Out of Sight...Out of Mind...

...is sometimes true but not always.

I've been away for a while, ok, let's rephrase that...I've been away from blogging for more than a year. But that does not mean God's goodness never happened or reflected in my life for the past year. And that He is always in my mind everyday.

From GoEnglish, Out of sight, out of mind means "There are some things which we think about only as long as we can see them in front of us". Anyway, with regards to our great God...We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

It's really hard to find a reason why I have not shared anything for the past year...let's try it this way...Absence makes the heart grow fonder. (GoEnglish)Did that work?

Anyhow, at this time of the year, I do celebrate something...we'll call it my second life birthday...yes...that's how fast time was running. It's been 3 years since I had my Bone Marrow Transplant. I had my annual check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital last October 21st. Everything went well...God is good...All the time.

I hope this is a restart of my blogging days...

Six Months to Blog

It's been a while and just realizing it's been 6 months since my last blog. I've been a very, very busy wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt ("oh yeah"), friend and worker (another "oh yeah" to that). I don't want this post to be very, very long so I will briefly give you the highlights of my past six months.

April

• Early April, my father and parent's in-law went back to Philippines for vacation for 2 months. Imagine me being a full-time mom doing the chores. Of course, I have the full support from my beloved husband.


• 5- Jensine started to attend Tae-kwon-do classes once a week.
• 17- I had my monthly check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital- blood test, eye exam and doctor's appointment -all is well.

May

• Still bringing Jensine for hid Tae-kwon-do classes every week.


• 15- I had my monthly check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital- blood test, eye exam and doctor's appointment -all is well. My doctor told me to stop my anti-rejection pills.


• 20- I still did not have enough, I helped a friend for her son's birthday preparations with invitations and give-aways. Another passion of mine not many people knows.

June

• 8- Jensine passed his Tae-kwon-do Yellow Stripe Belt Exam.
• 12- had my monthly check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital- blood test, eye exam bone mineral density test, dental appointment and doctor's appointment -all is very well. I will be back to see them in 3 months.
• First day of work, my manager, was able to arrange with the company for me to work 2 days from home and the other 3 days, I will be in the office.

22- Jensine's Senior Kindergarten Graduation Day / Jerson's birthday

Since, it's Jerson's Birthday, too, the 3 of us went out for lunch to celebrate.

Our Barkada also gave us a Surprised Party, for Jensine's Graduation, Jerson's Birthday and my new job.

July

• 1 to 7- Vacation Bible School at Mt. Zion Church
• 6- Friends from Chicago visited us.
• 22- Explore the beauty of nature in Niagara Falls.
• the rest were just work and home. Adjusting to my new load of commitment.

August

• 5- Brought Jensine to Circus
• 7- Follow up with the denists at Princess Margaret
• 10- Auntie Juliet visited us from California
• 25- Share God's Good News at Kalamazoo, Michigan and had the chance to visit Battlecreek, Michigan.
• 27 - Jensine watched Toopie & Binoe Live Show at Vaughan Mills

September

• 1 to 3- Road trip to Pennsylvania. Visited Lost River Cavern, Crayola Factory, Hershey Factory and King of Prussia Mall

After all these big changes from being very ill, home/hospital stay gal, I probably stretched my energy so much that I got sick middle of September. No worries and no regrets, for today, I am celebrating my 2-Year Anniversary of my Bone Marrow Transplant. On Monday, October 1st, I will have my Anniversary check-up from blood test, Pulmonary Function Test, Mammogram and doctor's appointment.

For all these, all I can say is "God is Good, all the Time". All praises are to Him, our God and Saviour, from whom all blessings flow.

When You Believe...

Please click this link to listen to the song while reading my blog.

Many nights we pray
With no proof anyone could hear
And our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know theres much to fear
We were moving mountains long
Before we know we could

Hearing this song reminds me of my past experience...exactly 2 years ago...when I thought I would say to my friends and acquaintances, "that's all folks" or to my relatives, "this is it, please take care of Jensine and Jerson, or to my love buddies, Jerson and Jensine, "I will always be in your heart"...reminiscing still makes me cry, but now with tears of joy and thankfulness.

And now I am standing here
My hearts so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say
There can be miracles When you believe
Though hope is frail Its hard to kill
Who know what miracle
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

I have learn so much in this experience and I have also seen how many friends I have. How much they are willing to be there for me and will always be ready to be there for my hubby and son. When you give all your worries to Him, you will be amaze of what science can do with lots of prayers and human love. I can only say there can be miracles when you believe...

They dont always happen when you ask
And its easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see you way safe through the rain
Thought of a still resilient voice
Says love is very near

When exactly 2 years ago I heard, "2 months to live"...now I hear, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

More good promises for you and for me...just believe.

I'm Back!

...not just in blogging but also in the hospital.

