I have to wake up early so the hubby and I could go to the Diagnostic Center for my various laboratory requirements. Doc’s request and I have to oblige. Apart of course from the usual laboratory tests done for a typical surgical operation (believe me, I’ve been there, done that nine years ago), I was made to undergo 2 D Echo with Doppler, a thirty minute procedure ,nothing more than an ultrasound to let me know if my heart is functioning well, CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen, cancer marker test) and CA 125. For a while there,I got confused. I have already paid the cashier when I noticed that CA 125 was still included in the request. Based on my previous research (nah, I do a lot of researching now), this blood test is requested for patients suspected of ovarian cancer. So I asked the nurse if I still have to include it. He suggested to call my doctor. Call him at 6:30 in the morning?
The nurse and I were both laughing when I told him that I no longer have an ovary, that was gone, nine years ago. “So would we still include it, Ma’am?”, he asked. Go ahead, what’s one more exam to make sure that there is no cancer cell inhabiting your body. I told him that in one of my readings, I found out that it is possible to have cervical cancer even without your cervix and he just nodded. After more than an hour, we were done and I felt so hungry.
It’s another Jollibee breakfast, got no choice, but this time it’s a healthy slice of “daing na bangus” with two small slices of fresh tomatoes. Yummy, and the coffee is hot! I told hubby to request for a free Phil. Star newspaper.They give that gratis for a minimum purchase of P100 (I think). Back when that promo was still new, they give a copy to most of their customers but now, you have to request for it first. Most people are not probably aware of it though.
On our way home, we passed by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila. The place was almost deserted except for two cleaning ladies and two old ones, talking in front of the main altar. We were able to finish praying the rosary. It’s a nice feeling to be able to commune with God in such a silent and sacred place. More than ever, I always feel His presence when I am inside the church. Sometimes, I get messages from my aunt always asking how I am. It’s during those times when friends tell me to get well that I feel a big lump in my throat. I am strong, this too will pass.
Have you ever wondered, most of us feel awkward when we are confronted with inevitable things like being sick? I remember a quote from one of the best loved writers on spiritual life, a Dutch-born Catholic priest Henri Nouwen and he had this to say;
“Why is it important that you are with God and God alone on the mountain top? It’s important because it’s the place in which you can listen to the voice of the One who calls you the beloved. To pray is to listen to the One who calls you “my beloved daughter,” “my beloved son,” my beloved child.” To pray is to let that voice speak to the center of your being, to your guts, and let that voice resound in your whole being”.
It’s a beautiful affirmation on the beauty of praying. I feel so touched when friends say that they are praying for me. I could not thank you enough. Sometimes, we are also bound to ask, “Is prayer our steering wheel or our spare tire?’ When everything comes to naught, it’s just between you and God.
Dreams And Escapes 