Minnie's decision

Minnie is my youngest sister. Still single. Living wih my mom and Violet, my other sister, in Paranaque.

At 40, you will probably think she is in her late 20s or early 30s. Her small stature, fair complexion and baby-like face will not give away her real age. But for the past couple of days, she probably has matured and grown way past her real age. A dermoid cyst was discovered this week in her ovary which needs immediate surgery.

We went to see Dra. Nagtalon, Chief's new OB Gyne, last Wednesday morning at UERM. The cyst was confirmed and the doctor stongly adviced for an immeidate surgery as it could "rupture." The cost. 100,000 pesos.

Now, Minnie faces a crucial chapter in her life. A decision to be made. UERM or Medical Center Paranaque? A major operation. A possibility she might lose her own chance for motherhood. A ckean bill of health for a chance to work in Canada.

As my sister goes through these ordeal, we had many long conversations. We had lunch at the UERM Canteen and told her that the cost should not be a factor in making a decision on where to have surgery. Even if MCP was half the cost of UERM. Does she trust the doctor? Is she an expert in this types of surgeries? Why is the MCP price half the cost of UERM? How are their facilities? It is definitely no among the ranks of Asian Hospital or St. Luke's or Medical City. There is definitely a big gap between the standards of UERM and MCP... And I trust UERM better. They will not even notice you entering the emergency room of MCP. We know. We experienced it when we brought in my mom for an emergency a couple of months ago.

Is there a previous relationship with the doctor? After all, she and mom only discovered her by chance at MCP, unlike Dra. Nagtalon, with whom Chief has gone through a D & C for Christian Gabriel. Told Minnie that we

Gave her my "expert" opinion, after all that I have learned being with Chief as we went through our own parenthood steps with Dra. Desquitado and Dra. Nagtalon. I could have "insisted" Minnie have her surgery at UERM. I could have asserted my role of being "kuya" But ultimatelly, Minnie and my mom will decide.

She has made her choice. Prayers for Minnie will help. Faith and trust in God is all I have now. Plus, Angel Christian Gabriel looking after my sister, Fermina Velez.