May 23, 2007

Letters From Friends (May 2006)

16 May 2006

Dear Junie,

I will never forget how you wrote to me and Ruben words of encouragement and prayers when I went through breast cancer in 2004. Please do not feel that you are bothering us when it comes to events like this. You will NEVER be a burden in any way to us.

I printed your letter and will give it to Ruben when he comes home tonight. He will be home by midnight (noon your time). Can you please give me a phone number where we can reach you? I know he would want to talk to you too.

I will include Yam in my prayers. Meantime, hang in there. God works in very mysterious ways and I am one proof of His endless mercies.

Always,

Tata

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29 May 2006

dear junie,

I am saddened to learn that your daughter, yam, has AML. It makes me more appreciative of my daughter's good health despite being hard-headed (pero mas matigas ang ulo ko nung teen-ager ako siempre). The bright side of it is there are a lot of advances in the medicine and a lot of these cancers have good responses to treatment now, some can even be cured!

We will be praying for her recovery, junie. If there is anything we can do to help (at the very least, moral support), tell us brod.

raul


30 May 2006 06:08

Junie,

No need to apologize. I know you were on your way out. Actually also had to sign off right after i sent the text.

I will forward your email to my sister, just in case you need additional consultants.

I first heard the news from Glenn last Sunday while at the PSHS golf tournament organized by Gen. Esperon. Glenn however was not sure of the situation, just that Yama was scheduled for chemo. Then yesterday, your son's friend Diego Rimando texted me from Baguio that Yama was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, and that's when I texted you.

Let's all pray together...as you may know, my sister Mianne underwent chemo 12 years ago for cancer and has been in remission ever since. Our Lord is merciful.

Have a safe trip Junie!

Danny

May 22, 2007

Letters From Friends (June 2006)

3 Jun 2006 14:34

Dearest Junie

The Lord works in ways which we do not always comprehend. My 80 year old dad was diagnosed last August with terminal thoracic cancer. A survivor of two lung cancer operations, a quintuple heart bypass and a "minor" heart surgery where a stent was inserted, dad accepted his fate. We did too.

But then in January, dad slipped and had to have hip surgery. He could no longer walk or play golf, his two passions in life. His hip surgery went well and we again praised the Lord.

Then dad fell again. My faith faltered.

I have regained my faith. Dad is slowly getting on with his life, or what's left of it. I see my mom weakening in the face of the impending loss of her life's partner. Mom herself is a survivor of stomach cancer, which has left her physically weak.
I feel the Lord sent me these challenges to challenge my faith. And to tell me I am a Christian because of Him, who died for me on the Cross, and not because of me, who tries to do good and to be strong. I have emerged a better Christian because of it. Not perfect, but better, and definitely still growing.

I know not what God's plan is for you and your daughter. I pray that He will listen to the many prayers for Yam, and for you, her loved ones.

Our prayers join those of many others.

Love,
Linda, Peter, Paul David and Isabella


3 Jun 2006 05:51

Hey Junie:

Kamusta na? Got the yahoogroup trail of messages regarding your daughter's illness. Needless to say she will be in our daily prayers.

My daughter, now 8, has a classmate diagnosed with tumor in the abdomen; went through chemo and surgery and goes to school with a bonnet to cover her bald head. But her spirit amazes me! She's as spunky as any 8 year old can be! I think the kids handle these things better than we adults do. I pray for wisdom for the doctors caring for her.

BTW, I was able to get chemo drugs at cost from the pharmaceutical companies for my brother in law who was battling colon cancer years ago. Let me know if I can help. Hang in there and we'll keep praying. Also, if you want to do your own research, a helpful website is: www.medscape.org..., go into the oncology (cancer) section and look up the latest on AML.

Tisha


04 Jun 2006 22:06

Junie,

Will call then on what time some batchmates can meet up with you at your most convenient time on Tuesday. There has not been a chance yet for Yam to meet our batch. But I'm sure we'll find a way on how we can express our deep concern for this trial that came your way. The Lord has very special reasons for such situations in our lives. I remember 16 years ago when I have two young kids 7 & 5 and I didn't how I could raised them as a single parent.

But believe it or not I left everything in HIs hands. Nothing has kept me this with you because I know that it is not easy for any mom & dad to see what their baby is going through right now. But Yam, even in her young mind, must have offered to Him this illness and it is what will keep her on high spirits because He will be always be gracious to give her the strength to pull through all those chemos. And I know she will be blessed with such strength.

Junie, please let me know anything that our batch may offer to be of help to you. Just remember that we care.... A LOT.

The J-Len
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12 Jun 2006 08:30

Dear Brod Junie,

Thanks for the update. It is comforting to see that you are maintaining your great sense of humor. It shows your strong resolve and courage. As a parent myself, it is really hard to see any child of ours go through this. Yam’s pictures say it all too – she is a happy and very confident young woman. My family will continue to pray and hope for her recovery.

Extend our regards to Emma.

Don’t worry about your hair. Mine is starting the thinning process too now. We might as well form a balding support group soon.

Regards,
Manny

May 21, 2007

Letters From Friends (July 2006)

July 16 2006

Hi Jon,

I may be a little late on Wednesday as I forgot that I have a prior engagement (USNAAA Phil Chapter dinner). Anyway, rest assured that we will help in anyway we can.

Jun
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18 july

Hi Jonathan & Emma,

Maybe this article will give you a bigger picture on how to go about bmt. I suggest that you try to get as much options as possible. At least by the time you need to make a decision, you have something to choose from.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help. Don't be ashamed. Helping you is nothing compared to all the help I once received. And I'm pretty sure, later on, you will do the same. You will just be overwhelmed with God's love & blessings.

For everything you do, always ask for His guidance. Keep the faith!

Ferdie
---

20 july

Hi Jon,

I understand from the text messages of Puring and Emma that you're in Manila to evaluate which Hospital would be best for Yam's bone marrow transplant procedure. Evidently you had visited or contacted St. Luke's and it appeared it's more expensive than Asian Medical, but that you're still to visit Asian Medical.

I have no idea what would be possible, but when you had made the comparisons, I was thinking of talking to Mr. Robert Kuan and ask if SLMC could match that of Asian Med., only because we're more familiar with SLMC and the surrounding support network there. Mr. Kuan is the Chairman of the Board of St. Luke's. If you have more time in Manila, I can try to get the two of you to meet and discuss the concern. He responds very well with text messaging. Let me know what your itinerary is like.

For Yam, I would have no reservation in asking/soliciting help. I can promise this. I don't have any estimate of what response there is, but there's no way of knowing until we try. Please keep me posted.

Thanks. May God's presence mightily hover over all of you, specially with Yam. Amen.

