First and foremost I would like to THANK YOU for the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that you have enveloped our whole family but most especially our dear Iggy.
Support in all forms came pouring in and never seems to stop…prayers, encouragement, food, favors, money, medicines, blood, friendship… you name it, we got it.

I just finished talking with our doctor, Dra. Honorata Baylon. I just want to share with you the timeline of the when and the what regarding Iggy’s treatment course.

Today, February 7, 2009 is our 8th day post chemotherapy. So we have to wait a full 28 days to find out if Iggy has gone into remission and is ready for the bone marrow transplant. So that will be on February 27, 2009. At this point, I would like to apologize for telling you that the transplant was to be performed 2-3 weeks from when the 1st letter was written. The chemotherapy was delayed a good 2 weeks because of Iggy’s lung and liver complications. Normally, one does not undergo chemotherapy when one has an infection of any kind in the body as chemo will make the individual immune compromised thus, is prone to more infections.

On February 27, 2009 another Bone Marrow Aspiration will be done to assess his status. My daily updates will still continue to share what is happening. There is nothing certain even on a day to day basis. We may have good days, but we may also have bad days. The full effect of his chemo will be evident in the next days to come…mouth sores, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss, diarrhea, fever, nosebleeding, etc.

I know though, that before it can be said that he will be in remission, a LOT of blood transfusions will still be done. Favor, please schedule blood letting on different dates so that I know that blood will always be available for our beloved Iggy.

Its more of the side effects that can affect Iggy’s spirit. I’m helpless on this part. How I wish that I can get the physical discomforts away from him. The best that I can do during this time is just be there for him and urge him not to give up.

Iggy has lost a LOT of weight. From a good 165 pounds to 126 pounds and still going down…But he is still conscious, walks to the comfort room. He is constantly tired though. Physically weak, but he is strong…I know…he can smile, laugh and be in good spirits. In fact every time anyone asks “how are you?” his answer is always “OK”…he does not dwell on self pity. I see him angry and impatient at times. A good sign, if you’d ask me.

If and when the bone marrow transplant happens, that’s approximately 40 days of confinement in a special bone marrow transplant room. I really don’t know details yet but Iggy was so worried that he would not get to see the sea of humanity that so lovingly enveloped him. It’s a good thing that his fears were unfounded. Visitors will be allowed, but with special gowns, booties, caps, masks and sanitized to the max, although limited entry. I am hoping that the room has a glass window where he can be seen by visitors.

I am so overwhelmed and amazed with the support we are receiving. Miracles happen everyday since January 6, 2009. We are living witness. I know that more miracles will happen. Goodness is all around, God is all around. Its like the story of the loves and the fishes, or the wedding wine…bottomless. Our blessings came from family, friends, and yes, total strangers.

At this point I would like to really say THANK YOU to the catalysts of what is happening – Iggy’s friends: more specifically his best friends since grade school and other members of USLS-IS batch 2007 and his girlfriend of course…It is such a humbling experience that these young pure hearted people gave their all for Iggy. As one parent put it, it has taught us, the adults the true meaning of brotherhood, selflessness, and generosity. In this times, this indeed made parents proud of their children. It was because of them that everything kept on growing….networks, friendships, support of all kinds. They are my modern day heroes. Their enthusiasm is so contagious that Iggy’s fight has reached other continents as well. I am very thankful that we live in a time that computers and cell phones are an everyday thing.

I did not expect that the first letter I wrote would have this great an impact in our lives. But by the grace of God, that letter proved to be my greatest weapon in Iggy’s fight. Our immediate circle of friends sent the letter to their other friends who sent it to their friends. It just grew….thus, even total strangers became our friends….an unending cycle…

Though we may be facing the greatest challenge of our life, we know that God Loves Us. We have surrendered everything to our Father…Thy will be done…No bitterness nor anger in our hearts…We live each day at a time…

Please pass this on…I know that these words are not enough to thank you all but this comes from the heart. God is Good!!!

God bless you all….

I love you,

Beng

(a copy of the letter Iggy’s mom sent out.)