Beating Cancer Now! : 10 Things We Did Right

Exotic Eastern Europe - mystery, beauty

2012-02-19T19:59:00.007+08:00

The mystery and history of Eastern Europe came to me under the cover of the coldest winter in 28 years. First, it was -7C in Prague, and then it went down to a brain-freezing -18C in Krakow..wow!

But without that deep chill, I wouldn't have picked up my first fox-skin ruskie-hat in Krakow, or brought the true horror of the Holocaust into reality..deep winter in striped pyjamas for the millions who perished in concentraion camps across Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. What an experience indeed.

And then the beauty of Eastern Europe unfolds - exotic Prague, the Berlin Wall, the "Buda" and "Pest" sides of that beautiful city, followed by Vienna and Strasbourg. The contrast between the past and now for these cities is amazing and must be there to really appreciate it. Try to be there, for at least once in your life, if you can. Especially, in winter.

1000 Places to See/Experience #2

2012-01-23T20:05:00.004+08:00

1000 Places to See/Experience After Remission ..#2

- Halong Bay, Vietnam

(stand on the front of the boat for that awesome 360-view, with the gentle winds sweeping your hair)

1000 Places to See/Experience #1

2012-01-23T19:50:00.004+08:00

1000 Places to See/Experience After Remission ..#1

- Streets of Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam

(in the cool months, the streets are crazy hectic but uniquely caught in a time-warp)

Hanoi and Halong Bay - "Heaven & Earth"

2012-01-18T16:19:00.004+08:00

The raw beauty of Hanoi and Halong Bay is simply captivating!
Perhaps it's the cool weather that surprised me. Or perhaps it's the old beauty of hectic Hanoi ("beep-beep!") coupled with the handsome, awesome islets of Halong Bay..

But whatever it was, the combination of Hanoi and Halong was a clear winner for me. I am beginning to learn that my short getaways to world-class beauties like this one at Halong Bay and last year at Angkor Wat have more meaning to me, carving out outstanding meories along the way.

What a way for me to start my own "1000 Places to See/Experience After Remission!", taking inspiration from the travel series-cum-book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die".

And Hanoi and Halong Bay are indeed the first 2 of my own 1000 Places!

12 Months, 12 Cancer Warriors..

2011-12-18T16:56:00.006+08:00

In a meaningful tribute to cancer warriors who have successfully beaten cancer, Parkway Hospitals gathered 12 survivors together (for each of the 12 months of a year) at the Old Parliament House in October to give them an endearing afternoon, with family, friends and members of the press.

While an impressive String Quartet serenaded the warriors, Dr Ang Peng Tiam took to the stage to congratulate all 12 survivors who have successfully passed the all-important 5-year milestone. A lovely studio-produced photo-frame was given all the survivors to mark the occasion. This momento certainly gave me even more incentive to pass the next milestone of 10-years.

Goodness, why not aim to go all the way and pass the 50-year milestone all the same!

My 5-Year Milestone!

2011-06-16T18:20:00.002+08:00

My 5-year milestone of being cancer-free is here, and it's today, 16-06-11!
Let the fireworks begin..

Thank you to everyone who have supported me, no matter how small or how insignificant you thought it was. I am so grateful, words cannot describe how I feel right now..

The Inner Child in Us..

2011-05-29T17:08:00.006+08:00

There's a child in all of us.
And for me, watching Justin Bieber on stage brought back the teenager years, as he brought the house down last month.

And when The Lion King roared on the brand new stage at Marina Bay Sands, I know I am in touch with my inner child. What a spectacle of pure simplicity and beauty, at the same time. Makuna matata!

Seductive Spain and Portugal..

2011-05-15T16:20:00.003+08:00

My own "Amazing Race" continues..
This time, it's the seductively beautiful Spain and Portugal!

Until one puts some quality time into Spain and Portugal, you only hear of Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon. But the cities on the outskirts of each main city bring plenty of surprises, from the unique architecture of Salamanca, the flaming suckling pig of Segovia and the quiet charm of Zaragoza ("3653"). Toledo was another gem!

What a grand Iberian trip, indeed!
My "Amazing Race" therapy continues..