Tony Gomowad

P.S. Puring and Emma have my texting number. Messages go to my computer where I could see it three or four times a day. But I do not carry my cellphone. Advantage of this is that anyone can send me messages anytime, it does not bother me. Disadvantage is that I cannot respond immediately unless it happens that I am in front of my computer when I receive the message.
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Jon,

As soon as I get the materials that you send me, including, if possible a picture of "Yam", (your daughter's name is Eunice?) I will write a letter of introduction and connect you with two persons first,

Mr. Harry Paltongan, Vice President of the Company for that Global Community Village in Makati (from Bauko) and Mr. David Tauli in Cagayan. These two had been key in organising the Golf Fundraiser for St. Mary's last year.

If you have Tomas Bayogan's email address, I'd appreciate if you forward it to me.

Take care.

Tony
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22july

Hi Jon,

I checked your postings last night. I received the attached letter in text. However, I couldn't open the pictures. Please try to re-send them.

If you re-send them, please copy Dr. Fiar-od, and she can check if it went through to her e-mail address. Otherwise, please give her a hard copy, and she could have it scanned and sent to me in Baguio by my nephew. Or she could do that in Bontoc and give to Puring the pictures.

This is a rare opportunity that you may have a chance to meet in person Caridad Fiar-od, the Vice President of MPSPC, and friend of your older sister, Puring.
Here is Dr. Caridad's CP No.... She has yours. Atty Paltongan is supposed to meet her on arrival about 3 PM this afternoon. Have a nice weekend.

Tony
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22july

Jon, Thanks. I received the pictures. Yam looks great! As soon as you get back to Mindanao, I will link you up with David Tauli. Let me know if you already know him.

Tony
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Hi Jon,

Please note that the document attachment came through fine, but none of the pictures came out. Please send it via another way.

I noticed the email address of Estefania Esparza, a long lost acquaintance whose family I met in Las Vegas! Helloooooooooo! Alohaaaaaaa! What a small world! How are your two kids, who must have grown up now! Estefania, please give my regards to your kind husband!

Jon, our prayers are with you and specially with Yam.

Tony Gomowad
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25 july

Dear Sir,

I was once a student of yours many moons ago.

I was wondering if Yam would like to read Harry Potter or if she has not read it yet. I would gladly give her my collection if it will give her some enjoyment. Please give me a bank account to deposit stuff.

Layad,
Jennifer
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18 Jul 2006 07:02

Hi Jonathan & Emma,

Maybe this article will give you a bigger picture on how to go about bmt. I suggest that you try to get as much options as possible. At least by the time you need to make a decision, you have something to choose from.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help. Don't be ashame. Helping you is nothing compared to all the help I once received. And I'm pretty sure, later on, you will do the same. You will just be overwhelmed with God's love & blessings.

For everything you do, always ask for His guidance. Keep the faith!

Ferdie
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18 Jul 2006 08:30

Hi Sir Jon,

My students and I have started conceptualizing the website layout for Yama. Please email me on what buttons and links you want in the site. I have attached a .zip file in this message... just click on the INDEX file to open the main page. Bale, di pa namin na-finalize ang text and photos and links kasi kanina lang namin inumpisahan. But i have set a deadline, Monday, July 24. Final copy of the site will be sent to you for approval and whether some changes are needed. Please also comment on the layout... or the photo you want in the main page. There will be a collage of yama's photos on the top part of the page. Would you allow an item in the webpage that will feature the donors/sponsors who have already supported/helped yama para naman ma-enganyo ang ibang tao na mag-donate. If so, please provide me with the text of the Credits/Donors page and the people/company who have done their part already.

I will email you again of the website creation progress tomorrow. Basta, tapusin namin on Monday... hopefully.

Please also provide me links of the websites you want na gawin nating Related Links sa webpage. If you have made Yama a journal on her battle against Leukemia, pwede din natin gawan ng isang item na Journal and feature her day-to-day activities after having been diagnosed with AML.

Email me soon.

Leng
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24 Jul 2006 08:11

Dear Dr. Bayogan,

Sorry for just responding now. Here in Africa, current and internet are things so hard to come by. My parents have already briefed me on your daughter's condition. I am so sorry that I am not there in the Philippines right now (where I can have more access to friends and contacts) but will do my best to help you anyways.

With regards to having your daughter's story on the Medical Observer, I will try to get in touch with my editor regarding this matter. As it is we did an issue on BMT two years ago and the patient also had AML and the donor was from a sibling. The procedure was done at the Asian Hospital and the doctors were from there as well. I will see if my editor will be interested to run the story although I cannot give
guarantees about this. As it is the magazine runs on sponsorship from pharmaceuticals and I am not really sure if they can spare a few pages.

I also asked a family friend of ours for some contacts as she had a nephew who was also stricken with AML and was treated in Asian hospital. Mom will try to give you the details of the Doctors, their contact numbers and the institutions they have approached for help with the costs.

I feel for you and your family and am with you in prayer. In my years a doctor I have seen how hard it is for a family to be torn apart because of the chronic illness of another member.

Till next email (God knows when that will be),

LUCIO
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24 Jul 2006 18:58

My brothers and sisters,

I ask your prayers for the daughter of our classmate Jonathan. Can we do something to help?Please see below.

Erwin
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27 Jul 2006 03:04

Dear Jon,

This weekend, I will carry the Solicitation out to specific persons, and to Anglican Filipino Clergy as well as to the several Military Chaplains who have congregations which group I belong to.

What I do need from you, which is the best option here, is a "Handler/Recipient" with an Account like yours, that has a Non-profit status.

This is essential here so that those who may donate could use their receipts for tax purposes.

Also, you must be aware that nowadays there are several solicitations that are scams, so it makes a world of difference if the "Controller/Account Holder" would be a Church and/or Organisation that has a Non-profit status. I trust that you understand this.

Can you perhaps talk with David Tauli, if he belongs to a registered organisation that can take this up? How about a Church for an alternative/addition?

How was your talk with Atty Paltongan?

I was thinking of following it up with him, and possibly his group in Manila.

Can you give me some names of your SMS batch who are in the USA. I will need this soon, because I want to capitalize on those who would be attending the SMS Alumni Kanyaw in L.A. on July 28th-29th.

Tony
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26 Jul 2006 14:12

Jonathan,

I already tried to forward your plea after I read it. I added some of my words there. I'm not sure if it went through because the file seems too big for my mail server. Did you get it? If you did, then it must be okay.

By all means do whatever you want. My heart bleeds reading Yam's plight. May God be with us all.

Harry

===

26 Jul 2006 19:05

Ola Jonathan and Emma,

It is always sad to hear of friends and relatives and kakailians be afflicted with some maladies and most especially children. These are our work here now. Your uncle fred is a pediatrician and he is saddened to learn about Yam. But you know I always believe in the power of prayer.If you hear of healing masses around your area try to go. I have the utmost faith that with medicine along with prayers Yam can conquer her aches and pains.
....

