Day 307: Graduation.

I apologize for going silent on this blog for a while, but sometimes no news is good news? Hopefully I haven’t worried you.

I’ve actually had very little need to continue updating this blog in recent weeks because Dad has been well enough to stay in touch with friends and family himself, so I’ll consider it a good thing that I’ve been able to keep quiet. ;)

In this case, I’m posting about good news. Great news, actually. It’s been two months since my last post, and I know that because today marks the day my dad completed his classes to become a certified Senior Peer Counselor for San Mateo County.

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(I will share more photos in a future post, but we’ve misplaced the cord for the camera.)

For the last two months, Dad has been attending 3-hour classes twice a week to complete this certification program. And meanwhile, he has continued with his chemotherapy treatments with only a short break so that he could visit our family in Chicago for a weekend and celebrate his brother’s birthday there.

His health has remained in good condition and he continues to “make chemo look easy” as his nurses have said in the past. He had a CAT/CT scan two weeks ago and Dr. Huang has confirmed that the results were also stable, so there is no reason to make changes to the treatment Dad’s on.

We appreciate the continued prayers and the warm thoughts that we’re often sent. Please continue to keep Dad in mind.

2013
06/04
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Day 244: What Makes My Dad Awesome.

I see my dad in such a different light now. Every day, he amazes me with his strength, his faith, his positivity, his humor. Everything.

Last night, I learned something even more awesome about him. Yesterday, my dad went to an orientation to find out how to become a certified counselor in San Mateo County. Beginning next week, he will be spending half a day on Mondays and Tuesdays helping to counsel people who are ill, depressed, and/or troubled.

If my dad were depressed himself, I don’t think any of us would blame him. These last few months have certainly not been easy for any of us, especially him. But to think that he has found the inspiration to help other people amidst all of this… I can’t even find the words.

But I am glad. He is the best source of inspiration that I could think of. Hands down.

2013
04/03
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Day 237: Clarification.

It appears that information I shared in my last post was misinterpreted and has spread like wildfire.

In other news, my niece and nephew’s mom (Michelle) just wrapped up her cancer treatment on Wednesday after just about 6 months. She was undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation, and still served as a point of encouragement and inspiration for me and my dad.

As stated, Michelle is the mother of my niece (Allison) and nephew (Aaron). They live here in California.

My post did not have anything to do with Michelle Merced (my cousin) or her mother (Tita Melly), who live in Illinois.

Just wanted to clarify. :)

2013
03/26
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Day 233: Chemo Cycle #6, Week #2.

Today we’re wrapping up the last leg of Dad’s 6th chemo cycle. He really could handle these appointments on his own. Even the nurses say he’s got his routine down!

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I just don’t like the idea of him being alone. Plus, it’s our time to catch-up and gossip. And eat, of course.

Dr. Huang is concerned about his blood sugar level. Apparently, not only does sugar stimulate the growth of cancer, but it also can contribute to an infection. That was the first we’d heard of that, so we’re going to have to try and get his sugar back down to a manageable range.

Outside of that, he’s still handling the treatment well. His liver counts are back in the abnormal range, so there is some concern from his oncologist, but nothing that he’d call surprising. With the cancer where it is, this is all expected from a medical perspective. We’re just hoping that the treatment continues to hold the growth and spreading of the cancer at bay.

In other news, my niece and nephew’s mom (Michelle) just wrapped up her cancer treatment on Wednesday after just about 6 months. She was undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation, and still served as a point of encouragement and inspiration for me and my dad. Please pray for continued health for her, and strength for her and the family!

2013
03/22
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Day 226: Chemo Cycle #6, Week #1.

Today Dad started his 6th cycle of chemo, which means it’s been four months now that he’s been going through treatment. Overall, he is still doing very well. No major side effects which we are thankful for. Dr. Huang told him that he could stop taking the diuretics, but after just a week without them, Dad said he felt more sickly, tired, and weak. He’s resumed taking them for now and it has seemed to help.

The metallic taste that he’s been battling with since before he even started chemo still comes and goes, but seems to be coming more frequently. His appetite also fluctuates, but he is really good about eating anyway, or eating various things to see if something else might taste better.

We are just thankful that he continues to push himself to eat because we know it’s important in keeping him strong.

On April 25th, he will meet with Dr. Huang again to see how the chemotherapy treatment is progressing. Please continue to say prayers for us. They are much appreciated!

2013
03/15
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Day 205: Chemo Cycle #5, Week #1.

Hi all. Yes, we kicked off Dad’s 5th chemo cycle today after meeting with Dr. Huang yesterday. Although we were hoping to take a little break from treatment for a while, we are very happy that the doctor is pleased with how treatment is going.

According to his oncologist, Dad used to have a lot of fluid in his gastric area. He was afraid that the fluid would eventually aid in the spreading of his cancer to other parts of his body. His CT/CAT scan from last week shows that the fluid is gone! The tumor itself is the same size… hasn’t gotten smaller, but also hasn’t gotten bigger! We’re hoping that the continued treatment will now directly affect the tumor especially now being rid of all the fluid.

