Home to Davao

December 15, 2006
Steps to Strides:
Yam Goes Home for the Holidays

“Yeah! I’m extremely, tremendously, very, very happy!!!” These were Yam’s words as she boarded the van for home, upon arrival at the Davao Airport on December 14, from a three-and-a-half month treatment and recovery period in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Whatever she really meant, her words said it all for us. We are extremely happy at her fast progress, and we know you share this feeling with us.

The Last Six Weeks.

For the last six weeks or so, Yam’s struggle to wellness was not exactly smooth sailing all the way. But, happily, her steps to better health turned to strides as she embarked on a regular routine of exercise in addition to reading, television and cross-stitch.

Every week, she went to her regular hospital visits to monitor her blood chemistry and get adjustments on her medications. She walked with Mom almost every other afternoon to the nearby park and rewarded themselves with a soda drink. Along the way, they both appreciated the varied household landscaping in the neighborhood. Occasionally, they played badminton near the garage, or they went around tending to Tita Helen’s plants. On at least one occasion, she was with Mom to the supermarket, but had to wait outside to avoid the afternoon crowd. She’s about to finish cross-stitching “Pinky Bear”. And, she never missed a day of Nickolodeon or Disney Channel.

Also during this period, Yam received visitors. On the second weekend of November, Dad’s high school-mate visited from the States. She gave Yam an i-pod and a surprise package each for her siblings. She also brought along vitamins and topical anesthesia, hitting Yam’s needs right on target.

A long-time friend residing in Idaho also visited with her husband, young daughter and nephew. Mom’s colleague and friend also spent some time with Yam.

Recovery Blues.

At one time, Yam had this mood swing that challenged Mom’s patience for hours. She stormed out of the house to the poolside and skipped lunch and dinner. When Dad arrived in the evening, Yam was still at it, but slowly softened, until she fell asleep on the couch. The following day, she was up to her usual self, and smiled her way through the day.

Depending on her progress, one medicine was taken off at a time. But when prednisone, a steroid, was taken off, she had a pronounced loss of appetite and ran a low grade fever. She slept through one whole afternoon obviously not feeling well after eating something, but she easily rebounded after vomiting.

Recovery Highs.

She extremely enjoyed one afternoon when Tita Helen drove her around to the village club house to watch a game of frisbee. Many days after, she vividly remembers life-sized Christmas decorations of Santa Claus, Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus.

Meanwhile, on her weekly check-up, Yam’s steady progress prompted Dr. Lopez to give her clearance to spend the holidays at home in Davao. A December 22-January 2 schedule was cleared as Yam should be back on the first week of January for the 100 post-BMT day check-up. A week later, Yam manifested better progress, which prompted Dr. Lopez to tell her she could be back on February 2, instead of January, for the annual BMT party. We attribute Yam’s speedy recovery to several factors, one very important thing of which is the conveniently-accessible, clean, healthful and stress-free home environment of Tita Helen’s home, where Yam and Mom stayed for the entire duration of Yam’s recovery period.

Looking back through our 7-month ordeal, we just can’t imagine how we would have gone through the difficulties without the passionate assistance of many people who stood by Yam and us. Whenever we sit down and count our countless blessings, the words of a high school classmate keep reverberating: “Life is a paradox. When shared by many, pain and suffering is divided; and when shared by many, happiness and joy is multiplied.”

Yam is a gift, many times over
And many times, we cry out loud in thanksgiving
Not just to our gracious and loving God
But to our precious YOU
For your words of encouragement
Your touch that eased our pain
Your work of art
Your labor of love
And your gift of life!