My journey to recovery

Me posing with different styled wigs

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

I WAS diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer last Sept. 12 and to say that it was a complete turnaround for me would be an understatement. 

The diagnosis came 15 days before the Philippines observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October and about seven years after I had surgery on the same breast. 

A benign cyst was removed from that area at that time and it looked as if the cancer cells positioned themselves in that same spot. For two days I had to grapple both physically and emotionally the diagnosis on my condition.

I was on denial and I thought maybe the results were wrong. How can that be when I felt healthy. I did my own self-breast examination and I did feel the lump and not the scar tissue  anymore. 

Then I accepted the fact that the pathology report on my condition is true. How could it be wrong when two pathologists concurred with the findings?

In my case when I was called to a conference with the doctor who did the biopsy I sensed that something was wrong. Common sense dictates that when nothing is wrong, the result of the mammogram would be mailed. 

It was quite a difficult moment for the four of us in a table—myself and Ronnie, the doctor and the nurse navigator. When something like this happens, the doctor would not immediately tell the result and the usual preliminaries were made before the bad news is given. 

Then the doctor gave the result and it was Ron who broke down, not me since I am strong. After the emotional upheaval, the nurse navigator lost no time in discussing her role, the result of the biopsy, the disease, treatments, costs and the chances of recovery from breast cancer.

I forgot I was at Novant Health Breast Center Huntersville. The nurse navigator is in charge of explaining the details of the patient's condition and contacting the primary doctor, the breast surgeon and the oncologist. 

Everything was in motion.   I met the breast surgeon two days after and he examined me again and discussed the treatment and future plans. The breast surgeon Dr.Ilan Avin is very soft spoken when he explained the details. And I told myself I am in good hands.

He explained that in my case chemotherapy  would work best prior to surgery. The goal is to shrink the tumor. A week after I underwent the first surgery  for the port insertion. 
It is my understanding  that the port insertion is sort of a compartment where a needle is inserted during the chemotherapy. The device is surgically inserted under the skin in my upper chest. 

Now I have a bump under my skin and sometimes I forgot about it when I sleep. My arms and chest also felt heavy. Maybe it was a reminder that I have breast cancer. 

The doctor then proceeded to order for the breast bilateral MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), NM injection, CT chest, abdomen, pelvis and bone scans.  

In every procedure I underwent different experiences. The brain MRI tested my endurance during which my head was unable to move. I chose regular jazz music to help soothe my anxiety while the machine worked itself on me. 

The noise the machine made is comparable to hearing workers cut timber and the noise of an incoming train. My endurance was tested anew when I was made to lie face down for my breast MRT. 

I couldn't move too much and the jazz music didn't help much. So I shifted my attention to the sounds made by the machine and sure enough, I heard a nurse telling me to “hang on” for seven more minutes which was an eternity for me.

The CT for my abdomen, pelvis and chest were bearable as I was inside a machine with the company name Siemins (must be built by the previous company that my son-in-law Simon Boddison worked in). 

Anyway it was easy since I was only made to“ breathe and hold it” for a few seconds. The best part for the medical examination on me was the bone scan in which my hands and feet were strapped on and I dozed off from thinking too much. 

It’s been a tough 12 days for me emotionally and physically. It was also during this time that I changed my lifestyle and am now eating a lot of plant based food. 

I have enough supply of vegetables from Beth Kremer, Doreen Reynolds, Dalangin Wheeler and Joan Lighte. Ng Lydia Burdeos also made sure that I have enough supply of turmeric and ginger juice or liquid with the mother of Yulie Armstrong cooking all foods that I could eat for one month.

I thank also other friends who would be checking up on my condition every now and then. I appreciate it Lynn Lorenzo-Polk, Rogelio Lawsin and baby cousin Maria Jovie Pagsuguiron.  

All this time my family in the Philippines, New Zealand, the UK and US  started with the prayer brigade and extending moral support far and near.  At first I didn’t tell my daughter Honey, Janice and GG as I don’t want them to worry. 

But I summoned enough courage to tell them the truth so they would be forewarned about my condition. 

My daughter Janice Baesas was into research mode and had been sending me links on cancer research. I told her not to worry but she said “cancer is still cancer.”

What is funny is Ronnie and I had a reversal of roles- he is now taking care of me instead of me taking care of him and all the time showing me love and care and I am forever grateful to him for this. 

This journey has just started and I want to share to others who are similarly situated in order to think positive and keep the faith always. 

After all breast cancer is not a death sentence. Maybe breast cancer would save my life as I would be taking care of myself from now on. 

