Kris Aquino. Images: Instagram/@krisaquino
Kris Aquino revealed that she was suspected of having colon cancer, although she was eventually declared to be cancer-free, while reiterating that her relationship with “Dr. Mike” will strictly be private.
In a lengthy Instagram post on Sunday, October 20, Aquino recalled how she was suspected of being diagnosed with the disease, saying it was discovered after a series of “devastating” tests at the St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City in Taguig.
“I have been quiet because the truth was hard to accept. This is my new reality… I had many tests done, including a PET Scan. Yes, the test normally done to rule out cancer,” she said. “In my case, after my exhausting chest CT scan as well as a scan below my eyes (my nose and upper cheeks) to check on my breathing and sinus passages.”
“The next day, my gastroenterologist had no choice but to tell me because I [needed] to start my purse for my endoscopy and colonoscopy. The abdominal area, specifically my colon area lit up. I’m normally very brave. But I broke down after my doctor left… My mom’s oncologist had to come in, and it felt surreal,” she continued.
Colon cancer is a common occurrence in Aquino’s family. Her mother, the late President Corazon C. Aquino, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in March 2008. Aquino’s “Lola Ma” (Demetria Sumulong) also had the same disease.
Aquino also shared that her mother and her Lola Ma “share the same blood type” with her sons Joshua and Bimby. She, too, along with her five siblings have the same blood type as the late president.
“I was in tears explaining to Bimb what could happen. Ang hirap (It’s hard) to see my 17-year-old doing his best to stay strong. He said, ‘Mama until they do the biopsy, let’s trust God that you’re cancer-free,’” she said.
“‘Lola will make sure you’ll get through this and if ever, it’s early detection.’ He even jokes: ‘I don’t think Tito Noy is excited to have a reunion with you thus soon because he’s enjoying the peace and quiet in heaven. You do know how you can talk nonstop,’” she further recalled.
Referring to her new beau as “Dr. Mike,” Aquino said he stayed by her side as she awaited the results of her tests until she was informed sometime in the late afternoon that she’s cancer-free.
“Late afternoon when I was wide awake, Dr. Jonnel was smiling, he said—you are cancer free. Clear intestines, no visible sign of cancer. Thank you. I know you’ve been praying but I didn’t reveal what else specifically you were praying for. But God is listening even when we’re not specific because He sees what’s in our hearts,” she said.
Kris Aquino. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Ogie Diaz
Despite this, the “Feng Shui” star said she’s still battling with “possibly six” autoimmune conditions, with three of them being life-threatening. “They can damage my vital organs or my blood vessels, specifically my artery connecting my lungs to my heart—to the extent that I can die immediately from a stroke or aneurysm or cardiac arrest.”
“The [three] autoimmune conditions are Churg Strauss now known as EGPA (a rare form of vasculitis; Systemic Sclerosis or scleroderma; and lupus or SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus,” she continued. “My heart is in good shape. But I am hypertensive. Usually, my diastolic and heart rate are very elevated. Praying it’s not because of pulmonary hypertension.”
Aquino, however, remained firm that she won’t give up on battling her autoimmune diseases, noting that her first is “something for all of us to look forward to.”
On ‘Dr. Mike,’ her new show
In her post, Aquino also reiterated that her relationship with “Dr. Mike” will continue to stay private, although she hinted that she hopes to marry him soon.
“Apologies, but until my groom and I exchange vows, in that very small wedding (but surely not held outdoors), I’m choosing to keep my relationship private. Ibalato n’yo na sa kin n’un. Invited naman kayong lahat if and when sa kasal (Allow me to have this. You’re all invited if and when the wedding will take place).”
Kris Aquino (left) on board a plane back to the Philippines with one of her 11 companions. Instagram/@mercicaniagonzales via @KrisAquinoWORLD/X
The actress-host then shared that she’s planning to launch a new show with ABS-CBN before the year ends. She has yet to disclose if the show will be a digital or TV-based show and other details.
“Para hindi kayo magsawang magdasal, sabi [niyo] you miss watching me. I want to thank my former ABS-CBN bosses for allowing Jasmin and Darla to work with me on a show [that] will launch before 2024 ends,” she said.
“Secret muna yung concept, but you will get to see the reality of Kris, (my son) Bimb, and my ‘through the years’ best friends (my extended family) and definitely my team of doctors who are now among my most trusted friends,” Aquino further added.