The Wait
April 3, 2009, we were all waiting for the result of the Bar Examinations. Kuya Marty was hoping his name would be included in the list of the successful examinees. He, together with Papa, Mama and his girlfriend, Manang Mija, was in Manila during that time. We were in Ilocos. We did nothing but sit in front of the television from 4 PM to 8 PM. The long wait was killing us. And then my cell phone rang. It was Mama calling. My heart started beating faster. And then I accepted the call. Mama spoke first,
“Nakapasa ni manong yo!” (Your brother made it!)
I dropped the phone right away and started jumping and shouting repeatedly,
“Abogado ni Kuya Marty’n! Abogado ni Kuya Marty’n! Abogado ni Kuya Marty’n!” (Kuya Marty is now a lawyer!)
The Celebration
Kuya Chinkoy, Bolet, Ogie, Popop and I rushed outside to deliver the good news to Lolo, Lola and Tita Venice who are living 10 meters away from our house. Tita Venice hugged me in joy. And then I started crying. It was tears of joy. We were all shouting, hugging and crying along the street at past 8 PM when most of the folks were already in bed. But no one could stop us that time. As if we won the jackpot prize in Lotto. But it was more than that. Deep inside I was thanking God. This was His plan.
The celebration continued. Relatives and friends went to our house to savour the moment. We thought of decorating the house to surprise Kuya Marty, or should I say Atty. Marty, who was to arrive the following day. We made a banner out of coupon bond and creep paper, posted messages on the wall and filled the house with balloons. We all stayed there until midnight, and then we called it a day. We all slept with a smile on our faces.
The following morning, when Mama texted me that they are already near, we waited along the street just in front of our house to welcome our new lawyer warmly. When we saw the car where Kuya Marty was riding we were again jumping in joy. And then Kuya went out from the car – there goes the new lawyer! – we rushed near him and hugged him tightly! And we all greeted him,
“Congrats attorney!”
It was a day to remember.
This set the tone on how we are going to spend summer since our summer vacation celebration was dependent upon whether or not Kuya will pass. He passed. A grand thanksgiving party was then set right away. Kuya wanted the whole family to have a trip abroad. Papa could not say no. This would have been one of the best summer vacations in our lives.
Then it Rained
It was a bright sun shiny summer, suddenly, it rained. We did not expect that.
While in Ilocos, Kuya Marty felt minor pains in his body, specifically, in his kidney region. But he was not feeling weak as he can drive the car to Vigan, he can walk a distance, and he can even play table tennis with us. He even beat me once. But the pain persisted and so he went to a hospital in Vigan to have a check up. They said it was a kidney stone. Days after, the pain increased and according to Kuya, the intensity of the pain reached 8, 10 being the highest. And so, he, Kuya Chinkoy, Ogie and Manang Mija went to Manila to have a second check up. Kuya Marty was not able to help Kuya Chinkoy drive the car.
Kuya Marty was checked up at Medical City Hospital . Back in Ilocos, life remained normal. We were hoping that Kuya Marty’s pain be remedied at Medical City and he would go home thereafter. We were not that worried yet.
And it Poured
The result was out. The doctors in Medical City found out a 10cm slid mass inside Kuya Marty’s body. It was so huge that it was bumping his ureter which explains why kuya was experiencing pain in his left part of his body. They also found an inflammation in his large intestine (diverticulitis) which explains why he is also suffering pain in his right part of his body. It was supposed to be a simple day when Kuya Marty would just be checked up in a hospital. It turned out to be a sorrowful day where it was found out that Kuya was suffering not just a simple illness but two serious illnesses. And so he was confined in the hospital.
We actually have not celebrated well Kuya Marty’s success in the Bar Examinations. We were still in a state of euphoria when all these things happened. It happened so fast that it left us asking ourselves if this was really happening. Unfortunately, it was.
Papa and Mama were obliged to go to Manila , leaving their works and appointments behind. At the time of their arrival in the hospital, Kuya Marty had three punctures. Everytime another puncture was performed, Papa cannot stand to look on. He goes out of the room and cry. Papa was so emotional he almost cried a river. He and Mama always texted us,
“Pray hard for your Kuya, anak.”
It was very difficult for them to see Kuya suffer.
I Turned to God
April 18, 2008, Papa’s birthday. We were in a beach reasort in Batangas. We had so much fun. Exactly the same day this year, obviously it was Papa’s birthday, but there was no reason to celebrate. We have to symphatize with Kuya Marty. I texted Papa,
“Pa, it looks like you have to celebrate your birthday in the hospital. It’s okay Pa, Kuya Marty needs you more.” Happy birthday. God bless us all.”
