Adducul not worried, responding to treatment

Romel Adducul is confident he’ll win his battle with the Big C even as he vowed to be back in the game the soonest possible time.

In fact, Adducul, a devout Christian, remains strong and healthy and is responding well to treatment.

“I’ll fight and win this battle,” said Adducul, who suited up for Purefoods as the Giants played the Air21 Express in a tune-up match yesterday at the Sports Camp in Taguig.

Adducul met a horde of mediamen a day after the team management announced that he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, which is common among Asians, a product of a virus which may stem from certain foods in the region’s diet.

The former MBA All-Star may have also picked up the ailment from his father, who survived lung cancer from heavy smoking.

The veteran hardcourt warrior has undergone chemotheraphy sessions plus radiation treatment the past week.

Adducul, 31, had his second chemotheraphy session Wednesday at the Cardinal Santos Hospital where his wife Joy is a kidney specialist.

“His doctor is happy with the result of his treatment. The mass in Romel’s neck is getting smaller,” said Ed Ponceja, the player’s agent-adviser.

“The doctor is confident Romel can recover and resume his playing career. Actually, he can play but he’s advised to rest. If Purefoods makes the finals again, maybe Romel is already fit to play,” Ponceja said.

As early as the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, Adducul’s teammates have noticed a lump in his jaw, but the veteran center ignored it, keeping his focus on their campaign.

“He’s ignoring it because he really wanted to help the team. He sought medical attention only after the finals,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

When informed of the diagnosis, Adducul called his closest friend on the team.

“Honestly, I cried,” reveals Kerby Raymundo, who kept the secret even from his own family. “I promised Rommel I wouldn’t tell anybody. It was so hard to practice. I felt so heavy. He’s a very important part of the team, too. He’s our center.”

Doctors say like any other cancer diseases, nasopharyngeal cancer is life threatening and can spread everywhere, but the survival rate is high if detected early.

Purefoods governor Rene Pardo said Adducul is only in the early stage of the ailment.

“Definitely, Romel is not dying,” said Gregorio.

As a result of Adducul’s affliction, a flurry of trades sent Enrico Villanueva to shore up Purefoods’ frontline, and Marc Pingris to Magnolia.

“I’m not worried,” Adducul said. “When you say  ‘cancer,’ people think it’s life or death already. It’s not like that. It’s a low kind of cancer, and I’ve been given full support by management, and my wife. I’m seeing the best doctors. And I feel strong.”

However, Adducul needs to finish about six months of chemotherapy and radiation, which normally weakens ordinary people. Although he has been putting a brave face on his condition, when The STAR asked him when he would return to action, his eyes teared up, and he responded haltingly.

“Next conference, the All-Filipino for sure,” Adducul replied. “But I hope I can still catch up this conference.”