Monday, April 29, 2013

A Rollercoaster Ride

Sorry, it's been a while.  I meant to do a post earlier but things have been busy, busy, busy...

First, the good news....Buddy was discharged from the hospital last Friday....literally just in time for us to take him home... 


...because we had to go to the airport to pick up the kids...


...and have a wonderful family reunion that only last week we never even thought we would have!


We had an impromptu dinner party complete with fortune cookies (requested by the girls) and thought these were very apt...

Bud's said: "Accept what you cannot change, and you will feel better."

Mike's said: "Others admire your caring qualities."

Most of Saturday was uneventful -- Bud was able to come down twice to join us for meals and hang out when John came over.


But just as we were about to go to bed, around 10PM, Bud comes from the bathroom to report some bleeding. He was feeling fine but I asked him to text Ruffy to be sure. Not wanting a repeat of last week, Ruffy insisted on a midnight trip to the ER to make sure everything was ok. We waited for the labs to come back (all within normal for Bud) and were back home around 2AM on Sunday. Whew!

Bud was starting to feel really down about having to check-in the hospital again, after only one night at home, so we were glad that we didn't have to do that.  We had to wake up early though, because we had an 8:30AM chemo appt.  The rest of Sunday went perfectly and it was great to be able to go to Mass as a family again.

Today is Monday, Apr. 29.  It is hard to believe that we have only been here in the US for 3 weeks.  We have medical appts scheduled everyday this week ...dialysis, Mayo, chemo...but we can do this...because God has provided for everything for us to do so.

When I think about all that has happened so far, and imagine this happening to almost anybody else I know, I don't need to ask "Why us?"...because who else would have the perfect combination of resources and support that we have, to weather this through?  

How awesome is it that...
  • Bud's parents live in MN, close enough to the Mayo Clinic?
  • Bud has a cousin, Ruffy, who is a doctor living in MN?
  • I have 4 unmarried siblings and my mom available to care for my kids when we left?
  • My sister is a doctor in Manila?
  • My sister had exactly this week free to take the kids here?
  • The kids are US citizens so visas were not an issue to get them here asap?
  • We have the resources to get the kids here?
  • Bud has the best big brother ever, who flew straight from Paris to MN the moment he heard that Bud was in the ICU and has been such a big help in every way possible?
  • Bud's best friends are nearby, ready to cheer him up...and the kids too?
  • So many, many people are praying for us right now (I see the blog stats and am amazed at how many views it has gotten)?

I am sure there are so many more that I have forgotten to list, and I am thankful for those too.  Right now, we are learning to take things one day at a time, one step at a time...hoping that the rollercoaster ride ends and it will be smooth-going soon...

Ria
Posted by at

30 comments:

  1. STApril 29, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    So, true. Take one day at a time and let God be in control. We are still praying for you. God will do the rest. .. Sheila T.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DinahApril 29, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Its great to hear you guys feeling well and discussing all your blessings...we continue to storm the heavens with prayers...keep your faith in him..and tell buds we miss him - butch, dinah

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 29, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    One day at a time, and smooth-going soon. That is my wish and prayer too for you, Ri. Gratitude is an amazing thing. I am so happy that the kids are finally there. Hoping to visit you guys one day too. Meantime, know that you are all always in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all, Buda

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 29, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    How awesome it is that Buddy has you!
    Lovefrom us back home!
    Leah

    ReplyDelete
  5. FlorenceApril 29, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Hi Ria, great to hear from you on this Blog again. Have you heard about the Wudwig Diet? I read from the internet it cures Cancer by helping the body to correct DNA and produce good cells only.. Please take a look and see if it worths to give it a try!
    http://www.budwigcenter.com/

    From Florence - Buddy's colleague from Hong Kong

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousApril 29, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    Get well soon Armando!
    Our prayers for your quick recovery.
    --Rod A.--

    ReplyDelete
  7. verdiyahApril 29, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    Praying for you and your family.
    Cecille Pinky Knapp
    formerly GSOL

    ReplyDelete
  8. Alex BoomeApril 29, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    WE appreciate the update as we all are here concerned, caring and positive. Alex and the Hinrich foundation family (really the younger sibling of Global Sources!) Alex

    ReplyDelete
  9. anna luceroApril 30, 2013 at 12:57 AM

    Get well soon, Buddy! So great to hear all the positive updates from Ate Ria =) Stay strong, we are praying for you -jumbo&anna

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 1:47 AM

    The strength of your spirits and will is inspiring, Armando. You and your family are in my thoughts.

