Blogs from Jupiter

My eyes are still swollen from too much crying. My papa is in the hospital. He is not well. Papa was an out patient for the past three months. His coughing has been incessant, and lately, very violent. At first, we thought it was because of the weather considering his physical condition (he is in his late 70s already). For the first time last Tuesday, he requested my mom to bring him to the hospital. We’ve been telling him to have a general check-up but he has turned down our requests.

We’re now on our third opinion on papa’s condition. He was first diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis last month. Our yaya of 25 years died of TB a few months ago. She went home to Iloilo two months before she passed away. My papa got it from my yaya because of his frailing health (children and the elderly are the most vulnerable). We have high hopes because TB can be cured.

Mama wanted to be sure of dad’s condition so we sought for a second opinion. This time, the doctor presented to us three possibilities. The doctor saw a thick mass on papa’s upper lungs and according to doc it may be a severe case of broncho pneumonia, TB or tumors. The doctor prescribed meds for TB, problem was, he was not responding to the meds. The coughing and his condition did not improve.

Mama would call me at night and would tell me that dad’s condition was getting worst. He vomits his food. He feels dizzy when he stands and walks. Brushing his teeth became a tedious activity. He has difficulty sleeping at night. He has grown so thin.

They went back to the doctor. Doc advised mama to stop the meds and prescribed a new set of meds. And just last Tuesday, papa was rushed to the hospital after complaining of intense chest pains. The pain was like his lungs were being scraped. Mama was crying, she couldn’t bear seeing my papa in intense pain.

Tuesday night, they went back home as there were no rooms available in the hospital. They checked in the following day, Wednesday. My papa has to undergo several tests including biopsy. I am praying that the mass in his lungs are not tumors. Anything, please Dear Lord! But not tumors!

Over the weekend, papa has been texting us his kids his "i love yous". And I hope and pray that this is no prelude to something worst. I always text back "i love you too dad. God will heal you." I would call him regularly and say comforting words.

Some two nights ago, I cried and prayed so hard for papa. I was with a an old friend when we prayed together for papa’s healing. My friend then told me to relax and let God do His work. A few minutes, I received a text from papa: "Thank you". I just couldn’t help but cry again. I did not text him. But after our prayer, I received that text. I know God will answer our prayers.

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The last time I saw papa was last Fathers’ Day. We had a small celebration at our home in Cubao. Last night was the first time I saw him after Father’s Day, and it was also his first night in the hospital. He was thin, very frail and weak but I saw in his eyes his happiness upon seeing us, his family, complete. Yesterday was also my brother’s 28th birthday.

Mama’s a bit broke from my dad’s medication and my youngest brother’s school expenses. My brother was just starting in his new job so he didn’t have enough to prepare for a celebration. I went to the hospital bringing with me a cake, fried chicken, spaghetti and pizza for my brother’s small birthday celebration, and of course, the usual fruits for my dad.

At around 10 in the evening, my brother and his girlfriend left the hospital as they still have to report for work early the following day (especially my brother who has to report at five in the morning). My baby brother and I left the hospital at 11, as we still have a long way to go to our dormitory in Intramuros.

My mama and sister stayed in the hospital to take care of my dad.

Happy birthday bro!

Get well soon dad!

Love ‘ya all!