To all women, get up and be a proactive patient. Have that yearly mammogram and conduct a breast exam on yourself.  

And to paraphrase breast cancer author Judy Kneece, “there may be scars on my chest but may there not be scars on my heart.”

Farewell Aida

Me at right with Aida on the left

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina---What to do when your baby sister asked you to do something before she breathed her last? As the elder sister, the expectation would be to help make her wishes come true. 

My “manghud “ baby sister Aida Naelga-Pacana was laid to her final rest the other day and my thoughts raced back six months ago when we had our last talk in Cagayan de Oro City last March.

At the time she mentioned about a research project for high school students. You see, my late sister is a teacher’s teacher. She breathed teaching and imparting science and life lessons to students, nieces and nephews alike.

She espoused the idea of allowing first year high school students to develop their own projects that they can finish until the end of their senior high school years.

Aida had this idea despite her speech difficulty that she incurred in her first stroke. This proposal for students to conduct an “investigative study” on their own  should be given importance by the Department of Education (DepEd).

I asked her if she referred to only her science class and she replied that it is applicable to all high school students. Aida said this prolonged research activity by students can produce valuable inputs that can be used by the communities.

Their research on topics like sustainable hospitality and tourism can be used by agencies like the Department of Tourism (DOT) and so on. 

But the catch is that these research projects should be funded by DepEd. That way, the students can be junior researchers and be responsible for their study.  

I am unfamiliar with the DepEd's K12 program but Aida's idea may show that the DepEd had a lot of work to do to develop a “culture of research” among high school students. 

Aida also suggested logistic and financial support to all students. But reality check here, we know that only those at the top of their class are given support and this support remains wanting.  

What I can only remember are the projects I took during my time and that was a long time ago. I may be old but I can still recall our projects were not seriously done. It was only completed as compliance for our graduation. 

Maybe school projects improved through the years but much remains to be desired. So allowing students to conduct long term research projects may give them incentive to be serious in their studies and prepare them for the long, tough road of graduation ahead.   

I left the Philippines knowing my sister had a point and it was very relevant to improving the country's educational system.  I was reminded of her idea when she passed away and I couldn't find myself to argue with the wisdom of her ideas.

She still has other ideas but let me look for that piece of paper that she handed to me which contained her original ideas. Also let me give you my sister's background. 

Aida with the family

My sister Aida Naelga-Pacana was a chemistry teacher for nearly 30 years since she graduated with an education degree at Xavier University in 1989. 

She spent her first year of teaching at Liceo de Cagayan University and her subsequent hiring by the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGHS) to teach chemistry resulted in 26 years spent honing her students's skills and active participation in the community and the parents-teachers association (PTA).

Aida was then promoted as principal in a far–flung  school  in  Claveria town, Misamis Oriental two years ago and it was then that she got sick. She was never the same again, being sickly until her death a week ago.

As I write this I could not hold back my tears because I knew she loves her two sons Keven Matthew and Yestin Mark dearly.   

She was always the emcee in school programs and her voice will reverberate in the corners of her classroom. I noticed this whenever I visit her at MOGHS and her voice was the first thing that her stroke took from her. Life is tragic at times. 

But she continued to climb to the hinterland area in Claveria town every Sunday and went home on Friday afternoon without a whimper. Aida just wanted to impart knowledge to students.

It could have been different if she was still the old, able and energetic Aida that she was known for when she became principal. I saw a Facebook post of that beautiful school in Claveria and it was just unfortunate. 

Maybe she  reported to her remote assignment because of the salary. And maybe she reported despite the health ordeal she had because she was married to her profession.  

A month ago I was surprised to see a greeting from Aida Naelga Pacana” Nang” Day on my Facebook messenger account. She simply said “musta (hello).” It was a surprise because she was not much of a Facebook user.   

So I talked to her and she told me that she is going to avail of her early retirement on her birthday on Sept. 21. I asked what made her change her mind even as I prayed that she would retire early.

She answered  “kasab-an ko ni (I'll be reprimanded).” I don't want to mention the DepEd official that she named but I asked her why she would be reprimanded. She didn't answer.

That was our last conversation and I grieve that I couldn't talk to her anymore. I can only surmise that this DepEd official may have scolded her due to her health but I don’t really know for sure. 

Goodbye Aida, the younger sister I cared for in her during her childhood. Again, Aida made use of her talent not only to share her knowledge and passion for chemistry and the sciences but to teach life lessons to everyone she cared about.

Aida with the kids

                                              ********

I extend a special “Thank You” to Mrs. Severa C. Go, the principal of Tagoloan National High  School for housing Aida for months prior to returning back to Claveria . 

