Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without it we can’t practice any other virtue with consistence-Maya Angelou
When you say that you are strong, are you being courageous?
Some people have this common mistake equating strength and courage. I believe that these are entirely two different things. Being strong is more on the physical aspect of the person while courage is an in-depth feeling of having the strength to go on despite all the setbacks and vicissitudes one encounters in life. You may be strong enough to face life’s ugly realities but when you don’t have courage to go on, it is impossible to face them. Life throws us something that sometimes we are not prepared to face.
I remember my journey as a cancer patient almost two years ago (hmm…I’ll be celebrating my second anniversary this coming July 14) and I can recall those times I was just out of chemotherapy sessions. A feeling of helplessness, a weak resolve to undergo another session, but always with great faith that I would be well. It’s no easy way to adjust to a world where you are not even sure if the treatment is good for you or not. It’s natural to feel insecure when you are in such a predicament – being so weak that you could not even hold a spoon or a glass of cold water without those seemingly electric and numb sensations on your hands, and your arms won’t just cooperate for a day or two, it’s like they are completely detached from your body. Had I not been strong to face everything and courageous enough, I would not know where I’ll be now.
In the end, it always boils down to having enough courage to face life and somehow having the strength to go on amidst trials. Strength, I may not often have, but courage, I have enough. Thank you Lord for giving me the courage to see that I am strong to meet and face what life throws my way.
Dreams And Escapes 
Hi Ms Arlene, just had my mastectomy last Dec 17 and by next week I’m scheduled for my 1st chemo. I am so afraid what will happen to me throughout my sessions. Will you give me some advice on hope to cope up with the side effects. Thanks
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Hi Ria, you’re half way through your treatment, congratulations! Just hold on and keep the faith, everything would be okay. From what I observed with my co-patients at the UST Benavidez Cancer Institute when I was having my chemo, the effect of treating breast cancer specially during chemotherapy is quite different from that of the colon. In my case, anything cold was avoided at least two days after every chemotherapy while those with breast cancer take ice chips or anything cold to combat vomiting. Body weakness is of course a part of it but find some simple things to do while you are recuperating. I used to write a lot even if my arms were like dead weight from my body just to combat boredom being in bed and I read. I also pray the rosary at 4am every morning with only one request in mind, to get through the six sessions.
Don’t worry too much, just think you will get well and affirm that. I have some online contacts here who write and share their journey as patients/survivors. Let your friends/relatives know so they could pray for you too.
Please get in touch, I would love to hear from you again. I will include you in my prayers.
Arlene
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Hello, Ms Arlene. Can I call you tita? You just made my day, having read your post means a lot to me. I hope we can meet too in person, I find you very friendly and nice. By the way I used to study in UST also but unfortunately I’m not yet finished with my thesis, so I can’t get my MBA degree. My mom and sis were also alumni of the university. Well, my chemo wil start by next week and I promise to keep you updated with my situation. God Bless 🙂
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Sure, why not? You’ve just been added to my adopted sons and daughters online:). If you are on Facebook, you could visit our site, Apostles Filipino Catholic Community and you would be inspired by the postings and blogs that we have there. It’s my online apostolate, a way of giving back for the many blessing and the second chance at life.
I’ve just been to UST the other day and I am doing more blogs of it. I really miss the place.
Good luck on the chemo and do remember, the big C is not cancer, the big C is always CHRIST!
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