Yes, I was in the hospital last week. Jerson brought me to the emergency for 39.something fever. I did not want to go at first so I tried to wait, thinking maybe my fever will go down. But I had chills and been shaking for a while. When we called Princess Margaret Hospital, they told Jerson I had to be seen by a doctor. So we were going to see the doctor near us, but I could not even stand by myseld nor walk down the stairs to get to the van. I was so weak that Jerson decided to call 9-1-1.

So from Monday, March 5 I was in the hospital near us, Etobicoke General. It was not my first option but I had no choice, paramedics can only take me to the nearest hospital.

My blood pressure was so low, 89 over 58 (normal is 120 over 80), even the IV to increase my fluid did not help. It was like that for the days I was confined in the hospital. There were times it will go up to 107 over 80 but that was very seldom.

They found out I had infection in my blood. I am home now but still taking antibiotic for another week.

My white blood counts went up too, something that anybody can worry about since my history of Leukemia...but Psalms 36, verses 7 - 9... This is what Pastor Edwin Martin read to us when he visited me in the hospital.

7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

First Anniversary

One year it has been...since I had my Bone Marrow Transplant. Today, I had my anniversary check up. I did blood test, Pulmonary Function Test at Mt. Sinai Hospital and a regular check-up by special doctors. Blood test result at the end of this blog. PFT is also fine, according to the oncologist who looked at the results. The only signs of rejections or better call it, reactions from the transplant was the discoloration on my face. Doctors said it will go away soon.

FACTS: Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. (Wikipedia)

REFLECTIONS: I believe I have a purpose in this world, to serve God. I committed myself of telling my story, how God healed me and continously healing me. If you read my previous post about Thanksgiving, that was just a start. I am planning to do this in other places, wherever He wants me to. In Mark 8:35 from New International Version,

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Complete Blood Count
HGB – 118 (normal range = 120 to 160)
PLT – 307
WBC - 4.9
Neut - 2.1
Mg - 0.66 (normal range = 0.70 up)
Creat - 51
Ca - 2.40

Liver Functions
ALB - not available
ALT - 16

ALP - 50
AST - 26
TBili - 4.8

Legend:
Green: Normal
Yellow: Abnormal
Red: Critical

Many Things To Celebrate, Part 3

What's the best way to Celebrate Life?!

This day, Mt. Zion Church and Fil-Can Church held and organized a blood clinic in the community with the help of Canadian Blood Services. Yes, the best way to celebrate life is to give life. How?! By donating blood, anyway, "it's in you to give". Jerson, Jensine and I went to witness the event and of course, to give thanks to those who courageously donate blood. Jerson, for one did donate. I was there to support the event and to show the people that I am very thankful for their action of donating blood. It was a sign for me how they support me again and again, since I used to be a blood recipient. I've been told by many friends who came to donate that they were doing this for me. Most of them are first time donors, too, like Jerson. I tried to promote this blood clinic to the church to encourage them to help people who needs blood or to give blood.

35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Acts 20:35 (New International Version)

"It is beyond doubt that giving is better than receiving, because that means you are able, well and healthy. I'd rather be poked once than getting poked numerous time. I believe in Science, blood and my sister's bone marrow and the healing power of God. There is Power in the Blood of the Lamb. There is also power in your blood, because you are children of God. So please, give blood and save lives, anyway, it's in you to give."

If you are a previous donor, I thank you and if you are planning to donate, I also thank you for your courageousness, willingness, and love for giving life to someone in need...you're helping and saving so many lives!

Many Things To Celebrate, Part 2

Yes, this month of June, we have so many things to celebrate and thanks to our awesome God. Let's start with things to be thankful for in the beginning of this month...

I am out of a wheelchair!

Yes, for the past month, I've been using wheel chair since I came out of the hospital. Now, I am using a walker or more exactly a rollator. I am feeling a lot more better nowadays.

Father's Day, indeed!

Third Sunday of June, falls on June 18th this year. Since Jerson has been a father for 4 years now, our fathers on both side and all our godfather's except from Ninong Sangko (Isagani Odulio) who passed away couple of years ago, are still pretty much healthy, we have something to celebrate. Since, I am still a bit weak, we did not have a big celebration, rather, we just called them up and greet them "Happy Father's Day". Nevertheless, we always have a Father above, who we can always give praises and thanks not just on Father's Day but everyday.

Jerson is 30!

"Better believe it, my beloved husband! Ha-ha-ha! You're not young anymore." He turned 30 on the 22nd and we had a small but yet a happy celebration on this day with families and friends, who we considered part of our family. It was a successful one, although not everyone we expect to be there were able to come.

8th Years of Marriage!

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday...

