Sunday, January 30, 2005

Radiotherapy days

The day before I began radiotherapy, I spoke with a friend whose dad underwent LINAC radiotherapy (the same one I was to use) for lung cancer. The dad complained of a painful burning sensation in his chest beginning the third week of treatment. The first two weeks were fine, but it was all downhill after, in addition to the pain, he felt so tired and weak all the time.

That gave me the jitters, aside from the fact that my friend’s dad eventually died. 

But my first 8 days of radiotherapy have been manageable. I just apply this kind of burn ointment on my chest twice a day and the skin’s redness and associated pain subside quickly. Norman and I think it’s a miracle gel because it really works.

I’ve also adjusted to the routine of daily hospital visits (my sked is from 1 p.m.). I am able to work all morning. If I’m done early at the hospital (like before 2 p.m.), I go back to the office. If I finish late (like at 3 p.m. or onwards), I take the afternoon off and wait for my officemate to pick me up at the corner of Lanuza Street and Ortigas Avenue on our way home.

I had to miss four consecutive days of treatment while the hospital’s computers were being upgraded to accommodate all the patients’ information. There are just so many people seeking treatment. I welcomed the four-day break because I was able to resume playing badminton. I had earlier decided to stop playing to conserve my energy.

I promise not to overdo it. I will listen to my body. Remember, I’ve been getting enough sleep now, with no schoolwork to take home. 

The best news yet is that my month-long cough has been resolved! I’ve had the cough since before my last chemo (December 30-31). I got a prescription for an antihistamine which I should take for 7 days. It’s just been two days and the cough bid adieu. I don’t miss it at all. =)

I’ve said goodbye to my face mask as well, although some friends have ribbed me about putting it back. Not because I could catch a virus but because I look better with a mask covering my face. =)

Gino is also having second thoughts about having my hair grow back. He says he’s already used to having a bald mom. 

Expenses for radiotherapy have so far amounted to P25,391.80. Added to the cost of chemotherapy of P386,444.32, we have so far spent P411,836.12 for treatment. 

My family and I are immensely grateful to our donors who have made continuous treatment possible. I cannot help but cry when I think about how good people have been to us throughout this difficult period. We have received so much love and kindness.

Although we do not know what lies ahead, we face the future with courage because of the faith you have shared.

Thank you for standing by us. Thank you for embracing us. Thank you for showing to us God’s mercy in word and deed.

May His mighty hand keep you in good health and lead you to success


Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Post-Chemo, Pre-Radio

The middle of last week wasn’t too good for me. After I finished my home medication, I started vomiting, the first time I did so after completing six cycles of chemotherapy. I coped by praying for mercy, buying extra medicine and getting plenty of rest.

My son Gino worried a bit because he was so confident I was on my way to recovery and suddenly my body was not hewing to our ‘vision’ of recovery. 

Still, the Lord smiled upon us and by the end of the week, my blood test showed all indicators just slightly below the normal range. I did not even need an extra injection of Granocyte to increase my white blood cells this time.

I was also able to play an hour of badminton on Sunday. Then on Monday (yesterday), my daughter Dana made my heart sing. She had homework that asked, “What superpower would you like to have and why?” Her answer: “I want the power to heal all sickness. So I can cure my mother of her cancer.” 

Indeed, children are every parent’s richest treasures. I thank God daily for mine. =)

This morning, treatment planning for Linear Accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy held one surprise for me: six tiny dot tattoos to mark the reference points for the machine.

I did not expect to get those tattoos and they hurt during the getting! What’s more, they’re permanent! The LINAC staff members assure me they’re really small dots that wouldn’t be too obvious once they fade somewhat over time.

I actually cried because the electric needle really hurt. And to think that they were just six little dots. I now wonder how those people with tattoos all over their arms and backs manage having the tattooing done. I just wasn’t prepared for that, I guess. Another learning experience, but of course!

Radiotherapy begins on Thursday, January 13. The treatment will run for 28 weekdays and my schedule is between 1 and 2 p.m. Weekends will be rest days. 

Other than fatigue, no pain and no side effects are expected, and I should be able to work as usual.  =)

I received new donations in the last two weeks and I thank all of you who continue to stand by me. My family and I are truly grateful. Your steadfast support allows us to live normally and honorably. You make us brave and hopeful. 

We lift up your kindness and generosity to the Lord Almighty. We know we shall never be able to thank you enough, but we trust God shall do so on our behalf. 

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

Home from Chemo 6

On the afternoon of Thursday, December 30, friends from Hostmanila kept me company as I was admitted into hospital for my sixth and God-willing, last chemo cycle. Gul was his usual wacky self, and son Jace doubled the fun with his own antics. It was indeed a welcome break from the monotony of hospital procedures.

The doctor took extra precautions, ordering a slow drip or administration of the main chemo agent, which took almost 15 hours to empty into my veins. 

And so it was that in the morning of Friday, December 31, the nurse removed the intravenous drip and it was simply exhilarating! I could not believe it was finally over. And that I could have my life back. =)

New Year’s eve mass at 8:30 p.m. could’ve been better. I felt so weak, but at the same time, duty-bound to give thanks to God Almighty for stringing new miracles for me everyday. I didn’t eat at all, just drank a can of Ensure and took my take-home medicines.

We had a few fireworks for the kids. But mostly, it was the neighbors regaling us with theirs. It was exhausting and I slept until 11 a.m. the next day. 

My taste buds still aren’t working too well, food has no flavor. My fingertips and toes are numb. There’s a dull pain on my right abdomen. Still, I am confident all these are minor inconveniences that shall pass, and the normal workings of my body will come back in due time.

Dr. Joyce of Taytay has been dutifully checking in on me, making sure I get those shots to normalize my blood count. 

Expenses amounted to P71,475.25 for Chemo 6, P65,404.22 for Chemo 5, P71,379.42 for Chemo 4, P61,617.68 for Chemo 3, P55,485 for Chemo 2 and P59,187.25 for Chemo 1. Total expenses for my treatment have reached P384,548.82. 

My children and I give thanks daily for the prospect of complete healing, the promise of full recovery. Gino has even shared with his classmates the good news of the last chemo cycle. It is a milestone, filling us with hope and joy!

I am scheduled for treatment planning for Linear Accelerator radiotherapy on January 11 in The Medical City. Meanwhile, I pray all is well with you, my donors and friends. God’s hand continues to touch me gently through you. His love is forever, His caring whole. 

I am told by those who have been there that radiotherapy is a breeze compared to chemotherapy. I have no doubt that with your love and support, it shall be so.