Medical Tests
It's now time for "me". Already set an appointment for the tests asked by my doctor. I have a 9AM and 3PM appointment. So, took a leave.
Went to
Makati Medical Center for the tests. What is worrying, the tests seems to have new findings from my previous test (although my 3PM test, I still have to get the result next Wednesday afternoon).
In my morning test, the diagnosis has something different about my uterus.
In my mammography, I was scanned twice (spot). That started me worrying. In my sonomammography, I can actually see what the doctor is typing. The common is cyst and hypoechoic. No problem. But the last, she typed retroareolar. Why?! The last time I saw a different comment during my procedure, I had to undergo biopsy.
I really don't want to have another biopsy, more so the Big C.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Since I was not able to attend the anticipated Mass yesterday, would do so today. Went to
Glorietta for the Mass.
Then, bought a discounted movie ticket for
Avengers: The Age of Ultron. But first, had lunch at
Bistro Ravioli.
The heroes must unite once more to save Earth from a rogue artificial intelligence--which was unleashed by Tony Stark whose intention is to protect earth for further alien invasion when he had a vision of the world's destruction. The actors seems they are having fun, and it shows. It's just that this movie sets-up the stage for the new members of Avengers.
Before proceeding home, bought a Chocolate Truffle (discounted) from
Sugarhouse.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Lately, feeling that my heart beats faster because of worrying, decided to buy a Blood Pressure Monitor. Searched the internet for its benefit. Made a logbook for the daily reading (which is necessary for one of my angels who has high blood pressure).
Aliwan Fiesta 2015
Didn't know that the
Aliwan Fiesta is today. Just heard it on the radio. Have to do something in the morning but decided still to go as the parade would start around 4PM.
Will have Mary join me (good excuse for my "angel" to get out of the house who's been taking care of Nana while Nana's niece has not yet arrived) and Edgar as our driver.
Before leaving the house, removed one of the screens in Nana's room (the nurse advised that the windows should be open) and the electric fan be directed towards the window. Know already all that because of my research via internet. Ventilation is important as safety precaution in case Nana's tuberculosis did recur. Also put my small fan by the window sill directed outside--an attempt to blow-out the air from Nana's room and provide an air flow.
Went to
Glorietta, had a quick lunch at
Food Choices, looked for a
baby monitor and found one at
True Value. I feel sorry for my Nana's niece who has to be always in Nana's room or have to check on her from time to time to see if Nana is already awake. This way, in case Nana is asleep, she can leave the room and just go back once awake. Lately, Nana does not want to be left alone.
Was picked-up at Glorietta and proceeded to the
Quirino Grandstand where the parade would start. First strolled where the floats are then proceeded to where the dancers are as they wait for the programme to start.
Then, went back to the grandstand to wait for the programme to start. When we had our fill, walked our way to
The Aristocrat where Mary and Edgar had
halo-halo and banana split for me.
Then went to
The Landmark to buy adult diaper, bread,
Nutella. Also bought a
Vornado air circulator at True Value to replace the fan placed in Nana's window sill.
PPD Test Result
Went to Makati Medical Center around lunch time for the result of my PPD test. It's NEGATIVE! Thank You, God!
Now, the problem with too much research (too many information), would it be possible that the result is false negative? They say that result is false negative if tuberculosis infection is recent (test conducted within 8 to 10 weeks of infection).
Good thing that our office's scheduled annual physical exam (APE) will be nearing. Should I observe the 8 to 10 weeks before I schedule my APE?
Discharge
Learned last night that Nana can be discharged today. Thought it will be Friday. So took a leave.
First time to do all the arrangements for Nana to be discharged. Really appreciated having an HMO. LOL
Was early at the hospital. Good thing the watcher of a patient from the other room advised me to have the billing updated. Hmm... Will do that but decided to drop by the PhilHealth representative we met at the Admitting Office. She explained to me what to do to get the discounts for PhilHealth and for Senior Citizen. Due to President Noynoy Aquino, all senior citizens are automatically members of PhilHealth. #ThumbsUp
I really wanted to talk to Nana's pulmonologist, although her lead doctor is the surgeon. We are actually just waiting for the surgeon to give a "go" signal for Nana to be discharged.
