A few minutes from now, 2009 will give way to 2010. It has been a rather challenging year. We have survived so much. From the accidents to natural calamities to political intrigues. All these have rocked the nation in just a year. Through it all, we are still here, standing proud--one nation, one people.
This year, I am hoping and praying for a better one. I won't dare wish to spare us accidents or any forms of ordeal. I would just wish for unity, vigilance, compassion. It's not so much to ask, is it?
I also pray that this will be a happier year. Not only for the sick, but for everyone.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Another Relapse
September 21, 2009. Another day I'd rather forget but can not.
Mama went to her doctor for her regular check-up. My sister accompanied her. They usually took only an hour for the examination, but that day, they came home late. I was hoping they were just eating out, or going shopping, since Mama only seldom goes out.
When they came home, I met my sister who, without any preamble, told me the bad news: at least three small lumps were felt on the upper part of her left chest--near the area where her lump was last removed.
She was advised by her doctor to have another surgery or cobalt therapy. Mama wouldn't have either. I understood. But it got me scared, too. Of course, that was my reaction when I got the news of her lumps on her chest those first two times. I could not imagine how Mama was feeling. She is, after all, the very victim here.
We looked for other means. We considered alternative medicines. We are willing to try anything no matter what the cost. This is another big problem. We are looking at costly alternatives. Any way we looked, we saw peso in bold signs.
Anyway, my sister attended this seminar on a US-made product, which was also recommended to my mother by her doctor. And because it is made abroad, it is very costly.
We are willing to try anything, so does my mother. We do not know where we would get the budget in the future, but we are placing it in God's hands. Fatalistic? Not so much. After all, I still believe in the promise, "Do your best, for God will do the rest."
So, here we are, trying to DO our BEST, knowing the HE will DO the REST.
Mama went to her doctor for her regular check-up. My sister accompanied her. They usually took only an hour for the examination, but that day, they came home late. I was hoping they were just eating out, or going shopping, since Mama only seldom goes out.
When they came home, I met my sister who, without any preamble, told me the bad news: at least three small lumps were felt on the upper part of her left chest--near the area where her lump was last removed.
She was advised by her doctor to have another surgery or cobalt therapy. Mama wouldn't have either. I understood. But it got me scared, too. Of course, that was my reaction when I got the news of her lumps on her chest those first two times. I could not imagine how Mama was feeling. She is, after all, the very victim here.
We looked for other means. We considered alternative medicines. We are willing to try anything no matter what the cost. This is another big problem. We are looking at costly alternatives. Any way we looked, we saw peso in bold signs.
Anyway, my sister attended this seminar on a US-made product, which was also recommended to my mother by her doctor. And because it is made abroad, it is very costly.
We are willing to try anything, so does my mother. We do not know where we would get the budget in the future, but we are placing it in God's hands. Fatalistic? Not so much. After all, I still believe in the promise, "Do your best, for God will do the rest."
So, here we are, trying to DO our BEST, knowing the HE will DO the REST.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Amuma, Vicita Iglesias
I was depressed, impressed, enlightened, and pleased in a one of a kind journey. Maundy Thursday it was when I did it with people whom I have something in common—an experience with the struggle against cancer, whose group is aptly called Amuma.
Every Lent, this group goes on a pilgrimage around the city, visiting cancer warriors and survivors. Vicita Iglesias cum Station of the Cross. We visit at least fourteen houses—Iglesias—where we do the rites of each of the fourteen stations of the Cross.
It has been one of the most meaningful Lenten activities I’ve undergone.
Depressing was the sight of cancer patients who seem to be stuck in bed courtesy of this disease called cancer, and the pain their loved ones obviously felt. Yet inspiring was the spark in their eyes when they saw that some people know, experience and care about their plight. Impressive was the strength both patients and caregivers demonstrate as they battle the menace. And, enlightening was their advice on the diet, lifestyle, and attitude to avoid and fight the affliction.
We visited seventeen houses, and as many cancer survivors or warriors. They were of different ages—ranging from eight to seventy-three. They were of different occupations—student, retiree, single parent, pastor, teacher. They were of different religion—Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, Seventh Day Adventist. They were of different situations—there were those who had every treatment available, those who have limited resources, and those who were not able to avail of any treatment at all because of financial restrictions.
Such differences, however, barely meant anything, because we were linked by one bond—cancer. We fight the same battle. We are in the same ring.
This journey—my second in a row—made me see cancer struggle in a new light. It made me realize this affliction is not all bad. One good I saw: I have found new friends—ones who understand my and my family’s struggles, ones who could be ears when I need someone to listen to my griping and whining, ones with whom I could laugh at some petty things, little achievements and progress we have made in our struggle. We are not alone in this journey. There are quite a number of us. Not that I am grateful that many have been afflicted by the disease. It is that there are people I know I could count on whenever I need them. And it is always good to know somebody’s got your back.
