Kristel Fulgar recounts emotional journey prior to rare-tumor surgery

Kristel Fulgar shares emotional surgery journey due to rare tumor | Photo: Screengrab from KrisTells Vlogs/YouTube

Kristel Fulgar revealed that she underwent surgery early this year due to a rare tumor in her leg, specifically in the calf area. 

On her YouTube vlog, the Filipino actress detailed the emotional and frightening journey she experienced as she went through a series of tests in preparation for the surgery itself. 

“I have never imagined that I would be undergoing a biopsy test in my 20s. I can say that this is one of the scariest things I’ve done,” she said. 

Fulgar shared that she was diagnosed with schwannoma, a rare kind of tumor that develops in the nervous system. As per the National Cancer Institute, schwannoma tumors are often benign, but in “rare cases, can become cancerous.”

The “Goin’ Bulilit” alumna remarked that she decided to undergo the surgery because the lump was “growing and has a chance to be malignant, so it should be removed,” but that the whole journey took a toll on her mental health. 

“It was the hardest challenge I faced in my life. It really affected my mental health and triggered my anxiety. There were a lot of ‘what ifs’ and I cried every night to sleep,” expressed the actress. 

The former child star showed in her vlog how she endured her ordeal before, during and after the surgery, gathering strength with her Korean suitor by her side.

“I don’t think kaya ko gawin lahat ng ‘to kung wala si Oppa (I don’t think I can handle all this without Oppa) so I’m so thankful,” she remarked.

Fulgar first introduced her Korean suitor to the public in February, and netizens expressed their support for them. 

“The fact that he already missed you when you just went in and the first thing that you said when you saw him is to ask if he had eaten shows how genuine your feelings are with each other. Thank you to Suhyuk and Moy for taking care of you since we all know that it isn’t easy. Hope you get well soon. Magpagaling po kayo. Salamat kasi nagawa niyo parin i-vlog at ishare sa amin ‘yung mga nangyari (Please get well soon. Thank you because you were still able to vlog and share with us what happened),” wrote one netizen. 

Image: KrisTells Vlogs/YouTube