HELP ME GO HOME

Memoirs of a Transplant -JP Valencia

During the first stages of my bone marrow transplant, I was told that I only had 40-60% chance of being cured, but since we don’t have much option, we decided to proceed with the treatment The first stage of BMT is harvesting my stem cell. Dr. Lopez (Bone Marrow specialist, St. Lukes Medical BGC) warned me and my parents that the procedure is not 100 % proven successful, given that my cancer is considered aggressive, Defuse B Cell Lymphoma, Stage 3.

My parents left it to God’s will if I’ll survive or not. They held on to faith that I’ll be saved and believed God’s miraculous hands will work on me so they pursued even amidst financial challenges. In my mind, I was already writing my obituary, but I thanked the Lord for the life I’ve had. I was crying inside everyday. I’m a bad and a spoiled son, not being responsible for the consequences of my actions. I felt privileged and a comfortable life that anyone could ever ask for.

January 2017 came, and the first firework that welcomed my year was Stage 3 cancer. The truth sinked in when my doctor said it’s already tolerant of chemo, and we need stem cell transplant as soon as possible. It was in July this year that I felt I was already on the edge of the cliff. I’m thinking... is this it? Jessie Paul Valencia (1983-2018).

But I wasn’t afraid to die, just sad that I won’t see my nephews and nieces grow up, miss my dog Patrick, family, friends and partner that spoils me with unconditional love and spends whatever time available just to be with me for 3 months, that makes me laugh and never made me feel that I’m nearing the end. I prayed every night to Mama Mary, the nurses can testify that can hear Salve Regina hymns from my room and Audio Rosary was my sleeping pill.

Actually, I never blamed God or even asked Him why me of all people? It never occurred to me to question His will or to blame Him for whatever is happening. It’s unfair to blame God for the bad even the illusion of evil is to blame it? Blame or regret was never an issue to me. In short, I was confident I brought it to happen to myself, the gift of Freewill. Everyday, I ask my helper to close all the window shades and lights because I want to sleep always. I said this is a glorious realization of death - sleep. I was never depressed, I keep on accepting guests at my room and laugh. I even started a online business by just being in bed (laughs). I don’t know where the hope was coming from... maybe the Holy Spirit or maybe the pain meds... but the light of hope in my heart never sleeps in me.

Today is my 100th day being confined and Dr. Lopez just left my room with good news. My CBC is great, my transplant was 100% successful, my brain is clear, the rest of my organs are in normal shape with no abnormal growth, my nasal and groin area are 98% cleared. I quote Dr. Lopez... “Your case was actually hopeless. During the harvest of your stem cell, we found growth. I will be totally surprised if your bukol or new growth will shrink after the chemo before the transplant will happen, but miraculously it did 100%.” I was proven wrong, Jessie I have 100 patients similar to your case you are 1 out of i100 who survived, a Miracle that I will consider.

Now that my transplant has been completed, I need your financial help of any kind. The remaining bill that we have to settle is paid Php. 400,000 Php. and I cannot go home until I pay.

I want to help my family and especially my dad. I've been discharged since October 28, 2018 after the successful transplant. But cannot go home because we are lacking in funds and the more I stay here the bills add up. for those with a kind heart I have Eastwest Bank accounts where you can send your help or cheques.

I have a page dedicated for this “Bone Marrow Transplant for Jp” Please share or like my page.

Eastwest Bank Account Name: Jessie Paul M. Valencia

Account Numbers:

200018164832

200012863798

I can never be more grateful. Advance Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!