    Jing Palad (worked with you at GSOL, IM)

    ReplyDelete
  11. ChristmasApril 30, 2013 at 5:42 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristmasApril 30, 2013 at 5:48 AM

      I pray you get well soon, Armando.... God bless you and your family....

      I was under you in GSOL's web team...
      Take good care,
      Tina (Bonoan)

      Delete
  12. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 9:47 AM

    hey Armando,

    jasper here, great to hear that you are finally out of the hospital. know that all of you are in our prayers. take care!

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 10:39 AM

    Hi Armando and Ria,

    Thanks for sharing your journey with us. You are one of the most inspiring couple I know. Stay strong and keep the faith. It is obvious that God is with you every step of the way so I am sure you will emerge victorious -- healthier and stronger than before!

    You are in the prayers of so many people. Even our church in Las Pinas, where my husband is an associate pastor, is praying for you.

    Carmela delos Santos (GS Manila)

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    Hi Armando,
    I learned in this blog that you are "one in a million", you must be special. :)
    I can see in your smile that God is taking care of you, that makes you even more special than anyone else. Thanks for sharing your family's journey. Through this blog, LOVE multiplies,
    and that is GOD's highest purpose in you. :)

    God bless you and your family, will include you in my prayers.

    Ciel Palacio
    (formerly GSOL)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 11:09 AM

      and here's one for you too

      "Be strong and courageous.
      Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.
      He will not leave you or forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

      ciel

      Delete
  15. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    Our prayers for your fast and healthy recovery Armando.
    - Bernard B.-

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 10:24 PM

    We are all praying for you and your family, Armando. God bless you, your wife and the kids, and keep you in His embrace always.

    If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

    Len [GS Manila office]

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMay 1, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    Get well soon Armando!
    Praying for your speedy recovery.

    -Dheil Corona

    ReplyDelete
  18. MickeeMay 1, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Hi Ria, I've known you for a long time and admired all your scrapbook layouts. My husband knows Buddy because he used to work for Global Sources. I am in awe of both your strength and resilience during this time. Know that I will include you in our prayers. Tight hugs to you both!

    - Mickee

    ReplyDelete
  19. chuckaMay 1, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    Hey Armando,

    My prayers go out to you from Canada! I have so much admiration for the strength and courage you are showing and hope that if it were me, I would have even a fraction. It is shocking how life's priorities can change so rapidly.
    Chuck A

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownMay 2, 2013 at 3:34 AM

    Buddy, so sorry to hear about this. We will be praying for your strength and recovery.

    Ria, please know that we are pulling for all of you. -Paul Arcenas

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousMay 2, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    Hi Armanda,

    It was a shock for me to learn of this today as I wasn't at the Hong Kong CSF in April and had no idea you weren't there too. You have such an amazing fighting spirit - which I think is so important in times like this. All the best to your full recovery.

    - Chern Chern

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sasha FarinaMay 2, 2013 at 4:47 AM

    i am always... thinking and praying for all of you there Ria. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownMay 2, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    God bless your family! Stay strong and keep the faith.

    You are always in our prayers...

    - the Africas (VJ, Anna, Rafa, Roni, and Jamie)

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownMay 2, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    Hi Armando,

    "My spirits are great!" - a very encouraging statement - keep this up!
    Kids look great and have the same branded smiles like both of you (Ria & You)!

    People in HK missed you and good to hear your update instantly. Friends in my church also pray for you, they are great prayers! I told them that you are a good guy. Without you, I can't be so flexible on my family, work and other matters!

    Let's have great spirits all the time.

    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousMay 2, 2013 at 9:09 AM

    Armando, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Cecile [Manila-Editorial]

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousMay 3, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    Hi Armando and Ria,

    Your strength, courage and faith are an inspiration to many, me included. You and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. Come back healthy, come back whole.

    Macy (GS Manila Editorial)

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousMay 7, 2013 at 11:25 PM

    Hi Armando and Ria;

    HF team members across Asia are thinking of you and saying prayers for you! Your spirits will make you WIN.

    We are looking forward to seeing you and hearing your jokes in Vietnam (at Korean restaurant) soon...

    Blessing!
    HF team

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousMay 25, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Dear Buddy,
    I am glad that you are having more days that are good than bad. I pray for you all the time, twice a day, morning and evening. And Ellen does too. We are happy that you are responding to the medication. Hopefully, you will be in complete remission and rid of the problem forever. We love you. Rene and Ellen Baylon

    ps: Say hello to your Mom and Dad for us. We know they are very busy. They are also in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)