More and more women are discovering the potent benefits of
using Physiogel, the No. 1 dermatologist-prescribed moisturizer in the
Philippines. To emphasize its clinically proven capabilities, the brand
gathered three extraordinary women--- all breast-cancer fighters--- to shed
light on their struggles against the disease all while feeling and looking
their best.
The remarkable women are Patty B. Balquiedra, 44, a blogger,
online entrepreneur and a mother of two; Alya B. Honasan, a veteran editor and
writer for newspapers, magazines, and books. She is also a certified Iyengar
yoga teacher, an avid scuba-diver, an occasional theater actor, and a doting
mom to her dog Kikay; and Michee Cadhit, head of the customer service and
international relations department of The Medical City and a mother of three.
Asked about her thoughts when she was first diagnosed, Patty,
who “graduated” from her radiation treatment in February, replies:
“I was very calm but I immediately went into fight mode. I
wanted to know what had to be done, when and how. I felt like my body had been
invaded by a really nasty enemy and I wanted to get rid of that enemy fast. I
wanted to work closely with my doctors and be as informed as possible, before
making any final decisions. When the anger (towards the cancer) died down, I
began to feel scared and thought of my family, most especially my children and
what would happen to them if anything happened to me.”
For her part, Alya, who is still undergoing treatment,
professes to be one tough cookie:
“I have become a renewed believer in gut feel since I was
diagnosed, because I had a feeling I had cancer as soon as the mammogram
yielded ambiguous results. But after I was officially diagnosed, after my
biopsy and before my surgery, my first thoughts were on the chances of my
survival, as we still wouldn't know what stage I was until after surgery, and
what this was going to cost me emotionally, physically, and financially.
Frankly, the thought of dying wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be.
And believe it or not, again, I was glad it was me, and not any of my loved
ones or dear friends who had husbands and small children whose lives could be
destroyed if they went. I actually thought at one point, so this is why I don't
have kids! Also, back to that gut feel—I felt I was going to beat this,
completely. I already knew that I was indubitably stronger than cancer. I'm a
tough cookie.”
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Michee, a “graduate” just a few weeks ago, shares:
“I was alone when told by the radiology consultant of a
‘serious problem’ seen in my mammo and ultrasound, but I remained very
composed. Even without a biopsy done, I knew what it was. I cried heavily that
afternoon for fear of the unknown. Yet I also knew that I should be strong. The
sooner I accepted the fact (of my diagnosis), the easier it was for me to move
on. My experience of having a special child helped me cope well. I adapted the
same way in handling my special daughter’s condition. As soon as she was
diagnosed with her rare genetic disorder, the sooner we initiated all the
necessary interventions. We no longer gave ourselves time to wallow over the
misery of her condition. The attitude my husband and I had was always very
positive. We both considered the diagnosis at an early stage as a true
blessing.”
“Each day is a gift – I don’t remind myself about my breast
cancer when I wake up each day. It’s something that stays with you forever and
it’s like a thought that’s always in the back of your head. Since that’s the
case, I now wake up each day, thankful for the chance to get out of bed and do
what I need to do. Every day that I’m alive is a chance for me to do right,
serve and please God, take care of my family, love myself, show people how much
I appreciate them. I’m 10 times more thankful for every little thing that
happens and I now want to make the most of every single day, as a way to show
my thanks to God for this second chance at life,” Patty says.
“Cancer taught me the value of life in its simplest and most
beautiful form. It taught me to appreciate the simplest blessings of each day
brings. That family, friends and relationships are the most important in one's
life. Hence, we should treasure as many fond memories and fruitful
relationships with them,” Michee muses.
Alya agrees: “I can already say, unequivocally, that cancer
is one of the best things that ever happened to me. Really. It has taught me to
take it easy and live again, in the true sense of the word. Although I ate
healthy and exercised, my stress levels before I got diagnosed were bordering
on the insane. There never seemed to be enough time to do the things that had
to be done. Cancer gave me the gift of perspective, and realizing that some
things are just more important than money and achievement. It gave me the gift
of humility to realize that I cannot always be in complete control of my life
and my future, and that's fine. And it gave me the gift of gratitude, really,
for all the love that has been shown me, for the good things I have, and for
knowing with renewed certainty that God has been holding my hand throughout all
this.”
As these three cancer fighters know, having dry skin after
breast cancer radiation treatment is an inconvenient aftereffect. Patty, Alya
and Michee suffer from dry, flaky, itchy and sunburn-like skin after each
session.
Physiogel, however, helps them get relief from their
discomfort. Alya swears by the efficiency of the product, moreso because it was
endorsed by her personal surgeon. Michee, meanwhile, uses Physiogel to ease the
scars and rashes caused by radiation. Last, Patty knew about the virtues of the
product long before she underwent chemotherapy.
As part of its advocacy in supporting breast cancer patients,
portion of the proceeds of the Physiogel sales for October, which is Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, will go to the I Can Serve Foundation.
Physiogel is the No. 1 dermatologist-prescribed moisturizer
according to the Philippine Medical Data Index (PMDI MAT 2012) and is available
in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. It is also available in
handy 10ml sachets. Ask your dermatologist and pediatrician about Physiogel.
For more information, visit www.physiogel.ph/ or www.facebook.com/PhysiogelPH
