Day 15 Chemo 3. Thu 9/14/2017 "Aunt Precy - passed away due to cancer"

Day 15 Chemo 3. Thu 9/14/2017 05:57PM

There had been a sad news. My Auntie Prescilla “Precy” Maroda, a first degree cousin of my mom passed away due to cancer. A week ago, I mentioned about my relatives who have cancers and she was one of those in the journal that I have mentioned. Although, it’s sad… but now, she’s already with our creator. From now on, there will be no pain and sufferings anymore. She’ll be at peace now.

Although I cried when I got the news via text message from my cousin Ma. Concepcion “Bebskie” Acosta. I got emotional while reminiscing our meet up last May this year in Singapore. My cousin Jerry Paul “Jep 2x” Acosta’s had his birthday celebration in Singapore and we both came. The timing was really right because they also had their family vacation just the same time with us. It was actually an entire family vacation. Her husband, all her children and grandchildren were on that trip. I could still remember during that meeting, I told her that I have another mass on the right side of my breast which I planned to be excised once I get back home to Cebu. And time did fly so fast, because after that meeting, I got that saddening text message. We planned to visit her wake this Sunday in Danao City.

After receiving that sad news, the burning desire in my heart continued to grow even stronger to aim for complete healing and to live a 100 years in God’s mercy. I will do everything to fight for this Vitamin B17 deficiency and I am claiming the victory now. I will own it and I shall live a 100 years.

God is good. Life is good. God is bigger than any problems in this world. Life is easy. All good things will come to me.

Day 14 Chemo 3. Wed 9/13/2017 Apple Cider, Garlic and Honey Concoction

Day 14 Chemo 3. Wed 9/13/2017 03:58PM

I forgot to make my journal the day before Wednesday. I was planning on doing it supposedly after I prayed the rosary in the afternoon but I got sleepy afterwards. So, I decided to sleep first.

After dinner, I got a call from my guardian angel and he suggested that we will make a few editing on the journal. After the talk, I was more focused on getting ready to bed because I was a little sleepy at 9PM and haven’t taken my meds yet. So, it slipped my mind already… I just remembered it at dawn when I woke up to pee.

We were able to make the a small portion of the concoction last night on apple cider vinegar, honey and garlic. We made about ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup honey and 3 cloves of garlic. I took 2 tablespoons of it that morning and oh my God! The vinegar really felt terrible on my throat that I have to wash it off by drinking water afterwards. The taste was really awful because even after drinking water, still, the taste of garlic lingered for awhile. I felt like a pork marinated on it. But I have endured its taste for the sake of getting healthy, I would have to drink it every morning from then on. Good luck to me, but I will try my very best.

I was able to reach the clinic early at around 9:30AM. I shared few God’s goodness to the Mead Johnson Representatives who visited me in my clinic. I shared them about my trials and I talked about how great God is to my life. I can’t help but get teary eyed every time I tried to share God’s faithfulness to my life. All of them wishes me well and complete healing. Another thing, Dr. BB Tiu invited me to attend a product presentation at Cafe Laguna in Ayala Center, Cebu City. However, I declined for the reason that as much as possible I should not exposed myself to a lot of people and I need to have ample sleep as possible as I can. Thus, after catering all the patients at about 2:30PM, I decided to leave early so I can rest before time.

Day 12 Chemo 3. Mon 9/11/2017 Hazelnut drink

Day 12 Chemo 3. Mon 9/11/2017 08:53PM

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One of the sacrifices a doctor does is waking up in the wee hours when called with an emergency. And I just had a call this morning, thus I went to SHH (Sacred Heart Hospital) around 2:30AM to do Stat C-Section (emergency caesarian section). The emergency was called, since the baby was having tachycardia (whose heartbeat exceeded the normal resting rate) already and the mother failed to go into active labor even after 18 hours of induction labor. After few hours of critical procedure, we eventually delivered a 4200 grams baby boy. Such a huge baby! A joy to behold for a mom undergoing the slice and for a doctor who woke up in the middle of slumber.

Leaving the hospital around 5:00AM, I arrived home after an hour. Although 6:00AM is the usual waking hour for everyone, there was no prepared breakfast yet that I could munch, so I resorted to warming up and taking my non-dairy hazelnut drink. It's a very tasty nourishment alternative that I used to nourish myself other than the soya milk, another non-dairy product for my vitamin B17 deficiency healing journey. In the middle of all this food preparation act is the integration of my spiritual

nourishment, consisting of praying the holy rosary and morning meditation. Once this supernal sustenance is completed I turned to my juicing enterprise, extracting cold watermelon juice from a frigid watermelon. Though I like to take such juice as cold as it gets, I tried to curtail myself for the time being, since I have been suffering from an on and off voice harshness and nasal congestion. So to while myself waiting for the juice to go into the right temperature before drinking, 2 ripe bananas sufficed to keep me busy on the wait. At least with the bananas my body will have 40% vitamin B6 to synthesize my own serotonin, responsible to keep me happy. To complete the 100% of vitamin B6 I need to consume at least 5 bananas to always keep the blues away.

