Survivor lives each day as the greatest she has known

Dubai She wastes no fresh tears. There is no ‘what if' she can beat cancer. Analiza Muval is a survivor firm in belief that her ongoing battle will be a memory of the past.

She has no family to turn to but prayer is her anchor, her truth. Diagnosed with breast cancer nearly two years ago, the Filipina faced a disease that rapidly invaded other organs.

In December 2007, the 34 year old was first rushed to Rashid Hospital by her friends as she struggled to breathe.

"They told me that it was metastasis from breast cancer ... it had spread to my neck and damaged two bones," she said.

In January 2008, she received her full diagnosis — breast cancer in ‘Advanced Stage 2'. The cells had spread to her neck and rib cage down to the right femur or thigh bone. Muval had a year to live.

She underwent surgery and was placed on intensive chemotherapy.

Muval spoke to Gulf News in October 2009 — she had gone back to work and was healing slowly, but doctors were worried about the metastasis in her bones. Four months later, she feels "much better" and has also started doing night shifts at her job.

"My next scan is scheduled for March 2 to detect the extent of the cancer in the breast … I couldn't have a mastectomy earlier because of the metastasis. But my tests are looking good now … I can beat cancer with God's grace."

Her faith makes sure Muval lives each day as "the greatest" she has ever known, "everything is temporary, and it will heal".

She channels the same outlook when it comes to paying for her treatment. Currently her chemotherapy injection, costing Dh4,000, is covered by the UAE's public health care system. However, she pays for the tablets, which cost Dh120 every month and has to pay Dh1,000 for the forthcoming scan, along with Dh5,000 for the mastectomy.

"Cancer has made me strong; you realise that you have to depend on yourself, people turn away because they do not want be responsible for you."

As the world marks Cancer Day, she said: "Be brave. Be positive and pray. Continue living … go on and smile."