While waiting for the discharge order, started thinking and worrying again. Then I received an SMS saying:
"Our Lady of Lourdes had opened and closed her eyes several times today. Today begins the 90th anniversary of the Virgin Mary of Fatima. When you receive this message, say One Hail Mary and ask for special favor. Please send to 12 Catholic friends who you think deserve justice, peace, love, good health and prosperity. Do not break the Novena. Message from Fr. Thomas."
Is this Mama Mary's way of saying to me that everything will be all right?
Was able to meet Nana's surgeon and waited for the pulmonologist to do his rounds. He is quite easy to talk to and told him because of our talk last Saturday and the sore throat I have, it got me worried. Something to note, he is doing it for 20 years and he's still OK. And I look healthy! Hmmm... Will not miss out on my vitamin C.
And practiced what I have researched on the internet. All the car's windows should be open when we travel, with us all wearing masks.
As soon Nana is comfortable in her new room and bed (fixed Paolo's old room, bought new bed, put on my old TV with the ABS-CBN TVplus so that the signal will be good), went to the mall to buy more items (diaper, wipes, medicines) for Nana. The problem we have is who would inject Nana every other day. Vangie (who is on vacation) was able to help.
Note to self: Renew the Elite Card from Insular Health Care for my angels.
PPD Test
Talking to Nana's pulmonologist really have me worried. Consulted with our company's doctor and was advised to do PPD test. Although, she explained about latent and active, given that I have shown her the result of my chest x-ray which I took last July 2014.
Decided to go to
Makati Medical Center to take the test. But I was really cold (due to worry). Was deciding in the morning whether to take the test or not until decided to do so. Whenever I think about the possibility of tuberculosis, I feel my heart beating so fast. Why the worry? Nana and I share the same room.
Will get the result on Thursday. Hope that it will be negative.
Worry
Was advised that Nana's pulmonologist wanted to talk to me. So went to
San Juan de Dios Hospital to see him. He's very good as he explained to us Nana's status. Even gave his opinion about Nana's operation. But what started me worrying is about
tuberculosis (TB). We knew that Nana's operation was put on hold due to pulmonary hypertension. But tuberculosis? Nana and I share the same room. What if I caught the bacteria? What is really worrying is that Nana used to have TB; and if she did not complete it, it can recur and maybe hard to cure. And the strain she might infect will be the same. I pray that it is not TB else many in our household might already be infected.
Then went to
Pet Express to buy Tsubasa's dog food. Went to
The Landmark to buy more items for Nana (adult diaper, adult wipes, Goldilocks mamon). But Vangie, Edgar and I first had lunch at The Landmark's food court. Then we went to Mercury Drug to buy surgical mask (for Nana and her niece), surgical gloves. Vangie and Edgar will be bringing back the items to the hospital.
Originally, we were planning that Nana sleep in the
sala (we do not have a bedroom downstairs) as it is easier for her to get around while she is recovering. Also will have a bed made for her because the sofa is leatherette and is rather hot when you lay down. But with the possibility of TB, decided that she would be staying in Paolo's old room. Vangie supervised its cleaning and already asked Dodong to make the bed.
Since I have an old TV, will bring it to that room. Decided to buy the
ABS-CBN TVplus so that the TV will have good local reception. I wonder, aside from the fan, is an air cooler advisable for a person with TB? From what I read (and believe me, been searching the internet about it), good ventilation is necessary. The air flow should not be from the patient to the caregiver.
Was planning to watch
The Duff. Unfortunately, I was 30 minutes late to the screening I wanted for I do not want to be late for the anticipated Mass. So, just window-shopped.
Attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
Bistro Ravioli.
During the Mass, I started worrying as I feel I suddenly have a sore throat that has a phlegm. And what is surprising, the priest who gave his blessing before he ended the Mass said that there are people in the congregation who looks OK but actually have problems worrying them. Is it God's way of saying to me that everything would be OK?
Confinement
Finally, my Nana's relatives arrived last Monday. Two of them left for Bicol yesterday, leaving one. Now, I can have Nana brought to the hospital. Needed at least one of her relatives with her in case after the tests, she will be operated on.
So took a leave and asked to be brought to
San Juan de Dios Hospital. This is to ensure a room will be available for Nana and be admitted. Originally planned for semi-private room (two beds in one room), but thinking of Nana's relative who would look after her, decided a private room. But when I explained to Admitting Nana's condition, she said that in case the operation will push thru, a certain type of bed must be used--and it is not possible in a regular private room; but, possible for a semi-private room.