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Odd as it may seemed to be, hunger forced me to ate my lunch an hour before 12:00noon. I could only surmised that it was because I was awakened early and started working early as well. The regular rhythm was broken and my body had to adopt.

The good thing when you have to start early, you end up finishing early too. And combined with the synergistic potency of all the juicing, banana, hazelnut drink and spiritual boost I did, my day was complete with good vibes and energy in the clinic. I did not even realised I catered 22 patients. Such an incredible day.

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Of course, that's what really happen, during the heavy work, not a single thing that you could feel of exhaustion. Yet upon arrival back home from the clinic I was forced to look for my bed right away so I could doze off as everything had turned heavy. I was really tired and just woke up again for dinner at 6:00PM. Thanks to my family that we have something to eat every time I arrive from work, because with the busy schedule I could not cook anymore most of the time. After dinner, I had to go back to bed again because I still felt sleepy. An urged in me to re-charge fully for the next day. This time I skipped my journal and my PM meditation I followed in the Unsinkable Bounce Back System of Sonia Ricotti. Yes, there are moments when you should also feel your body's capacity and that you have to forego your usual routine. And when you have re-charged you just have to get back to them the next day.

Day 11 Chemo 3. Sun 9/10/2017 "Puto Maya with Sikwate, Ginataang Munggo"

Day 11 Chemo 3. Sun 9/10/2017 11:19PM

Sunday is always the Lord’s day for me. So no matter what, I have to wake up early and go to church. And voila, pretty much full of energy going for the Holy Mass. It’s a blessed Sunday indeed hearing the word of God. Contemplating the many blessings He showered upon me I was so excited after the church to go home and share the uplifting feeling of graciousness to my family.

Upon arriving home, my brother Alson pointed out to have “Puto Maya” for breakfast since there were ripe mangoes in the refrigerator. Adding to the twist of the menu the best combination drink for it was the so called “Sikwate” (hot chocolate drink from dried processed cacao) of whom my brother had already done preparing. It was a perfect pair for “Puto Maya”, a type of rice cake which originated from Cebu. It is made of glutinous rice, fresh ginger and sweetened milk. The sweet, sticky rice is commonly enjoyed with juicy chunks of mangoes and delicate sips of piping hot chocolate drink called “Sikwate”.

After breakfast, I asked them if they would like to have “Ginataang Munggo” with fresh fish, shrimps, squid and mussel shells on it for lunch. I got inspired from our seafood dinner last time from Dr. Cytesse Cambronero’s birthday celebration that I wanted to repeat it at home. Everybody seemed to like my idea that everybody said yes with too much joy in their faces. After having a lavish meal, I felt like all my efforts paid off as I can see the enjoyment to their faces. It seemed like everyone really loved what I prepared for them. Even my estranged husband who joined us for lunch got a full of it that he even brought some of my cooked seafoods at work. Guess I must do it more often and maybe it could change his mind of not pursuing the housing loan he had been asking me to co-sign of which I never wanted to have any part of it because I would like to make sure that expenses in the house of my family as well as my own medical expenses are well catered first before anything superficially extra.. Hi.. hi.. hi.. Just kidding.

Although my husband and I are practically separated, but not legally, I still allowed him to come and visit us every time he will fetch and return my son “Zac” to have a sleepover with him. There are so many reasons and episodes to account of being so futile in continuing to be his wife. At least with our estranged condition he is always respectful to me and never shows any abusive treatment. Unlike when he is typically closed and intimate .  Thus, I relinquished then being his wife, nevertheless I still continued to be a good friend to him. That’s why I am really trying my best to be nice to him, for we are better as friends. Again it’s all about, love, love, love! Peace, peace, peace!

Since, everyone enjoyed our lunch, I told Ate Sinead to take some pictures of our recipes because my Editor-in-Chief is always reminding me to document everything. At the right time, we will be sharing this to the whole world to inspire everyone who will come to read this journal. Although I am really shy when it comes to this thing… because though I really love to cook, I don’t think I look good in the kitchen. All the sweating which is a big no-no for a chef is causing me the pressure. Also, I think that my recipes are tedious to prepare. The cooking itself is quick but the preparation is always long that’s why I seldom cook because it takes a lot of my energy and time. Very typical of me.. Even in my cooking, my patience shows.

Day 10 Chemo 3. Sat 9/09/2017 "bouquet of flowers from Eunice, appreciating small things"

Day 10 Chemo 3. Sat 9/09/2017 10:45PM

Ate Sinead and I attended the birthday celebration of Dr. Cytesse Cambronero at Seafood City in Grand Convention, Banilad Cebu City. We had very sumptuous meal… all seafoods obviously. From shrimps, crabs, scallops, squids to different kinds of fishes. We both enjoyed the dinner. And of course, enjoyed the company of those people who celebrated with Dr. Cytesse Cambronero too. On top of that, Sir Henry Gochuan was also at the party so I took that chance to thank him personally for all his help. We had so much things to do in the party, Ate Sinead and I really both had a great time that we went home late that night.

