Kris Aquino bares colon cancer scare, to have a new show

Actress and talk show host Kris Aquino over the weekend said that doctors had initially suspected colon cancer, an illness her mother, former President Corazon Aquino, battled before her passing.Aquino, who has been enduring multiple autoimmune diseases for years, expressed relief in confirming in a lengthy and emotional Instagram post on Sunday that the cancer diagnosis was ruled out."I have been quiet because the truth was hard to accept. This is my new reality," she said on Instagram on Sunday.She thanked staff of St. Luke's Medical Center in Global City for maintaining her privacy after rumors about an "outdoor wedding" emerged."The fact that the fake news about me planning an 'outdoor wedding' came out while I was confined proved how much my privacy was respected," she said.The 53-year-old said she had a series of tests, including a PET scan, after she experienced persistent headaches and a runny nose. Her abdominal area, specifically her colon, had shown alarming signs, leading her doctors to conduct more tests."I'm normally very brave. But I broke down after my doctor left. My nurse and the SLMC nurse saw me and said they had never seen me so sad. My mom's oncologist had come in, and it felt surreal," she added. She revealed that aside from her mother, her grandmother also battled colon cancer.After undergoing an endoscopy and colonoscopy, Aquino was finally given the all-clear."Late afternoon when I was wide awake, Dr. Jonnel was smiling, he said, 'You are CANCER FREE. Clear intestines. No visible sign of cancer.'"Despite the good news, Aquino disclosed more concerning health updates. She revealed that she now suffers from five, possibly six, autoimmune conditions."But the scary part is that three of the diagnosed conditions are life-threatening — in other words, they could damage my vital organs or blood vessels, specifically the artery connecting my lungs to my heart. This could lead to the possibility of dying instantly from a stroke, aneurysm, or cardiac arrest. The three autoimmune conditions are Churg-Strauss Syndrome, now known as EGPA (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis), Systemic Sclerosis or Scleroderma, and Lupus or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)," she said."Thank you to Dr. Nick, my cardiologist, for reassuring me that my heart is in good shape. However, I have hypertension. My diastolic pressure and heart rate are often very elevated, and I'm praying this isn't due to pulmonary hypertension," Aquino added.She also hinted on a new project her fans can look forward to."You've said you miss seeing me on screen. 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 the end of 2024," Aquino said.While she kept the concept under wraps, she teased that it would feature her present-day journey, including appearances from her son Bimby, her best friends, and her team of doctors.Aquino also joked about keeping her relationship private until she exchanges vows with her mystery partner."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 nyo na sa kin yun. Invited naman kayong lahat if and when sa kasal. (Please let me have that. You're all invited if and when the wedding happens)," she said.Aquino returned to the Philippines in September after years of receiving treatment for her autoimmune diseases in the United States.