ICONS OF HOPE: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivors

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Survivors
Gina Torres Evangelista
Jhalyn Mancenido Siwa

“To our newly-diagnosed sisters, know that you are not alone.”

GINA TORRES EVANGELISTA, Certified Aromatherapist

I was diagnosed in March 2009 with Stage IIIC Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was told that it was a very aggressive form of cancer that required a very aggressive treatment. Since it is not hormone based, only chemotherapy would be an effective treatment. Hormone replacement therapy was not an option since it will not work or be effective. I underwent a lumpectomy, six sessions of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 33 sessions of radiation therapy.

I had no appetite a whole week after each chemotherapy session and could not hold down food, which made me very weak. I always looked forward to when I could eat again. Even if I felt sick physically, it did not affect me emotionally. That was my way of healing. Anticipating the day I would be well again became my own personal magic pill.

I will always be grateful to my husband for being so caring and making sure that I was comfortable. My mom was always available to help with my then 4-year old son. My entire family and my friends were always so generous and thoughtful.

To our sisters newly diagnosed with TNBC, know that you are not alone. You have an entire community that you can turn to for emotional support. We are here to help you as you go through your cancer journey. We have a Patient Manual that you can use as a guide so that you are less overwhelmed. Use it to give your healing journey some form of structure amidst the chaos you are experiencing after hearing a cancer diagnosis.

JHALYN MANCENIDO SIWA, Mom, and Baker

I was diagnosed with TNBC in both breasts in 2011 and I was stage 2 and 3. According to my research at that time, TNBC was a rare and aggressive type that usually occurs at an early age for women, around their 30s. Because both breasts had tumors, I underwent bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.

Chemotherapy was the toughest challenge for me: losing my hair, having no energy and always feeling nauseous. To overcome it, I just always had this state of mind that everything will pass, and that I will go back to my normal self after all the treatments. It was all just temporary.

I am most grateful to my husband and son for getting me through my cancer journey. My husband was the one who always lifted me up when I was at my lowest. And looking at my son who was only 3 yrs old at that time gave me hope that I could still raise him and be alive until he’s old.

#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories

Photos by: Patrick Uy and Necy Juat

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.