GREAT "G" VS. BIG "C"

I watched last Sunday, Bro. Bo Sanchez' television show and it inspired me a lot. He repeatedly said, "Don't tell your God how big your problem is, rather tell your problem how big your God is! " GOD IS GREAT !

Last October, my mother complained for a clear discharge on her genital to our cousin Maricel (Ramil's Wife) for we, all her children are living here in Manila, Inay and Tatay are all alone in our house in Inicbulan. Maricel suggested that she'll accompany her to her OB-Gyne but Inay refuses and told her "Uuwi naman ang mga bata ngayong All Saints' Day papasama na lang ako sa Maynila"

After All Saints' Day, our youngest sibling Gemma accompany our Mother to OB-Gyne in Olivarez Hospital in Paranaque City for papsmear, only to be told that she has lump on her cervix and need to be biopsied. As this hospital lacks some medical laboratories the doctor told her to bring the specimen to Paranaque Medical where it was diagnosed to be CLEAR CARCINOMA stage 3A. When I heard about this I confided myself crying inside our office restroom, trying to realize how true is this and why it happened.

On this day onwards, while on my car I started to pray the rosary daily, stay tuned at Radio Veritas for inspirations and to pray harder than before. It's not easy to look for doctors and hospitals taking into consideration our financial incapacity. First, I was introduced by Mang Peping (Felipe O. Labro) to his friend in Philippine General Hospital and after several meetings they found out that in January 2008 will be the earliest possible treatment for my mother, but in my mind we are running out of time, for this is a government hospital it will be cheaper and quality medications at the same time. But .... but .... can we afford to wait until January 2008? GOD HAVE MERCY !

It was one afternoon that I told Ma'am Vien (Vivienne Clare C. Baltasar-Uy) our problems, she told me "We know a doctor from Makati Medical Center and I will introduce you to him, Dr. Noel Ibay." We are very grateful to Dr. Ibay. He instructed Inay to undergo several laboratory tests and furnish him the results immediately. Our big problem is where and how can we produce that much needed money to support this tremendous financial requirements.

Early morning of 03 December 2007, my mother and I were patiently waiting at the doctor's clinic, after two hours we were recommended to the Social Service Department of Makati Medical Center under the Health Service Program (HSP) a charity program of the hospital.

We were referred to Dra. Michelle Chu, OB-Gynecologist, resident and a very jolly and smiling face doctor. After interviewing my mother and collecting all her laboratory test results Dr. Chu handed to me the Treatment Protocol for chemotherapy for six sessions at PhP 8,000.00 on the average, after which she instructed us to go down to the Radio Therapy Department and look for Dr. Michael Malabanan, Radio Oncologist who happens to be from San Jose, Batangas, a good looking doctor with so much affection to his patients. "Ako po ang bahala sa inyong Radio Therapy and Brachytherapy ".

Radiotherapy is to be done for 28 sessions at PhP 1,100.00 with 20% discount being a senior citizen, netting to PhP 880.00/session while Brachytherapy must be completed for 4 sessions at PhP 15,000.00 per session under general anesthesia. What is not included in this budgeted treatment are the necessary laboratory tests before every chemo, the ECG and 2D echo before brachytherapy and the take home medicines that cost us a lot.

Everyday Inay will go with Gemma on her way to her office which is a stone throw away to Makati Medical Center and I will fetch her and will drop her at Sucat, Gemma's residence. Friday is her Chemo day, overnight stay at the hospital with Gemma, while Thursday is for brachy, no radiotherapy on her brachy day.

Somehow, generous people come and help, my umpe (Fely Avante), ninang Luming, tiya Leovy, ate Bebeth, Rene and Ede, and of course Ramil who shared their graces to us.

We tried also to seek help from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office but to our disgrace we failed. Requirements are so tedious and promises only to give medicines and drugs that Makati Med refuses to use once they are given. Makati Med will only allow it if these will be taken outside the hospital at our own risk, knowing the severity of this case.

Last January 3, Dra. Michelle Chu and Dr. Michael Malaban finished they residency status at Makati Medical Center, their successors were Dra. de Quiros and Dra. Eduvas respectively. Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat.

Radiotherapist, Pau, Jordan and Shiltz, we are very grateful also to you, and of course sa lahat ng Medical Staff, Social Servants na nakasalamuha namin.

Rest assured na tatanawin po naming napakalaking utang na loob sa inyo ang naging tulong ninyo sa amin. GOD BLESS US ALL!

Last Christmas I devoutedly completed the Simbang Gabi for her intention, complete recovery from that Big "C". I have requested prayers also from Ninang Madre, Sr. Merna C. Virtucio, a Canossian Sister, Fr. Aloysius H. Buensalida, Fr. Eugene T. Penalosa III, secular priests and all our relatives and friends, as my ninang madre told me "Bulyawin natin ng dasal ang langit para sa Inay mo!". My other ninang Oyie, Gregoria A. Ramos-Ilagan offered prayers for my mother too, in her special way. Last Friday, 25 January 2008, I saw a nun waiting for a jeepney or taxi along Dr. A. Santos Ave., near Paranaque City Hall, with humility I offered her a ride to her destination and with gratitude accepted my offer. While on board she introduces herself as Sr. Alphonse, (OSB) Benedictine, ask me from where am I and I told her about my mother and my everyday chores for her. She got my mother's name and promised that she will pray for her. I know God will shower His blessings unto you for your healing prayers for Inay.

All series of the therapy were all done except for radiotherepy which will be finished on Monday, 28 January 2008.

We are very grateful also to our relatives who suprised Inay last 30 December for their visit, Tiyo Diony, Tiya Remy, Ramil, Maricel and kids, Gigi, Henjie and Jian, Ninong Cesar, Ninang Oyie and Brian, Ninong Nano and Ninang Luming, Tiya Titay, Kuya Ronnie, Ate Medith and kids and on 01 January 2008 Ninong Mon, Ninang Let, Ian, Lala, Wilson, Enzo and Mon Albert and of course on 02 January 2008, Tiyo Tana, Tiya Leovy, Ate Bebeth, Kuya Manuel, Tiyo Jr. and Tiya Ester. Salamat po!

GOD our Father, we believe that you have completely healed my mother and taken away all that cancer cells in her body and we also claim our individual healing from our sicknesses in our body and soul in Jesus name, the Great Healer, in Unity of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, thru Mother Mary, the Great Intercessor. A M E N