Finally, advised those at home to bring Nana to the hospital. They arrived at the hospital around 10AM. Room 428B. Several tests has to be done and they brought the equipment (ECG, X-Ray, etc.) in Nana's room.
Went home for lunch and went to
The Landmark to buy some items for the hospital (portable battery-operated radio, additional adult diaper, adult wipes, cup noodles, Goldilocks pastry). Nana's relative is afraid to go out of the room as she might get lost. Was supposed to show her where the hospital's cafeteria was.
After, went directly to the hospital with my purchases. They wanted a thermos to keep the hot water, plus dishwashing soap and sponge, plus Nana's milk. So went to
SM Mall of Asia where I was able to buy the items. Will bring it later after dinner as the driver needs to pick-up my nephew in his office.
After dinner, went back to the hospital. Tomorrow, we will know if Nana will be cleared. If yes, she will get operated on on Friday. Pray that everything will be OK.
Chronicles Salon
My hair-pampering day.
But first, breakfast of Eggs Ben at
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
The salon I often went to has changed management. From
H&M Salon to
Chronicles Salon. But my stylist is still there. There is a revamp as only a few from H&M were retained. The new owner has her own set of stylist, etc.
After, went to
The Landmark to buy the surge protector (when setting-up the new printer, learned that my old surge protector is already defective), and a unit with five-minute delay (in case of power interruption, the unit will not allow current to pass thru until five-minutes wherein power should already be stable) for the refrigerator and freezer. At least, this would protect the appliances.
Had a Mongolian bowl lunch at
Food Choices, bought a ream of copy paper at
National Bookstore then proceeded home.
Spongebob
Will pick-up the printer that is a trade-in for my
Canon MP500, which can no longer be repaired. My new printer is the
Canon MG7570. Dropped the unit at home (will "play" with it later when I set it up); then, was dropped off at
Glorietta.
The only movie being shown that I have not watched is
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water. But first had lunch at
Bistro Ravioli.
Bikini Bottom went apocalyptic when the secret Krabby Patty formula disappears. It is up to Spongebob and friends to look for the stolen formula. Hmm... guess Spongebob fans would love the movie; but, am no Spongebob fan.
After the movie, ticked-off items on my shopping list (matches, candle container, Genteal drops, Caltrate Plus). Attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
Wee Nam Kee. While eating dinner, Vangie called and advised me that (finally) Nana's niece would be coming over. It's been several days of exchanges to ask that one of them come over (heard several excuses). Will send money to them for their transportation fee. Need one of Nana's relatives to be around in case there is an operation. According to the doctor who looked at Nana yesterday, if she did not get operated on, she would no longer be able to walk. Several tests will be conducted to check if she can go under the knife. Estimate given by the doctor is around PhP200,000.00.
Back home, started setting-up my new printer. Pretty cool as I don't need cable to do my printing needs. c",)
Holiday
Last Tuesday, Kuya Gilbert, my doctor cousin, saw the x-ray of Nana and advised that Nana should be brought to an orthopaedic. He also gave a medicine for the pain (stronger than what I asked Nana to take).
Today is the schedule of Nana to go to the Orthopaedic. We called before at the National Orthopaedic in Quezon City and was advised to look within our area as it would not be advisable for the patient to travel far.
Already researched via internet the hospitals that have Orthopaedics--
Pasay General Hospital,
Manila Sanitarium and
San Juan de Dios Hospital. Called the Manila Sanitarium and was told that the doctor assigned in the morning advised that he/ she would not be coming in. Will try again if the doctor in the afternoon will report for work. For the meantime, called San Juan de Dios Hospital. No doctors available.
So left the house and bought fruits for Nana and
arinola at
The Landmark. We have a chair made with a hole in it so that if she needs to go, she doesn't have to be carried far to go to the comfort room. Asked the driver to bring the items home.
Then have lunch at
Food Choices, looked for a credit card case (found one at
SM Makati), and decided to buy an electric fan. The electric fan at home is being used by Nana. The new one is for the rest of the room.
Was back home by 2PM.
Oh! Manila Sanitarium's afternoon doctor also did not report for work.
Easter Mass
As advised by my cousin who is a doctor, he told me to have Nana x-rayed and SMS him the result. I already arranged yesterday for this. Dodong would go to the x-ray lab, which is in-front of
Pasay General Hospital, to see if it is open. If it is open, SMS Edgar, the driver, to go to the house so that he can drive Nana to the x-ray lab. Dodong and Edgar will carry Nana with Mary tagging along. Told them to have Nana sit on the mono-block chair when they carry her. This is to ensure she will not be moved too much. The result of the x-ray will be available tomorrow. According to Dodong, the x-ray lab is open and was advised to be there by 10:30AM.
