A Journey Through Love and Loss

Hope

Avery's POV

As the days of our OJT at Sandoval Hospital dwindled down, a mix of relief and anxiety settled within me. Ilang araw na lang ay tapos na ang OJT namin at mag two months na rin kami dito. Ilang araw na lang din nasa pinas na ulit sila Tyler at ang mga kaibigan nito.

The distance between Tyler and me had become palpable, our conversations limited to polite exchanges about Tyrone. Tuwing tatawag ito, si Tyrone lang ang pinapakita ko, hindi ako nagpapakita sa kanya.

Each day, Dr. Ramirez diligently reminded me to take my medication, inutusan siguro siya ni Tyler na lagi akong paalalahanan. A subtle indication that he was still looking out for me despite our strained relationship. I appreciated it, but it also served as a constant reminder of my condition.

Hindi pa ulit kami nagkita ni Analea. At hindi ko alam kung paano ako makikisama sa kanya dahil sa mga nalaman ko. Malaking problema din ang dinala niya sa kin dahil sa mga kasinungalingan niya. Kami lang ni Ruth ang nakakaalam ng masamang ugali at plano niya.

Today, I was on my way to Dr. Ramirez's office, a sense of urgency in his text message that piqued my curiosity. When I entered to his office, I was surprised to find Dr. Lao there as well. They both looked at me with eager anticipation, and I could tell something significant was about to be revealed.

"Dr. Ramirez, Dr. Lao," I greeted them, trying to hide my nervousness.

"Avery, please have a seat," Dr. Ramirez said, motioning to the chair across from his desk. I complied, my heart racing.

"We have some important news," Dr. Lao began, his voice calm but filled with excitement. "We've found a doctor in New York who specializes in treating your specific type of brain tumor, a rare cloud cytoma. This hospital is conducting cutting-edge research on possible treatments."

My eyes widened in shock and hope. "Really?"

Dr. Ramirez nodded, his expression serious yet hopeful. "Yes, it's a significant development. However, we must be clear that the treatments are still in the experimental phase. There are no guarantees, but it's a promising option."

I felt a whirlwind of emotions. The possibility of a cure or at least an effective treatment was a lifeline I hadn't expected.

Yet, the uncertainty weighed heavily on me. "What are the risks involved?" Tanong ko.

Dr. Lao leaned forward, his tone reassuring. "As with any experimental treatment, there are risks, including the possibility that it might not work. But given the alternative, we believe it's worth pursuing."

"Does Tyler know about this?" I asked.

Dr. Lao responded immediately. "Yes, we informed him yesterday. We'll discuss it again next week when he's back in the Philippines."

I took a deep breath. "I'll do it. I want to try."

Both doctors smiled, a mixture of relief and encouragement in their eyes. "We'll help you with all the arrangements," Dr. Ramirez assured me. "You and Tyler will need to travel to New York, but we'll ensure you're in the best hands. But for now, we'll wait for the response from the doctor there."

Sasamahan nga kaya ako ni Tyler sa New York para magpagamot?

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Thank you, both of you. This means a lot."

As I left the office, my mind buzzed with the possibilities. Tatlong buwan na rin nung malaman ko ang sakit ko. Meron na lang din akong tatlong buwan para mabuhay. Six months lang ang life span na binigay sa akin ni Dr. Ramirez at Dr. Lao. Actually, walang kasiguraduhan kung aabot pa ako doon. Yung pagsakit ng ulo ko minsan hindi na normal, pakiramdam ko binibiyak ulo ko sa sobrang sakit.