R-E-M-I-S-S-I-O-N

2011-04-01T15:31:00.005+08:00

R-E-M-I-S-S-I-O-N

The 9-letter word that all cancer patients (and warriors) cannot wait to hear from their own oncologist, and on 23 March, I finally heard mine from Dr Ang!

"Have I finally made it? Is it already fully 5 years since the end of the last chemo?", we asked the good doctor in earnest.

Doc replied, "No, you are 3 month short, but your results are so good, I believe you have made it, Nellie!"

What a surge of emotions inside me! These 2 photos really depict everything that's inside me:

Once, I was blurred, from the backdrop.

Now, I am right on 100% focus! And at the forefront of my life!

I did it..

With the help of everyone around me - my family, my father in heaven, my Hubby, my Doc - I have saved my own life!

And to mark the occasion, Hubby bought a lovely ring, right off Orchard Road on the evening itself, to signify that my life has indeed come full circle!

Words cannot describe my gratitude to all who have helped me through this amazing roller-coaster of a journey. That night, as I lay in bed, I said a silent prayer..

(And oh, in case you are wondering, this is no April Fool's joke)

The Eagles have landed..again

2011-03-29T16:14:00.008+08:00

What is it about this band, The Eagles, that simply melts all our cares away?

Here in the Singapore Indoor Stadium for a second bite of the cherry, we made sure we got our tickets again..no questions asked. And they were that good, as expected, and more..

We didn't quite catch them 'live' on video the first time around in 2004, but this time, our pocket Sony did the trick. "Welcome to the Hotel California.."..what an anthem for a generation.
They have to be the ultimate band of the 80's..

Ok, at this point, you must be thinking.."Did they do it on stage? Did they do that guitar solo?" Yes, they sure did. Here's Joe Walsh doin' his thing..

Enjoy..

Eric Clapton made it a Wonderful night..

2011-03-18T22:41:00.010+08:00

Mr SlowHand himself, Eric Clapton, took to the Indoor Stadium stage and gave a polished performance last month as part of his World Tour, and hubby and I were able to be present for this rare occasion of seeing a real guitar maestro at work.

With songs like "I Shot The Sheriff" and the beautiful "Wonderful Tonight" sung 'live' on stage by the legend himself, what can go wrong in one's life, huh? Enjoy these 2 gems with me..

The legend lives on..

Eat, Pray, Awe..at Angkor

2011-01-05T16:21:00.003+08:00

The beauty of Angkor Wat was in full display, as we jet into Siem Reap (and Cambodia) for the first time.

Over 900 years old, but once you see Angkor Wat in person, it is as if it was built only this century.. solid stones, intricate carvings, silk-cotton trees, ancient temples and all.

We came, thinking that this may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But we left, knowing we are just but a hop, step and jet-stop away..and we want to be immerse again in the beauty, peace and tranquility of Angkor Wat and its awesome surrounding temples of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Promh and the Phimeanakas Palace.

It is indeed one of the true 7 Wonders of the World.

-Eiffel Tower (checked)

-Great Wall of China (checked)

-Great Pyramids (checked)

-Acropolis (checked)

-Colosseum (checked)

- and now, Angkor Wat (checked)

..now, which is the last Wonder? Our search continues..

My Pilgrimage to Mt E..

2010-12-23T14:29:00.005+08:00

My 'pilgrimage' to Mt Elizabeth once every 3 months is both a little intimidating and fortuitous at the same time. Why do I say that? Especially given that I have taken this pilgrimage every quarter for the past 4 and 1/2 years.

Well, intimidating because the needles await me, and one simply do not know what results will show up on the doctor's desk with this quarterly 'throw of the dice'. Will the results be in my favour again?

But it is also fortuitous because deep inside me, I am very grateful that I am being looked after by an excellent doctor in Dr Ang Peng Tiam and his team. These visits always end with a shot of Zoometa to boost my body's immunity..and a bill of nearly $3000, everytime. They reaffirmed my wisdom of having a good insurance cover when I was younger, an action that must be taken up by all women, at the earliest opportunity, in their adult lives. See my earlier posting on the same:
http://beatcancer10.blogspot.com/2006/10/so-how-much-doe-cancer-cot.html

If I was to add it all up, the total medical bill would have easily crossed the $100k mark by now. But that wise step of buying that insurance plan made this journey of mine so far a much more liveable experience.