And he replied,
“Thanks anak. You are all very good children of mine. I’m in tears right now. Pray hard for your Kuya.”
It was then the first time I cried hard. I prayed to God,
“Lord, I know these are only trials. So please, help us deal with it. Give us the strength and courage to withstand all these, especially to Kuya Marty. Prayer is all we can do right now. Please listen to all our prayers.”
The Procedures
Back in the hospital the doctor suggested that Kuya Marty should undergo catheter and stent procedures to decrease his creatinin level preparing him for another procedure (MRI with contrast) that will give the doctors clearer picture of the solid mass inside his body and its relation with his organs. Kuya Chinkoy, a medical student, was protesting as these are very painful procedures. Picture it – a tube would be inserted in the hole of Kuya Marty’s genital until the inserted tube reaches his ureter. Nevertheless, it ensued.
Prior to such painful procedures, Kuya Marty must not eat anything, even a soup, for five days. Yes, five days. I knew that Kuya suffered a lot for these procedures. My knees weaken everytime I think about this.
After these procedures, Kuya Marty became weaker as the tube was still inserted in his genital. This made Manang Mija, Mama and Papa cried as they saw Kuya Marty suffered so much right before their eyes.
My Turn
Pa, Ma, Kuya Chinkoy and Ogie returned to Ilocos. Then it was my turn to look for Kuya Marty in the hospital. As I entered his room I saw him lying on bed. He looked weak. I went near him and kiss his forehead. I started crying. I said,
“Kuya, we were all worried in Ilocos. We did not have peace of mind. Be strong. We are all praying for you.”
I stayed there for the day. We were waiting for the next procedure of the doctors when all of a sudden the tube was removed voluntarily. But Kuya Marty’s creatinin level remained high and so the MRI with contrast did not ensue. And so I began asking myself, “Were those procedures really necessary?” Nevertheless, Kuya’s strength was getting back. Thank God the tube was removed.
Doctors: “Surgical Operation”
The next procedure planned by the doctors was the surgical operation already for them to remove the solid mass once and for all. This, then, would not allow Kuya Marty to attend the Oath Taking as his surgical wound would still be fresh when that day falls disabling him to make physical exertions. Kuya did not want to miss the Oath Taking. Who would want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime experience? But he did not have any choice. My girlfriend Kat and I went to the Supreme Court to ask for the procedure on how to petition for a special Oath Taking.
According to the doctors, an MRI procedure is necessary before Kuya could be operated. An MRI with contrast cannot be availed of as his creatinin level remained high, but the one without contrast can be. The problem is, an MRI test costs 56 thousand pesos. If it was not necessary we would pass this one out. But it was. Thanks to Manang Mija and family, they were there to help. In these hours of darkness, we still feel so blessed for there are still people out there to give support whole heartedly. In behalf of our family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God rewards people like you.
Prior to the MRI, Kuya’s head doctor, whom we waited for several days because he had a conference and/or a summer vacation abroad, briefed us on what to expect with the MRI result. He said this procedure would determine if there is really a solid mass inside and if there really is, we must hope that it is not attached with the aorta, the largest vessel in our body which is directly connected to the heart.
The doctor finished briefing us and went out of the room. Kuya Marty, then, told us that we should pray that the MRI would not detect any solid mass, but if it would, we should pray that it is not attached with the aorta. He was very anxious about this. He was crying. It was this moment when I solicited prayers in the internet. There were comforting messages sent to me. One of those says,
“Faith can move mountains.”
Kat posted a comment on my multiply site which says,
“God will not give challenges we cannot overcome.”
For those who prayed for Kuya, I extend my warmest gratitude to you all.
The MRI Result
And then the MRI result was out. It was Nino, Manang Mija’s cousin and a nurse, and I who went to see the result. We read it. I did not understand it completely but I can infer from it that there was really a solid mass inside Kuya’s body and it was actually that big – 10 centimeters. After Nino finished reading, I asked him for his explanation of the result. He said it is true that there is a solid mass, and the same is attached with the aorta, and the doctor’s three impressions of Kuya’s illness are suggestive of a cancer. He added he did not want to explain these to Kuya as he was afraid to do so. I did not know what to do. I just enetered the room without planning what to say. Kuya Marty began asking me about the result. I was speechless for a while as I was doing my best not to cry in front of him. And then I just said that the result was just an impression. It was not final yet. And then I went outside. I can no longer hold on. I cried my emotions out loud outside Kuya’s room. I cannot believe that there is a possibility that Kuya is suffering from a cancer.
