Mikki Jan Porciuncula: Looking Forward to Life

As a medical sales representative in Pampanga, Mikki Porciuncula has been immersed in the health care industry for many years—a fortunate fact when he experienced a very serious health problem four years ago.

“I was 24 at the time,” Mikki recalls. “I was frequently constipated, and it became more and more difficult for me to relieve myself as the months wore on. It got to the point that there was blood in my stool.”

Suspecting hemorrhoids, Mikki started taking the corresponding medicine, up until he realized that the medicine wasn’t working, and that more and more blood was appearing in his stool. A test revealed that his hemoglobin levels had dropped, and a succeeding Complete Blood Count showed very poor results. His boss, familiar with the top hospitals in Manila, then insisted that he be rushed to The Medical City’s (TMC) Emergency Department right away.

At TMC, Mikki was first referred to general surgeon Dr. Emiterio Banatin, Jr., who performed several diagnostic tests on him. The tests revealed that Mikki had a cancerous mass in his rectum, so Dr. Banatin immediately referred him to Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas, Head of TMC’s Section for Colorectal Surgery. In line with TMC’s multidisciplinary approach to health care, Dr. Roxas assembled a team of experts from various specializations to attend to Mikki’s case.

“I was referred to radiologist Dr. Enrico Tangco for radiotherapy, as well as oncologist Dr. Alan Paul Olavere for oral chemotherapy. Gastroenterologist Dr. Jonathan Sandejas also placed a stent in my intestines to help me pass stool smoothly. Once the mass got smaller, Dr. Roxas removed it through surgery, and afterwards, I underwent a colostomy as well as 12 more cycles of chemotherapy. The last phase of my treatment was the closure of the colostomy so that I could move my bowels normally again.”

Because the chance of cancer recurrence is high, particularly within five years, we can only say one is cured from cancer if a patient remains cancer-free after five years. For Mikki, it has been four worry-free years since treatment.

“It’s been a good four years so far,” says Mikki. “In fact, some of my customers are very surprised when they hear that I went through all of that. They can’t seem to associate me with someone who was diagnosed with cancer.”

“My doctors always update me on my condition,” he adds. “And I can call them up anytime I have a concern.”

This constant communication between Mikki and his doctors adheres to TMC’s unique philosophy of patient partnership, where patients are strongly encouraged to take an active role in the management of their health.

It was certainly very fortunate that Mikki’s connections with the medical world led him straight to TMC in his time of need. It was, however, Mikki’s commitment to his treatment and his openness with his medical team that truly improved his condition. The now-28-year-old has resumed his work in Pampanga, and is very positive that he will go on to live a rich and happy life.