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We consider this good news and we are thankful for the continued prayers and love for our family. If you wouldn’t mind, please say prayers for my friends Eirish and Ron as well.

Eirish’s dad is in the Philippines and has been in and out of the hospital for several weeks. He currently has been showing signs of improvement, but it wasn’t long ago that his circumstances didn’t look so good. Ron’s mom is in the hospital and is currently in a coma state, though now breathing on her own. Please pray for continued improvement and full recovery for both as well as for strength and faith for my friends.

2013
02/22
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Day 191: Chemo Cycle #4, Week #2.

I thought today would be Dad’s last chemo session for a while since we have an appointment with the oncologist in 2 weeks. We left the infusion center with two more sessions to begin on Friday, 2/22. We’ll check with the oncologist and make sure that this is what he wants Dad to do. I was sort of hoping that he’d get a little break from treatment for a while to let his body recuperate and so that he can regain some strength.

His veins could use a break, too. Each week it seems to get harder for the nurses to find a cooperative vein. It took two nurses and three attempts today. We are so thankful for the staff at the Orchid Center. They’ve all been so great to us, making sure Dad is always comfortable. Despite our initial concerns with how Kaiser was treating my dad’s case, the treatment he’s gotten for chemotherapy has exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t ask for better people there.

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Dad still hasn’t had any major side effects from the chemotherapy. His appetite has changed a bit. Not as hungry at specific times of the day, but rather eats small meals and snacks throughout the day. He always seems to have a big appetite immediately following chemo, so it’s become routine for us to go out to a nice (and heavy!) lunch of his choice. Today we had sizzling soft shell crab and bulalo (a Filipino beef & bone marrow stew). Not too shabby, huh? ;)

Now… I guess I’ll take this time to say that we have been grieving the 49ers Superbowl loss in our house. It still hurts. :(

We were all rooting for them, even Miss Bailey.

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They did a great job this season and we are so proud of them! We are confident that there’s a 49ers Superbowl victory in our future!

2013
02/08
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Day 190: In Memory of Edmund.

We learned today that the cancer battle of a dear family friend of ours has ended, and he now rests peacefully and painlessly.

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It wasn’t until my dad was diagnosed in August that we found out Edmund had stage 4 cancer that started in his lungs but had spread to his brain, liver, and spine. When he was diagnosed, the doctors had expected him to have just a month left, but he fought through it and shared well over a year with his family and friends.

Edmund, today we remember you for the kind man you were, for the sense of humor you always had, and for the family man you were to your wife, children, and grandchildren. In many ways, you remind me of my dad because while I was growing up, you didn’t often have many words, but when you did, they would make people smile and laugh. Those of us who no longer get to see you and touch you will grieve together, but we are comforted to know that you no longer need to fight and that we will see you again.

Heartfelt prayers and lots of love to the Ucol family. Together, we find our strength in Him.

The image above was borrowed from Edmund’s Facebook profile picture.

2013
02/07
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Day 184: Chemo Cycle #4, Week #1.

It’s hard to believe that Dad’s only got one more session of chemo scheduled before it’s time to meet with Dr. Huang and probably run all the scans again to see how Dad is responding to his treatment.

As much as we love the staff at the Orchid Center, as much as Dad and I enjoy our “days off”, as much as we look forward to where we will have our next post-chemo lunch, I think we would also be very happy with news that he can take a break from chemo for a while to let his body rest and recuperate.

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If he is granted a break from chemo, I may have to subscribe to TFC so he can follow his favorite shows that he watches when in the infusion center!

Please keep the prayers coming. We are confident that Dad continues to be well because of your thoughts, prayers, love, and support.

2013
02/01
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Day 175: We’re Going to the Superbowl!

Okay, okay… WE aren’t going to the Superbowl, but our San Francisco 49ers are!!! Thank you non-fans for rooting for the Niners in honor of Dad. I am convinced it helped! ;)

This picture is a re-post from the Green Bay game, but I couldn’t help it. We’re just one more (BIG) game away from our 6th Superbowl championship! By the way, did you know that the 49ers have never went to a Superbowl without winning?? A little fun fact for you. We are praying that statistic lives on!

Dad is doing well after his treatment on Friday. He has had some restlessness while sleeping, so he takes more frequent naps during the day when he can. He also had a slight fever yesterday, but took a Tylenol before bed and his temperature was back in normal range this morning.

All in all, things are still going well! Dad doesn’t have chemo this week, but will be getting his booster shots on Thursday and Friday. I am hoping those help him feel even better.

2013
01/23
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As many know, I've been providing most of my Dad's real-time updates on Facebook, but understanding that some of you do not have a Facebook account, I have created this blog that includes photos and updates on my dad's journey.
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