Everything that happens in our life has a purpose, even if you are fortunate or unfortunate. God is challenging us on how far we can go on to prove to us that He is the one whom we need the most. – ESTELLA SHANE BENAVIDEZ
Illness knows no age. It knows no boundaries. It does not discriminate. It can steal away one’s youth at an instant.
Estella first experienced symptoms when she was just 15 years old. She experienced frequent nose bleeding, but thought it was just because of the extreme heat of Manila. However, the bleeding became so severe that her aunt decided to have her checked by an ENT. Physical examination showed a tumor in her nose and she was advised to undergo a biopsy. Due to financial constraints, her family opted to look for a more affordable hospital for a second opinion. Biopsy showed that Estella had a capillary hemangioma in her nasal cavity.
It was at this time when Estella experienced massive nose bleeding. She was then rushed to Quirino Memorial Medical Center, another government hospital in Quezon City.
This incident paved the way for Estella to finally find the right doctor in Dr. Peter Jarin. Dr. Jarin advised her to undergo a CT scan, MRI, angiogram and embolization in preparation for her surgery.
During her endoscopic surgery at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, tests showed that Estella had glomangiopericytoma, a rare sinonasal tumor.
For two years, Estella had to stop her schooling again to undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Her last surgery took place at The Medical City. Three to four months after the operation, Estella was considered in remission.
At present, Estella’s daily or routine life has been different. She lost her sense of smell after all the procedures, treatments and surgeries that she has been through. She can no longer smell the lingering fragrance of perfume, the scent of fresh flowers and even the appetizing aroma from her mother’s kitchen.
The most valuable thing that she learned in her second chance at life was keeping a grateful heart. She remains truly thankful to all her doctors most especially Dr. Peter Jarin who did not lose hope to cure her cancer and give her unceasing reassurance while undergoing numerous treatments.
