Cancer-stricken Miriam asks for extended leave

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Friday, July 11, sought for an extension of her medical leave as she battles lung cancer. 

In a letter to the Senate, Santiago updated her colleagues on the current state of her health. 

Santiago announced on July 2 that she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She said she is now taking “a modern tablet version of chemotherapy” as medication. 

“So far, it allows me to be mobile, with few side effects, such as weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Hence, since I am not in good health, I appeal to our colleagues to continue my qualified medical leave,” Santiago said. 

The feisty senator had also been diagnosed with chronic fatique syndrome in 2012, forcing her to go on medical leave from the Senate and to beg off from sitting as a judge at the Hague-based International Criminal Court.

A “qualified medical leave” allows her to continue to carry out her duties, when allowed by her doctors and her physical condition,.

By the end of July, Santiago said doctors will assess whether the cancer pill she is currently taking has been effective.

If it works, Santiago said she will be “as good as new.” If it won’t, the senator plans to fly to Los Angeles, at Cedars Sinai Hospital, to seek treatment under lung cancer specialist Ronald Natale. 

“In brief, after about 6 weeks, I will either rise victorious from cancer, or come back to my country in a horizontal position. As Socrates said, which is better, God only knows,” Santiago said. 

In her letter, Santiago thanked her colleagues who have called or sent tokens of support and compassion. – Angela Casauay/Rappler.com