And after each trip of blood extraction for cancer-marker testing, and then followed by the wait to sit on Doc Ang's hot-seat, that shot of drug and a tummy-feeling meal along Orchard Road, I am always filled with a new zest for life.. at least until the next pilgrimage..

Peace and Hope..

2010-11-25T16:26:00.006+08:00

Opportunities to help others can sometimes be few and far between. But hubby and I have signed up for food deliveries to charity homes through Food From The Heart since 2002, and also Run For Hope since 2007.

This year, FFTH brings us to the PeaceHaven Nursing Home, run by the Salvation Army, where we bring much valued food items from The Sandwich Shop at Changi Business Park, for the staff there at the Nursing Home.

And as for Run For Hope, another 7000 runners showed up again this year to support a worthy cause : research for cancer cure. That's over $300,000 in the bag..well done, organisers!

Yes, let there be Peace and Hope..for all.

Foster-ing Friends..

2010-11-22T16:58:00.007+08:00

Can there be anyone big enough to bring these big-timers to our doorsteps..biggies like Natalie Cole, Charice and yep, Peter Cetera?

It must be none other than David Foster, record-producer extraordinaire!

No one can bring these names all on one single stage..at the opening act of this year's Sun Festival at the Esplanade.

Seeing Natalie Cole on stage was a larger than life experience, especially when she brought her father, Nat King Cole, to 'live' on the same stage..very surreal. Charice blew eveyone's mind, with enough oomph in her for both Celine Dion and Whitney Houston songs..what an incredible talent indeed!

And the night was complete when Peter Cetera sang "If You Leave Me Now" and "Hard to Say I'm Sorry"..goodness, gracious! My body was tingling as he crooned these all-time favourites!

Simply Red ..Simply Wonderful!

2010-10-20T18:48:00.008+08:00

What a simply wonderful concert!

Simply Red blew down the Indoor Stadium with their polished performance and controlled style in their "Farewell Tour". The lead singer is a real gem..will we ever hear his soulful voice again?.

If only I can stay here and listen to him all night long..what a treat for my body indeed! Can you feel the vibes of these 2 wonderful songs?

Recharging with my Team..

2010-06-19T11:35:00.008+08:00

Took 18 members of my staff to Malacca for a weekend retreat..a much-needed break from the daily grind of our preschools .. to recharge our bodies and minds.

And Malacca was indeed a natural well-spring for this re-charging, with streets filled with history and food.

Looking at the team brings a surge of warmth within me, realising that I am now impacting the lives of over 20 adults in my immediate circle of influence, and they, in turn, touching the young lives of over 150 children..

That's a nice feeling to have..

(thank you, ladies, for taking this journey with me in touching the lives of our young ones in our own special ways..)

"Oh yes, it's ladies' night.."

2010-05-07T16:36:00.007+08:00

Bringing 2 of the best acts in R&B together to the Esplanade, this year's Mosaic Music Festival out-did itself compared to previous years.

And yes, it was Ladies' Night all the way!

With Babyface one night, and Kool & the Gang the next. They turned back the years for us.

How can one not "feel alive" with songs and music like theirs..

The Most Beautiful 2000km on Earth..

2010-03-31T15:50:00.010+08:00

Can this possibly be the most beautiful 2000km on Earth?

(click on the "4-arrows" icon for a full-size view)

Everytime I view these scenes, I am completely taken by the inspiring beauty that resides inside each brick and stone, every piece of marble and each hunk of steel that has made these western European cities the most beautiful on Planet Earth. Surely, there can't be another 2000km stretch of land as beautiful and historical as this Rome-to-Paris-via-Venice-Florence-and-Lucerne stretch, can there?

As the song says, ".. And I feel just like I am livin' someone else's life..it's like I've stepped outside, when everything is going right.."

Hey, everything is going right, for me!

Perhaps, the coin that Hubby tossed into the Trevi Fountain will bring me back there again, one day..

(thank you Mum and Sis for making this trip with me, and making it even more meaningful for me!)

"One Hundred Ways"..

2010-02-16T08:59:00.010+08:00

An evening to recharge the soul, with James Ingram, the ultimate soul-man.

