Patient Stories Series
(No. 1)
Like other persons with adult leukemia, his journey was marked with challenging years of chemotherapy treatments, countless hospitalizations, and seemingly endless medical consultations. Thankfully, he now sees the silver lining, so to speak. He is a leukemia survivor!
At 35 then, Michael S. Matias had unusual bleeding symptoms. After many consultations with oncologists and a bone marrow biopsy, he was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) on 15 Dec. 2018. He had his medical treatments at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City.
APL is a blood cancer characterized by a marked increase in a type of immature white blood cells, known as promyelocytes. The development of APL therapy is a success story in the realm of cancer and leukemia treatment. It has shifted from an often-fatal disease to a highly curable form of leukemia.
In his own words, Michael said his leukemia journey was physically, financially and emotionally draining. However, it made him stronger in many ways, knowing that he had to live for his family. He fought back, and pushed through, with the unwavering support of his family members. He also thanks EPCALM for helping him during his journey to wholeness.
Michael has two children; his family has moved to Caloocan City last year, and despite his battle with the disease, he has found ways to financially support his loved ones. He has a small kiosk in front of his house – CheckMike Mobile Bar, which serves non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, among others. He raises rabbits, and offers delicious dishes from rabbit meat (also known as coney and lapin). He prefers this kind of white meat over other kinds due to its reported health benefits. Aside from his mobile bar, he is a freelance bartender for events.
More than a cancer survivor, Michael is a living testament that leukemia is not a death sentence. Indeed, it is curable. His story is proof that through hope, strength, and unconditional support from his family, healing is possible. His journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other cancer and leukemia patients. He encourages others like him: “Never give up; face all adversities head on!” (By Trisha R. Luna, Emmanuel Jairus P. Pantig and Marielle Krishna C. Santos)
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