 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JEAN AGNES HERNANDO (January 21, 1962 - July 30, 2001)
Our friend, Jean, passed away at 10:43 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2001. Her wake was held at
Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila. On August 7, our St. Paul QC Batch of 1979 sponsored a Mass
at Mary the Queen Parish in Greenhills. Jean was laid to rest at Loyola, in Marikina.
We all pray for her eternal rest and extend our sincerest condolences to her family |
|
|
|
Jean's Sparrows -- A poem |
|
|
I WAS BLESSED WITH BREAST CANCER
A message from Jean P. Hernando |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Message from the Hernando Family |
|
|
|
|
|
When we hear of a person suffering from cancer, the initial reaction is sadness and then pity for the person himself and for his family. There exists this general notion that being diagnosed with cancer is the beginning of the end. This is not so.
In July of 1997, I was diagnosed to have breast cancer, stage 2B. In the past 10 months I went through two surgeries, nine cycles of chemotherapy, and 35 days of radiation. After each chemotherapy session, for two to three days, I would experience indescribable headaches and body aches.
I would feel nauseated, I could not eat and I could not sleep comfortably. Eventually, I lost all my hair including my eyebrows and eyelashes. I was always tired, I was bloated, and my skin color and texture changed. To this day, my right arm has not restored its normal functions as a result of the surgery. All through the ten months, I was also warned to avoid crowded areas since I was prone to infection. This meant very minimal shopping, no watching of plays or movies, and limited participation in any social gathering. Or simply stated, zero social life was unconditionally advised. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
I am 36-years old and a single mother. My five-year-old daughter and I have such a strong bonding that almost every activity that she does is shared with me - eating, playing, reading, singing and even sleeping. I never miss out on any of her school activities, I accompany her in every birthday party she has to attend, I take her to amusement centers and theme parks, and I am there by her side for her every ache and pain. Cancer was definitely a deterrent to all that my daughter and I share. As my treatments progressed and my discomforts compounded, the precious moments that I spent with my daughter declined just as drastically. |
|
|
|
Trapped in a situation like this, one can easily lose courage, face defeat and simply give-up. Yet, you really do not. Each day, we are faced with a variety of challenges. How we deal with these challenges is but a reflection of what life has taught us, of the values that are preciously enrooted in us. Being afflicted with cancer should not be viewed as a punishment but as a blessing. For it is during this time that you are given the chance to develop and nurture your relationship with the Lord. It is during this period that you realize the many wonderful things you enjoy in life. You develop a brand new appreciation not only of the things around you, but, more importantly, of the people that you used to take for granted. |
|
|
|
When news that I was afflicted with cancer spread around, I received an overwhelming display of support not just from my family and close friends but from officemates, business acquaintances and even long lost friends. Almost everyday I would receive words of encouragement that proved to be nourishing food for my ailing spirit. The support of all these people is now ingrained in my heart and their gesture will never be forgotten. However, the one person that truly was instrumental to my recovery is my mother. During each chemo cycle, I would once again be a child dependent on my mother's loving care. And from beginning to end, my mother was there to bathe me and feed me, to comfort me and hold me. Truly, another blessing from the Lord. |
|
|
|
If my mother is my indomitable support in my fight for cancer, my sole inspiration is definitely my daughter. She is the only person on this earth that I live for. More than myself and more than anyone else, she comes first in my life. I cannot and will not allow myself to be defeated by cancer for my daughter's sake. Yet, I now know that it is only the will of God that must be followed. It is only He, and not me, who knows what is best for me and my daughter. I have learned to put my trust in Him and continue to strengthen my faith in Him alone. He gave me cancer, not to persecute me, but to help me see the abundant blessings that I enjoy. He made me feel His enormous love for me as He helped me through each ordeal, through each pain. Today, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of security and confidence that He will be there with my daughter when the time comes for me to go. What more can I ask for? |
|
|
|
As you fight cancer, it is very easy to feel depressed and defeated. It is very normal to feel selfish and only think of yourself and your miseries. It almost seems impossible to be happy when you know you have cancer. You worry about expenses, the pain and discomfort, your loved ones, and of course, the possibility of an early death. Initially, it may not be bad to indulge yourself with these feelings, but you must remember not to dwell on them. Absurd as it may be, look at the bright side and concentrate on your blessings. Know in your heart that the Lord will not give you a burden you cannot carry. Maybe you have forgotten Him and this is His way of reminding you that He is just there waiting for you. Turn to Him for comfort for He will not forsake you. Do not question His plans for you but instead allow Him to intervene in your life. As it is written in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." |
|
|
|
Back to In Memoriam |
|