9. Exercising my Biological Citizenship
May 12, 2022
Update from me and breast cancer mascot Doreen, six weeks post-surgery. Thank you everyone for continued prayers and support.
Yesterday I felt I was finally physically well enough to restart exercising using mom’s rebounder trampoline – tacking on aerobic exercises to the upper body stretching and strengthening post-mastectomy rehabilitation program. Adding the 2-lb weights to my upper body workout must be doing something good: my shoulder and chest muscles are stronger, I don’t fatigue as easily (i.e., improved endurance), and the painful muscle spasms have quieted down. I follow youtube videos, and Doreen watches them with me. She tried exercising but the rebounder was not exactly her size.
Today’s medical anthropology lesson is all about biological citizenship, a concept from anthropologist Adriana Petryna. Having some sort of medical condition with a biological basis (genetics, disease, injury, etc.) entitles you (me) to forms of belonging, rights, claims, and access to care. We saw this in action today.
Being under active treatment for cancer and soon-to-be-immunocompromised by radiation +/- chemotherapy, I am eligible for a second COVID-19 vaccine booster (i.e., “the fourth shot”) which I received this morning. Doreen waited patiently with me. I also got my Person With Disability (PWD) card and now can avail of discounted medications, health services and other benefits associated with it. Thanks to the Quezon City local government for both the vaccine and the PWD card.
