the elephant boy

i almost cried when he was brought to my clinic. Wearing a white scarf over his head to include major part of his face in order to hide his features. He had a stooped posture, and he was triyng his best not to look into my eyes..Sadness? feeling of desolation? i want to comfort him..

His mother went to me straight, 'tor wala me kwarta..mangayo lang me ug tabang..' bisaya in this chavakano country..

He went to manila, confident that wearing that slightly obvious lump on his right face can be remedied. He was referred by a local ENT for possible diagnostic and treatment purposes with an initial impression of malignancy.. almost two months of stay in a leading government hospital... but the only help they have provided is a vague biopsy result of " atypical cells suggestive of malignancy lymphoma vs undifferentiated CA...suggest.....etc etc etc..."

i was exasperated because they are ignorant of the fact that diagnostics and treatment they sought for in the capital city can be done where they came from. The doctor who first saw the patient has the responsibility to ask around if a specialist is available. there are 2 oncologists in the area.

short of money, iknow they cant afford the treatment, so i referred him for emergency management....he had poor self image, he was trying to cover up his deformed face because of fear and embarrasment? he cannot eat properly because of the mass obstructing his oral cavity. all he can do is drink milk or chocolate drink or water. he was so cachectic.. i convinced his mother to go to the government hospital for chemotherapy..i gave my referral letter and the procedures how to give his chemotherapy.

After 2 cycles, this is the patient...

God is sooo good!

"How can i not believe in God, when i see his miracles everyday..," i remember my mentor saying..

Then the mist came upon me...this time, i'm happy.