Regarded by top professionals in the music industry as the "Singers' Singer", the man took the stage at the Esplanade like a real pro, and rolled back the years as if 20 years younger than he really is today, complete with actual press-ups on stage.. while singing in his full, rich voice.

"..find One Hundred Ways.."

This song brings me back to the days when I had to find all ways, yes 100 ways, to combat my cancer. What an inspiring evening indeed, just listening to this man belt out his multiple Grammy-winning songs. Just listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnaY4AQrlzE&feature=related

Thank you, James Ingram, for enveloping my body with those beautiful (and I am sure, cancer cell-busting!) words..

(see earlier postings on what music means to me, and how it can recharge our bodies:

http://beatcancer10.blogspot.com/2008/08/once-in-lifetime-events.html

http://beatcancer10.blogspot.com/2008/12/dancing-with-childrenwhat-gift.html )

The Neverending Food Trail in Penang..

2010-01-26T11:54:00.009+08:00

Food Heaven can come in many forms, but for us, Penang is as close as it gets.

Just look at this neverending food trail we immediately embarked upon when we hit the ground last month in Georgetown at 9.30am, barely unpacking at our hotel..
Day#1
1. Char Koay Teow (Lorong Selamat)

2. Prawn Noodles (same)

3. Popiah (same)

4. Ngor Heong (same)

5. Ice Kacang (same)

6. Tau Sar Piah (same)

7. Nutmeg (same)

8. Durian - Mountain Cat (Macalister Rd)

9. Chendol - Teochew style (Penang Rd)

10. Seasoned Papaya (same)

11. Fried Bee Hoon Fish (Macalister Rd)

12. Wantan Mee (same)

13. Oyster egg (same)

14. Apom balik (same)

Pause to breathe..

Day#2

15. Roti Canai (Penang Rd)

16. Roti Kaya & Kopi (Campbell St)

17. Nasi Lemak (same)

18. Pork Porridge (same)

19. Chee Cheong Fun (same)

20. Lor Mee (same)

21. Chai Tow Koay - black (same)

22. Peanut Cake (same)

23. Jackfruit (same)

24. Indian rojak (Gurney Dr)

25. Penang Assam Laksa (same)

26. Prawn Mee #2 (same)

27. Cuttlefish Kangkong (same)

28. Penang Rojak (same)

29. Corn-on-cob (same)

Pause..

Day#3

30. Koay Teow Tng (Campbell St)

31. Wantan mee#2 (same)

32. Kueh - multiple varieties (same)

33. Cheng Tng (same)

Day#4

-Fever & constipation!

Day#5

-Recovered enough to head to the airport

What a super-gluttonous trip for us! Is it any wonder that Hubby's body just gave up and took 2 full days to recover?

Here's proof that it all happened...in fact, it came and went so fast it almost felt like a dream, if not for these photos. No place on Earth can compare with Penang for food..it's a good place to be alive, to feel alive!!

Run for Hope 2009..

2010-01-25T16:08:00.007+08:00

Another lively bunch of runners (well, 7000+ bunch, actually) took to the early morning sunshine at the East Coast to do their bit for cancer research.

It was good to see that the drab economic landscape this year has not dampened the spirit of giving. I am sure the number supporting this event will surpass 10,000 soon.

"The Doctor Needs to See You Today.."

2010-01-07T15:35:00.006+08:00

"The Doctor needs to see you at his office today", said the lady's voice over the phone, when hubby and I were just round the Paragon corner, 50m from MtE, on our way to see Dr Ang Peng Tiam for my regular 3-monthly review and iron-booster drips.

With my adrenaline now pumping a little, we walked into the reception to be told by the lady, "We have your case-file here and the Doctor needs to see you."

Hubby and I heard exactly what she said, but with perplexed looks on our faces, we just sat down to patiently wait for our turn, not wanting to ask the receptionist further about this sudden urgency. You know that feeling... you know it can be bad, so you don't want to know about it, not just yet..

80mins later, we were called in to see the Doc. Again, not wanting to look unnecessarily anxious, we let the Doc go through his paces, laid on his couch, checks, weight info, some small talk about his upcoming Bali getaway, and then..