Ala, esten tako ay menkararag ay menkedaw si tulong nan Apo ay manang-nga-asi et kasiyana gumawis to san anaktako.

Komusta kayo amin issa.

Kararag ya layad ay magapu ken dakami isna.

Auntie Ellen isna Texas
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26 july

My dear friends,

This is just an added push for the plea. Yam Bayogan is hanging on to dear life.

We first read about the health condition of Eunice Joy "Yam" Valdez Bayogan when Caring and Padi Tony posted it here in the internet. I'm quite sure that many of us have already responded to the plea. Some may haven't yet, so I am forwarding this email and the attached profile of Yam that Jonathan sent to some individuals. I was one of those who read the emails and forgot about them. When I read this latest one from Jonathan I'm glad that he CC'd me), I felt guilty not having did something even very little about it.

Please read through again and see for yourself how urgent the Bayogan family needs our help. We are all aware of the various IGO and bibaknets projects that have dominated our discussions here in the internet lately. On top of these, we also have other cases like the St. Peter's church in Sabangan that we are glued on. I would like to suggest that we take a time off on these projects that we know can wait and do something to try to save the life of a budding 10 year old girl. Per the letter, the Bayogans need 2-3 million pesos to get Yam to undergo what is medically necessary to save her life. A little help from any of us will mean a lot. I'm sure everyone else who learned about the plight of Yam is also doing their part.

LET'S RAISE FUNDS TO SAVE A YOUNG LIFE FIRST!

Jonathan has also been a bibaknets member for so many years now. Although he seldom posts, he has been a loyal member since he joined the list. I remember him requesting me to change his email address when he was headed to Davao because he still wanted to keep abreast with what's going on with bibaknets.

My wife died a month before she turned 60. I can say that she enjoyed her life fully before she departed. Let's try to help give Yam many more years of life on earth beyond 10. God will do the rest and the best.

Thanks to you all, please read on. If the file is too large, I will forward Jonathan's email by itself.

Harry B, 26 july 06
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26 Jul 2006 22:13

Dear Sir,

I got the-mails on the plight of Yam and hope to write a story, hoping it would help in your effort to reach out to Samaritans.

I'm not sure if we've met but I presume lawyer Tom Bayogan, my buddy in college until now, is your kin.

It may be a bother during these trying times but I hope you can e-mail me some data, you and your wife's ages, your place in Tadian, where you studied, how you resettled in Mindanao, etc. Perhaps your personnel data file can be faxed to our office number...

Thank you very much and I join you and the rest of our "kailians" in prayer for Yam.

Respectfully,

Ramon Dacawi
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27 Jul 2006 04:16

Thank you Atty H. Paltongan, Evelyn Unos Medrano, and Isabel Wolfe for your quick responses. Those sending their aids, please be advised that the name of Jonathan's bank branch is Mati and not Makati. For complete bank info, please refer to Jonathan's email below. (Atty. HarryP, it may not matter but you might want to check with the bank if you sent your remittance to Makati and not Mati). I believe "swist" code is supposed to be swift code in case you're asked..

HarryB

Jul 27, 2006 4:49 am (PST)

HarryB, HarryP, C2, and Lulu, or anyone who had experience in transmitting money to a bank account, I would just like to have some instruction on "how to send money" through the bank. Seriously, I haven't done this before. Do I take it that with the account details provided: name of account (Jonathan Bayogan), bank (Development Bank of the Phil.), branch (Makati), and account number (.....), I can just go to a bank, give money and the said details and that's it?

I'll try to solicit from a few golfers coming to the Kanyaw from BIBAK-Northeast. Erwin, Nick, Brian, Edong, ay mabalin?

Anyway, whatever they can share, I'll send it through the bank. Kusto met laeng ta sorwek ti agipaw-it iti banko. Ngem, ay siadi? Basta mapanak with the said bank details? I still don't understand no kas-ano nga iseksek da ti cheke iti wire (?) nga mapan to another bank. No koma adda laengenen agbiahe nga mapan Pilipinas.

Incidentally, I'm privileged to have some memories about Jonathan when he had a stint in Saint Mary's School, Sagada. I'm not quite sure if he graduated there but he was studying there while I was leaving. And yes, he was such a humble intelligent student in Sagada. I wasn't surprised that he became the president of a state univ.
If you are reading this Jonathan, I also remember you always smiling so humbly. Please remain as steadfast in your faith. You and your family, especially Yam, will be in our prayers.

Sincerely, Jerry (abeya)
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27 July

Hello everyone,

It really is so difficult to understand life. Yam was still a baby when the Bayogans left BSU several years back. Last time I saw her was in 2003 when we went to visit them in Mati, Davao. Indeed, one would wonder how something like this could afflict such a young bubbly girl like her.

Both Jonathan and Maruth were well-liked and admired when they were here not only for their dedication to the service but also for their very pleasant relationship with people. I learned a lot of lessons in humility from Jonathan. Everybody knows that he is intelligent but it is so easy for him to acknowledge that there are a lot of things he does not know. Saying "ne, adiak ammo sa a" is so natural for him.

Yama joking about saving her falling hair for his daddy's wig tells us she is a chip off the old block. Maruth's industry and organization in work is something one can really look up to. Yama's nickname comes from Yam (Ube), the subject of her mom's research for quite some time.

They are really a nice family.

Wen, men-oo tako. We are starting a fundraising campaign here too.

Lulu
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26 July

Good morning to all,

Thanks Tokayo and we look forward to a successful fund-raising (we call it "men-oo") similar to what you initiated for the late Ms. Laduan, another cancer-patient, who passed away but left her daughter Rosemarie to our care. We all supported Rosemarie through our Bibakents Educational Support Fund ("BESF") 'til she graduated Accounting this year. And they are not even Igorots by blood.

Jonathan and her 10-year old daughter Yam are our very own (particularly, i-Tadian). Yam is a bright young girl garnering modest honors in her school. Her dad Jonathan, driven by sheer igorot virtues and persistency rose to become President of a state college in Davao. Such employment, however, cannot adequately respond to the limitless financial burden this kind of illness brings forth. The 2-3 M is just for an urgent bone marrow transplant. Th family's finances was understandably exhausted by the earlier aggressive yet costly treatments (chemotherapy) .

Most of us are perhaps unaware of how it is to be helplessly watching a dearest one writhing in utter pain while desperately trying to subdue this insuperable disease. It must be a supreme test of a father's resilience being personal witness to how the gnawing chemo drugs burn his kids' gentle skin and eat up her tissues in an attempt to poison out the cancer cells. How would a father answer his little darling's whispered question--'why is this happening to me dad'? And as each strand of hair falls down from her scalp pulling with it her father's tiny beads of hope, as the fragile body loses weight day by day and as the brittle bones gradually become prominent testing to the extreme her dad's otherwise sturdy faith, a father's prayer will normally be to implore God to just please shift the illness to him and let his little baby free.