On June 30th of 1998, we said, "I do". This may not happened in the church but truly, he is Heaven Sent. "Mahal, thanks for the wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, 8 years plus that we've been together. If there hadn't been you in my life, where would I be, now. Happy Anniversary, Mahal." We have our ups and downs but looking back all those years, I still believe that everything happens for a reason.

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

Mahal, this is for you...for "Everyday, I Love You!"

Many Things To Celebrate, Part 1

May 18th, double celebration we had!

We had a double celebration, since it was Ate Nenette's Birthday and Ina & Ama's Wedding Anniversary. We had a simple get together with families only.

May 29th, my Tatay's Birthday!

He celebrated his birthday at my sister Amor's house on Saturday, May 27th. Just as we want it to be, only families are there. Well, having said that, we have a pretty big family here now in Canada, plus our extended families.

How We Celebrate This with Thankfulness?!

May 19th, we took them out, Ina & Ama and Tatay, to have dinner out at Pickle Barrel. We had fun strolling in the mall before we headed to the restaurant. The food was good but nothing special for me, I think I can cook those meals the same if not better (Yay! as if I can cook now!) Anyway, we're not talking about just the food, this is more of just being together, one big family! Thanks again to my Tatay, and Ina & Ama, for being our parents and being always there for us. We love you!

42 Days Get-A-Way!

LEAVING FROM: 3 Orpington Crescent
GOING TO: Princess Margaret Hospital

DEPARTING: March 20th, @ 11 am dropped by Kuya Lemuel with Ate Cindy and Destiny
RETURN: May 1st @ 5 pm picked up by Jerson

HOTEL: Princess Margaret Hospital

GUESTS: Of course, I have my regular guests like, Jerson, Jensine, Ina, Ama, Tatay, Ate Irma, Ate Nancy, Dete Amor, Ate Nenette, Kuya Rene, Uriel, Rainon, Sheila, Eli, Adi, Rob, Arly, Jeff, Jill, Cathy, Jops, and many more.

CALLERS and MESSAGES: So many to mention...

ACTIVITIES: I was admitted to the hospital for GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE on LIVER, GUT and SKIN.

• First week, I am not allowed to eat anything other than "clear broth". Yes, clear broth, chicken, beef or vegetable clear broth...my diet was stricted to lactose free, sugar free, caffeine free, fat free, well, since only clear broth I can have, I guess restricted to everything...hihihi
• Second week, my diet is still the same.
• Third week, they added low fiber starchy food, like white bread, crackers, white rice. Yipppee!
• Fourth week, they added sugar. Now, at least, I can have Jelly on my toast or honey!
• Fifth week, I can have almost everything but I have to do it gradually. I can have meat, so I started with fish. I can also have some low fiber vegetables and fruits but depending how I can tolerate it. I can only add 3 new items in a day on my meals.
• Until now, even when I am home, I still have some stuff that I cannot eat, especially, those things that hard to digest. I have not dare to eat high-fiber fruits and vegetables like brocolli, apple, brussel sprouts and greens.

DEALS: I may have been in the hospital for quite a while with so much pain (I was taking Morphin a lot in the beginning!) but I ALWAYS feel GOD's presence all the time I was there. HE never leave me nor forsake me!

DESTINATIONS: While I was in the hospital, I realized so many things things or I should say, God made me realized things more clearly. I hope that God will lead and use me...

Right now, I am still very weak. Since I had so much STEROIDS (these was the medication to help me for my GVH Disease) for a long period of time, I lost a lot of muscles and muscles strength on my legs. I could hardly walk. I am using a wheelchair for now to go to my appointments at PMH. At home, I use a walker to walk around the house. I don't usually go down and up the stairs. I have an Occupational Therapist who come visit me in the house for my mobility needs. By next week, I will have a Physiotherapist to help and possibly a Home Care to help me on my personal needs. Overall, I am doing better now that I am home. Thanks for all your prayers!

March Means Getting Older! { Day +151 }

Yes! For me, March means another year to add to my age...if God permits. Count down starts today and 8 more sleeps I will turn 29...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

0 mg of Cyclosporine! { Day +150 }

On my last appointment for check-up, I was told that I can stop my Cyclosporine in a week. And today is first day not taking this medicine. There are lots to expect. On my November 21st post, I mentioned that...

FACTS: Cyclosporine is use to prevent or treat organ rejection and to prevent graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in transplant patients.

...it feels good to lessen the pills I swallow everyday. Hopefully, it is also good for my body. I mean, hopefully, there will be no rejection or graft-vs-host disease.

9 In all their affliction He was afflicted,

And the Angel of His Presence saved them;

In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;

And He bore them and carried them

All the days of old.

Isaiah 63:9

I do believe that He is still in control...

And He will do it again,

He'll do it again. He will do it again.

If you just take a look

At where you're now

And where you've been.

Hasn't He always come through for you?

He's the same now as then.

You may not know how,

You may not know when,

But He'll do it again.