MUSTS

It has been months or maybe almost a year now since that time when I still religiously updated this blog. I still do try to come over as often as I possibly could but the past years (2015-2016) have been a whole lot to handle which has caused me to set Tumblr aside and focus on other important matters in my life. 

Last year, I made this post about my sister going through operation (April 2015) because of a cystic growth on her ovary. Fortunately, the operation went successful and my sister is now back to completely being her happy, healthy, old self. On June of the same year, our closest cousin passed away due to complications on her recurring medical condition. Although we knew it was inevitable, it was still so sudden for us as we didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I still truly miss her to this day. </3

2016...

It was late January of this year when we found out that my father has colorectal cancer. He’d be the last person you’d expect to get cancer because he’s very active and works really hard as a teacher and engineer. Aside from the “cancer bomb” we also found out that there was very little possibility that the doctors could still connect his large intestine (due to the tumor being so close to the anal opening) which meant that my father might have to have colostomy (which means he cannot remove his bowel normally but have it through a colostomy bag attached to his abdomen). 

Last February, he had the surgery to have the tumor removed and despite it being a very complicated surgery, the surgeon still managed to connect the large intestine successfully. No colostomy. But with a very complicated surgery meant a more expensive bill. Although that was really “painful” to our pockets, we tried to brush it off because what mattered to us was the favorable result of my father’s operation. 

Last March, my father had to start his cancer treatment. The doctor advised that he undergo a 28-day radiation therapy before proceeding with the chemotherapy. Everything was going well despite the expensive fees. But on the 2nd week of April, just 2 days after my sister’s birthday, it was found out that the cancer cell started to affect the liver as well. This meant that my father had to start his chemotherapy right away while still undergoing radiation therapy. 

That news has and is still taking a massive toll on our family. Right now, we are at the very edge of exhausting our financial resources due to having to perform both chemo and radiation therapy at the same time. With everything that we have and are going through, we are just trying our best to remain positive despite the emotional, physical, psychological and financial stress.

As a sister, it was very hard to see my sister cry on her birthday because of all the stress. And as a daughter and daddy’s girl, seeing my mother and father cry was the worst and most heartbreaking moment in my life. The only reason I see my mother cry is when watching a really sad/touching movie. And I almost never see my father cry. But at that very moment, seeing them cry at the same time...it just crushes you.

Every day, I try my best to find a reason to smile and be positive. Honestly, it is not the easiest thing and I always struggle. My father’s birthday will be on the 3rd week of May and I really don’t know how that will go.

With all that being said, I cannot assure that I will constantly update this blog. But I will definitely try my best to do so at least once a day/week. We’ll see.

Also, any kind of support will be very much appreciated. May it be through prayers, messages or even financial help. Our family needs all the help we can get. 

I am very hesitant to put up a gofundme or anything of that sort because I really don’t know if it is something any of you would be open to and I really feel bad for asking strangers for help. But if you would be interested please let me know. 

Again, let me thank you for being with me for the past days/months/years. My Tumblr journey has definitely been a blast. Although, I may not be around much, I will always come back. I may not be able to update this as much as I could, this will be with me. And even when I may not be able to talk/interact with you guys that much, you will all forever be in my heart. Cheesy, I know...but I really, genuinely appreciate all the time we’ve shared our passion in nature, travel and animals. 

I’d like share this “achievement” with you, even when it’s a little late. (April 5, 2016)