"Everything is good, Nellie. In fact, you look younger than your husband here!"

Broad smiles swept over our faces.

We later realised that the receptionist was new, and in her new role, probably took her instructions to give a gentle reminder to all patients of the day, to attend their appointments, a little bit too enthusiatically. Her choice of words could have been couched in a better context, given my circumstance of being cancer-free since June2006.

A sense of relief, nonetheless. Still, it was a small gift we were happy to receive, given that it was the eve of the eve of Xmas (23Dec).

And feeling a little like Marilyn too (at ResortsWorld), I might add..well, just a little..

"It'll be the Himalayan mountains next.."

2009-10-13T16:55:00.005+08:00

The refreshing feeling of being up high in the mountains is one to savour. One gets the sense of accomplishment, of being high up there, and of having 'conquered it".

After a false start back in 2004 when our planned trip to Kota Kinabalu was aborted due to other priorities, we made sure that this time around, we would make it up there..all 13,432 ft of it, if we can.

Well, not quite that high, this time around. At the main base camp area for the assault on Mt Kinabalu, was all we could manage..or more precisely, was permitted to do, without a 6-mth prior application for permission to climb.

Still, it was a nice feeling being up there. Seeing real mountains of that height..it was quite a sight.

Give me Mt Everest next...and why not? Well, at least the Himalayan mountains, be it in Kathmandu or Tibet, I don't really mind. Bring it on..

"Doc Talk" by Dr Ang..

2009-09-29T17:18:00.004+08:00

Dr Ang Peng Tiam
to George
date Sat, Sep 26, 2009 at 8:34 AM\

subject Re: 'Doc Talk' articles in MYB
Sep 26

Dear George

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement.
The thought of doing the article every fortnight is a bit of a chore. But once I get a theme, it is not too difficult. The feedback I get from readers spurs me to continue writing.

God bless.
PT

---

George wrote:

Dear Dr Ang,

Dropping you a quick note to say that Nellie and I always enjoy reading the *"Doc Talk" segment of MYB* in The Straits Times, whenever you are 'on air'.

(click here: www.parkwaycancercentre.com/mindyourbody )

They are always written with plenty of poignancy and care,and have never failed to give us loads of comfort,and in some articles, entertainment too.

We hope you will continue with it. We continueto be amazed by you and we keep asking ourselves,"Just how does he find the time to do this?".

You are a national treasure!

warm regards,

Nellie&George

(After seeing you Wednesday, we headed straight to the hip Ion Orchard, hoping to totally storm the Louis Vuitton store, still smarting from what you told us that day. It appears that the 'better half' decided that a bowl of $10 hokkaido ramen will do nicely instead. Such is the irony of life..haha)

"I Think You Have Escaped It.."

2009-09-24T17:18:00.008+08:00

Yesterday, the first thing that Dr Ang Peng Tiam said to me, as I sat down in front of him..

"I think you have escaped it"

Huh?

Say what, Doc?

When we asked him what that actually meant in his medical lingo, he clarified:

I think you have escaped your cancer, Nellie. Based on my experience and the history of my patients, if there was to be a relapse, it would have happened already. You are passed 3 years since your last chemo/PET scan, right?

We nodded our heads, barely able to contain our joy inside!

Next to the best 5 words I have ever heard ("Your cancer is in remission"), these 6 words come pretty close on the joy-o-meter.

My hubby and I looked at each other for a few seconds, not being able to fully fathom the depth or meaning of Dr Ang's sweet 6 words.

And then it sank in, at home..

"I am an escapee!"

And this is where a girl skips and hops out of the hospital ..and into the hip-and-shining Ion Orchard, heart filled to the brim with joy, right?

Thank you, God. Thank you, Dad. Thank you, everyone who had helped me through this..

The Molly Lee Appeal

2009-07-19T16:10:00.003+08:00

We came across this donation appeal - for funds to support cancer patients - in the papers this morning:

"The Molly Lee Appeal"

http://bodybeautifulphotos.wordpress.com/

Please support it ..every little bit helps, for cancer patients who are facing difficulties in funding their medical treatments.

(What a wonderful idea, Josef and team!)