But Jonathan is not giving up. For like a true igorot, while there is a ray of hope though how flickering it may seem, it is still hope. And this is what he is sharing with us. Now it is his turn, tomorrow might be ours. While we discuss myriad of matters in the warmth of our respective dap-ays, let's lend a hand to this kid out there shivering in the cold. We naturally unite in moments of sorrows when one passes away. The more we should unite to save one from passing away at a time so soon. Of course, the Almighty has his plans and part of it must be for us to stand for each other-esp. for those in need. Part of it must be to save Yam with us as his instruments.

Thanks.

Harry Paltongan and family
Makati, Phil.

PS: My family and I am remitting today our modest contribution to help save Yam.
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28 Jul 2006 00:30

Hi there. This is Mark in Brent's office. So sorry to learn about the illness of Jonathan's daughter. Jonathan classmate, our prayers are with you. May God in his infinite goodness touch Yam. Pumipigsa kayo kayet. Do you remember me kayman?

In Bontoc ta makisolidarity prayer rally kami with St. Peter's congregation and the diocese in their quest for truth and justice with regards to the demolition of their church.

Maid pay lang email isnan station ko id Abut, Quezon, Isabela. Waay awnit dumateng to.

God bless ket matagotago tako am-in,

Mark D.
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jon,

It's ok Jon, we haven't met yet. Your message was forwarded to me by a friend from Zamboanga whose 13 year old son, Petpet, was also afflicted with leukemia.

Find comfort in the assurance of God's love.

God bless
Lydia

I recall how it was with Petpet (BLD Zambo) last year, when many people prayed, comforted, and were
made instruments of God's provisions. I'm passing this message to more people (BCC) who may also help Yam (Eunice) especially those form Davao.

Lydia
---

28 Jul 2006 16:10

Thank you, Jon.

David would also know that in the past there were issues about individual donors transmitting directly to bank accounts, especially banks in the Philippines (but it was also true with the case of Australia last year.) Banks would win big time, and for small donations, it doesn't make sense. Also banks would charge so much for conversions of checks and other currencies.

So the solution to this is to "pool" donations in countries or regions, such as in the USA. Harry Basingat in L.A. is willing to receive donations, and when this is pooled he could do the transmittal.

Aside from David's possible organisation/Church with non-profit status,I will check with the centrally located, Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines, based at Cathedral Heights. They've done this before when we solicited for the landslide victims of Aurora and Quezon Provinces. When this is set-up, I will go for the wider Episcopal Church through my Bishop in New York.

Let's keep connected.

My prayers.

Tony Gomowad
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28 Jul 2006 17:37

Dear Emma , Jonathan and Yam,

My name is Evelyn Padua from Brisbane,Queensland Australia and has also been a recipient of many generous people in my Australian community. I am a cancer survivor and has been lucky with a very good health system in place that has also helped thru.

I cannot imagine the anguish you have for your child and I emphatize with you both for being strong for Yam and the rest of your family members. Please keep doing the best you can, the best shot you have and God will do the rest.

I would like to donate to help with Yam's medical expenses and send it door to door to your account-this is the mode I send money for the Philippines but it only accepts when converted to pesos. Could you please email me to confirm if your account accepts peso deposits, if not have you got a peso account as an alternative?

Wishing and praying for you to stay strong and Yam to get better.

Warm regards,
Evelyn Padua

May 14, 2007

19-23 June 2006

19 Jun 2006

thanks for your email some days ago. we are happy to hear of your parents’ 50th anniversary. what a beautiful life!!! Please convey our greetings to them. as for yam, she is recovering and preparing for her second course of chemotherapy scheduled on June 23.

it will be for 8-10 days, a more aggressive one than the first. attached is the list of meds and the local prices, taken from yam's doctor:

please don't feel obligated. we appreciate your concern. have a safe trip
-----

19 Jun 2006

---
tdj wrote: > Hey Junie: BTW, I was able to get chemo drugs at cost from the pharmaceutical companies for my brother in law who was battling colon cancer years ago. Let me know if I can help.

thanks for your email some days ago. we accessed medscape and obtained some enlightening materials. We shared a few to yam's doctor.

yam is now recovering from her 1st round of chemo and preparing for the second course on June 23. it will be for 8-10 days, a more aggressive one than the first. she lost most of her hair, and saved it...for dad's wig, hahaha. yes, we appreciate any help.

frankly, I told my wife (who's from military cut-off,
Baguio city) that most of our lives, we were on the giving side. We shouldn't be timid in seeking assistance this time.

here's a list of meds at local prices, taken from yam's doctor: .....
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21 Jun 2006

thanks for your mail; it's been a long time. yes we are in
Davao. we settled in Davao city when emma was accepted in the faculty of univ of phils-mindanao based in the city suburbs.

our youngest daughter, yam, 10, was diagnosed of aml after undergoing a series of tests for more than month in April and early may.

adversity indeed has its multitude of purposes. In the harrowing two months when we quickly transitioned through a state of uncertainty, shock, disbelief, denial and acceptance, the family closed ranks. friends stood by as we stared dumbfounded to know that such a fine, bubbly, bright, sweet and healthy girl could have such a condition. well-meaning friends hang around and eased the pain of knowing the vicious illness plagued our daughter. they hastened our acceptance of her condition.

Janice, our 14 year-old daughter, matured in so short a time, taking on humbling chores she never did before and went through scant sleeps at night to attend to her younger sibling's occasional whims.

we were on our knees as funds dipped low in so short a time and realized our great vulnerability. we realized our inevitable need of others - not just to salve our pained hearts and assist us in the occasional brisk pace of attending to yam's needs but to chip in to the piling hospital bills.

we hopped from doctor to doctor whom we knew could give us sound advice only to fully realize that only God could heal surely and completely. through it all, we are hanging in there quite well. we continue to beseech God for a miracle and be spared from usual effects and side effects of medical treatment. we also set aside our hesitance in seeking friends' help as needed.

we will keep you posted and thanks for your concern. we need your continued prayers. regards

----

23 Jun 2006

brod, thanks so much for your concern.

a house help is at home always. when not in the hospital, yam is at home with the house help. yesterday, yam was admitted to the hospital for her 2nd course of chemotherapy (june23-30). this morning she will have bone marrow aspiration (bma) to extract fresh bone marrow for analysis. the bma results will establish her current bone marrow condition and serves as reference for the after-chemo reading two to three weeks from now.

the 2nd course is a more aggressive one and includes an intrathecal procedure to prevent the leukemic cells from invading the nervous system. after this course there will be a 3-4 week recovery period. during this time, yam will be re-admitted to the hospital for about a week for blood transfusion and care management. the family is okay, we are very hopeful.

yam is in high spirits especially when out of the hospital. we are trying to arrange a home study program for her so that she can do some academic work when physically able.

we will keep you and the brods posted. you and the brods had really been a big source of encouragement.

thank you and regards.