More than that, it made me see pain in another angle. That it is a sharing of Jesus’ cross—just like Simon of Cyrene. And to cling to God alone, for after all, it is hope that would make all this lighter.
Every Lent, this group goes on a pilgrimage around the city, visiting cancer warriors and survivors. Vicita Iglesias cum Station of the Cross. We visit at least fourteen houses—Iglesias—where we do the rites of each of the fourteen stations of the Cross.
It has been one of the most meaningful Lenten activities I’ve undergone.
Depressing was the sight of cancer patients who seem to be stuck in bed courtesy of this disease called cancer, and the pain their loved ones obviously felt. Yet inspiring was the spark in their eyes when they saw that some people know, experience and care about their plight. Impressive was the strength both patients and caregivers demonstrate as they battle the menace. And, enlightening was their advice on the diet, lifestyle, and attitude to avoid and fight the affliction.
We visited seventeen houses, and as many cancer survivors or warriors. They were of different ages—ranging from eight to seventy-three. They were of different occupations—student, retiree, single parent, pastor, teacher. They were of different religion—Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, Seventh Day Adventist. They were of different situations—there were those who had every treatment available, those who have limited resources, and those who were not able to avail of any treatment at all because of financial restrictions.
Such differences, however, barely meant anything, because we were linked by one bond—cancer. We fight the same battle. We are in the same ring.
This journey—my second in a row—made me see cancer struggle in a new light. It made me realize this affliction is not all bad. One good I saw: I have found new friends—ones who understand my and my family’s struggles, ones who could be ears when I need someone to listen to my griping and whining, ones with whom I could laugh at some petty things, little achievements and progress we have made in our struggle. We are not alone in this journey. There are quite a number of us. Not that I am grateful that many have been afflicted by the disease. It is that there are people I know I could count on whenever I need them. And it is always good to know somebody’s got your back.
More than that, it made me see pain in another angle. That it is a sharing of Jesus’ cross—just like Simon of Cyrene. And to cling to God alone, for after all, it is hope that would make all this lighter.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Remembering Francis
Francis is dead!
I learned about it only last night, and it kinda surprised me to have felt this affected. I mean he didn’t know me and I didn’t know him. He’s just an actor I used to see every noon at Eat Bulaga. I saw him in Bagets. I knew his “Mga Kababayan by heart even after 19 years. While the tv revealed his death, a Francis doing a running man played in my mind. I was an admirer. I still am. But I also admired Marky Cielo and Fernando Poe Jr. but the news about each of these celebrities’ death did not bother me as much as Francis’ death did.
I was not a fan. But I have always admired Francis Magalona. He’s a really good musician. I love his compositions—always deep in meaning: touching on the core of humanity, prompting one to get up and act and be proud of being a Filipino.
I watched Eat Bulaga’s tribute to the Master Rapper. I saw how Francis touched these kids. Even Humanap ka ng Pangit Rapper was trying to lighten and liven the mood, something which, I felt Francis would have appreciated; the general atmosphere was that of a trying-to-be-happy party.
And then I saw and listened to Ricky Lo’s interview with Pia and the kids. And Ricky Lo was asking a question whether Pia saw it coming. And her answer was kind of familiar. And she said something like, “The first time, akala ko, iyun na. Baka hindi na kami makakalabas. The second time, akala ko, ito na. After that, nasanay na kami na ganun, hindi ko na inisip na baka nga yun na. So talagang mapagbiro yong panahon.”
It was Katkat’s experience all over again. Pia was describing exactly our experiences with Katkat, who had a kiddie version of Francis’ AML. I guess that’s why I was so affected by the rapper’s passing. His family and ours are bound by the same experience of struggle, loss, and moving on.
Besides, losing a beloved is something everyone of us share in common. I know, in time, his family will be healed. For after all, all this will pass. Though how long it would take to heal, no one can tell. Somehow, I still have to heal from my loss.
Again, I pray this for Francis M. and his family:
Oh, Jesus, bless them, help them, heal them.
Amen.
I learned about it only last night, and it kinda surprised me to have felt this affected. I mean he didn’t know me and I didn’t know him. He’s just an actor I used to see every noon at Eat Bulaga. I saw him in Bagets. I knew his “Mga Kababayan by heart even after 19 years. While the tv revealed his death, a Francis doing a running man played in my mind. I was an admirer. I still am. But I also admired Marky Cielo and Fernando Poe Jr. but the news about each of these celebrities’ death did not bother me as much as Francis’ death did.
