Olympian Ian Lariba is taking it “one day at a time”, forty-five days after undergoing bone marrow transplant to fight leukemia.
In her first public appearance since she was diagnosed to having a cancer of the blood, the 2016 Rio Games veteran said her health has improved with continuous checkups, oral medications and daily diet monitoring.
“As of now, I’m on post transplant stage pa rin,” said Lariba, who was accompanied by her mother, Imelda, and Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) Ting Ledesma yesterday. “I’m feeling much better compared nung before ako na-diagnose.”
Lariba said she’s still on weekly checkups with her doctors as part of their 100-day preventive measure after the transplant. Her weight and medicine are being strictly monitored every day, while laboratory tests for her complete blood count (CBC) and platelet count are being taken every week to observe if they are within the target range.
Like ordinary athletes, her diet and food intake are also observed.
“Kailangan, I’m on neutropenic diet, which means I have to eat food cooked on high heat temperature only,” said Lariba, who added she needed to eat more cooked vegetables and fruits.
Lariba said she also does light exercises.