May 13, 2007

19-27 June 2006

24 Jun 2006

I hope I can still reach you before your flight to the phils.

our daughter yam was re-admitted yesterday for her 2nd course of chemotherapy. it will be an 8-day session on AML protocol for standard risk patients.

medicines for this course are readily available but her doctor mentioned the difficulty of acquiring AMSACRINE which is needed on the 3rd course. she uses a substitute for this, so she suggested that I request it from the US in case I knew someone. 5 vials of 100 mg will be sufficient. we deeply appreciate if you can find this for us.

thank you very much and may god bless you and your family.

----

25 Jun 2006

yam is now on her 3rd day of the 2nd chemo course. she was administered with an intrathecal chemo which made her quite uncomfortable but she now feels much better.

thanks again and regards.

------

27 Jun 2006

it's so kind of you to raise funds for our daughter.

it's now more than 2 months after she was diagnosed of aml. she's back to the hospital for the 5th time now and she's on her 4th day of an 8-day 2nd course of chemotherapy. 3 drugs are administered to her everyday in addition to anti-vomiting, anti-fungal drugs, etc.

just like the previous one, the post chemo period requires antibiotics, blood transfusion and meticulous hospital care to prevent any infection. in-between hospitalization, yam is in high spirits and usually banters with her siblings.

last Sunday, the doctor mentioned yam's encouraging response to the 1st chemo. her latest bone marrow aspirate indicates she now produces enough blood. Her blood count showed almost normal levels of red blood cells and platelets. her white blood cells remained low though and her karyotypic analysis indicated 2 kinds of probably abnormal cells.

with a positive trend, this 2nd chemotherapy could induce remission. we will then confront the decision on whether or not she undergoes bone marrow transplantation (bmt). this hinges on the availability of a matched donor and the funds for the procedure. st Luke’s, national kidney institute and Asian hospital, all in metro manila, are all be capable of this procedure which is said to increase the chances of long-term survival compared to standard treatment methods.

we'd been scouring the net for clues of medical assistance, including bringing her to the US for treatment. we are praying that such will be granted to us by God should this be the right answer. There appears to be a glimmer of hope as dr ribiero of the st Jude’s children's hospital in Memphis is coming to Davao on july 26-28 for a medical outreach. we hope we can get to him and pass the eligibility requirements.

yam's doctor, jeannie ong, has also been very helpful and sympathetic. as we struggled to accept the condition of our child, we were burdened with the attitude of seeking how our child could survive. now, we are living to let our child live life with a deadly disease, and conquer it!! we can say for sure that people like you made us think this way and made us cope much easier.

we also wanted to write the whole group and seek help. but we are very much encouraged how several others got wind of the information and offered help one way or another. adversity, indeed, has its noble purposes and we thank you for helping us appreciate the brighter side of a very difficult situation.

god bless you my friend and all the other kind-hearted people. we will continue to keep in touch and look forward to your coming.

---

RT wrote:

Pareng Junie,

I started a little fund drive and emailed some of our batchmates privately. They are sending me cheques and I will give you the cash, either in US$ or pesos when I get there. I was thinking of just sending off a message to the loop but wanted to get your blessings.

Am praying for Yam to pull through. Hope you and the rest of the family are coping.

------

29 Jun 2006

Dear Brod Junie,

I hope Yam is doing fine with her second round of chemotherapy. I am telling Debbie (my youngest) about Yam's struggle now at a very young, and her courage. Debbie is also ten years old.

Brod, I am also very blessed to have a brod like you. And now that the brods have their own families, we are very lucky to have each other as friends. Moses is now in college - he is trying to finish his AA (I think it is taking him 4 years to complete!) from the junior college here. We are advising him to now transfer to San Jose State Univ but he really wants to receive his AA certificate first. He doesn't feel any pressure to graduate! They're luckier than us during our college days when we were always penniless. Although with our rich experience, we became sharper and thinkers.

By the way, Moses is working his first job in a large computerstore, just for the summer. Tim is 16, he will be in his senior year HS this August. Debbie will be grade 5. OK, brod, could you send me your home address or your office address?

I have your bank account at DBP, courtesy of Marlon, but I think I would rather send via door to door if I send a cash gift to Yam. Send our regards to Emma, and to your other kids. Be courageous, you will be blessed.

Next time, I will try to gather my children for a pic so I can send it along with my e-mail.


Regards,

M

-----Original Message-----

June 19, 2006

dear m, m and kids,

greetings from davao city!it has been quite some time since i last emailed you.

how are all of you doing? M must be in 2nd or 3rd year college now. Which college has he enetered? T and D must be so tall now.. where do they go to school to? we heard m came home last year...

i wrote to thank you for your gift of love to yama. We truly are overwhelmed at the show of love and concern for our little girl. the pain and the burden has become lighter because of many caring folks like you.

the first time we heard about the conclusive findings of acute myelogenous leukemia, we were devastated. We still are but many times God in His mercy has shown He is ahead of us in this trial. He has many ways we can not fathom even sending new acquaintances to us for information, for encouraging chat/messages, for timely blood donations and so on... we try to keep track of all these blessings and truly He will not give a trial that we can not carry.

we are so blessed having you as our friends and we pray that God bless you with your needs and with the desires of your heart because you are a blessing to others. thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.

btw, yam is eating very well and remains optimistic. she is scheduled to undergo her second round of chemotheraphy for 8 days starting on june 23.she is very encouraged at the fact that so many care and are praying for her complete recovery.

best regards and do take care.

A Year After Diagnosis

"Yeahhhh!!!"

This is Yam's cry, a year after she was diagnosed of leukemia.

Since leaving the hospital on October 19 last year, Yam's recovery had been steady. Last March, her biopsy and engraftment analysis showed her blood system is normal and well. After her routine check up last month, we visited two leukemia patients and she confidently encouraged them by relating her own ordeal, and saying, "Kaya mo yan" (You will overcome).

From February, she started getting back to normal activities with care. She attended her Ate Janice's graduation ceremony, had her first mall tour, ate her favorite curry beef rice in a restaurant ("I owe myself lots of servings of this food, mwahahaha"), visited a mountain resort, and helped host a family at home.

On May 12, she received her report of grades and immediately enrolled for classes in June. She spends time bantering with her sister, watching music video, anime, and reading blogs. We wish she'd have her own blog in due time.

The difficult times she underwent are gone now and we can only thank God, friends, relatives, her physicians, nurses and many others who extended help and prayed for her healing and well-being.

May 12, 2007

29 June 2006

29 June 2006

Dear Congressman,

Our 10 year daughter, Eunice Joy, was diagnosed of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), a form of white blood cancer that radically diminishes the capacity of the immune system to fight infection. AML appears to be one of the worst forms of leukemia.

Since April, Eunice was in and out of the hospital for diagnosis, blood analysis and treatment. She had her first course of chemotherapy on May 22-26 and is currently undergoing her second chemotherapy (June 23-30). We need to raise Php241,900.00 for the 2nd to the 5th course of chemotherapy drugs alone.

In-between chemo treatment, Eunice has to be hospitalized for blood transfusions and care management to prevent infection. Our latest experience showed that care management can be more costly than a set of chemo drugs. Eunice’s treatment protocol calls for five courses of chemotherapy, which may require Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT).

While both of us, the parents, are employed with the government, the nature of our daughter’s illness has depleted our finances. To complete the treatment protocol and increase the chances of our daughter to get well would require much more than we have already spent.

We know you and others also desire that our daughter leads a normal life. She was an honor student but was prevented by her illness to enroll this school year. We are therefore requesting your help in seeking financial assistance from such agencies like the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Philippine Amusement and Games Corporation (PAGCor) and others for Eunice’s hospital and treatment bills.

Attached is Eunice’s Medical Abstract and List of Chemotherapy Drugs.

Thank you for your help and we seek God’s blessings and guidance to you and family.



Very truly yours,



JONATHAN A. BAYOGAN

Father

Leukemia Can Be Overcome


Eunice Joy Bayogan, or Yam as we fondly call her, is our youngest child. In May 2006, she was diagnosed of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). AML is a form of blood cancer that radically diminishes the immune system’s capacity to fight infection. It is one of the worst forms of leukemia.

When she was diagnosed of this illness, we were deeply devastated. We couldn't understand how a bubbly, intelligent and beautiful girl can be stricken with such a disease. Eerie thoughts crept, including thoughts that our daughter was dying.

Yam is an honor pupil at the Philippine Women's College-Grade School until she was prevented from enrolling to undergo treatment. She had three of a 5-course chemotherapy protocol in May, June and July, 2006. Each time, she was back to the hospital for blood transfusion and supportive care.

Yam practically lived in the hospital then. After the second chemotherapy, her attending physician, Dr. Jeannie Bernardo-Ong, pronounced she was in remission. Under this condition, she can undergo bone marrow transplantation (BMT), a process that greatly increases her complete cure. This process was recommended as the first option, and not a last recourse, in treating leukemia.

After going through a difficult period of decision-making, looking for a matched donor and raising the needed funds, Yam was admitted for bone marrow transplantation at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in early September. Under the care of competent and compassionate doctors, Dr. Francisco Vicente Lopez and Dr. Allan Robert Racho, Yam had a successful transplant. She was the 23rd bone marrow transplant patient at the Asian Hospital, where 28 transplants were done so far from December 2002 to January 2007.

Three months after her transplant, Yam embarked on a home study program. The Philippine Women's College of Davao City, where she was enrolled, provided adequate lessons and evaluation tests. Just last week, Yam received her report of grades and enrolled for the next grade which is to start in June.

Yam has steadily gained weight and grew taller. She continues medication and undergoes regular check-up. Her biopsy latest that her bone marrow is functioning well. Her engraftment analysis shows likewise. She consistently manifests vigor and energy. She has not lost memory and wit, showing to one and all that the deadly disease called leukemia can be vanquished.

Yam's journey from illness to wellness was possible only through the dedication and competence of her medical team, and the help of many friends, institutions, relatives, school mates and countless Good Samaritans. As we savor the joy and exhilaration of Yam's journey to full recovery, we realize the priceless value for relationships, humility, honesty and reliance on God.

Our desire of a normal life for our daughter is well within reach. So, to all of you who extended your helping hands in diverse ways, to all of you who cried out to the Lord for healing, strength, provisions and things we needed during the months of difficulty, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. May God bless you in all your undertakings.

May 11, 2007

Thank You All

FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, WE THANK YOU ALL:


Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office - Head Office
Outreach Asia
First Hand Foundation

PSHS Batch 74, Friends and Network
Bibaknets (US, Canada, Philippines)
PSHS Batch 75, Friends and Network
Semians Family & Network

SMS Batch 74 Mamapke Family
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office - Davao

Bayogan Family, Relatives and Friends
Anoya Family, Relatives and Friends
Valdez Family, Relatives and Friends
Perez-Macasaet Family
DOSCST Family
University of the Philippines Family
Philippine Womens College of Davao City Family
PagCor

PASUC Family
NSDB-PNC 7405 Alumni
CHED Friends

SMARRDEC Family
Annabel's Aus Network
Pastor Huang and Congregation
PSITE-XI and Leng's Web Team
Davao City Friends of Yam

Our many friends and colleagues from way back

....and many, many others who are subsumed, or not, in this list - your generosity and compassion are deeply appreciated....

We know we will never be able to mention every group and everyone who helped us in many different ways and forms. But we are sure God knows you all and He has indelibly written you and your good deeds. May`He reward you manyfold, in this life and in the life to come.

6 July 2006

July 6

brods,

marlon and i had a hearty talk last night over the phone. so brod mel was in town last week? romy arrived in davao last night and i will join him this morning for a workshop. ched has a project here in the davao region. we are looking at integrating four state university and colleges into one regional university system.

yam was out of the hospital last sunday after 8 days of the 2nd course of chemotherapy. 3 drugs wereadministered to her everyday in addition to anti-vomitting, anti-fungal drugs, etc. just like the previous one, the post chemo period requires antibiotics, blood transfusion and meticulous hospital care to prevent any infection. we expect this on the 7th day after the last chemotreatment. she is in high spirits and usually banters with her siblings.

also during her hospitalization, the doctor mentioned yam's encouraging response to the 1st chemo. Her latest bone marrow aspirate indicates she now produces enough blood. her blood count showed almost normal levels of red blood cells and platelets. her white blood cells remained low though and her karyotypic analysis indicated 2 kinds of probably abnormal cells.
with the positive trend, this 2nd chemotherapy could induce remission. we will then confront the decision on whether or not she undergoes bone marrow transplantation (bmt). this hinges on theavailability of a matched donor and the funds for the procedure. st luke's, national kidney institute and asian hospital and medical center, all in metro manila, are all be capable of this procedure which is said to increase the chances of long-term survival compared to standard treatment methods.

we'd been scouring the net for clues of medical assistance, including bringing her to the US fortreatment. we are praying that such will be granted to us by God should this be the right answer. There appears to be a glimmer of hope as dr ribiero of the st jude's children's hospital in memphis is coming to davao on july 26-28 for a medical outreach. we hope we can get to him and pass the eligibility requirements.

yam's doctor, jeannie ong, has also been very helpful and sympathetic. in this struggle we passed from seeking how our child could survive to living life with a deadlydisease, and conquering it!! we can say for sure that people like you made us think this way and made us cope much easier. adversity, indeed, has its noble purposes and we thank you for helping us appreciate the brighter side of a very difficult situation. god bless you my friends and all the other kind-hearted people.
-------

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!

