One fine day in June 2012, Wenylane “Lane” Constancio was going about her usual routine until she was stopped in her tracks by a reddish brown fluid coming out from her left breast. Little did she know that this incident would forever change her life.
A few months shy of her 40th birthday, Lane was informed of the devastating diagnosis: Stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. “When I heard about this sad news, I thought at first I could do it all by myself. In my mind, if it’s my time, then let it be,” recalled Lane. “Cancer is a dreaded and deadly disease. My fear of death was all because of my children. I was not ready to leave them yet. Like how every mom would do anything for her children, I wanted to live longer for my then 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter.”
And Lane was bent on doing exactly that. For three years, she received treatments for breast cancer and endured all the pain. She had three sets of chemotherapy sessions: 1st set had 7 cycles, 2nd set had 8 cycles, and 3rd set had 7 cycles. After her first set of chemo in 2013, she had lumpectomy operation done. When she finished her second set in 2014, she underwent double mastectomy. She only rested for six months before her last set of booster chemotherapy in 2015.
After her 3rd chemo session, Lane developed an infection on her left breast and at the time, everyone thought that was it for her. She had mouth sores so she couldn’t eat well, and she was already skin and bones, too weak to even move. Her vital signs almost dropped to zero at some point. But she was dogged and determined to survive that episode—all because she knew her children Ian and Patricia needed her.
Lane Constancio with the reasons why she wanted to beat breast cancer: her children Ian and Patricia.“When my two kids were informed about my condition, I knew they were trying to hide the pain and be strong for me because they knew I should not be stressed out. They fought with me and prayed for and with me all throughout,” said Lane. “Both of them were still studying then so I prayed to God for extension, to keep me alive even if it’s only until they graduate from school. They have both finished their studies and are now working. God extended my life longer than I requested.”
According to this woman of strength, the most challenging part of her battle with breast cancer was not the treatments, but those moments when she was alone. “Negative thoughts and feelings attack me when I’m alone, especially at night. It became a daily battle against worries, loneliness, anxieties, and the fear of death,” she mused.
Her unfathomable love for her children and strong faith in God fueled her drive to continue the fight. “I learned to trust and honor God in every area of my life. I realized I was not fighting the battle alone. He’s fighting with me. And as I continue to seek Him, slowly the fears fade away.”
Lane also acknowledged her oncologist, Dr. Romy Diaz of Springfield Breast Care Center, who explained to her all her options and the treatments she needed, and for carefully monitoring her throughout her journey.
“In 2016, I personally declared I was cancer-free. I was done with all the treatments and I was fully restored physically—hair grew back, my darkened skin color was back to normal, and I regained my physical strength,” she said.
"Cancer is not an easy battle to win. But you do not have to fight this battle alone."
For breast cancer warriors, Lane has this to say: “Cancer is not an easy battle to win. But we have a God greater than cancer and other adversities in life. I held on to this Bible verse from 1 Peter 5:10 to keep me going: ‘And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.’ Cancer cannot cripple His great love for us. You do not have to fight this battle alone.”