And for me, went to
Don Bosco Parish Church to attend the 10AM Easter Mass. After the Mass, Viber-ed the house to ask if the x-ray has been completed. Was advised that it so. Instead of riding a jeepney to
Glorietta, decided to walk for my 10,000 steps.
Had lunch at the food court of The Landmark. Then, wanted to watch a movie. Decided to watch the 12 noon screening of
You're My Boss. (Wanted to be back to the house before 3PM.) Since it is 15 minutes before the start of the movie and still have to walk my way to the cinema, bought ticket via
mPass.
A romance/comedy movie about a domineering boss and a laid back assistant that has to switch places to win a very important client over. Well, those around me are making
kilig. Hehehe!
Back home, Nana told me that she was advised by the lab tech not to try to stand but just rest. Hmmm... there must be a fracture.
Kaput
Our usual yearly swimming is often scheduled during Easter. But due to Typhoon Chedeng (and upon checking from different weather forecast websites), moved it on Black Saturday. But because of what happened to Nana, who until now cannot walk due to pain, rescheduled the swimming.
So, back to my usual haunt of watching a movie and mall-ing. But there will be no anticipated Mass today since it is Black Saturday.
Upon arriving at the mall, bought discounted movie ticket for
Fast & Furious 7. Since still have time before my movie, went looking for a portable vacuum cleaner. My old one is no longer working (how come my gadgets/ appliances keeps "retiring"?). Read the instructions on how to clean my new air-conditioner. Needs a vacuum cleaner for it. I usually just make
pagpag. Hehehe!
Had lunch at
Food Choices before my movie.
The crew of Dom have to fight off international terrorist while looking for a powerful computer program that can be used as a weapon. This in exchange for tracking a rouge British agent who is out to kill Dom and his crew to revenge his brother. Fast. Full of action. Fun. But most of all, a touching goodbye for one of their family, Paul Walker.
After the movie, bought groceries and went back to
True Value to buy the vacuum cleaner. Before going home, had dinner at
Bistro Ravioli.
Good Friday
Mary woke me up and was informed that Nana fell because her dog, Terrence, a mix of labrador and local dog, hit her making her fall. Provided her an ice bag (within 24 hours, it should be cold compress; after 24 hours, hot compress). Also, a
hilot came to the house. Was told no bones were broken. Good!
Then, the usual street senakulo passed-by near our house. It is a play of Jesus' passion done on the street. It is also an act of sacrifice by the performers for doing this under the heat of the sun.
Last night, received the following message in Viber:
"Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a Rosary on the same day!
We have an example in October of 1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians! So, on GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the world and the return of moral values into our communities.
If possible, please pray your Rosary between Noon and 3:00 PM. Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists. Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence, for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year. God bless us all!
Did you also know that when you are about to forward this message, Satan will try to discourage you? Forward it anyway and help hasten the triumph of Mother Mary!
Send this to your prayerful friends and see how the Holy Spirit works! Please pass."
Also, received this SMS from Bro. Edwin of Green Faith Travels:
"We join you in prayer today for our salvation. You may also pray this prayer 33 times between 1-3pm for your personal intentions and needs:
"'Oh, sweet Jesus, I humbly beseech Thee, by the merits of Thy Precious Blood and by Thy Divine Heart and through the intercession of Thy cruel death, to assist me in my pressing necessity. Amen.'"
Holy Wednesday
Last working day for the week as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are declared a holiday.
During Holy Wednesday, there is often a procession of images passing-by in-front of our house showing Jesus' Passion. The people joining the procession, on the other hand, are praying the rosary.
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| Judas Iscariot's kiss and betrayal of Jesus |
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| Scourging at the pillar |
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| Crowning with thorns |
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| Carrying of the Cross |
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
First time I saw a Black Nazarene procession on a Holy Tuesday. The people stopped right in-front of our house to rest a bit in carrying the image. Weird... all of them wanted to carry the image that it is causing a commotion. Until one of them stood up and reminded them that they are not in Quiapo and told the younger ones to let those senior to them carry the image instead. Because of it, one can only think that they did not really get what the purpose of the procession is for. Tsk! Tsk!
