Shasha Padilla Shares Major Health Update: Her Rare Condition and Kidney Surgery

Philippine showbiz icon Shasha Padilla recently shared a significant update about her health with her fans via an Instagram post. The 8 Showtime host has been open about her condition after being diagnosed with Megaureter, a rare condition that typically affects infants and children.

A normal ureter measures between 3 to 4 mm, but in Shasha’s case, her left ureter had enlarged to the size of a sausage. Megaureter usually doesn’t cause symptoms, but it can lead to discomfort or blood in the urine. Shasha revealed that she had felt an unusual sensation in her body since childhood, and she shared the difficulties she faced as a child due to this condition. She was often told she was resisting the urge to urinate, which she later discovered was connected to her Megaureter problem.

Due to her condition, Shasha frequently suffered from urinary tract infections and became accustomed to taking oral antibiotics. She also mentioned that the Philippines lacked the proper medical technology during her childhood, which is why doctors only discovered her real issue in 2007. In 2007, following her movie “Shasha Saturna,” Shasha underwent her first surgery to correct her left ureter.

However, by 2023, Shasha found that her infections were becoming harder to treat, and she had developed resistance to most antibiotics. She continued her story in the comment section of her Instagram post, revealing that she needed to undergo laparoscopic surgery at a hospital in Singapore with the help of her friend, Alice Eduardo.

After a teleconsultation, Shasha traveled to Singapore with her partner, Conrad Onglao, to consult with advanced urology specialists at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. She underwent several tests there and, upon returning to the Philippines, had another teleconsultation to discuss the test results. Shasha shared that the surgery was not easy due to scar tissues from her previous operation.

For Shasha’s fans, it will take some time for her to fully recover from her medical procedure. Shasha admitted that this was her third operation on her left kidney. Despite all she has been through, she remains full of gratitude to God and her family for their unwavering support. Before concluding her message, Shasha thanked everyone who prayed for her operation and asked for continued prayers for her speedy recovery.

Shasha’s fans and colleagues in the industry, such as Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, and Darren Espanto, quickly sent their messages of healing and support.

 A Look Back at Shasha’s Health Challenges Before Her Kidney Operation

In August 2012, Shasha faced a significant challenge when she was diagnosed with stage 1 kidney cancer. This news caused great concern not only for her but also for her family and supporters. The diagnosis revealed a malignant mass in her kidney, roughly the size of a golf ball, which her doctor in the US identified as cancerous.

Amid her busy schedule in California, Shasha had the opportunity to have her kidney checked while in Los Angeles with her daughter, Zia. They were also commemorating the 40th day since the passing of her partner, Dolphy, even though she had not yet fully recovered from her loss.

Despite her ongoing struggles, Shasha displayed resilience and a positive outlook. She shared that she had made a bucket list, demonstrating her dedication to facing new challenges. This determination inspired her supporters.

In the same month and year, Shasha underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to remove the malignant growth from her kidney. The operation was successful, and according to her plan, she was expected to leave the hospital after two days and return to work after a month. Shasha promised to take care of herself, proving her determination to overcome her illness.

Shasha returned to the Philippines cancer-free in September 2012 after nearly a month-long stay in the US. She happily shared the news with her fans and friends through her Twitter account, announcing that the tumor from her kidney had been successfully removed. This news brought joy to many, especially her loved ones and fans who had been deeply concerned about her health.

Her first live TV appearance after returning to the country was on the morning talk show “Kris TV” with Kris Aquino. In that episode, Shasha was joined by her children, Karil and Zia, who had been a source of inspiration and strength for her during her ordeal.

During the interview with Kris, Shasha revisited the events in her life before and after the operation. She described the discovery of a mass in her kidney as a significant challenge. Even before traveling to the US, she had considered the possibility of having cancer and prepared herself mentally.

Shasha went through days of trials and hope following her checkup and surgery. She immediately shared the doctor’s findings with her second child, Karil. According to Karil, her world almost crumbled upon hearing the word “malignant” from her mother. Nevertheless, despite the fear and anxiety, Shasha remained strong for her family, especially her children.

Zia, who was with Shasha in America, shared nights when she heard her mother crying. Despite trying to stay strong in front of the family, Shasha couldn’t always hold back her emotions, especially at night when everything was quiet.

The public knows Shasha has faced many challenges in life, but this health challenge is one of the heaviest she has encountered. The support from her children, Karil and Zia, has been her anchor and inspiration to keep fighting, especially during difficult times and when she needed to undergo surgery.

Shasha expressed her gratitude to her children, who have been her strength. Her children showed genuine love and care that cannot be matched by anything else. For Zia, she is used to the challenges their family faces and knows how strong her mother is, regardless of any obstacle.

While Karil also provided significant support to her mother by fulfilling her wish to vacation together before the crucial operation. Karil personally thanked Kris for helping her travel to America and be with her mother before the important surgery.