I was diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma. The stage is not yet determined that is why I need to act immediately. Literally, it is a matter of life and death. I never realized that I will be in this situation for real. But a series of miracles came my way. The good Lord did not forsake me.
God gave me my first miracle in the person of Dr. Jay Arnold Famador. He is an OB-Gyne Oncologist. I saw him on a Tuesday (August 30) in his clinic in Makati Medical Center. I was with a good friend of mine, Mila Contreras, to seek for possible immediate solution to my condition.
Dr. Jay was heaven sent to me. As soon as he saw my papers and studied the biopsy result he recommended a drastic procedure - total hysterectomy. All, as in ALL, of my reproductive system will have to go. Right there and then I decided to go for it. I placed all my trust in this doctor and hoped that things will go well.
Check out the link below if you want to more about my doctor :-)
The following day I processed my medical clearance. I went to see my hematologist and cardiologist. By Thursday, I got cleared from my two doctors and went to church to prepare myself "for battle."
September 2 (Friday), just after 3 days of seeing Dr. Jay I went back to him and showed my medical clearance. Since the procedure was a go he asked, "O, when do you want to be operated?" Without batting an eyelash I said, "Tomorrow!" I guess Dr. Famador was a bit shocked by my answer. He didn't expect that I am ready for operation. Normally, he told me, his patients would still wait for a month or two before operation. Perhaps he saw that I am courageous enough to undergo operation "agad-agad". But honestly, deep inside, I was terrified. That night, I was admitted for pre-operation procedure.
My second miracle was the support I got that night from the Daughters of Babylon. (That is another story to tell why we were named that way.) My friends were there to help me get settled in my room. Thanks, guys! I love you all!
That's Robynne, Mila and Jona... Nina followed after 7:00 pm.
The day of the operation came. My nerves were really going berserk though I "look" fine. While waiting for the nurses to get me, Mila and I prayed the rosary. Ms Juliet Garan came. (She is the Responsable General of Notre Dame de Vie Philippines and my former formator in MOL.) I was elated when I saw her. She prayed over me before I was wheeled inside the operating room which made me emotional. My aunt, Tita Beth, was also there. And my niece, Mawy, came when I was already inside the operating room. I thank the Lord for all of them that day.
My third miracle was the great team inside the operating room. Yes, all of them. From the aides, nurses and technicians to the doctors - Dr. Jay and my anesthesiologist for the second time, Dr. Reyles.
Lying there in the operating room just minutes away from being knocked off by anesthesia I had sort of an epiphany and it is all about FAITH.
There on the operating table I am no longer a "Teresa of Avila" kind of girl but a "Therese of the Child Jesus". I am no longer the "Joan of Arc" kind of person ready to fight in every battle that comes her way. Like a wounded soldier, it was time to rest my sword and armor. It was the time to let the Lord fight my battle (against cancer.)
Ito pala ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagsuko. Walang pag - aalinlangan na pagsuko sa habag at pagmamahal ng Diyos. Ito pala ang pananampalataya.
My fourth miracle was when I opened my eyes and realized that the operation was over. I survived the operation! Magnificat!
I was really in a daze because of the anesthesia but I could hear voices - voices of my relatives, my formators in MOL and close friends. As I drifted back to sleep I praise the good Lord for keeping me close to His heart.
I thank the Lord for my fifth miracle - my visitors while I was in MMC. Your love, concern and support gave me all the strength to survive this ordeal. I couldn't thank all of you enough for taking the time to see me. Alam nyo na kung sinu-sino kayo. Mahal ko kayong lahat!
Sorry no pics available... only a few photos were taken thanks to my good friend and college classmate - Jinky Tambo. Thank you, Jingkoy!
My sixth miracle came on the feast of the Triumph of the Cross (September 14, 2016). I went to see Dr. Jay after a week of being discharged from the hospital. With my friend Milah and Tita Beth we listened to Dr. Jay as he recounted the procedure.
According to him, the operation was a success. He made mention of the following:
- there was less than 50% invasion of the cancer cells
- the cells were considered Grade II
- that considering my age, immune system and body condition I am
likely to recover well and
- I am Stage Ia.
With all these factors to consider he said that I may no longer undergo chemotherapy.
Those last words were music to my ears... no chemotherapy!
Magnificat! Thank you, Lord!
It was indeed a miracle.
Thank you Mama Mary! Thank you all our Carmelite saints! Thank you Fr. Marie Eugene of the Child Jesus for your intercession.
On that day, the Cross indeed won over sickness, fear and doubt. Thank you, Lord Jesus!
God continued to shower me with my seventh miracle - my fast recovery (just in time for the big event in November... wait for that story soon!) With good food, rest, sunshine, fresh air and the works I regained my strength little by little. I have never appreciated the simple things in life until now.
Haaaay! Sometimes we need a little shove here and there just to realize what life is all about. In my case, I needed a jolt. And a big jolt it was!
Everyday sunshine and a bit of walking gave me the stamina...
In a matter of days I was able to walk faster and I felt stronger... preparing myself for the long walks in Europe... :-)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his humble servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed,
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia
- Luke 1: 46-55
Healing's not linear
Patience, determination
Recreate... renew...