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Cory’s body too weak for chemotherapy, says Kris
MANILA, Philippines — Television personality Kris Aquino on Monday clarified earlier reports that her mother, former President Corazon Aquino, had refused to undergo more chemotherapy for her colon cancer. In an email sent to television host Jessica Soho, Kris said although the family was aware that there is no permanent cure for her mother’s disease, they encouraged the ailing Philippine leader to try all medical means to fight colon cancer. Among the medical treatments that the former president went through were colon surgery, selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) procedures, and several rounds of chemotherapy, Kris said. Last month, Mrs. Aquino had to stop the chemotherapy sessions as her body was too weak to undergo the treatment, she added. According to the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC), SIRT “is generally not regarded as a cure, but has been shown to shrink the cancer when combined with chemotherapy more than chemotherapy alone." UMGCC also said that SIRT could "increase life expectancy and improve quality of life." Patients with primary colorectal (colon and rectum) cancer and inoperable secondary liver cancer are among those suitable for this treatment. The full text of Ms. Aquino's email to Ms. Soho is reprinted below: RELATED LINK Last week, her nephew Rafael Lopa said Mrs. Aquino is "slowly recovering" and has started to eat again. [See: Cory now taking in small portions of food, says nephew] Mrs. Aquino, the country’s first woman president, is the wife of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., one of the staunchest critics of former President Ferdinand Marcos. She was installed to power in February 1986 following a civilian-backed military uprising. - GMANews.TV
Dear Jessica, Yesterday upon the request of my mom's doctors and with the consent of my sisters I gave an update on mom’s condition on The Buzz. We wanted to clarify that Mom didn't choose to discontinue her chemotherapy, she was too weak to have more chemo done. Our Mom has never been a quitter, and her spirit is the strongest I've ever witnessed because of her deep faith in God. We also wanted people to know that from the very start of Mom's diagnosis, all her doctors told us that there was no permanent cure at present. Colon surgery, the 2 SIRT procedures, and her many rounds of chemotherapy we knew weren't going to get rid of all her cancer, but they were meant to prolong her time and alleviate her physical pain. All of us did our research and we knew that the odds were really against her. Siguro, we are just like any family that has experienced cancer. Sinubukan naming lahat ‘wag mawalan ng pag-asa. We encouraged Mom to try all medical means possible. Pero, blessed talaga kami, kasi ang buong Pilipinas sinamahan kami sa pagdasal na sana pagbigyan ng Diyos ang hiling natin, na gumaling ang Mom. We knew she was fighting cancer for us her children - she told us that several times. But I now believe that she didn't mean just us her biological kids, but all the Filipinos as well who continue to reach out, shower her with love and concern, befitting a true mother. Our dad gave his life to our country and I believe mom has also offered her entire life, the suffering she's going through now for the healing of our nation as well. I know na hindi lang ang mga kapamilya ang nagpe-pray for Mom, of course pati ang mga kapuso. Kaya thank you very much, because Mom is very aware of how much the Philippines has embraced her with prayers of comfort to strengthen her and all of us during this most difficult time in her battle with cancer. The most important lesson that Mom has taught us is to believe that God will work everything out for good, for as long as we have complete faith in His love and are obedient to His will. We just need to keep being patient and continue praying while we wait for God to reveal His plan for Mom at this point of her life. As a family, we've grown closer, and we remain supportive of each other. Mom always thanks us for making sure that there's always 1 or 2 of us by her side at all times of the day. Thank you Jessica because you and your news team have been very kind and respectful during our moments of stress and worry, that's why I'm replying to you. Please continue to keep Mom in your prayers. Kris Jessica Soho is also GMA Network’s Vice President for News Programs
Lourdes Siytangco, Mrs. Aquino’s former spokeswoman and a close family friend, said nearly two weeks ago that the former president "is no longer receiving chemotherapy or any other medical interventions." “Former President Cory Aquino is now out of the ICU and in a private room, a decision she and her children made in consultation with her doctors," Siytangco wrote in her regular column in the Manila Bulletin newspaper. [See: Aquino family on Cory: 'We entrust everything to God'] The 76-year-old Aquino, a democracy icon in the Philippines and in Asia, has been confined at the Makati Medical Center for more than two weeks now due to loss of appetite. In March 2008, Mrs. Aquino’s children disclosed that she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent an operation in May 2009 to remove part of her colon. More Videos
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