16-06-06 to 16-06-09 : 3 Beautiful Years

2009-06-16T06:55:00.007+08:00

(click on the "4-arrows" icon for a full-size screen view)

16-06-06 to 16-06-09..

3 beautiful years..

Life..

To be savoured..

To be treasured..

To be loved..

With many more..

And then some..

Beautiful years to come..

(remember to turn up the speaker volume..)

The Link between Stress and Cancer..

2009-05-09T18:42:00.004+08:00

The following is an extract from an article title ‘The link between stress and cancer ‘ by Dr. Ang Peng Tiam in “Mind Your Body” of the Strait Times dated 18 December 2008:

I remember a conversation in 1992, when Professor Sun Yan, a renowned oncologist from Beijing, visited Singapore.

He was asked whether he believed that stress can cause cancer.

Without hesitation, he said: 'Of course, stress definitely causes cancer.'

I was taken aback and asked him why he gave such a confident response. He went on to talk about the Cultural Revolution in China.During that period, between 1965 and 1975, ordinary Chinese people came under tremendous psychological stress.

Betrayal by friends and family, oppression of thought and mandatory and harsh new routines created an upheaval in their lives.'During that period, I was already a doctor and there was a sudden rise in the number of cancer patients in all the hospitals,' Prof Sun related.'We saw many more cancer patients. The common factor among them was the tremendous psychological stress they were all experiencing. That's why I'm sure that stress is one of the causes of cancer.'

At the time, I had doubted his conclusion. Today, after more than 20 years in the field of oncology, I am more inclined to believe him.

So how does stress cause cancer?Evidence from animal and human studies has shown that chronic stress weakens the immune system which is responsible for constant surveillance within our bodies for infections and cancers.This system seeks out and destroys abnormal cancer cells which may arise from time to time.

When it fails, the cells can go undetected and grow into malignant tumours.For the same reason, patients suffering from Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or post-kidney transplant patients on immunosuppressive drugs, are more prone to developing certain cancers.

There is also some data suggesting that cancer patients who feel helpless and have negative emotions tend to be worse off. The 'bad vibes' promote the growth or spread of cancer, although this relationship was not consistently seen in all the studies.

So how can anyone, particularly a cancer patient, cope with stress?Faith in God is one way. By entrusting one's life to a supreme being, the burden is taken off oneself.

Exercise, meditation, leisure activities, counselling and use of anti-anxiety drugs may all help in improving one's psychological well-being too.

Even though I sometimes struggle to see the many patients waiting to see me, I constantly remind myself to practise what I preach: 'Be happy and live each day to its fullest'.

You don't need science to tell you that.

Dr Ang, the medical director of Parkway Cancer Centre, has been treating cancer patients for nearly 20 years. In 1996, he was awarded Singapore's National Science Award for his outstanding contributions to medical research.

CNA's TV program on Ovarian Cancer

2009-04-17T23:40:00.006+08:00

Did you watch the full program on ovarian cancer on Channel News Asia (CNA)?
So many things to learn from this TV program. Please take the opportunity to watch this full version:

http://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/multimedia/journey-of-hope/ovarian-cancer-part-1

5-in-1 Test at Year #3..

2009-04-12T22:35:00.007+08:00

For the first time, Dr Ang Peng Tiam suggested that I go through a series of tests to round out what had seemed like a fantastic first 3 years, post-chemo. It was to cover..

1. my mammogram

2. my bone density

3. my cholesterol level

4. my overall blood test incl CA 125

5. and the big one, my CT Scan

Even with all the 'experience' of needles and numerous tests before, one cannot help but feel a little uneasy at the thought of all 5 tests being done at one go. Wouldn't the chances of something 'negative' popping up be quite high from these large series of tests?

I thought it would be best to get them over and be done with, once and for all.

So, on Saturday 28March, I trooped into Mt E, with hubby in tow, to face this 5-in-1 test like a good warrior should. First, it was the blood test. Then the bone test. Followed by the mammogram and lastly, the CT scan.

And on Monday, in Dr Ang's spanking new office, he said..

"All's fine, Nellie! You are in great shape!"

What a huge relief..again!

As you can see from these "Before" and "After" photos of the test, my face told a thousand stories.

