UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL CENTER

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

SHATTERED HOPE
A short film about principle of totality

The short film evolves about Yvette B., a promising athlete, an excellent professional

swimmer of her generation, a lady with passion and burning desire for her dream to be qualified

in the Olympics and become a world champion. She is a hardworking athlete, an outstanding one.

She would train herself every now and then to be the best. And yes, she is; always number one

in every swimming competition she joins. But in just a blink of an eye, her world turned upside

down as she experienced pain on one of her leg for days, and for months until it was hard for her

to train. She then decided to consult a doctor. She underwent different diagnostic and laboratory

tests. From there, she found out that she has tumor on her right leg. She was diagnosed with

peripheral arterial disease secondary to stage 2 periosteal sarcoma. She has cancer. The doctor

gave him two options, its either to amputate the affected leg or to undergo chemotherapy so as

to stop the spread of the tumor to other parts of her body. The former treatment was highly

suggested by her attending physician since theres a higher possibility of metastasis if

chemotherapy would be chosen. Upon hearing the bad news, her world turned into darkness as

she realized her dreams and hopes would shatter. From that day on, her days became gloomy

not knowing what to do, what decision to make. If she has her leg amputated, she knew that it

means shell stop chasing for her dream. It would be over for her. She refused the treatment.
The orthopaedic surgeon, oncologist, pathologist, and radiologist talked about her case. Dr.

Amancio and Dr. Cacao, the orthopaedic surgeon and oncologist respectively, suggest that the

primary treatment for YBs case are chemotherapy and amputation. They also insisted that their

patient should undergo an aggressive treatment which is amputation since the cancer cells could

spread and metastasize leading to her death. The principle of totality was tackled and

emphasized by Dr. Amancio. The principle of totality states that all decisions in medical ethics

must prioritize the good of the entire person. All the the organs and other parts of the body exist

for the sake of the whole person. Dr. Amancio pointed out that the purpose of the part is to serve

the whole and any action that damages a part of the body or prevents it from fulfilling its purpose

violated the natural order and is morally wrong. However, a single part may be sacrificed if the

loss is necessary for the good of the whole person. Although there are a lot of consequences in

amputating her leg it is a better medical choice in order to remove the cancer and for her to live

longer. Dr. Armamento and Dr. Baoas, the pathologist and radiologist respectively, disagrees with

the former doctors suggestion. They insisted that amputation is not the best option since YB is

a swimmer and her career will be compromised if amputation will push through. They considered

the autonomy of the patient which requires YBs decision-making process that must be free of

coercion and coaxing. Dr. Baoas suggested to have YB consult again by Dr. Amancio to present to

her that the primary treatment for her case is amputation but YB didnt approve for such

aggressive treatment. Dr. Amancio told her to come back if YB change her mind.

As YB was training for her incoming tournament, her coach noticed that she couldnt swim

well and was not in the right form and physique. Thats the time when she decided to go back to

Dr. Amancio and agreed to have her leg amputated.