I was not supposed to tell this sad news to Papa and Mama who were travelling from Ilocos to Manila with the rest of the family and it was Papa who was driving the car. This would definitely disturb their concentration. But I did tell them. We were all crying while talking on the phone. We realized that we needed to pray harder. They stopped by at Our Lady of Manaoag. We needed her intercession.
That was the 23rd of April. The following day the whole family arrived. It was a dramatic scene once again. It was Kuya Marty’s surgery day. Kuya told us he was ready to be operated.
God Works in Mysterious Ways
Hours before Kuya’s operation, Kuya’s head doctor went to our room and told us that the operation would be postponed for two reasons: one is, since the solid mass is attached with the aorta a cardiovascular doctor is needed in the operation scene, another reason is, the head doctor’s preferred cardiovascular doctor is abroad for a convention and/or a vacation and he will only report in the hospital on the 2nd of May. This brought us a good news and a bad news. The good news is, Kuya was permitted by the doctors to go home while waiting for the cardiovascular doctor, allowing him to attend the Oath Taking. The bad news is, Kuya’s wait for his operation was once again postponed and so was his suffering. Nevertheless, we thought of its bright side – that God did not want Kuya to undergo operation just yet for He wanted Kuya to attend the Oath Taking, a sign that God wants Kuya to live long as a lawyer.
And so we checked out from the hospital. It was Kuya’s first taste of fresh air in weeks. We passed by at the Christ The King Church and offered a little prayer.
We all agreed that Kuya would stay at Manang Mija’s house for comfort purposes and the whole family would just visit time and time again. It was good to see Kuya out from the hospital. But his pain remained a big concern.
The Making of a Lawyer
Since Kuya can already attend the Oath Taking we have to go to the Supreme Court to inform them that he will no longer petition for a special Oath Taking and instead have his clearance. We all accompanied Kuya but the Supreme Court allowed only one companion to go with him throughout the clearance process. I volunteered myself to be Kuya’s companion. We arrived there at lunch time. It was supposed to be a 20-30 minute process but officials arrived late and so new lawyers who came to have their clearance were stockpiled. There was a long line. We were at the middle of the line, perhaps 30th from the start. The place was hot. And then Kuya Marty’s body was already hurting. I knew then that he cannot stand on to wait for our turn. And so I have to talk to the secretary of the Supreme Court to request for a special treatment for Kuya. After explaining it, they understood Kuya’s situation and so they worked on Kuya’s clearance way earlier than our original turn. But the process still took an hour to be completed. It was longer than we expected. Kuya was hurting a lot. We saw it on the way he sweat. Nevertheless, Kuya was, then, cleared to attend the Oath Taking.
April 28, 2009, Kuya attended the Oath Taking at PICC. His schedule for the signing of the Roll of Attorneys was set the following day. We accompanied him in the signing. His last stroke of his signature on the book of the Roll of Attorneys made him a full-fledge lawyer. Amidst these trials, we still had a reason to celebrate. God is good.
Kuya’s Source of Strength
After that, the whole family left for Ilocos and we requested Manang Mija to look for Kuya Marty while we are away. On our trip home we stopped at Our Lady of Manaoag to offer a prayer, but it was already closed. The guards won’t open the Church for us. But we still prayed outside near the window where sights of Our Lady can be seen.
Days after, Kuya Marty started texting us. He said he misses us especially Popop, our bunso. And so, Popop, Kuya Chinkoy and I went back to Manila . When Kuya Marty saw Popop after days of missing him he embraced him tightly and kissed him. We were in tears. We realized that we should always be at Kuya Marty’s side. Aside from Manang Mija, we were also his source of strength. Papa and the rest of the family went back to Manila thereafter.
The Dream
On their arrival, Kuya told us that he had a dream. In his dream, he was chased by fraternity men, but Kuya won’t allow them to catch him. He did all he can to come back to us. Then suddenly, gunshots and even cannons were fired at us. But it was Kuya who told us to dodge it. Fortunately, no one was hurt. That was his dream. When Papa heard this he said the dream was a good sign that Kuya would overcome this trial. This was God’s way of communicating to us, we should just keep on praying, added Papa.
The Healing Mass
A day before Kuya Marty’s readmission in the hospital for his surgical operation, we attended the healing mass conducted by the famous healing priest, Fr. Suarez, at Claret Church. In attendance were hundreds of sick believers. Among those who went there, Kuya Marty was one of those whom Fr. Suarez prayed over a longer time and even smiled at Kuya Marty. God must be pleased with our efforts. God is good all the time.