Her support to  my sister is greatly appreciated.  My niece Dorothy Naelga Raagas who also teaches in the same school told me to include Ms. Agnes Zamaro for also helping Aida. 

For now, I take comfort in the thought that Aida is now resting peacefully in the bosom of our Lord.

Little Susie's story of baby brother Jacob

Little Susie with her baby brother Jacob

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

My little granddaughter Susie is now a big sister and she is excited about it based on her account to me which I will relay to you as accurately as possible.

First some background. Her baby brother Jacob Frederick Boddison was born on June 1 at 7 am and weighed six pounds at birth. 

Jacob has loads of black hair with long legs and was born when the sun was quite shy but there was no rain at Telford, United Kingdom. 

Susie with her mother GG and baby brother Jacob

Little Susie aka “Tating” is a sixth grader at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School which to her mother is ideal as she was also schooled at St. Mary's Academy in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental province that is also run by Catholic nuns. 

Susie's favorite pastime is reading and watching Korean dramas on her tablet and her favorite book is Holes by Louis Sachar. 

She loves cats and when asked why, Susie said “they're cute.” She missed the cats she left behind at home in Tagoloan town in Misamis Oriental province in northern Mindanao, Philippines. 

I tell you that Susie considers her cats as family and their numbers are still multiplying at the hands of her Nanay Honey Mejorada.

When Susie was four years old and she stayed with me at Melecia Homes, Cagayan de Oro City she eats with the dogs and one time I saw her sharing food with our dog named Blackie.  

My granddaughter Susie

Anyway, Susie will be my guest blogger for the day and I will let her tell you her story of her baby brother in her words:

“Hi, I’m Susane Palmes, aged 11  years old. As some of you know I am the granddaughter of blogger Susan Palmes-Dennis. I am named after her and she asked me to blog about my newborn baby brother Jacob Frederick.

Although I am not a good writer but I would do my best to write. So before we move on,  I’m going to introduce myself first a little bit more.” 

“I came from a very warm country, Philippines and I am pure Filipino just like my grandma, whom I also call Lola Susan. However, I had to fly abroad to where my mother is and join her. 

So I moved to the United Kingdom on May 2016 and met my step-dad Simon and his two kids Louis and Fah. Last December my parents unexpectedly announced they were going to have a baby.

To be honest I didn’t feel too excited until the big day arrived. Oh my, after seeing my new baby brother I instantly fell in love with him. He was the cutest of all the babies. 

Now I want to hold Jacob in my hands, he is too cute and handsome. That is all for now but I will give you updates on my baby brother Jacob. 

My grandson Jacob

Or do do you want to hear about my adjustment to my new home and how I survived school? There is a lot to tell you. Bye love you all. This is Lil Susie signing off.” 

“PS: But please read our blogs at www.straightfromthe Carolinas.com or google+susandennis for more stories about me and my grandma.”

Happy birthday to Yanyan

Please join me in greeting a happy birthday to my granddaughter Arianne “Yanyan” Jaden Palmes-Baisas.

She turns eight years old today, Nov. 23. Arriane is the little princess of the family. Since she was six years old she loves watching and following the Doc McStuffins show.

Just like Doc McStuffins my granddaughter shows kindness and is polite to everybody.  Her badge is a smile pasted on her face and she wears it everyday.

She is the pride and dream of her Papaw Ed and Mama Jang. Yanyan is the best friend of her nanay Aunt Honey (Hani ba lo) they text each other every day and check on each other, she at Pueblo and her nanay (mother) at Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental.

She is also the closest friend of her Kuya Sam (Christian Palmes Mejorada) and Ate Tetin (Tating Palmes) . 

She  wants to be a nurse when she grows up and she is living her dreams. Even now she's taking care of those not feeling okay and often times checks on her Uncle Owen.

Happiest birthday Arianne and I wish you all the best in life. Love Lola./Susan Palmes-Dennis

A family dispute in Tagoloan

A file photo of me with then governor Vicente Emano

by Susan Naelga Palmes-Dennis

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina---I ended the previous article on my Tagoloan series with the opposition to the rule of then Tagoloan mayor Vicente “Donkoy” Emano who later became governor of the province of Misamis Oriental and then mayor of Cagayan de Oro City.

This is the fourth of the series of stories about the politicians from my hometown of Tagoloan who later became big names in the province of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro.

I have to correct myself by saying it was not Congressman Victorico “Concoy”  Chavez who was the first to oppose Donkoy Emano. It was Emano's uncle, the late Gilberto “Berty” Emano, the younger brother of his father.

