Editor’s Note: The Get Ready with Me (GRWM) series features the morning routines of people from different walks of life, from their first grabs to the way they get ready for work, and to the items they can’t live without.

Got someone you want GRWM to feature? Just email us at stories@rappler.com with the subject line “GRWM” followed by the name and designation of the person.

When Beth Carlos was diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer in 2013, she was living and working in Singapore, while her two sons were in the Philippines. The cancer had already metastasized to her liver. 

Her husband had to fly back home to inform their two sons about her condition, and the entire time, the family had to balance medical bills and the tuition fees of their 3 sons. 

When the news initially broke, Beth was only 48 years old, and she felt all the negative emotions one could imagine. On her first visit to her oncologist, the doctor advised her to spend more time with her children, so it wasn’t looking good. She even lost the crazy and fun personality she was known for a while. 

Her first surgery was 12 hours long. Aside from resectioning the liver and removing a mass from the rectum, her gallbladder, appendix, and uterus were also removed. On her third day, she had a near-death experience, and that’s where she found her faith again. “Please let me live and I promise You I will serve You for the rest of my life,” she prayed. 

At the time, she was given a maximum of one year to live post-surgery, but it’s been a blessed 8 years. In these years, she joined a cancer support group; she underwent chemotherapy sessions, radiotherapy, a total of 3 surgeries, and an ileostomy. She drew happiness and energy from her loved ones – from her support group and her family. Her happiest memories are when her sons from the Philippines visited her every school break. 

Beth is adamant that the reason she is here today is because of every prayer dedicated to her and all the support she received. Her company is also extremely supportive, making sure she had full benefits and as much pay as possible during the time she needed it most. 

“I am not yet cancer-free, but I can say I am a cancer survivor, having survived all the pain, uncertainties, and depressing moments. I take one day at a time, blessings abound, and I appreciate all the things be it good or bad, happy or sad.”

This isn’t all there is to this amazing fighter. Get to know her everyday below. 

FIRST GRAB. When I wake up, I grab my phone, check the time, and go back to sleep. I would usually wake up before my alarm rings. Afterward, I say a simple morning prayer. 

I usually listen to “I Surrender” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, which gives me joy and energy to start my work.

SKINCARE ESSENTIALS. I use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for my face and body, and also Cetaphil moisturizer. My skin has become so dry and sensitive due to my treatments and the adverse side effects brought by my chemo treatment and oral cancer pill. For my hair, I use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo and Clairol conditioner. 

BEFORE I START. I do simple stretches and breathing exercises. I have to eat before I start my work, because my oral cancer meds must be taken with food, otherwise tumbling ang sikmura ko. I listen to upbeat music on my Spotify playlist while I prepare my breakfast–usually a cup of 3-in-1 coffee and a sandwich. 

IF I MUST GO. During this pandemic, I’m always in jeans or Uniqlo ankle pants, topped with a shirt and paired with my Skechers Go Walk. I also use my crossbody bag as I can’t carry heavy bags worn on the shoulders. 

I’m immunocompromised, so I don’t actually go out much, except when going to my routine blood test and consultation at National University Hospital’s Cancer Centre.  I always have alcohol, wet wipes, and an extra mask with me. For groceries, we do online shopping or my hubby goes to the wet market.

IF I’M STAYING IN. I’ve been on a work-from-home set-up since last year. My bosses have been so understanding with my current medical condition. I like wearing loose shirts and shorts, usually tokong. I personally like Uniqlo loungewear as it is soft and comfortable.

FAVE DELIVERS. My husband cooks. We rarely order food outside because I have to eat home-cooked food. But sometimes, I get a craving for my favorite Thai food, so we order from Grab or foodpanda. Usually, we get pad thai, pineapple fried rice, or olive fried rice. We also love MOS Burger.

ROUTINE REMINDERS. Since I’m working from home, I can wake up late and avoid the travel time going to our office. I have a workstation set up in the corner of our living room. I use WhatsApp messenger a lot – I have so many chat groups that I get so confused! 

However, I do miss hanging out with colleagues and friends – sharing jokes, talking, and laughing during lunch break. We only have audio zoom meetings these days, so I’m usually still in my comfy torn shirts while having those meetings.

MESSAGES. To my loving husband, Dino, who is also my caregiver, cook, therapist, and counselor. It was not easy for you to do all those chores but you held on and didn’t complain or whine. You’ve been so patient, understanding, encouraging, and supportive of my cancer journey.

To my children – Miles, Marky, and Bujoy – who are my inspiration to fight, you were obviously one of the reasons I chose to be stronger, braver, and to never give up. I am always grateful and blessed that I have prayer warriors who are generous, selfless, and who are seriously and fervently praying for me. I am so proud of you and all your achievements. (Marky recently passed the Physician’s Licensure Exam this March 2021!)

To my sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and pamangkins! Thank you for your unwavering support – from playing a big part in paying for my son’s tuition fees to your heartfelt care.

I give thanks everyday for this gift of life, to my parents, siblings, my aunties and uncles, cousins, good friends, new friends, and even strangers – anyone who prayed for me and still keeps on praying for me.

Beth’s items

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 1L (P1,470)
2. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15 – 118ml + Rich Night Cream (P1,365)
3. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo 500ml (P250)
4. Skechers Go Walk Air Sneakers (P3,859.40)

GRWM recommends

1. Crossbody bag:  Korean Fashion PU Leather Crossbody Bag (P119)
2. Speaker: JBL XTREME Bluetooth Speaker (P1,299)

– Rappler.com