May 10, 2007

Leaving The Hospital







October 15, 2006
Yam Leaves Hospital

As soon as Yam was declared engrafted, she worked her way slowly towards normal routine. She took in fluids and then solid foods, little by little, until she found it comfortable to do so. She began to move around and even went out of the room to the floor lobby. She looked into her email box and sent few mails. She started writing and recording her weight and fluid intake. She took to heart Dr Lopez’s advice that she can leave the hospital as fast as she gets back to the normal motions of life.

October 14 is exactly a month since Yam entered Asian Hospital and Medical Center. For the past few days, she wanted to be home. At Tita Helen’s house, her room was being readied. The necessary things (bills, records, etc) needed for discharge were being worked out by Dad, who arrived the night before from Davao. Dr. Lopez visited at mid-afternoon, smiled, and said, “I was just waiting for you to tell me you wanted to go home.” Thus were the words of final clearance, and by 6:30pm, Yam is home.

On Sunday, October 15, Tita Helen prepared a hearty lunch of sinigang ng tuna. Yam ate with gusto, with an extra serving of rice, then took in her meds. Yam’s sister Janice called in from Davao. The siblings talked lengthily as Yam smiled, smirked and swayed with pleasure as she related her experiences to a very eager listener. Seeing a vibrant-looking young child, who just a few days before was helpless on her hospital bed, is indeed very delightful.

Looking back at the month-long roller-coaster hospital ride, we feel relieved that the most difficult days are over. Even then, we take caution in pushing Yam too much. We now look forward with bright hopes We see Yam to be a woman who will care for the weak and the sick, one who will love others and help them overcome, a person who will fight for good causes, and one who treats people in pain and suffering with gentleness and compassion. All this, because she received the same lavishly from many people, like you.

October 25, 2006
The Post Transplant, Post-Hospital Days

Yam was discharged from the hospital on October 14, exactly a month after she was admitted.
Two days later, she had her first outpatient visit to monitor the development on her blood system . On her way back home, Dad drove her around to appreciate the landscape of the Filinvest Corporate City and the various architectural designs of houses in the posh Ayala Alabang Village. At Tita Helen’s home, she ate well and read Harry Potter for three hours, then went for a nap. When she woke up late afternoon, Mom was worried as she was running a 39 degree fever. Calling on Yam’s pediatrician, Mom was advised to bring her immediately to the hospital for care management. It was a difficult struggle for Yam to accept going back to the hospital but she finally relented after half an hour of persuasion.

Yam stayed in the hospital for three days and was back home on October 19. It turned out that she was positive of cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus lays dormant and non-disruptive to a healthy person but may be fatal if untreated to an immuno-compromised person like those who undergo transplant. She was treated for this and she tested negative after a few days. She continues the medication though, to avert any adverse chances, in addition to several other tablets meant for every possible complication that may arise.

Adjusting to a constrained life is a constant struggle for Yam. Some days, it’s a breeze as she goes around Tita Helen’s home and enjoys whatever she takes hold of – a book, a teddy bear, a pillow. At other times, she misses the activities that a kid her age normally does – run around, go malling, play and get dirty, go to school. Realizing her restricted condition sometimes makes her mood swing low. Happily, she quickly bounces back to her usually buoyant disposition.
Today (October 26) marks the start of Yam’s second post-transplant month. So far, so good, so to speak. She goes through her daily struggles with grace, and her small victories with gratitude. Her routine remains deliberate and careful. And she remains positive and raring to live a more carefree life as days come and go.


November 5, 2006
Getting Better and Better By Getting By, Day By Day

“One step at a time” best describes this period as Yam enters into her second post-transplant month. Her regular check up showed that she progressed pretty well. Her blood counts are within normal levels. Slight variations in one or two specific cell counts indicated the need for adjustment in medication.

Yam also began walking to the nearby village park to regain her physical strength and rebuild her confidence. She occasionally goes out for a walk but avoids prolonged exposure to the sun. She continues to wear her face mask as continues to take in immuno-suppresants.
Kids are happiest when with other kids. And Yam is fortunate to occasionally meet Jill Octa and her sister when she goes for her weekly check up. Jill underwent a successful bone marrow transplant 8 days after Yam did at the Asian Hospital, also with Dr. Francis Lopez and Dr. Allan Racho.

During this week, Dad and Ate Janice visited Yam from Davao. On October 31, Mike and Gina Peck with their children, Sri and Ian, also visited. Mike and Gina manage the Outreach Asia Foundation from their home in Minnesotta and they responded to our desperate cry for help for Yam’s transplant fund. It was exhilarating to meet such generous souls and they were as happy to see Yam getting better and better, day by day.

As the Pecks left, we can only thank them and the many other people like them who lovingly and selflessly shared part of their lives and resources to redeem a young soul from the scourge called leukemia. We thought that the best we can do now in return is to care for Yam, rear and see her grow into a woman who will inspire others, keep the circle of life going for others, and perpetuate the life of giving, caring and serving.

May 5, 2007

May 2, 2006

Brods,

Yam was admitted to the hospital on April 9 for pallor (pale condition) and intermittent fever. Her red and white blood counts were both low, her platelet count was okay and her lymphocyte count was high. She was subjected to a series of tests to eliminate common suspected illness like dengue, malaria, flu and even lupus. All were ruled out.

On a daily basis, her blood counts were monitored and showed constant drop in both red and white cells (parehong di maganda). Her platelet count was ample and steady (ok) and her lymphocyte slowly rose (hindi ok).

On the fourth day she underwent a bone marrow aspiration to extract sufficient bone marrow sample using to 4-inch needle to rule out leukemia. The results showed hypocellular condition (kulang ang cells), and 12% lymphoblasts (immature lymphocytes). The leukemia threshold is 25% but the normal level should be up to 5%.

I brought the medical record to the Philippine Children's
Medical Center in Quezon City on April 19 while the blood smears were sent through LBC courier. The doctor's analysis is being sought yet. We brought her back to the hematologist on May 1 and she showed improved red and white blood cell count, steady platelet count but still elevated lymphocyte (elevated lymphocyte count indicates something wrong). She still has intermittent fever and will be back to the doctor on May 8. She lost about 2 lbs and might have a second bone marrow aspiration for biopsy and a more sophisticated test called immunophenotyping. The latter is done to rule out leukemia conclusively. This will be done at St Luke's, Philippine General Hospital or National Kidney Institute. St Luke's was highly recommended.

Yam is now at home resting and takes in food supplements, and a couple of medicines. Her appetite is normal, is in high spirits but is affected by the intermittent fever.

Brods, we need your continued prayers forYyam's quick and complete recovery. Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.

May 4, 2007

May 11 2006

11 May 2006
Update on Yam's Condition

Thank you all for your encouraging text messages and posts on the egroup. We indeed take comfort from you at all times.