Berty was barangay chairman of Poblacion when Emano was Tagoloan mayor in the early part of the 1980s. It was the talk of the town then- people taking sides between the nephew and the uncle. 

I could not recall now the reason why they became unconnected. What I do remember was that it was ugly and intense, with cases being filed in court and nasty allegations of all kinds.  

It broke the Emanos in the eyes of the public. If the reason was political I am not sure.  It was also around this time that another Tagoloanon came into the political scene who is also related to the incumbent official. 

Then Atty. Victorico ”Concoy” Lim-Chavez, a lawyer who made a a good law practice in Manila won as the congressman of Misamis Oriental's second district.

The late congressman who is best remembered for having helped many Tagoloanons in the 80s to work in the Middle East would always be remembered for having made a difference to the many lives in Tagoloan. 

Chavez did not run under the Emano group when he sought re-election. By winning sans support from Emano in the 90s, Chavez sort of became the head of the opposition in the province. 

It was assumed that Chavez  fielded and helped opposition candidates. Chavez  supported the candidacy of Mario Emano as mayoral candidate of Tagoloan against the late Paulino “Oloy” Emano. 

Mario Emano, who was at that time full of energy and buoyed by support from his father Berty ran twice against Oloy and lost. It was an Emano versus Emano fight to the delight of the people of Tagoloan and the province. 

Just like the fallout between the nephew and uncle, it was unclear to the public why Chavez and Emano, former allies, had a falling out. 

It was a change of events in 2002 when Mario Emano run unopposed as barangay chairman of Poblacion and his victory improved his relations with Oloy. 

It was believed Mario won in Poblacion with less opposition from Oloy. It was also the second time for Oloy to become mayor in 2000 after he finished his three terms in the 90s. 

The story would not be complete without mentioning this political family feud. There were other opposition figures to Donkoy Emano like the late vice mayor  Ignacio “Totong” Factura and Norris Babiera, a close aide of Donkoy Emano who later became the vice governor of the province. 

These two people contributed a lot to democracy in that part of the country and they brought a balance to the political landscape in Tagoloan town in the years to come. 

There is still a lot to tell about Donkoy Emano but I'll resume next time with his rise to the gubernatorial post of Misamis Oriental. 

Then Cagayan de Oro City mayor Vicente Emano being interviewed

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines and is now employed  in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her email susanap.dennis@yahoo.com as well as her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Emano and how I started in media

Me at extreme right with Cagayan de Oro media veterans

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

THIS article you're reading is the third in a series of stories I am writing about the politicians in my hometown of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao, Philippines and how they shaped the province and Misamis Oriental's capital city of Cagayan de Oro.

I start by picking up where I left off, namely then Tagoloan mayor Vicente “Donkoy” Emano. 

The next meeting I had with him was when he became the governor of Misamis Oriental. At that time I just made a jump from a career in the judiciary to the fourth estate. 

Please bear with me as I tell this story which includes a side trip to my personal life because it is intertwined with the politicians I covered then.

In 1993 I resigned from the 6th Municipal Circuit Court and answered a “wanted reporter ad” from Gold Star Daily. I did not hesitate in handing my application and was accepted by the Editor in Chief Herbie Gomez.

That was when I started building a name for myself with all my reports from the city and regional courts making it as banner, front page stories thanks in large part to my connections in the courts. 

The name of Susan Palmes as reporter was slowly but surely gaining traction and notice in local media and political circles that a lot of politicians wanted me to interview them, thinking they will land in the front pages.

But to be honest I knew those politicians since most of them were my former professors and teachers then. 

I hung out at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) then headed by the late regional director Gabino Ben Labial, who then informed me that dxCC Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) is in need of reporters.

Weeks before I applied at RMN I was a volunteer reporter at dxCO also where I started loving broadcast media. The thrill of your voice being aired live was thrilling.  

Anyway at the time of my interview with the late dxCC manager Abacu “Bobby” Mundo, then Misamis Oriental governor Vicente Emano was at the premises of DXCC for reasons I don’t know. 

I wasn't even finished with the interview when I overheard Emano speaking in a loud voice “hire her she is good.”  I worked at RMN as a reporter for only a few weeks and a month after I was promoted to anchor a 5 to 8 am public affairs program from Mondays to Fridays.

In between my reportorial and anchoring work I would be attending press conferences like those called by Governor Emano's office. 

Whenever I attend the press con Emano would always mention me and give much attention  to questions I would ask. It was at first a complement and confidence build-up.