I was not a fan. But I have always admired Francis Magalona. He’s a really good musician. I love his compositions—always deep in meaning: touching on the core of humanity, prompting one to get up and act and be proud of being a Filipino.
I watched Eat Bulaga’s tribute to the Master Rapper. I saw how Francis touched these kids. Even Humanap ka ng Pangit Rapper was trying to lighten and liven the mood, something which, I felt Francis would have appreciated; the general atmosphere was that of a trying-to-be-happy party.
And then I saw and listened to Ricky Lo’s interview with Pia and the kids. And Ricky Lo was asking a question whether Pia saw it coming. And her answer was kind of familiar. And she said something like, “The first time, akala ko, iyun na. Baka hindi na kami makakalabas. The second time, akala ko, ito na. After that, nasanay na kami na ganun, hindi ko na inisip na baka nga yun na. So talagang mapagbiro yong panahon.”
It was Katkat’s experience all over again. Pia was describing exactly our experiences with Katkat, who had a kiddie version of Francis’ AML. I guess that’s why I was so affected by the rapper’s passing. His family and ours are bound by the same experience of struggle, loss, and moving on.
Besides, losing a beloved is something everyone of us share in common. I know, in time, his family will be healed. For after all, all this will pass. Though how long it would take to heal, no one can tell. Somehow, I still have to heal from my loss.
Again, I pray this for Francis M. and his family:
Oh, Jesus, bless them, help them, heal them.
Amen.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
NUTRITION AND CANCER
NUTRITION AND CANCER
Today, we had a speaker at the Amuma. She is a pediatrician at the Fe del Mundo Medical Center.
Her story is really amazing that kept us, her audience oohing and aahing. Hers has been the most astonishing cancer story I’ve heard. I’ll just give a super short gist of it.
She lost both of her parents to cancer. And then, out of nine siblings, six of them (including herself) got cancer.
In the mid-90’s, a mass as big as a head of a new-born baby was detected in her cervix. Added to that, she also had breast cancer. Having witnessed patients in chemotherapy, she refused to undergo one herself.
Until she had a blessed encounter with another doctor from the U.S., who was also a cancer survivor, and who shared with her about nutrition as a weapon against cancer. Now, our good doctor is already twelve years cancer-free. And she has made it her advocacy to share her experiences to the people especially to the ones afflicted with diseases. And I am lucky to have been one of those who are able to listen and learn from her.
The doctor just confirmed what I have already research about cancer—that it can be prevented and reversed. And at the risk of stepping on some capitalists’ toes, and even those of her colleagues, she candidly talked about the prescription drugs and other cancer treatments’ adverse effects to some other parts of one’s body while treating one part. So, she shared to us the 10 natural steps to fighting diseases including cancer.
10 Essentials of Health
1. Nutrition
She recommended the genesis diet, citing when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, they were vegetarian, and they were in perfect health. She recommended eliminating in the diet the following: red meat because they come from animals fed with artificial food; dairy milk since they come from animals fed with chemicals to produce more milk she recommends soy milk instead; white sugar because it feeds cancer cells although mascovado sugar and honey are ok because they are natural; processed food because they undergo chemical processes and they are added with foreign substances to lengthen their shelf life; and food with heated oil which are trans-fat, or, as she called it—plastic fat because they clog the organs thereby disrupting the natural flow of the body’s system. But she suggested virgin oils and add them only after the food is cooked. Therefore, frying and sautéing are strongly discouraged.
2. Exercise
The Doctor suggested at least four hours a week will weaken the tumor cells.
3. Water
We have already heard of this before. At least 8 glasses of water is recommended per day. The speaker, however, suggested 3 – 4 liters of water a day.
4. Sunlight
Again, this is nothing new—we have known about this since grade school. We get vitamins—particularly vitamin D from sunlight—something, which, lately has been found out to have a very significant effect on cancer. The doctor recommends go out and greet Mr. Sunshine before 9 o’clock in the morning and after 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
5. Temperance
Lately, a lot of studies have shown that stress, worries, negative emotions and negative environment shortens a person’s life. And with cancer patients, those who have sunny disposition, and are optimistic, have more chances of longer life and even surviving the disease. So, the Doctor suggested avoiding anything negative: pessimistic people, upsetting movies and shows, depressing news. Instead, be a patron of everything positive.
6. Clean Air
If you live in the city where there is so much pollution, you need to get out of this kind of environment at least once a week or better yet, live somewhere in the rural areas with less impure atmosphere.
7. Rest
Our bodies, like anything that works, need rest. Dr. Catibog strongly suggests setting your body clock to sleep at 9 o’clock at night to give our body ample time to cleanse and repair itself. She further said (and I just knew this from her) that the body's most active release of “repairing chemicals” or healing hormones is at 12 o’clock at night. So if you slept at twelve, your body won’t have enough time to fix itself.
