Happy days

This last week was as normal as normal could be. I was so happy to be doing all the normal things I used to take for granted as duties of an ordinary working mom.

I went to work from Tuesday to Friday. I went to a special event Friday night. And on Saturday, the best yet: grocery shopping and bringing the kids to the pediatrician for immunization. All this time my blood count was well below the normal range. I now confirm that laboratory results and real life may not match because I felt fine all week. Of course, with no night classes for MBA, I was getting enough sleep nightly.

I should have gone to a burial today, Sunday, but was prevailed upon by my husband, sister and cousin to stay home and rest. I know I’m not superwoman so I decided to heed their advice (for once). =) I am susceptible to infection so I have been wearing a face mask all week in public places (office, church, hospital, public transport).

Now, I dread going to my second chemo cycle this Thursday, October 7. Just the thought of another zombie week fills me with terror. Imagine, just as I am recovering from the first cycle, it’s time for the second. But I have accepted that chemo is my friend. It’s what I need to completely recover. 

I thank all the members of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines for a very special fellowship night on October 1. Thank you for inviting me while I still had my hair. =) My mane’s getting thinner by the day and soon it will all be gone. I also thank the night’s sponsors and guests for contributing to my treatment fund and to the EJAP HMO project. I was an EJAP member not too long ago, when I wrote for a business paper as a reporter and then as a columnist. I am so glad that the fellowship lives on.

Please continue praying for me and my family. Chemo treatment can be very challenging and traumatic. Your support makes a difference. You give us strength and courage and renew our faith in daily.

A friend (Liza) sent me by text message the following verse, the psalm on the feast day of the guardian angels: “The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.”

I have always called you, my donors, relatives and friends, my angels. For truly in your own way, you have taken me (and my family) in your charge, ensuring I get the treatment I need, and keeping me brave and hopeful. 

May God bless you all a thousand-fold. With your help, I am strong for my family and with my children and husband, I am faithful to you. We pray always to keep your trust.