IAN Lariba is on the road to recovery following a bone marrow transplant.
The 23-year-old Lariba, discharged from the hospital last month, showed up at at the table tennis association gym on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, her first public appearance since being diagnosed with leukemia a few months ago.
“Gusto ko magpasalamat kay Lord kasi finally, nakalabas na ako ng hospital after ng transplant. Everything went fine. Everything was according to the time table,” said Lariba.
Lariba said her health continues to improve since the bone marrow transplant.
The 2016 Olympian is still undergoing treatment for her to be cancer-free. She is also undergoing neutropenic diet in which she eats only freshly cooked meals.
”As of now, I’m on post-transplant stage pa rin. I’m undergoing follow-up check-ups regularly and weekly with my doctors. I’m now on transplant Day 45. May timetable kami na Day 100 for further preventive measures and follow-up check-ups and oral medications,” said Lariba.
“Basically, I’m feeling much better compared nung before ako na-diagnose. As I always say, I take it day-by-day improvements. Hindi naman every day maganda ’yung feeling ko pero I try my best to keep positive. Siguro dun din nagra-radiate na umo-okay yung feeling ko,” he said.
Lariba also thanked all those who helped her in her treatment including the International Table Tennis Federation, La Salle and the Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc.
“I want to thank the table tennis community, all my fellow players around the Philippines, and most especially around the world na sumuporta at patuloy na nagdadasal sa ikabubuti po ng kalagayan ko. I’m just thankful. I’m much thankful this time because I was given a second chance in life,” said Lariba.
She was accompanied by her mother Imelda and officials led by PTTFi president Ting Ledesma.
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