THANK YOU PO

It’s been almost a year since I had my surgery and almost two years since I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

It’s been almost a year since I had my last vacation. Almost a year without my family physically around me during this difficult time.

My last chemo cycle is finished (hopefully it is the last) and after my vacation I will have my MRI and CT Scan to check if the tumor had shrink or completely gone (God willing).

I would just like to send my deepest gratitude to all who helped me during my chemotherapy and radiation therapy and after my surgery up to this day. THANK YOU PO

During my first chemo and radiation session ( Nov 2015 – January 2016), it was like a walk in the park for me. It did not have any major side effect on me. I felt tired sometimes but other than that, I was doing just fine.

But after my surgery and new cycles of chemotherapy, I have to say that the struggle became very real. Not only do I have to bear the side effects of the more potent chemo drug, I still also have to deal with the fact that my body system will have to work differently now because of my colostomy. There are days when depression hit me but because I know a lot of people not only my family are praying for me, for my recovery, I always immediately pushed that depression stop button.

I really do not know how I survived this year. I actually felt lost after the surgery when I found out the tumor was not removed and that I have to take another rounds of chemotherapy. A lot has been going on in my life and hearing the bad news from the doctor after the surgery really struck me hard. But I have to continue fighting. God may be testing my limits. It just so happen, that I have UNLIMITED hearts around me. My FAMILY and FRIENDS. God gives us only what we can handle. Apparently, God thinks I can handle this and who am I to opposed that.

To all those who included me in their prayers and always offer words of encouragements, THANK YOU PO.

To you who take me to the hospitals for my hospital follow ups, THANK YOU PO.

To you who bring me food in the hospital during my chemo sessions (because hospital food sucks), THANK YOU PO.

To you who offer me breakfast, lunch or dinner whenever I am too tired or lazy to make my own, THANK YOU PO.

To you who gave me free Colostomy Bags (a really big relief for my wallet), THANK YOU PO

To you who let me sleep (especially in late afternoons) during office hours, THANK YOU PO

YOU know who you all are. SALAMAT PO.

Thank you to my family even if you are not physically with me, I know you are always with me.

To papa, i know you are looking after me.

To mama, sorry if I was not able to visit you. I know you know that I am always there for you. See you soon.

To Trish and Noah, my inspiration to never give up

And most especially to my wife, my rock thank you for being strong for me and for our family. I know you want to take care of me especially during my therapy and surgery but some things we do not have control of. You are taking care of me more than you'll ever know.

Remember that I won't give up on us even if the times get rough.

The fight is not yet over. But I am confident that this will be over soon.

But for now I am finally going HOME and will enjoy my vacation.

Again THANK YOU PO.