LABAN Mama Yolly

Mama is recently diagnosed of Plasmablastic Lymphoma Stage 4. It is a type of cancer wherein there is an aggressive growth of plasma cells and cancer begins in the cells of the lymph nodes.

My mother, mama yolly to her apos, Ate Ibong to her relatives or Tita Yolly to her clients (Yolanda Joseph 65 years old) is a very jolly person and a strong woman. Generous up to her bones, very active and hardworking, affectionate and warm.

Measuring body figures , making patterns, cutting fabric and sewing clothes is mama's cup of tea.

Last April she started complaining about gum pains on her left upper gums. She took pain meds to relieve her from pain. Persistent pain already affected her sleep and so we started consulting a dentist. Antibiotics and pain meds were given. After one week of medication and ff. up nothing changed and a lump/mass is starting to grow on her left cheek. Another round of antibiotics were given to be taken more frequently than the previous prescription. Mama does not have any molars both upper and lower jaws. The dentist was explaining that the pain was due to trauma. Unsatisfied and losing confidence with her dentist, we started searching for an ENT doctor instead and sought care from SM Marikina Medical City.

While being in and out of dental consultations, imaging studies and other diagnostic exams the lump or mass on her left cheek is evidently growing day by day. Until she is working and sewing with just one eye open. Then we started joking that she is very talented as she is now a "one eyed woman seamstress"

Being very passionate with her work she did not stop sewing despite her condition. That is to meet commitments and keep her integrity among clients. Two bridal entourage, three debutant's gown and other sorts of job orders kept her going. She was busy. We were all busy. Accomplishing tasks in the tahian and complying with all the requested diagnostic exams.

As the mass is growing and her left cheek is changing in color, turning to purple, it was also a waiting game for all of us to know the biopsy results. It was June 14 when we found out that the mass was malignant. It was CANCER.

Measuring our patience and faith. Making a different pattern of activities. Cutting out on work and making ends meet was the new flavor of her cup of tea.

As if COVID-19 pandemic was not enough. November 14 Ulysses flood. May 23 fire in my father's budega. We now have cancer served on our plate. What a bad menu.

Biopsy procedure P16,000. CT SCAN P14,000. Full abdominal UTZ P7,000. 2D Echo P5,000. IJ Catheter insertion P20,000. Chemotherapy drugs per cycle P20,000. Blood Transfusion P13,000. Strong antibiotic tablets costing P2,000 each. Monthly maintenance medication of a single drug costing P6,000. and the list just goes on BUT the income and profit being cut.

Mama is the head of the tahian, the pattern maker, cutter, sewer and sample maker. Without her we have to lay-low in accepting job orders. Each chemo cycle would cost less than 500K and the best treatment which is bone marrow transplant would cost less than 1.5M.

Complying with all the diagnostic tests and conquering her first cycle turned out to be light and smooth. Many friends, even clients and family members were very supportive, generous and really extended their care for mama through prayers and financial aid. We are very thankful, grateful and blessed.

Sharing our experience on her first cycle, you will admire her for her strength physically, emotionally, and mentally. We even accepted pattern making job orders while admitted. HAPIT!!!

As jolly as she is, she did not lose her humor amidst the situation "Anak, unli tusok na ko dito ah, sana unli food na lang." as med techs would extract blood almost every other day and sometimes even at 4AM.

To kill boredom, "Anak kuhaan mo ako ng video sasayaw ako." This was one afternoon while watching showtime's opening. Muntik na kami mag Tik-Tok.

By the time her chemo drugs was showing more effects like hair loss. she was singing "magtanim ay di biro maghapong nakayuko" while she bows her head over a trash can shoving her hair off until she got tired and just decided to cut it off.

Cancer is such a big drama. A huge theatrical play. Such a big deal. A long battle. Malaking dagok at mabigat na pamatok.

"Diyos ko, Panginoon ko, bakit akooooo?!" Can you imagine and hear that line in some movies or drama series when the patient or the family finds out that their loved one has cancer?

I cannot recall or I did not witness that kind of scene with mama. Upon finding out of her diagnosis "May cancer daw ako. kung cancer edi cancer. Panginoon ang nagbigay sakin nito, siya din ang magbibigay ng lunas at solusyon dito." Even the whole family was very pro-active and solution-based with all the series of unfortunate events. Everyone kept their faith.

This cancer thing should be a piece of cake. Easy peasy lemon squeezy as we take confidence and very thankful, grateful and blessed with the medical institution handling her case and for all the doctors and nurses looking after her. This go get funding platform is also a huge help for us and the likes who needs great support in raising funds.

We are in great need of financial help to sustain Mama Yolly's treatments and medications. We are struggling, maybe suffering and having a tough time now but we shall not fear nor worry. We rest all our concerns to God. We believe that all of these will turn out to brighter days and this is for the future and greater glory. God will provide all our needs and that he has greater plans.

We hope that you can be part of Mama Yolly's miracle as she/we journey together in this moment of her life. We humbly ask for your help. Kindly extend more of your love and care for Mama Yolly.

BPI 2449-13-53-53 Hazelyn Joseph

GCASH 09771213174 Kevin Bautista

Email Address: [email protected]

Facebook messenger : Hazel Joseph

If you will be sending your love and care thru BPI or GCASH kindly send me a screen shot of your transaction. Para po makapag pasalamat po kami. :)

Tita/ Mama Yolly is healed. She is strong and healthy. She is free from pain and all kinds of cancer cells. She is blessed with happiness, peace of mind and the strength of an Ox and an Eagle.

(THANK YOU! Just by reading that you have already been part of our miracle. We believe that whatever we speak will be declared. That is our mantra/affirmation for Mama Yolly)

We Shall Celebrate soon wearing beautiful clothes made by mama Yolly.

Salamat po!