Cory Aquino’s health condition has stabilized

It was March of 2008 when former President Cory Aquino got diagnosed of colon cancer and she immediately went through chemotherapy soon after that. Her family had a few scares because of her risky condition but prayers for her speedy recovery seemed to have worked wonders during the past year. Until she got confined again at the Makati Medical Center last June 22, more than a month after she had the affected area in her colon removed (a medical operation called laparoscopic colectomy). Even her youngest daughter Kris kept mum about it until word finally got out to the media last Wednesday, June 24, as countless friends and supporters gathered at Greenbelt Chapel for the beginning of a nine-day novena mass for the former president’s fast recuperation. Information about her real condition was limited though because the said hospital refused to release a medical bulletin while the Aquino family remained tight-lipped about it except for the brief statement that they gave yesterday. “Our Mother has been battling cancer with much courage for a year and a half. Her current hospitalization was necessaary because of her loss of appetite, caused by fluid build-up in her stomach area. We remain in complete trust in God's infinite healing power. Our family wishes to thank the Filipino people for their prayers and outpouring of love and concern for our mother. She continues to be a woman of faith, a fighter, a source of hope and inspiration for all of us, not just her family but our entire nation as well. Just like she has always taught us by her life's example, we entrust everything to God.” On the other hand, Cory’s spokesperson Deedee Siytangco revealed that Cory is already conscious and have been transferred from intensive care unit to a regular hospital ward, but is not taking any medications at the moment. “We’re worried but we’re hopeful. She's no longer under chemo now. Now, she’s stable [but] there is no medical intervention there.” Incidentally, two of Cory’s strongest critics during her administration sincerely expressed their wish for her to recover as soon as possible. They also insisted that whatever hurt that they have caused each other in the past had already been healed over time. “I’ve had my political differences with Cory during her time as president. But that is a part of our role in the society, [there is] nothing personal about it. On a personal basis, I’ve always had a high respect for her. I would say that I would pray for her and hope that the Lord will embrace her if it should come to that. Or if there's any way for a miracle to happen, I wish that it would happen,” said Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. Senator Gregorio Honasan also shared the same sentiments in a separate interview. “We join our colleague Senator Noynoy Aquino in prayers for former President Aquino. Public interest demands that we all go through an act of forgetfulness para humilom na yung mga sugat. Kapag hindi natin ginawa ito, [it will go] back to the same vicious cycle.” The senator further recalled that they have been in speaking terms since the 2007 elections and people should stop making a big deal about his show of sympathy this time around. “I approached her and congratulated her then for having a son in the senate. Ang punto ko lang dito ay hindi na issue kung ano mang nangyari noon.” Many continued to be concerned, however, especially with Cory’s emotional revelation to a friend that she wished to join the dearly departed and be reunited with her husband, Ninoy Aquino. “Kung siya daw ang papipiliin, parang gusto na daw niya sigurong makasama si Ninoy. Kaya lang ginagawa niya ang lahat ng pwedeng gawin alang-alang sa mga anak at apo niya,” recalled Cory’s good friend and former cabinet member Marjie Juico. As of press time, the Aquino siblings are said to have stayed round the clock with their mom during this sad and stressful time. (With reports from TV Patrol)