Kara Magsanoc: The cancer survivor lives & loves as if there were no tomorrow

There was a special gathering of women held on Feb. 7 at the Peninsula Manila’s Conservatory. It was a cozy lunch hosted by Avon for its Breast Cancer Awareness Program. There was quite an assembly of women. Sharing a table were Dr. Mita Pardo de Tavera were O.B. Montessori’s Preciosa Soliven, Inquirer’s Marixi Prieto and McCann’s Emily Abrera. In another table were STAR Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil, STAR columnist Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Rina Jimenez-David and Lisa Ilarde. I was seated with Celeste Legaspi, Rachel Alejandro, Rissa Samson and Abbygale Arenas.

But the stars of the day were quietly sitting together in a table of their own. They are breast cancer survivors. Although two of them were introduced to us in the special video interviews shown, I know one of them quite well. Her name is Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala. Kara is in her 30s, has already survived breast cancer, found love, is married and has a beautiful and healthy baby girl.

She is an active member of a special breed of independent media practitioners. She has created, among others, the special award-winning documentary Batas Militar.

Kara and Cathy Babao-Guballa co-authored I Can Serve: A Network of People, Places and Services in the Service of the Breast Cancer Community. The book which was published in 2000 is the first of its kind in the country. The book contains a listing of resources (e.g., support groups, hospice care, wig vendors, prosthesis vendors) available to the breast cancer survivors. Listings are limited to those who offer their service for free or at a minimum cost. If you are interested in getting a copy of the book (which is given for free) call Bristol Myers at 841-81-81, locals 3315, 3306 and 3312.

This year, the book will be updated and is to be released in October. If anyone is interested in including their products or services in the book, contact the I Can Serve Foundation until March 15 at 687-39-42. E-mail icanserve@yahoo.com.

Here are Kara’s favorite books and her personal notes on each book.

Kara Magsanoc’s Book List

1. Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book – When I was first at Stanford Hospital for consultation, a secretary routinely handed me a list of books to read on breast cancer. The list was kilometric. A few minutes later my doctor walked in and saw me overwhelmed. He assured me, "There’s only one book you need to read, that’s Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book." And he was right. It’s comprehensive, clear and simple and is perfect for people like me who are easily intimidated by technical terms. Besides covering all aspects of breast cancer – like causes, diagnosis, treatments, possibility of recurrence and pregnancy after cancer and even the healthy breast – she deals with other topics other doctors won’t dare discuss or acknowledge are equally as important: the psychosocial and mind/body connections and the importance of political action.

Every breast cancer survivor should have this book.

2. Bosom Buddies: Lessons And Laughter On Breast Health Cancer by Rosie O’ Donnell and Dr. Deborah Axelrod – Rosie’s mother died of breast cancer. After her mother’s death, Rosie did not stop telling women to take charge of their health. The book answers the 200 most frequently asked questions. Dr. Axelrod provides the answers, Rosie, the humorous asides related to the breast in the form of anecdotes, crossword puzzles, songs where she changes the words, several "top 5 lists" like top five reasons for going for a mammogram (number one reason, the doctor is handsome).

Rosie’s palpable presence through her trademark honesty and humor, makes the book readable. This friendly approach is reassuring for those in denial or having difficulties grappling with their illness.

Rosie’s efforts are laudable; she could’ve easily written a fat check instead.

There’s more: proceeds of the book go to breast cancer charities.

Learning has never been this fun. Reading the book makes you wish Rosie were your health teacher in high school or perhaps your breast doctor.

3. Cancer Talk by Selma R. Schimmel – This is the television version of the New York radio show The Group Room, the brainchild of the author who is a breast cancer survivor. It’s a forum for cancer survivors, their relatives and friends, the medical community, researchers and the like. It’s like a support group on air.

The author says it best, "I look upon cancer as a metaphor for all the malignancies of life we battle, emotionally or physically. Those of us who’ve been there can help lead the way and give some sense of direction out of the haze. And that is what this book is about. It is written with the hope that you will find your voice."

I have found my voice in many parts of the book. I keep coming back to this book when I counsel cancer survivors.

4. Breast Cancer And Me by Lois Olmstead – It’s Lois’ blow-by-blow account from the time of diagnosis. It’s written a la Bridget Jones’ Diary with the wit of Erma Bombeck. Lois is an inspiring role model for survival. One of the bravest persons I know, Rio Diaz-Cojuangco, gave me the book when we were both at the Stanford Hospital. She once told me she was disappointed that the supposed inspirational cancer video tapes the hospital showed her were bitin. They lacked something very important to her that she finds very Filipino: faith. That’s why Rio was happy to find this book. Lois, in this book, said cancer did not destroy her because her foundation is built on the Lord, not on her profession or possessions.

A friend once assumed that when I go out with other cancer survivors, all we do is cry. Well, he’s partially right. We’re in tears from laughing at the way others think how freaky we are.

Lois does a good job telling people we’re not any different. Well, that’s not quite true. The cancer survivor lives and loves as if there were no tomorrow, is a fiercer prayer warrior, and a wounded healer.

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Book of the Week: Sonic Boom Napster, MP3 and the New Pioneers Of Music by John Alderman – In light of my current passionate crusade on anti-piracy, I believe it is important to understand the climate that all this new technology is creating. Available in National Book Store and Powerbooks.

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Magazine of the Week: Martha Stewart’s LIVING. Available from Emerald Headway.

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For your comments and suggestions, I can be reached at readclub@aol.com