Before having a little enjoyment that night, I had my clinic at Gaisano Capital SRP with lots of patients catered. Among the patient I remembered was a 15 year old girl with abnormal uterine bleeding or AUB. AUB is bleeding from the uterus that is longer than usual or that occurs at an irregular time, a case that should never be neglected, so I set her up for a diagnostic examination on Monday.

When I got home, I saw the bouquet of flowers on my bed that my daughter Eunice gave me through the help of Steffi. I would have thanked her right away for such graciousness had she been awake. Knowing that it was late already in the evening I just went straight to bed as well, since I was so drowsy myself already.

Cherryl Pelayo Dacua

Indeed, surprises really warm my heart… I got belated gifts for my birthday from Cherryl Pelayo Dacua, the wife of my third degree cousin, Jason Dacua. Cherryl happened to be my patient too, who is pregnant on their 3rd baby. She will be due next month for C/S (Cesarean section) again. An episode that got me excited because I will get to deliver again another baby of hers.

In addition to the gift of Jason's wife, his sister, Miss Mirinisa Dacua, our High School Valedictorian who is now working abroad as a nurse, gave me a gift certificate from Rustan as well. It was a small gesture of appreciation but means a lot to me.

Almost every day, God is giving me surprises and my heart couldn’t thank Him enough for everything. Though I cried a lot this morning, irritated with my husband’s ceaseless suckering me in pursuing of a housing loan that I insisted never to get involve with, still, God has His ways of making me happy on the other hand with the small things that had happened on the same day.

Surprise gifts, flowers and sumptuous dinner are kind of small things for one to appreciate, yet to me is something grand to consider, especially during this time that I am undergoing all this chemotherapy and healing process from cancer. Maybe when you are in this kind of situation, you will learn how to value everything and I’m just glad that I was able to realize that. Perhaps on the grand scheme, the Lord had me bear all these trials that I can value and appreciate even the smallest of things.

Day 8 Chemo 3. Thu 9/07/2017 "Another blessing, the bravest decision I had ever made"

Day 8 Chemo 3. Thu 9/07/2017 09:00PM

It was a relaxing day at the clinic today because there were not much patients. While waiting for patients to come in, I had the chance to check my August income which overwhelmed me. Significant amount had it increased considerably. Another blessing indeed had poured in. And it came from Dr. Pherdes Galbo. Thank you, Lord!

Aside from having a tranquil day, I eventually got a sense of relief from the usual burden of housing loan that my estranged husband had been pestering me for a long time. He eventually let go of it after I told him that I won’t get involved in any housing loan transactions because all I wanted to do is to be healthy and not be bothered by anything else as much as possible as long as I have a roof over my head that I can stay together with my family. What a comfort it was after such a strong stance. I couldn't be much happier. And talking of such happiness, sometimes joy also comes in domino effect, because when I arrived home I was greeted with a surprised bouquet of flowers from my adopted daughter, Eunice. It just made my day to smile capped with a savory dinner of delicious fish soup shared and enjoyed with my whole family.

I did my PM meditation by Sonia Ricotti’s Unsinkable Bounce Back System first before I went to sleep hoping that this time I’ll be having a very peaceful and sound sleep because I felt that there was a big load lifted off my shoulder. It was one of the bravest decision I had ever made, to firmly say to my estranged husband that I don’t want to get involved in this housing loan anymore.

Peace!!!

Day 7 Chemo 3. Wed 9/06/2017 "Home-made Nilusak, The Shallows Movie - Family Bonding"

Day 7 Chemo 3. Wed 9/06/2017 11:35AM

Today, my tummy’s finally back to normal and I’ve returned to my watermelon juice. I almost drank 2 glasses of it while eating breakfast because I found it really refreshing and it kept me hydrated. Also, I had to get ready for my labs today because it’s been a week since my post-chemo. I am hoping all results would come out normal.

After my blood extraction, I went straight home because I wanted to rest and reserve all my energy for my clinic tomorrow. Upon arrival at home I tried to tackle only the light task and not the usual heavy chores. So, I did my accounting, bill updates and finance summary like my expenses which I haven't done for quite a while. So far things went on so well. Thank you Lord!

Own this DVD Now.
"The Shallows"

At lunchtime, we waited for mom to arrive so we could eat lunch together. She went from her OT/PT (Occupational/Physical) therapy from PSH  (Perpetual Succour Hospital). After having our lunch together, my son, my brother and I bonded and relaxed together over the movie at HBO “The Shallows”. We have watched this movie already but we still enjoyed watching it again. The movie was about a surfer named Nancy who was attacked by a great white shark. Her leg got bitten by the shark and everything became a battle for survival.

I was excited for our snack time though. Because Ate Sinead and her mom, Lea, planned to make “Nilusak na Saging”.  “Nilusak na Saging” (pounded banana) is a delicious native recipe from the Philippines, made from a mashed banana pounded on with a heavy big wooden mortar. This is one of the classic and native Pinoy recipe. Preparing this specialty at home ensured healthy ingredients. And that made me excited because that was what my niece Ate Sinead and her mom Lea were preparing for.

This day had been great, because I had more time bonding with my family. Though I decided to rest early today to make sure that I’ll be ready for tomorrow’s responsibilities. This of course ensures, that I would be able to serve for God’s glory.

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