Courtesy Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Last December, I had a regular mammogram. My doctor asked me to return to the office as a lump was found in my right breast. This was followed by a biopsy. I was later told to consult a surgeon for advice. Because I was so busy with school, it was hard to adjust my schedule to meet the appointments.
The surgeon said, “Did you know you have cancer?” I started trembling with shock. “You need surgery,” I was told. I was so scared at that time. The surgeon explained that although the cancer was at the zero stage, it needed to be removed. Recovery, I was told, would take three weeks.
So, in February, surgery was scheduled. I celebrated my 50th birthday a couple of weeks before, with the new knowledge that I had cancer.
I prayed, tried to calm down, and kept teaching until my surgery. Although I had come down with a high fever and cough, I was told that the surgery needed to continue. I am grateful for my religious community and their support.
After a couple of weeks, I went to see my doctor for my post-operation appointment. She told me that another tumor was found in the same breast and that another surgery would be needed. I prepared myself with prayers.
I was so sad that I would not be able to go back to teaching. I missed the kids at Our Lady of Mercy School in Daly City (California) very much. I said to myself, “Everything has a reason and God has a purpose for it.”
Through prayers I endured all of the suffering and pain. One of the sisters said, “I see you suffering so much, but you are not complaining.” I responded, “God has his purpose in this. I just make myself to be happy. I need to count my blessings every day, say my prayers, stay positive. And, offer my suffering for the eternal repose of the poor souls in purgatory, for my community and my congregation.”
The trials did not end there. A few weeks after that surgery, while still recovering, I was told that I needed radiation for another issue. After the sixth week of that, I found myself in surgery again.
This one was the most painful as I couldn’t even stand by myself after. I really needed to depend on others for little things.
With God’s grace I became stronger. My message to everyone: “Life is so short. Stay happy and healthy. Count all your blessings and stay positive in your life, appreciating every moment and all the people around you. Practice mindfulness. Most of all, spend more time in prayer. Prayer is the most important thing in life. For all the things I experienced, I pray that my weaknesses become my strength and power. Be thankful to God to everything.”
Sister Dina Danos is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary. She is 31 years professed. She formerly taught at St. John the Baptist School in Kalihi. She is the new director of religious education at Holy Angels Church in Colma, California.