Yam underwent a second bone marrow aspiration from which she had her biopsy and immuno-phenotyping last Tuesday. Her blood smears were analyzed by two doctors in
Davao and by two others at St Luke's Hospital. The St Luke's analysis was just phoned in this morning.

Just yesterday, Emma and I had a conference with Yam's physician. She told us of their findings here in
Davao and gave us management advise. The diagnosis is acute lymphoblastic (lymphocytic) leukemia. Tthis is what the blood analysis say. We were assured that the prognosis for this type of leukemia for Yam's age is good - i.e. up to 80% survival or complete remission. She was given steroids to arrest the growth of bad cells and to enhance the production of good cells.

We were briefed on the possible chemotherapy management which can commence next week and will last for 6 months active chemotherapy and 2 years management. We were adviced not to have her enrolled because of here susceptibility to infection. We were also adviced to wear mouth masks at home to minimize air-borne microorganisms that can trigger infection.

Just this morning while i was at Yam's school to inquire about the possibility of home study, Emma sent me a text message saying the doctor called up to update us of the lab results from St Luke's Hospital. The test done is called immunophenotyping, an objective and accurate method. The results indicate another type of leukemia. It is AML or acute myelogenous leukemia which normally occurs in older persons. The bad news is that this type has poor prognosis and requires a more aggressive treatment.

Tomorrow, we will have another conference with the physician at the San PedroHospital,
Davao City to discuss what can be done.

We are appreciative of Yam's doctor, Dr. Jeannie Ong, a young, diligent and expressive doctor. In her clinic hangs specialization diploma obtained at UST, Univ of HongKong and 1 or 2 prominent others. On another side of her clinic hangs a cardboard filled with cards and letters of thanks and endearment from her patients.

It's a hard time for us, brods. We appreciate your prayers.

May 3, 2007

May 13, 2006

13 May 2006

Yesterday, I posted an update on yam's condition. Just at
noon time today, we had a more lengthy conference with Yam's physician, Dr. Jeannie Ong, to discuss the results of yam's biopsy and immuno-phenotyping from St Luke's Medical Center.

Without getting to the medical profession's jargon and technicalities, the results showed that Yam has Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) which occurs more in both adults than children. This second diagnosis is more accurate than the first as this underwent a more specific and objective process. This type of leukemia also requires a more focused and aggressive treatment than the earlier diagnosis (ALL).

The experience of listening to the doctor's revelation was harrowing even as we also discussed the treatment protocol, the possible side effects, the patient's possible reaction to the treatment, the treatment duration and the comparatively poorer prognosis.

At home afterwards, I can't stand my loving daughter's reaction when we slowly divulged the nature of her illness. She already understands life and was clearly devastated at the eerie possibilities. I had to get out of our room holding on to my tears as her Mom held on to her. (Mothers truly are full of wisdom when talking to a child)

We accept this condition and hold on to the hope of life and the mercy of the Almighty. With your continued encouragement, we will get by.

May 2, 2007

June 2 and 4, 2006

2 Jun 2006

Thanks for your gentle, compassionate heart. I have always known you to be one.

After 6 days of chemotherapy, Yam was brought home. She seems ok but begins to feel the expected side effects. Will update you later.

(Pare, Please be strong and keep faith. We will be praying for Yam's recovery and victory. I'd like to help. If you have a PNB account, let me know the account details as I would like to send help.—MT)

4 Jun 2006

Thanks for your encouragement and compassion. I'm in
Manila right now, just back from Hyderabad. I will have a meeting at CHED on Tuesday and will go right back to Davao the next day.

Anytime is a good time to visit Davao and a visit to Yam is best on weekends since we are at home at that time. Yesterday, Yam was back to San Pedro Hospital, Davao City, for blood transfusion. This is her 4th trip to the hospital since April. Her hair began to fall, on the 4th day now, since she had her 1st course of chemotherapy more than a week ago.

I called her up this morning and she is drinking her milk and eating cookies. OK naman ang kain nya and is in high spirits.

May 1, 2007

June 7 and 14, 2006

7 Jun 2006
Subject: update on yam (8 June)

again thank you for your concern and generosity. I believe it proper to update you of yam's condition. She was brought back to san Pedro hospital last Friday, June 2, for platelet and hemoglobin transfusion.

As is common to chemo patients, her hair began to fall. She had been saving her fallen hair in a plastic bag and joked that the hair can be woven for my wig. Of course, her hair will regrow, but I can't say the same for mine.

The platelet transfusion was done through a stand-by donor whose blood was extracted, passed on to a machine so the platelets are separated, then the blood put back to the donor. The process is costly but just one donor reduces risks compared to multiple donors.

I arrived
Davao June 7, visited her at about noon and she seems in high spirits. She weaker than normal and lies down most of the time. We hope she gets discharged tomorrow if she has no fever. In 2-3 weeks, she will undergo the second course of chemotherapy. We learned that the chemo period seems "easier", the recovery period when the side effects manifest is difficult.

Today, I went to the blood bank to donate my blood. I was earlier routine-checked but when the nurse obtained a sample for final test, she told me my blood didn't reach the "donor level". Malabnaw daw ang dugo ko.

the family is ok. Emma was so touched with streams of encouraging messages and the kindness of the brods. it seems that adversity has its unique purposes and we are thankful of your support.

attached are 3 of yam's pictures. image2747 was taken may18 and image2267 taken in march, when we weren't even aware she's going have leukemia. thanks brods for everything.
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14 Jun 2006
Subject: About Yam

thanks for your quick reply. I tried to ring your mobile phone but you were out of coverage area. so you are in the
Philippines?


adversity indeed has its multitude of purposes. In the harrowing two months when we quickly transitioned through a state of uncertainty, shock, disbelief, denial and acceptance, the family closed ranks. friends stood by as we stared dumbfounded to know that such a fine, bubbly, bright, sweet and healthy girl could have such a condition.

well-meaning friends hang around and eased the pain of knowing the vicious illness plagued our daughter. they hastened our acceptance of her condition.

Janice, our 14 year-old daughter, matured in so short a time, taking on humbling chores she never did before and went through scant sleeps at night to attend to her younger sibling's occasional whims.

we were on our knees as funds dipped low in so short a time and realized our great vulnerability. we realized our inevitable need of others - not just to salve our pained hearts and assist us in the occasional brisk pace of attending to yam's needs but to chip in to the piling hospital bills.

we hopped from doctor to doctor whom we knew could give us sound advice only to fully realize that only God could heal surely and completely. through it all, we are hanging in there quite well, thanks to friends, whom we certainly need as we provide personal care and medical attention to yam.

we continue to beseech God for a miracle and be spared of the usual effects and side effects of medical treatment. we also set aside our hesitance in seeking friends' help as needed. that's why we appreciate your initiative. we will keep you posted and thank you very much for everything.