8. Trust in God
It is said that stress can kill. It can also cause cancer. But worse than stress is despair: it can lead to self destruction. Therefore, turn to Someone who loves you unconditionally, put your trust, confidence and hope in Him. Leave everything to Him so you won’t worry about anything. Always lean on His love.
9. Gratefulness
Count the good things that you have and be grateful for them. For a grateful heart is a cheerful heart. And “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
10. Benevolence
Once you are aware of and grateful for the things around you, you will recognize that you have so much to give. Then you can afford to be generous. Share God’s love.
If we just have a balance of all ten of these, then, Dr. Marylou Catibog assured, we can have a great disease-free life.
Today, we had a speaker at the Amuma. She is a pediatrician at the Fe del Mundo Medical Center.
Her story is really amazing that kept us, her audience oohing and aahing. Hers has been the most astonishing cancer story I’ve heard. I’ll just give a super short gist of it.
She lost both of her parents to cancer. And then, out of nine siblings, six of them (including herself) got cancer.
In the mid-90’s, a mass as big as a head of a new-born baby was detected in her cervix. Added to that, she also had breast cancer. Having witnessed patients in chemotherapy, she refused to undergo one herself.
Until she had a blessed encounter with another doctor from the U.S., who was also a cancer survivor, and who shared with her about nutrition as a weapon against cancer. Now, our good doctor is already twelve years cancer-free. And she has made it her advocacy to share her experiences to the people especially to the ones afflicted with diseases. And I am lucky to have been one of those who are able to listen and learn from her.
The doctor just confirmed what I have already research about cancer—that it can be prevented and reversed. And at the risk of stepping on some capitalists’ toes, and even those of her colleagues, she candidly talked about the prescription drugs and other cancer treatments’ adverse effects to some other parts of one’s body while treating one part. So, she shared to us the 10 natural steps to fighting diseases including cancer.
10 Essentials of Health
1. Nutrition
She recommended the genesis diet, citing when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, they were vegetarian, and they were in perfect health. She recommended eliminating in the diet the following: red meat because they come from animals fed with artificial food; dairy milk since they come from animals fed with chemicals to produce more milk she recommends soy milk instead; white sugar because it feeds cancer cells although mascovado sugar and honey are ok because they are natural; processed food because they undergo chemical processes and they are added with foreign substances to lengthen their shelf life; and food with heated oil which are trans-fat, or, as she called it—plastic fat because they clog the organs thereby disrupting the natural flow of the body’s system. But she suggested virgin oils and add them only after the food is cooked. Therefore, frying and sautéing are strongly discouraged.
2. Exercise
The Doctor suggested at least four hours a week will weaken the tumor cells.
3. Water
We have already heard of this before. At least 8 glasses of water is recommended per day. The speaker, however, suggested 3 – 4 liters of water a day.
4. Sunlight
Again, this is nothing new—we have known about this since grade school. We get vitamins—particularly vitamin D from sunlight—something, which, lately has been found out to have a very significant effect on cancer. The doctor recommends go out and greet Mr. Sunshine before 9 o’clock in the morning and after 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
5. Temperance
Lately, a lot of studies have shown that stress, worries, negative emotions and negative environment shortens a person’s life. And with cancer patients, those who have sunny disposition, and are optimistic, have more chances of longer life and even surviving the disease. So, the Doctor suggested avoiding anything negative: pessimistic people, upsetting movies and shows, depressing news. Instead, be a patron of everything positive.
6. Clean Air
If you live in the city where there is so much pollution, you need to get out of this kind of environment at least once a week or better yet, live somewhere in the rural areas with less impure atmosphere.
7. Rest
Our bodies, like anything that works, need rest. Dr. Catibog strongly suggests setting your body clock to sleep at 9 o’clock at night to give our body ample time to cleanse and repair itself. She further said (and I just knew this from her) that the body's most active release of “repairing chemicals” or healing hormones is at 12 o’clock at night. So if you slept at twelve, your body won’t have enough time to fix itself.
8. Trust in God
It is said that stress can kill. It can also cause cancer. But worse than stress is despair: it can lead to self destruction. Therefore, turn to Someone who loves you unconditionally, put your trust, confidence and hope in Him. Leave everything to Him so you won’t worry about anything. Always lean on His love.
9. Gratefulness
Count the good things that you have and be grateful for them. For a grateful heart is a cheerful heart. And “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
10. Benevolence
Once you are aware of and grateful for the things around you, you will recognize that you have so much to give. Then you can afford to be generous. Share God’s love.
If we just have a balance of all ten of these, then, Dr. Marylou Catibog assured, we can have a great disease-free life.
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