as I did attempt to live quite healthily (though I still would drink wine and beer). I couldn’t have been more wrong! When I finally got checked, my tumor size was huge at about 9 cm (in diameter). Thank God my lymph nodes were negative for cancer and it did not spread to other parts of my body. But I was so, so terrified at that time. Totoo pala, your life flashes before you, and the fear of the unknown just strikes you. The first thing that went through my mind was, “How long do I have?” I thought about the worst-case scenarios. The first night following the diagnosis was the hardest — I cried constantly. All the worries and “what-ifs” just kept going round and round in my head. Honestly, it’s tough regardless of whether you are married or not. Cancer doesn’t discriminate.

Thankfully, I was blessed with the love and support of my family and my closest friends who supported me from day one… My team remained constant — and in all fairness, that was more than sufficient. The better advice I received was from my doctor-sister. She told me just listen to your doctor and follow instructions. I believe in the science and in the people who are taking care of me. I share this advice with others also. But aside from that, keep your mind straight. Think positive, remind yourself every day, “I can overcome this through God’s grace.” Faith got me through the bad days. (A sense of humor, too — I remember asking my doctor if I could still have wine during chemo. Just keeping it real. 😊 )

All joking aside, be serious about taking care of your breasts. I simply can’t stress this enough: Get your mammograms, do regular breast self-exams even if you’re in good health. Early detection really does save lives. Don’t wait or procrastinate until something doesn’t quite feel right. You owe that to yourself and your family.

I joined ICanServe because I badly needed to be with my fellow-survivors, to be supported, and to feel that I was not alone in this… My favorite ICanServe memories are always when we’re all together — just sitting among your sister-volunteers, hearing about each other’s cancer stories, and catching up. Each time, I get inspired because you really wouldn’t think many of them even had cancer. There is so much joy and strength in the group, and those little moments together remind me how far we’ve all come.

#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.