Leonisa before diagnosis

The invasion of cancer has made me deeply afraid

In March 2022, I received devastating news that left me terrified: a lump had been discovered in my right breast. After the removal of breast tissue, the pathological diagnosis is breast cancer. I was constantly worried, anxious, and afraid. What would the future hold? Would I die? Following this, I underwent a series of physical examinations, and the frequent trips to the hospital left me utterly exhausted. I opted for drug treatment, attempting to combat the cancer's progression through supplements and dietary changes. However, in January 2024, I received the distressing news that the cancer had recurred and metastasized to my lungs, plunging me into deep despair. The doctor recommended chemotherapy, but I was terrified of the potential "tragedies" associated with it. Chemotherapy not only targets cancer cells but also destroys healthy cells and can adversely affect other organs in the body. I feared that my worst nightmare would become a reality.

Leonisa before diagnosis

By God’s grace, I found a turning point in my life

I explored alternative methods to treat my breast cancer and prayed daily. Eventually, I searched the Internet and discovered information about St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. I felt a glimmer of hope upon learning about their minimally invasive treatments. For me, this could be a turning point in my journey. I decided against traditional treatment in the Philippines and chose to travel to China in search of new therapies. Soon after, I contacted the Manila International Service Center and flew to China.

Integrating minimally invasive treatment protect me from the shadow of chemotherapy

At St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, the doctors developed a comprehensive treatment plan for me that included seed implantation, interventional therapy, and gene-targeted therapy. Seed implantation involves directly inserting iodine-125 particles into the tumor or surrounding tissues at risk of invasion. This method continuously irradiates the tumor tissue to inactivate cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues. Interventional therapy is a technique where doctors use imaging equipment to guide the delivery of anti-tumor drugs through catheters into the tumor's blood vessels. This method allows for drug concentrations that are 2 to 92 times higher than those of traditional chemotherapy drugs, all through a small 2mm incision. The effectiveness of a single session of interventional therapy is equivalent to 3 to 4 sessions of conventional chemotherapy. Both treatment methods are non-surgical and minimally invasive, offering rapid recovery. The side effects of these therapies are minimal; I did not experience symptoms such as vomiting. Throughout the entire treatment process, every examination—whether it was a CT scan, ultrasound, or blood test—showed improvement in my results. I am very relieved that I do not have to endure the frightening experiences often associated with chemotherapy.

Comparison of CT scan before and after treatment

Fighting cancer in a foreign country: I am not alone

The treatment process was challenging for me, as I traveled to China for treatment alone. However, thanks to God's grace, I found the strength to cope with it all. I would also like to express my gratitude to the doctors, nurses, translators, and other staff for their assistance and care. Everyone was kind and friendly, and their warmth made me feel as though I was not in a foreign country. I also want to thank my family. Although we are separated, they have consistently provided me with encouragement and support, which has given me the courage to face the upcoming treatment. After a few months, I returned here once again, and I want to thank the medical staff once more. I am pleased to share that my recent test results are good. I have been following the doctor's advice and paying close attention to my diet. Now, I feel more relaxed and less stressed. This is also one of my suggestions for cancer patients: actively pursue treatment and adhere to the doctor's recommendations. Do not fear death because of the diagnosis. From my experience, relying on God's grace and the medical intervention at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I defeat cancer and survive. So please, never give up to hope.

Leonisa returns to hospital as Filipino anti-cancer star

Anti-cancer Conference Awards

*Surgery, in addition to the appropriate chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are effective in treating early cancer, but certain patients in late stage of cancer may not be tolerate surgery well as they can be relatively weak. A combination of carefully planned minimally invasive therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can effectively reduce the side effects and discomfort of treatment and may help patient get better efficacy.