New Hope

For these past days, things have become more difficult to my aunt as she started to care for my uncle Manny who has cancer. He is not yet bed-ridden but Uncle Manny has become irritable and he gets very angry to the littlest of things. He also becomes very, very quiet sometimes. This is very different from the Uncle Manny I used to know. He used to be very jolly; he doesn't frown and most especially, doesn't shout. This is understandable given the circumstances.

All these things are taking their toll on my aunt. She seems to be the one carrying all the burden. She takes care of everything -- the family needs, the finances, my uncle's medical needs, etc. Aside from all the problems, she also has her own grief to take care of. She couldn't even cry openly because she doesn't want her husband to think that she's losing hope. She is like the shock absorber in the family.

Last week, when we heard the doctor, we were in a rush to start uncle Manny's chemotherapy to "buy him another three months". Fortunately, their doctor friend in Canada is not in agreement to the plan. He advised us to either have more tests done or get a second opinion. We opted for a second opinion.

Yesterday, Uncle Manny and Aunt Lorie talked to another doctor and her diagnosis gave us a little more hope. She said that according to tests, the cancer has not spread to the bones yet and it is not yet stage 4 but 3. Uncle Manny will still undergo chemo but on lighter doses. He would weaken a bit but he would still be able to do his normal routine everyday. There is still a big possibility of the tumor to get smaller and for it to be removed through surgery. Thank God!

Uncle Manny is still in danger but these new findings gave us new hope. We continue to cling to this hope and trust God that my uncle would still be healed.

I thank everyone who has been praying with us. May you continue to be with us in prayer as we await God's plan unfold through this.