I happily sat on the new recreation-chair outside of Dr Ang's room for my usual R&R ..a shot of Zometa, to strenthen the bones and wipe out any remaining unwanted cells.

Another good day at the office..as they would say in the corporate world.

Yes.. many, many more to come, I would say!

"Cancer is not a contagious disease"..

2009-03-11T21:18:00.006+08:00

Setting the record straight on this needling question on cancer..

Cancer is not a contagious disease
(ST Forum - 09 March '09)

WE REFER to the article by Andy Ho last Saturday, "'Catch' cancer? Yes, you can".
( http://heresthenews.blogspot.com/2009/03/cancer-yes-you-can.html )
It highlights the role of infectious agents, particularly viruses in causing cancer, and suggests that since viruses are infectious, one might "catch" cancer from a cancer patient.

Viruses have been known to play a role in cancer causation since the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the transforming activity of the rous sarcoma virus in chickens by Dr Peyton Rous nearly 100 years ago. However, an infectious virus causing cancer is different from cancer being a contagious disease. In other words, healthy patients do not acquire cancer from another patient.

One of our patients mentioned this as a concern recently, and we feel it is important to point this out as cancer patients require the full support and care of their loved ones. It would be sad to see our patients with advanced cancer dying alone and or with relatives fearing to hold their hands or touch them. Some may even use such excuses to neglect or isolate their relatives with cancer.

Viruses are widespread and many people may have been exposed without symptoms. Hepatitis B carriers, for example, have an increased risk of liver cancer. Carriers could pass on hepatitis B as an infection, and all necessary precautions should be taken to minimise this.

However, only a minority of hepatitis B carriers develop liver cancer. These patients frequently acquired their infection many years ago at birth or during childhood. The liver cancer itself is not contagious.

It is estimated that 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the adult American population has been exposed to the virus mentioned in the article, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is related to nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and lymphoma.

About 50 per cent of the world population has been exposed to the bacterium, helicobactor pylori, related to stomach cancer.

Overall, very few people who are exposed eventually develop these cancers.

Certainly, hand washing and other general hygiene measures are needed when we care for our loved ones with cancer, mainly to protect them from germs. However, we should not let that prevent us from touching and loving them.

Dr Peter Ang Cher Siang
Dr Tay Miah Hiang
Dr Leong Swan Swan
Oncocare Cancer Centre

Back to the original "crime scene"..

2009-02-18T22:23:00.005+08:00

Back to the original "crime scene"?..

Well, kind of. This is not CSI.

But you see, it was exactly 3 years ago that the real story of my cancer started..right here, as shown in this photo : Cameron Highlands, the place of the original "crime scene".

For it was from here that I started to feel discomforts in my abdomen, after a short New Year holiday there. Click here for the original story :

http://beatcancer10.blogspot.com/2006/07/somethings-not-right.html

So, it was nice to "retrace" back, like a CSI detective, to this spot, exactly 3 years later. As a golfer, this has to be one of the loveliest and most serene places in this part of the world, down from the hillside of this public golf course in Tanah Rata, and with the view of the Chinese temple at the back, where I have offered prayers everytime I was there, without fail.

And being the eve of the New Year of 2009, hubby and I had a wonderful dinner at the famous "Ye Olde Smokehouse" Hotel, right beside this golf course.

Was it a dinner to remember? Yes..except that most of it was left on the road kerb, beside the hotel. Suffice to say that my tummy was not taking to RM300-type haute-cuisine well, at high altitude. A simple RM1.20 prata will do nicely for me, thank you very much..haha!

Nellie featured in "HealthNews" by ParkwayHealth

2009-01-16T11:52:00.004+08:00

'If I have to, I'll fight it again' ..

I was asked to be featured in Parkway Healthcare's PCC newsletter in November, and I agreed.

Here's the full story published this month ..one that I am particularly happy with because my Mum and sister are both shown standing by my side. A lovely family moment for me..

http://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/healthnews/english/January2009/004_newsandevents_healthnews_2009_jan1.htm

Dancing with Children..what a gift!

2008-12-19T11:03:00.008+08:00

I have to pinch myself at times..
Where else can you dance with wonderful 4-, 5- and 6-year old children?
When else should we let our own innocent free spirits fly high and just enjoy the moment?

