Patient Stories Series
(No. 11)
An EPCALM-serviced patient shared three valuable insights he learned from his leukemia journey, which he hopes can bring hope and strength to others in their fight against cancer.
“The best empathy and help you can get is from other cancer patients themselves,” said Michael Eli B. Tan, 51, a post-bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patient diagnosed in October 2020 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
Since the cancer community knows what we are going through, it becomes a vital source of strength, as we are benefitted by its collective support and compassion,” Mike continued, as he noted that he always seizes any prospect of extending a helping hand to his fellow patients. “It’s a good opportunity to share myself, through my personal experience, with others in similar situations.”
Meanwhile, Mike acknowledged the important role of oncologists in their treatment and healing. He encouraged patients to always follow the instructions and professional advice of their doctors, and not seek information elsewhere, which are not vetted and tend to confuse or add stress to the patients.
“Trust your doctors – they know what they are doing,” he said, and cautioned patients against reading misleading literature and other information from the Internet.
At the same time, Mike urged the patient organizations to also prioritize the spiritual needs of their patient-beneficiaries, by integrating spiritual care in its programs and services, as he cited the EPCALM Foundation for providing him spiritual guidance. “It is important to address the spiritual health of patients,” he said. “Look up to God, and give Him thanks, as He is always ready to help us when we are in desperate moments.” Mike is married to Kit, with whom they have two children – a son, 18, and daughter, 17. They live in Quezon City.
Mike was one of the Panelists during the Blood Cancer Patients Forum, “Kanser sa Dugo, Laban ng Bawat Pilipino,” organized by the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines. The Forum was held at the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in Taguig City last 8 October 2024. It was attended by the members of the Press, representatives from the Taguig City Health Office, blood cancer patients and their families, and other partners and stakeholders.
The Alliance Members include the following: Lymphoma Philippines Inc., EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines Inc., Kanser sa Adolescents and Young Adults (KAYA) Community, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), Touched by Max Inc., Myelofribosis Awareness and Support Philippines, and the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine.
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