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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011

Last Day

Today is my last day at City of Hope, I'll be seeing my BMT doctor at Kaiser Sunset from now on. I had another biopsy done earlier, I'll keep you guys updated when I get the result in. It truly is a good day today. My nurse today, Ate Lisa, prayed for me. She is such a blessing, not only to me but her other patients as well because she prays for us. Ate Lisa, if you are reading this: Thank you for listening to my stories and allowing me to vent out my feelings. You are the best nurse!!!

I also saw my eye doctor today. The first thing he asked me was if there's any changes in my health since the last time he saw me. So I told him everything. He was speechless. But I was able to tell him how God has been good to me.

The door bell just rang. It was RonRon, his Dad used to be our Pastor. I didn't have my wig on and I didn't want to be seen without hair, so Raul told him to come back tomorrow. As soon as I heard that he's only here for tonight, I put my wig on and walked down the street to their house. His whole family was there. I figured since we were catching up, I'd tell them my story. I told them how I got married, got pregnant and got sick all in one year. I also shared the good news: God healed me and gave me a healthy baby. God still performs miracles. Believe it!

That's a lot of activities in one day. Hehe!

Here's a bible verse that Nurse Lisa shared with me today:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been
called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

CEUs

I'm currently working on my Continuing Education Units, but it's telling me to spend 10 more minutes before I can proceed to the next section. So, I thought I'd blog to kill time. I need 15 CEUs every 2 years for my Respiratory Therapy license. It's due on the end of September. Raul has Danica right now, so I have some time to work on it.

I like being a Respiratory Therapist, because I get to help my patients breathe better. Sounds like an easy job... just give them oxygen, right? Nope! It's more than that. While most therapist are disgusted working with trached patients. I, on the other hand, enjoy it. Because these type of patients are in long term care facilities, I get to know them and their families really well. I work along with Speech Therapists and Physical Therapists to help patients get better. The most wonderful thing is weaning a patient from the ventilator, then eventually placing a speaking valve on and hearing their voice for the first time.

I've been a patient and I know how it feels to have no voice. Fortunately for me, my husband has become my voice, he is my advocate. As a therapist, I act as an advocate to my patients. I treat them like how I want to be treated. I just wish that other healthcare providers would do the same....

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

I love her

... and she loves me too! I always thank God for giving me the privilege to be Danica's mom. It is an honor to be the one to help her grow. She makes my heart feel super happy (as Kai-lan would say).



Sunday, August 14, 2011

Girly Girl

Danica got her ears pierced today at Claire's in Montclair. Raul was a little chicken and decided to stay home, while my sister Excelle and I took her to the mall. There was a line to get ears pierced. This little girl ahead of us was so brave. She's one year old and only cried a little bit. Danica, on the other hand, tension was already building up as we waited in line. She started crying when the lady drew a dot on her ears with a marker to use as a guide. I mean seriously. Then when her ears got pierced, she cried even more. I felt so bad, but I know it's better to do it now than when she's 4 or 5. She'll thank me later. She looks even cuter with earrings on. Such a girly girl! I remember I was about 9 years old when I had mine done in the Philippines. I didn't cry though. C'mon... big girls don't cry!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Day 80

I must have miscounted my days. So I'm now 80 days post Bone Marrow Transplant and I'm feeling better than ever. My labs look great. Because I go for check-ups every week, I got to know my nurses really well and they got to know me too. The nurses at City of Hope are awesome, they are very professional unlike Kaiser nurses (at least the ones I've had in the past). It's unfair for me to say that all Kaiser nurses are horrible, but from my personal experience, most of them are terrible and don't care about their patients.

Today, I heard from a good friend, Louie. I haven't heard from him nor seen him in such a long time. I was surprised to get a call from him. He is getting married this October. I love weddings!!! Now, what to wear?

* This was actually yesterday's blog, I forgot to hit "Publish Post"

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Hello!

Hi everyone! I've been so busy with baby Danica that I haven't blogged in a while. The baby and I are doing well. She's 6 months old and can sit on her own. Her favorite TV shows are "Ni Hao Kai-lan" and "Yo Gabba Gabba." Kai-lan's laugh makes her smile and giggle. DJ Lance Rock makes her dance while she's in the bouncer. Hmmm... I'm thinking "party ideas" for her first birthday... what do you guys think? I have six months to plan it. Here's a cute cake from Plumeria Cake Studio in Orange County:



Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Day 72 Post Transplant

Hello! I haven't forgotten about my blog, just been very busy with Danica, family, doctor appointments and also got admitted for a couple of days at City of Hope. It's now Day 72, I'm feeling much better. God continues to heal me each day. A friend from church, Auntie Franny, is going through Chemotherapy at Kaiser. Just like me, she also lost her hair. But even though she's going through so much right now, she remembered me and sent me a prayer book. How thoughtful and very sweet of her. Please include her in your prayers.

Good night for now....