Hi, my name is Alice Orleans, married to Audie Orleans, a GCF (Greenhills Christian Fellowship) elder. I am a breast cancer survivor twice over and/ very recent tests showed possibility of cancer cells in my bones. But that is going ahead of my story.

In 1993, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I had a modified radical mastectomy of the right breast. At that time I prayed that despair, discouragement and negative attitudes will not get to me. And God answered my prayers. My biggest concern though was for my kids, who were 7 and 3 years old, then. I thought of girlfriends whom my husband can marry, (and) care for my kids when I’m gone. That upset my husband who said He did not need a yaya! Philippians 4:7 states, “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding shall guard your heart and your mind through Christ Jesus . God’s un-explainable peace and joy carried me through my first cancer experience. You see, many years before cancer, I already surrendered my life to Jesus. He died on the cross for my sins to get me to heaven. I realized if He can take care of me for all eternity, surely He will take care of my children .

The Purpose
Nothing ever happens by accident. I knew that in God’s perfect time He would reveal why. I’ve always led a healthy lifestyle. I work out, I eat healthy, I didn’t smoke nor drink, I breastfed both my kids. I have no family history of breast cancer. You can say I am the most unlikely person to have breast cancer. Four months after my surgery, Avon, where I worked, launched a breast cancer program called Bigay Alam ay Bigay Buhay. In 1993, people did not talk about breast cancer the way we do now. Very few women would publicly admit to having breast cancer /much less talk about losing a breast. I became the face of the campaign. I shared my experience and in the process my faith in Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to 2005
Twelve years after, I noticed changes in my one remaining breast in the nipple area. Yet after a mammogram, an ultrasound and a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the results were negative. Because of my cancer history, my very persistent doctor did a needle biopsy and that turned out positive. In April 2005, I had a mastectomy on the left side, diagnosed stage 2B and had 6 cycles of chemotherapy.

Going through chemo was the most uncomfortable experience in my whole life. I was unable to eat nor sleep. I was nauseous all the time. I felt tired and weak and yes, I lost my hair. Looking back though, those were the best times I had with my God. I was surrounded by a very supportive, loving family … but at night, when everyone was asleep, I was wide awake … ‘twas just me and my God. In Jesus, I found refuge, comfort and rest. In the midst of pain, my Father held me. What a great and awesome God!

At this point, I just want to pay tribute to the father of my children Miguel, now 22 years old and Jessica, now 19. To publicly declare my love and appreciation to my husband, Audie who has been very sensitive to my needs. Audie never made me feel any less of a woman and continues to make me feel like the sexiest woman in the world – even without boobs!

And yes, God once again revealed His purpose for the cancer sequel. The return of cancer signaled the exit from a high pressured corporate life. I retired nine months later, which meant spending more time with family and being more involved in the cause for breast cancer. My chemo experience gave me added boost as an active volunteer of ICanServe Foundation, an information advocacy group providing hope and help to women with breast cancer, and promoting early breast cancer detection. By age 20, a woman should make self breast examination a monthly habit; by age 30, a woman should get herself screened by a doctor annually; and by age 40, a woman should get a yearly mammogram or at 35, if you have a family history of breast cancer.

Episode 3
Last April, during a routine medical exam/ my bone scan results showed “abnormal radioactivity in the sternum and skull, indicating possible bone metastasis or spread. However, my brain MRI and chest CT scan indicate non-specific findings. My first instinct was no more treatment until my husband said, let’s take this one step at a time. And that’s how it has been so far. We have been consulting with various oncologists. After all, this is episode 3. I am now on new medication, supposedly more potent than what I took. By end-July, I will go through tests again to see whether the medication worked or not.

I am convinced I am God’s favorite, after all how many people get cancer? How many get it twice? And possibly, a third time?

God is a wise God. He knows what is best for me and my family. He can choose to heal … or not. My life has been so blest I can only imagine life in eternity, with my God a million times better! My family’s prayer though, is more time with them, since God will have me for eternity, anyway.

To you, my GCF family, thank for your prayers.

I believe God is at work again in this third episode as I walk with Him one step at a time. Like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Thank you.