62-year-old Dubai-based expat wins battle against cancer

Dubai - It was not only cancer she was battling. She and her husband also faced a financial dilemma.

Filipina expat Remedios de Luna Mazo, 62, was devastated when a doctor told her that her left breast had to be removed.
She asked the doctor if there was any alternative, but the doctor argued that tumours were lodged close to her heart and pus was already coming out of her nipples. If she didn't go under the knife, malignant cysts would metastasise - and she might die soon.
"I first cried at the thought that I could be dying. I still have to support my family and I didn't have the means to pay for the huge medical expenses," Remedios, who was employed as a domestic worker back then, told Khaleej Times.
"But I also realised that cancer was not a death sentence and that I must remain hopeful and positive. I prepared myself and prayed to God," she added.
With strong faith and her husband (Jimmy Mazo) by her side, Remedios battled cancer head on. "There were no more 'what ifs'. I held on tight and readied myself for a bumpy ride," she said.
With the help of her church group and an Australian businessman, she underwent mastectomy on December 17, 2006. After her left breast was removed, the invasive operation was followed by six rounds of intensive chemotherapy.
Remedios remained optimistic. She shared: "I saw other patients who went through radiation very badly. I also vomited a lot but for some reason, I already felt I would emerge victorious against cancer."
But it was not only cancer she was battling. She and her husband also faced a financial dilemma.
Her husband's salary was always delayed and, to augment their income, she had to work as a part-time cleaner.
"I even sold some snacks every morning at the Satwa bus station to have the money to buy medications for my hormone balance. I was put on a special diet because of the low immunity caused by chemo," she said.
Despite her seemingly insurmountable problems, help from random people had always come.
"I knew it was illegal to sell food without a permit so barring arrest, I approached the police at the bus station and told him not to apprehend me. The police took pity on me and gave me Dh100 and told me to go home instead," Remedios said.
Eventually, Remedios was referred to Sharjah-based charity Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP).
"The FoCP took care of my regular check-ups. And nine years after my left breast was removed, I was declared cancer-free in 2015," she said.
Remedios still had to go for periodic check-ups but, luckily, her cancer has not returned. She's also taking medications and vitamins to boost her immune system.
"I won the battle against cancer and I thank everyone who helped me. It was my strong faith in God and the people around me, including my husband and FoCP, that kept me strong."
angel@khaleejtimes.com

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