Santiago says she has stage 4 lung cancer

Nation

Posted on July 02, 2014 10:16:16 PM

Ms. Santiago, 69, said although the cancer is at stage 4, it has not spread in other parts of her body but noted that it was causing her difficulty in breathing.

In my case, they [the cancer cells] are very, very well-behaved. Ive been disciplined all my life so even my cancer cells are showing excellent discipline, she said adding that she is taking one tablet a day, and will not undergo chemotherapy.

Asked if she can attend the Presidents State of Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, Ms. Santiago said: No, I dont think so. Well, if I can and will not make a scandal of myself, I will. But I have a tendency for example to forget directions. I dont know what is left or south, things like that.

Ms. Santiago said her doctors advised her to seek medication for six weeks and if her body will react correctly, she said she will go to work at the Senate while under medication. I feel like I have chronic fatigue syndrome, still feels the same, she noted.

Asked on what could have triggered her illness, Ms. Santiago said: Giving trouble to my colleagues at work might be one of the reasons.

I dont know what the reactions of my enemies are. Maybe they will be happy because on one hand I might die and then they could get rid of me. But, on the other hand, I might survive and then I will get rid of them, she added.

On June 3, Ms. Santiago has stepped down as elected judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after nearly three years in the position, citing her illness known as chronic fatigue syndrome as her reason. However, she said she will continue to support the procedures of the Assembly of the State Parties in electing for a replacement judge.

In December 2011, the senator was elected to the ICC considering her as the first Filipino and first Asian from a developing country to be elected as judge in the prestigious organization.

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Santiago says she has stage 4 lung cancer