Francis M to undergo 4th chemotherapy on Friday

MANILA, Philippines - Master rapper Francis Magalona, who is battling leukemia, will undergo his fourth chemotherapy cycle at The Medical City on Friday. "Friday I begin my 4th cycle which is a Hi-Dose kind, as will be taking 6 grams of Cytarabin a day every other day for 3 days," said Magalona in an article posted on his web log (francismagalona.multiply.com/journal). Magalona was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday. The Medical City is located on Ortigas Avenue in Pasig. Magalona also said that by February he would be doing his radiation treatment. He will also undergo a peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) by March. To kill time, Magalona said he brought with him DVD movies and reading materials, including the Bible. Magalona also appealed to donors, saying he needs blood type O and platelets. "I will be needing blood donors for blood and platelets," he said. "Please go to the lower ground floor of The Medical City and donate blood in my name. For platelets apheresis you may go have yourself screened at the Philippine National Red Cross at the Pier in Manila. I am type O positive." It was in August last year when news that Magalona, son of matinee idol Pancho Magalona and actress Tita Duran, was suffering from leukemia broke out. Magalona created his own mark in the entertainment industry as a rapper-performer when he released his debut album, "Yo!" back in 1990. The record spawned the massive nationalistic rap hit song "Mga Kababayan," which in effect introduced Pinoy style rap music to the mainstream. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV