Week 3 (8 Sep - 14 Sep)

08 Saturday

Administered his first dose of morphine just after midnight due to difficulty in breathing after being advised by the hospice staff. Also raised up the bed's head which helped him breathe easier. Had a good night's sleep but woke up dizzy and nauseated due to the morphine's side effects. Gave him some water to relieve the dryness in his mouth and then he went back to sleep. Woke up around 9:00 still complaining about dizziness but was able to eat breakfast and take his medication. Felt better after having lunch and watched the Wowowee game show. Slept afterwards, had supper and then watched Band of Brothers.

09 Sep Sunday

Got up feeling a lot better than yesterday and used the walker to go to the bathroom. Took his morning pills, had breakfast and then watched the US Open. Friends from the Fil-Am group came to visit after church and was able to carry on with the conversation. Had good appetite all day but just stayed in bed watching football and was disappointed when the Oakland Raiders lost. Showed some more improvement by being able to change positions (side to side) by himself; only complaint for the day was the pain in his left elbow.

10 Sep Monday

A very busy and hectic day for everyone due to the day's activities in preparation for the trip to Las Vegas/San Diego: terminating the hospice service, getting the U-Haul truck and minivan, getting the medical records from the hospital, setting up medical service for Las Vegas and acquiring sufficient oxygen bottles for the trip. We opted to drive vice flying due to the various requirements in bringing on board a portable oxygen supply. The minivan has comfortable seats and we can always stop to rest. Cesar was in good spirits the whole day though he really felt bad about not being able to help out. We decided to leave the next day because the van wasn't available until 8 pm. plus we still had to finish loading up the truck. Finally called it a day/night at 2 am. Cesar stayed up late also insisting that we rest up for the trip.

11 Sep Tuesday

Our departure time was delayed again because we had to request for additional oxygen bottles and finally left around noontime. We had a mini-convoy: Leanne in front driving the minivan with her mom and dad on board, John-C driving the Galant with me taking up the rear with the huge U-Haul truck towing a car transport with John-C's car on it. We had to stop 4 times to adjust Cesar's position and keeping the oxygen bottles in place. He started riding in the middle row seat and ended up moving to the front so that the seat can be fully reclined. The trip was very uncomfortable for him because he kept on sliding down but he just gritted his teeth and endured the discomfort. We arrived about 10 pm and Mila/family were already there waiting with dinner ready. Proceeded to unload the truck first because the freezer has been unplugged for over a day and has been sitting inside a hot truck. Off-loading was a lot faster with extra help from Jan and Ouel and we finished about 1230 am. There was still ice in the freezer so everything inside was OK though a bit jumbled up. Cesar was very happy to finally make it home and was able to sleep right away after eating.

12 Sep Wednesday

John-C had to get up early to drive Leanne to the airport for her flight to San Diego. She missed one class yesterday and will also miss part of the morning session. Cesar woke up in a good mood and feeling strong considering the long and tiring trip yesterday. I set up the stereo system and TV first and he was very happy to just sit back and watch his favorite music DVD's. We attended the healing service of Father Fernando at the Christ the King Church later on in the evening. The church was already packed when we got there but was able to get Cesar to the front along with the rest of the wheelchair-bound pilgrims. The service was very solemn specially when he recited the healing prayer over everyone during the mass. The individual blessing was conducted after the mass and we were very lucky to be the very first ones to be blessed. He placed his hand over Cesar's head, groin and chest areas even without being told where his ailments are and stayed like that for a while. I was kneeling behind his wheelchair and was surprised when he gently placed his hand on my head. My mind just went blank because I was praying for Cesar while he was praying over him. The feeling was just overwhelming beyond description that we forgot to thank him before we left. There were some pilgrims from his previous healing service proclaiming they were cured and an old lady pushing her wheelchair passed us by outside while we were waiting for everyone else.

13 Sep Thursday

Another good night's sleep for Cesar; probably feels better about finally moving in; performed his morning routine and then got on his wheelchair for his house tour. His appetite has been normal and always asks for ice cream after his meals. Mila and family came by and brought some more food.

14 Sep Friday

He's getting stronger everyday and just requires minimum assistance to get up from the bed and get on the wheelchair. Brushes his teeth standing up in front of the mirror and can maintain his balance. For lunch, Leonor prepared a feast of baked salmon, chicken, taquitos with salad and served it at the dining table for his first sit-down meal. Actually, he was on his wheelchair but the table was high enough for the armrests to slide underneath so he was able to eat by himself. Took some pictures of him clowning around trying to get a bite from a whole chicken breast.