Week 4 (15 - 21 Sep)

15 Sep Saturday

An 'off' day for him; woke up feeling weak and a bit nauseated. Still performed his morning routine but just preferred to lay down on the couch. Explained to him that it's probably part anxiety due to the upcoming trip to San Diego and the admittance to the Oasis of Hope. Mila and family came again and brought some food. Leanne and John-C bought a 'doughnut' for butt support and a neck cushion for the trip to San Diego.

16 Sep Sunday

Had a late start for San Diego around 11 am due to nausea and getting all his gear (wheelchair, walker, oxygen tanks, medication, kangen water, etc.)loaded up. Threw up his breakfast just before getting on the van but also relieved his dizziness. Had a better trip this time and only stopped once to readjust the doughnut and bathroom break. He was strong enough to shift position by pulling himself up using the overhead handle. Arrived home in San Diego around 4 pm; had another bout of dizziness after getting off the van and threw up his lunch. Again, felt better afterwards. Jr. and family brought dinner: broiled bangus/tilapia, chopsuey, garlic shrimp, steak, papaitan and dessert. Jr. stayed behind with Cesar while everyone else attended a late mass (9 pm) at USD.

17 Sep Mon

Cesar is finally admitted to the Oasis of Hope. We drove to the San Diego airport around 9:30 for the shuttle service but the first batch filled up the van so another car was sent to pick us up along with another couple. This worked out better because Jr. and I were able to come along. We were met by his PR (patient representative) upon arrival who escorted us to his room and briefed us. She is the main contact for all his needs and is available throughout the day. His first day included drawing blood samples, an interview/screening by the doctor and his first supply of daily supplements.

He was in good spirits and was able to provide a lot of information about his medical history. I think the interview was dual purpose: to gather information about his medical history and also to test his memory and thinking ability. The doctor was able to get enough information to compare with the records we brought along from the other treatment facilities in Carson City and Reno.

We were able to sample the nutritious meal at lunch and were quite surprised on how tasty it was. The selections are laid out buffet style in three separate tables and consisted of organic foods full of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and greens. There was a separate table for drinks of freshly squeezed juice including rice? juice which we didn't try. Bottom line is everyone eats healthy and nutritious food while at the facility.

Basically, anyone admitted here is treated in a very personal basis. Everyone is assigned a PR (patient/personal representative) and a doctor who are on call at all times. The treatments are all alternative and holistic, but also include mental and physical therapy as well as interactive group sessions.

18 Sep Tuesday

Cesar's first full day at the facility and he relayed the events after I called him around 6 pm. He had his first treatment of ozone infusion in the morning, supplement for his low red blood count afterwards and Vitamin C infusion in the afternoon. His reactions included tightness in the chest, pain in the lower back and waist area and nausea. These side effects are normal according to the doctor and he was given medication. His voice was strong especially when he described the pretty nurses and staff that came to his room.

19 Sep Wednesday

He was taken to another hospital downtown along with other patients for CT scans. A staff member came along to help him in and out of the van and also push his wheelchair. Had a bout of nausea and threw up while in the hospital. Leonor gave him his first bath since leaving the hospital at Carson and also had his catheter replaced. Appetite is good but complains about the 'healthy' food. Also had the same treatments as yesterday and a blood transfusion to raise up his hemoglobin count faster.

20 Sep Thursday

Received two more blood transfusions today which the doctor determined should be sufficient. His doctor also scheduled another set of CT scans at a different hospital for a second opinion after discussion with the other doctors. Side effects from the treatments are finally lessening. Voice very strong on the phone but we only talked for a short because he needed to rest.

21 Sep Friday

Took John-C and Leanne for a visit and we were surprised by how he looked when we came into the room. Some color has returned to his cheeks and his face looked rounder. He was very happy to see us especially the two kids and just kept on talking. He can stay seated on the side of the bed for a while and can move around more. We finally got him to sit on his wheelchair and took him out for a walk outside to the beach. There are no ramps for the disabled to get down so we just stayed up on the lookout point and enjoyed the view. It was his first major outing on the wheelchair and we returned after an hour. Leonor got him his dinner while I entertained him with Pinoy humor from my e-mail files. A very good time for everyone.