Doctors: “Biopsy”
And then Kuya Marty was readmitted in the hospital. The cardiovascular doctor needed for Kuya Marty’s surgey has arrived already. We were all preparing ourselves for the surgery until we heard the plan of the doctor. According to him, they will postpone the surgery and suggests that Kuya Marty be biopsied first. There were mixed reactions from us. Personally, I was confused with the doctor’s suggestion. Prior to this one, all the doctors were suggesting a surgical operation ruling out biopsy as this was not necessary. We even waited for almost a week for the cardiovascular doctor for the surgery but only to find out that Kuya will not be operated yet. I am a bit angered by the idea that the result of the biopsy would take 3-5 working days to be out. This means Kuya’s agony will be prolonged yet again. Why did they not undertake biopsy before we checked out from the hospital so that when we returned the result will already be out? Instead, we waited for almost a week idly, get back to the hospital, undergo biopsy, and wait for almost a week again. Does that make sense? I don’t think so. But Manang Mija said we should just trust the doctors. Papa told us that let things happen, all of these are part of God’s grand plan.
And then Kuya Marty underwent biopsy. Since its result will only be available 3-5 working days thereafter, we checked out again from the hospital.
While we were waiting for the result, there was another sign from God as claimed by Papa. According to him, after he prayed at St. Jude Church he stopped by at the Church in San Beda. He went in front to pray. He was all alone. He was praying fervently while his eyes were glued to Sto. Nino. Suddenly, he saw Sto. Nino’s head glows for several seconds. He trembled in fear but he continued praying. After that he went outside the Church. He was still shaking. But he was praising God.
The Biopsy Result
After 3 days, Kuya Chinkoy and I went to the Medical City to check if the result was already out. On the way, we were praying that Kuya’s tumor would turn out to be benign. When we arrived at the hospital, they told us that the result was out. Then we got the result. The first words that I saw were the words ‘MALIGNANT ROUND CELL TUMOR.’ I continued reading and hoping that that was not the diagnosis. Both of us did not say a word yet. After a couple of minutes, I have finished reading the result. There was no mention of the word benign. And then I asked Kuya Chinkoy if it was really malignant. Kuya Chinkoy answered in the affirmative.
Kuya Marty started calling on my cell phone. I first thought of what to say. And then I answered the phone. I read the results but I intentionally skipped those sentences where malignancy can be inferred. But eventually, Kuya Marty discovered that his tumor was malignant. Kuya Marty’s anxiousness increased. But we were all there to comfort him. We knew God was with us. We kept on praying harder.
“Ask And You Shall Receive”
The day after we knew the biopsy result, we went to Kuya’s doctor for inquiry about its consequences. The doctor referred us to an oncologist (cancer doctor). The following day, we met the said doctor.
The first thing he did was to read Kuya’s results in all the tests he underwent. After reading it, he then explained that Kuya’s tumor could be a germ cell tumor or a lymphoproliferative disorder. This carried a bad news and a good news. The bad news is, both are cancer. Yes, Kuya Marty has a cancer. The good news is, both are treatable. Another thing is, surgical operation could be ruled out. When we heard that, we had a big sigh of relief. We were also very happy at the same time. Happy because we were very afraid with the idea that Kuya’s tumor was not treatable and the idea that Kuya will undergo surgery. But the oncologist has said it – it could be treated and surgery could be ruled out.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, God is good all the time! He listens to our prayers. He is with us in this battle. Praise the Lord!
It is the immunohistochemistry test that would determine whether Kuya’s cancer is a germ cell tumor (testicular cancer) or a lymphoproliferative disorder. We were praying it would turn out to be a germ cell tumor as this kind of cancer has a 96% cure rate. Famous cyclist Lance Armstrong and NBA player Nene are two of the successful patients who were diagnosed with this kind of cancer.
Recently, we got the result of the said test. Our prayers were once again answered. Kuya’s tumor is a germ cell tumor seminoma. The treatment for this kind of tumor is a daily radiology and a once every three weeks chemo therapy for the 10cm tumor to shrink. And if Kuya’s body will respond well to these treatments, surgical operation will no longer be needed.
And so, join us in praying that Kuya’s body would respond well with these treatments, that he would withstand the side effects of chemo therapy, and that God will shower him the strength, the courage, the blessing and the guidance that he will be needing throughout his healing process. God will listen to our prayers. In God’s time, Kuya will be back to normal life once again. Let’s have faith.
In behalf of Kuya Marty and the rest of the family, I thank all those people who had prayed, are praying and will pray for the fast recovery of Kuya Marty, to Manang Mija and relatives for being there and giving a helping hand all the time, to Tito Monching for all the advices you have given, it turned out to be correct, and to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Medical City – your reward will come from God.
And for the One who made all these things possible, we thank You. We’ll glorify You for the rest of our lives.
