PRESIDENT'S CORNER "Special Edition" in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Journey to Wellness
Jennifer Feril, RN, MMLM Board Director, Women Advocate, Breast Cancer Survivor
Epiphany
My genes are predisposed to malignancy. I have self-determined that one day I will be afflicted with cancer. Morbid thought you might say, but it did happen. It was one night sometime in April 2013, a hollowed female voice woke me up in my sleep. “Wake up and touch you breast." This seemed strange than frightening for the message seemed to have been enunciated by my own Mother who passed away in 1997. Sitting at the edge of our bed, I raised my right hand to my left upper chest. My feeble fingers fumbled at first then uneasiness turned to familiarity. I felt the lump.
Reality
Two days later, I met with my OB-GYN, Dr. Redd who ordered a battery of tests and referred me to a Radiologist who in turn performed stereotactic biopsy. After 2 weeks, the dreaded phone call came. It was from Dr. Redd’s secretary urging me to meet with the good doctor that same day. I sat in the examination room patiently waiting but very anxious. As Dr. Redd walked in, I felt my heart skip a bit. Dr. Redd in a composed and somber voice said “your biopsy is positive for breast cancer”. It hit me like a ton of brick! I gazed back at the doctor’s piercing eyes. Next thing I know, my life from infancy to adulthood flashed in slow motion right before my very eyes. Then I uttered the word “WOW”. It was not an expression of excitement, obviously. Rather, it was the capitulation of everything real. Or surreal.
The WOW Factor
Wow, I am a Maglaya statistic and Wow, I have an eleven year-old son, Joshua. I am not at all ready to leave him behind. Fast forward. My son was hysterically sobbing, spouse with tears pouring heavily down his face and sisters grieving. I said to myself, “I have to survive this”. Surgery day arrived. I opted for lumpectomy. My sister Cherry (Jig-Jing) was wailing on the phone and my other sister, Pinky was crying harder in front of me. It felt like the battle of crying ladies. I said to myself again, “I have to survive this”.
Aftermath
I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Type. It is the most common of all cancers and has the best prognosis. I underwent lumpectomy which meant chemotherapy and radiation were staple. The pivotal moments of my life were best relieved after each chemotherapy session. For a good week, I just curled up in bed like cocoon until all strength is restored the following week. Toxicity invaded my system but I remained steadfast. I experienced constipation, insomnia and loss of appetite to name a few. After six chemotherapy sessions, I started month-long radiation. My skin became parched like dry land that has not experienced rain in a century. As if adding insult to injury, on the third week, my skin started excoriating. I remember calling to my sister Cherry to request for antibiotics and prescription- strength cream. My voice cracked a little bit and although I wanted to cry to her and complain, I controlled my emotions and held back the tears. In moments like this, I fought back with my inner resolve and mantra- I will survive!
Spiritual Resolve
While cancer and the devastation of chemotherapy and radiation altered my physical appearance, I became more affirmed of God’s love and promises. God Almighty was my beacon of hope. God put together a competent team of doctors and nurses who were integral to my survival. Support of family and friends sustained me through these adversities.
This challenging journey sealed my fate. It made me an advocate for the afflicted and voice for the marginalized. MMLM has now become my platform and my sisters’ to reach out unceasingly to those needing help and to translate goals into sustainable endeavors.
I’m the face of cancer. The scars are permanent reminders of humility and resilience. I’m the embodiment of a modern day warrior. Cries of triumph resonate in my head. I have defined and survived my affliction. Time is of the essence and I know it’s limited and borrowed yet, I shall continue to serve our God and the community with vim and bliss.
President’s Commentary:
Jennifer Feril or “Emper” as she is fondly called is my sister and the third child of Jesus and Dolly Maglaya. She is a Registered Nurse and lives with her son Joshua and husband Ron in Elk Grove, California. She is a Breast Cancer Advocate and Volunteer. MMLM honored her many significant contribution to Cancer Awareness through the Jennifer Feril Braveheart Program.
