Early Easter for me: Hallelujah
Apri 2, 2010
NOTE: You might like to play the video below then go up again and start reading.
y phone rang while I was in the middle of baking brownies and cake. I see the caller id saying it’s Swedish Covenant Hospital, where I have my doctors and chemo treatments. Hmm….
“Hello.” I answered.
“Bo? This is Dr. B from Swedish. How are you?
(NOTE: Dr. B. is the head fo the Interventional Radiology Department and the one who performed the chemoembolization to my livers last December 2009).
I have not forgotten you and have always kept you in mind. I am calling about the result of your PET scan” he continued.
Somehow the world around me seems to slow down. I forget about my baking and just held on to every word he said. I paused and held my breath. I just had my PET scan in preparation for meeting Dr. A, the liver surgeon, and it is suppose to tell any presence of cancer.
“I talked to Dr. M, your oncologist, and Dr. K, your colon surgeon, and I had askedf them if I can be the one to call you regarding the results of your scans. I carefully reviewed the scans and compared it with the previous one. We can no longer identify the metastases in your liver or in your right axillary lymph node. It’s gone.”
I gripped the phone trying to absorb what he just told me.
“Gone?” I asked.
“Yes. Your cancer is gone. The lesions in your liver are gone or non-detectable.” he said.
A rush of emotions came over me while I still hear him explain the rest of the results. I felt tears falling as I absorb the significance of his words. Gone. Not identifiable. I could not believe it. I have conquered the beast again. I did it.
“Bo, let me add that it may not detectable but it does not mean it will not come back” Dr. B adds.
“I know Dr. B. I have been in this situation before in October 2008 when my PET scan result showed no recurrence of cancer but in came back a year later in November 2009. You, Dr. M, and Dr. K gave me my life back again. I know it can be taken away again but I am very grateful for your help. Thank you.” I replied.
He further explained what needs to happen and after we finish I woke up the wife who was sleeping prior to working her night shift. Dazed from sleep, I told my wife the result of my scan.
“It’s gone, hon. My cancer is gone. Dr. B called and it’s gone.” I said. After making sense of what I was trying to say and absorbing the impact of the news she cried in happiness. Oh my God, she said, it is a miracle. Indeed. We called up my Mom and brother in the Philippines. We told her the good news, then she wept in great thanks to God. I love you, Mom.
It is not always you are given your life back the second time around. I am a totally different person now. I know everybody has to die sooner or later but in my case, and those who still suffer from this dreaded disease, we know if we stop taking our chemo treatments or taking care of ourselves it will be sooner than the rest. So we savor each day given as a gift.
That’s it. Enjoy the day given. So, I laced up my running shoes, dressed to run, and headed out the door. I want to give thanks to God the way I know, when I am at peace with myself. I want to feel the fresh spring air in my lungs, the wind in my tearful face, and the soreness of my tired knees. Thank you, Lord. I love thee. I am different person thanks to You, and those of you who have prayed and supported me. That’s you, my friends and family. You have followed my ups and downs, my pain and recovery during treatments, and have given me encouragement when I most needed it. Thank you very much.
Easter is about rebirth, redemption, and salvation. I had an early start for my Easter. In behalf of my famly, I wish you and your family have a blessed Easter.
Cheers. Mazel tov.
PS: I am still going to keep my appointment with Dr. A, liver specialist, next week to hear his opinion. Lastly I leave you with this song from the late Jeff Buckley; Hallelujah. I was humming this while running.
b0 – that is just such WONDERFUL news!! – it’s all your Easters, birthdays and Christmases come at once.
‘Today is a gift’ – and I know you’ll make the most of it.
I’m SO, SO happy for you –
Cheers, MTS
hi tito (uncle)! been reading your blog, congratulations 🙂 super happy news! will let my folks know… 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Absolutely amazing post bO.
And such a beautiful song
hope you enjoyed that run!
Your news yesterday was so unbelievable. I was driving when I got the text so I had to be careful not to go off the road. I am not sure how to express how happy I am. I know you are destined for something big Bo. Hallelujah!!!
Happy Easter Bo!
That was all I was going to say in my note. I wanted to log on this Saturday before Easter and leave you a simple message…Happy Easter…and knew you would understand that simple message. However, I was amazed and surprised by your note my human mind could not fully prepare for those results they exceeded my prayers and thoughts …a miracle indeed…Let your will be done followed all my human requests/prayers. Let your will be done. I always say the more you pray the more miracles you will see and that is so true. A miracle indeed.
Happy Easter Bo!
Hi Bobet!
This is Kuya Momy. I received a text relaying the good news so Emmie checked out this blog. We are all very happy to know that you are well and able to enjoy every moment in your life again.
We are on our way to hear Easter Mass and will pray for your continued recovery. Happy Easter to you and your family!
Got a text from Queenie this morning with the good news.
Prayers answered! After a long suffering comes the miracle of resurrection…. to live again! Another miracle for you… this is indeed a Joyous Easter. We are all rejoicing and giving thanks for your rebirth.
You are always in our prayers. Happy Resurrection my dear cousin!
it is in these moments that God makes His presence more palpable than ever. we are happy to hear that you’re given another chance at life even though it’s still a long hurdle bec at any moment it can came back again. i am just happy that you and your family can enjoy a really blessed Easter.
This Easter is truly a special one for us. Hearing the news that the cancer is gone is really a miracle! Going to mass today, will thank the Lord for this great Easter gift! Would also like to take this opporunity to thank everyone who has helped my brother in his fight against cancer! We are truly grateful for all the support, prayers, you have all given him and his family! We will be forever grateful!
Hi Bo,
this is brilliant news!
All the best to you and your family!
Frank
There ae many, many people you have touched Bo, many. I’m glad to be one of them, in that, I can also, in some tiny part, share in the good news too, I am so happy for you, so happy. I go to sleep with a smile on my face tonight.
Lucy
fabulous news, Bo. words escape me, how to express my joy for you. but there are words…faith, hope, prayer, rebirth, miracle, joy, blessing…. i especially am grateful for your thoughts…enjoy every day… it should be so obvious but then it is so profound. take good care and bless you.
Bo,
I have just got back from a few days away in the south of Spain and I can’t say how overwhelmed I feel to read your news. I’m just amazed and so, so happy for you and your family.
Happy Easter!
Sally
x
Alleluja!
What wonderful news Bo…tomorrow I will run early and ponder this brilliant news…to live live life for the moment and treat each day as special seems to make so much more sense to me today…
God bless you and your family.
it was really a very good news, i also praying all through out as Irish friend, God bless you Bo…
Bo,
It will be an everlasting Easter this time. Let it be!
I’m so happy for you!