Patient Stories Series
(No. 15)
About 10 years ago, many had thought she would not have much long to live. At 23 then, Geraldine S. Mallabo was reed thin; her stomach was bloated, while her skin was riddled with open sores. Although her doctors in Bacolod City were baffled by her condition and could not have clear findings, they advised to have her spleen removed.
Determined to get a better diagnosis, her family decided to bring her to Manila. She was admitted at the Ospital ng Maynila, and later moved to San Lazaro Hospital. Due to lack of proper healthcare, she was finally examined at the Philippine General Hospital. She was told to undergo a splenectomy.
However, her preoperative tests at the PGH Hematology Department detected a chromosomal mabnormality, which required a bone marrow aspiration. She had chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
For years, Geraldine went through different CML oral chemotherapy drugs. During her first year, she took Hydroxyurea, which treated the abnormal inflammation of her midsection, but it had some side effects – her fingernails and skin had darkened. Her oral chemo shifted to Nilotinib (Tasigna), and then to Busotinib, which she is presently taking.
Admittedly, Geraldine said it was difficult for her and her family during the initial years of her treatment. As the days progressed into days, months, and years, Geraldine was able to adjust to her new lifestyle. Today, she can even fully explain her medical condition – her leukemia journey including the various side effects she underwent - to her family and friends, owing to the many years of consulting with her doctors.
Geraldine is grateful to her family, which stood beside her, and never gave up on her. Now at 33, she is a single parent to 17-year-old daughter, Jhammstacey. She now spends most of her days in Caloocan City, where she does housekeeping chores for a relative.
She openly professes her faith, which she attributes as the strongest factor that has helped her in her continuing journey to complete recovery and wholeness. Surrounded by the love of her family and friends
“I am a God-fearing child of God. I find solace in Him through my daily prayers,” she said. Every day, she musters the courage to face life’s trials by nurturing her spiritual life. She thanks the EPCALM Foundation for all the assistance it has provided to her and her family, especially through the Family Huddles, and Friday Bible Fellowships.
Geraldine is, indeed, a work in progress. And we will continue to witness other triumphs in her journey in the days to come, with faith and hope as her guiding light. (By Camille Margarethe Aileen T. Sanchez and Winona May G. Tapiru)
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
As a non-stock, non-profit organization, EPCALM Foundation needs your support for us to help our brothers and sisters who are living with adult leukemia, as well as their families. You can make a difference in their lives as they journey through the disease. Through your genuine act of kindness, we can provide them much-needed resources as they start rebuilding their lives.
To donate, you can either use PayPal (if you have a PayPal account) or you may use your debit/ credit card. Thank you very much!
For Paypal or credit/debit card donations, click the "Donate Now" button below.
For direct bank deposit, please see bank details below:
BPI- St. Luke’s QC Branch:
Account Name – EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines
Savings Account No. – 3893 0612 57
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