I was elated because never did I think that I would be rubbing elbows or talking to the former mayor of Tagoloan who was now a governor. I must be honest I was proud of Governor Emano since he came from my hometown and I knew their family as being illustrious and elite in Tagoloan. 

Governor Donkoy was an elementary classmate of my maternal uncle the late Dorico Ejem Espellarga, the younger brother of my Nanay (mother). 

Uncle Dorico would tell me later in life that classmate Donkoy was “pilyo” and “kolokoy” at the Tagoloan Central School. Whatever he means by that I don’t know.

But later when Donkoy was already Cagayan de Oro City mayor, my uncle said he went to City Hall and asked help from Emano since he lived in Macanhan, Carmen at the time and sure enough, the mayor helped him. 

That's one side of Mayor Donkoy--he would help friends, classmates and supporters. 

I forgot to mention that during the time, Governor Emano and the late  congressman Victorico “Concoy” Chavez of Misamis Oriental's second district were already political enemies despite being relatives.

My own paternal family especially the Naelgas in Mojon and Sta.Ana were divided in whom to support. 

Most stayed with Donkoy at a time when Congressman Chavez supported the opposition in Tagoloan where I ran as kagawad (councilwoman). My own relatives in Mojon didn't vote for me or maybe only a few. 

I'll talk next time about the political culture and landscape in Tagoloan and Misamis Oriental when Emano was then governor and the emerging opposition was headed by his own relative, the late congressman Victorico “Concoy” Chavez.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her email susanap.dennis@yahoo.com as well as her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Nostalgia for the St. Augustine fiesta

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

SINCE it is the feast of St. Augustine, patron saint of my beloved city of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, I have to take a break from those news stories that make a lot of people worried and upset. 

I am talking about the reports on the violence on the streets, corruption and the heavy drama on Sen. Leila De Lima and President Rodrigo Duterte which makes the Kardashian reality show pale in comparison.

But the president has a job to do at all costs so Filipinos should just let him do his job and we keep him in our prayers that he would do good in accordance with legal and divine law. 

There are occasions in my adoptive country that would make me wax nostalgic such as Christmas, All Souls Day and yes, the annual fiesta of Cagayan de Oro.

I miss it terribly and I recall with fondness the good times and the food, oh my heart would just melt away.  Even now and then across the ocean I can smell the lechon-humba (pinasiko) and adobo. Of course there is the torta and cakes. I miss going to church also. 

Throughout my adult life I attended Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral at 11 am where it would be concelebrated by all the priests at the archdiocese with the bishop as the main celebrant. 

The church would be a scene of candles, the smell of the incense and people all dressed in their Sunday’s best with priests in white vestment adding solemnity to the occasion.

Anyway I asked some Kagayanons who are now here in the US on what they missed about the fiesta in Cagayan de Oro. Trust me, they may be far away but their thoughts are filled with the celebration of the St. Augustine fiesta in Cagayan de Oro. 

One of them, Juralyn Jongco Gallardo Hall, used to live in barangay 17 but is now based in Charlotte. She wished there were many Kagay-anons in North Carolina. 

When I asked her what she felt about the St. Augustine fiesta she has this to say: “Tsada unta mag fiesta sad ta (It would be good if we have a fiesta).” 

Hall said she's game for a “potluck fiesta” just to have a semblance of a fiesta celebration so it can ease the pangs of homesickeness at this time of the year. 

Hall said she would never forget August 28 every year because it happens to be the birthday of her mother. She recalled the parade and going to houses of her friends then the karaoke at Barangay 17. “Those were the old old good days,” she said.

Another Kagay-anon is Rosie Hagan who lived in barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro and is now based in Kernersville, North Carolina.  Rosie  is an Olape before she got married.  She said she really missed the parade during fiestas. 

“I was a participant in the parade as a student of Bulua National High School. Mingaw noon ko dah (I really missed it),” she said. 

Fellow Kagay-anon Miraflor Fuentes-Taylor, who's also from barangay 17 and a friend of Hall that's now based in Zephyrhills, Florida likewise missed the parade.

As a graduate of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School in 1994, she remembered the drum and bugle competition fondly. I am encourage to write about the St. Augustine fiesta not only to recall happy times but to re-establish in my own small way my ties with friends and family in the City of Golden Friendship who may now be celebrating the fiesta as this piece sees print.

From many of us here across the ocean, we greet everyone a Happy Fiesta Cagayan de Oro and Viva Señor San Agustin!

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her email susanap.dennis@yahoo.com as well as her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)