I had the honour (and privilege) to step on stage with some of the lovely children from my childcare centres 3 weeks ago and danced with them, in front of over 250 parents during this year's Graduation Concert 2008. And what energy indeed from these musically gifted children ..raw and unbridled. And they hardly required much in terms of directions from our teachers to dance their moves to this catchy Bollywood favourite, "Bole Chudiyan".

What an "encore", children! (did we teach you, or did you teach us teachers instead?)

I am just so lucky to be able to receive these moments of joy and laughter from the children. Thank you, children (and my teachers) for shining "your light" on me on that day and allowing me to dance with you .. what a gift indeed that you have given me that day! (thank you, parents too!)

Malacca - Our Spiritual Home..

2008-12-01T11:28:00.005+08:00

For the Peranakans, Malacca is regarded by many as their spiritual home. For us, Malacca is much more than our spiritual home, for that was where we were borned!

2 years ago in Oct '06, one of the first places I wanted to go to, after the end of my chemo treatments, was Malacca. Somehow, when I am there, I feel "whole". It is a rather strange feeling, perhaps one that comes out of being so close to my own mortality just 2 years ago, and is hard to explain.

This time during the Deepavali holiday, with Mum and sis in tow, we took to Jonker Walk like we were just there, 2 years ago. We visited Mum's sister, who lives there and it was evident on our faces that we enjoyed this small 'reunion' of sorts, everytime we walk on the streets of Malacca.

These 2 photos, 2 years apart, really showed how far I have come, since the chemo days.

I will surely continue to go to Malacca, and renew my spiritual side of my life, every year if I can..

Not Giving Up..

2008-11-13T10:38:00.002+08:00

I was glad to read this news article today, and more importantly, to see this good man successfully fighting his cancer. More power to this "NKFbuster"!

Not Giving Up..

WHEN the doctor asked 'Mr Charity' Gerard Ee to sit down, he knew the news about his colon check was not good.

'I told the doctor I'd watched enough movies to know that when the doc says take a seat, it's bad news,' recalled Mr Ee yesterday. 'I told him: 'Don't waste my time, tell me what the outcome is.''

The doctor replied: Stage 3 colon cancer, with a tumour almost as big as a tennis ball.

Patients at this stage of colon cancer are said to have a 40 per cent survival rate on average. 'If the cancer was Stage 4, I'd be a goner,' said Mr Ee.

For the veteran volunteer and charity personality, this marked the beginning of a period of contemplating the possibility of death and what it would mean for those around him, especially his wife and teenage children.

Almost a year since that day in the doctor's clinic, the 59-year-old came out in public yesterday to share the story of his fight against the dreaded Big C.

He did so to show his support for a campaign by the Lien Foundation to get people talking more openly about death and dying.

The campaign coincides with the Government's move to promote the Advance Medical Directive, a legal document to instruct doctors not to take extraordinary measures to prolong life if one is terminally ill or unconscious. The Lien Foundation's chairman, Mrs Margaret Lien, said of the campaign: 'A lot of unnecessary burden and pain can be avoided if we can talk about end-of-life matters openly.'

For Mr Ee, a retired accountant who is currently chairman of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and Public Transport Council, the past year has meant undergoing surgery to remove the tumour and 12 sessions of chemotherapy.

The good news is that he is now 'in the clear' since finishing his last round of chemotherapy in June.

Looking back, he said what helped him through the year was his faith in God, a sense of humour and the fact that he had put his finances in order. The devout Catholic said: 'People were surprised I was so calm throughout the whole thing. I think if I didn't have a strong faith in God, I would have been in a panic.'

His calmness helped his wife, 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter to accept the diagnosis as well.

'I tried to avoid using dramatic words like 'tumour' when I broke the news to my family,' he said. 'I said: 'I have a growth that needs to be operated on.' I knew that if I was hysterical about it, it would have had a chain effect on others.'

Mr Ee was hard-pressed to answer when asked what proved most difficult for him in facing up to cancer. But he confessed to being worried before the surgery to remove his tumour.

'There are only two outcomes: you wake up, or you don't,' he said. 'If you don't wake up, that's the end of the story and my will and life insurance would take care of what happens after that.
'But if you wake up, you have to figure out what to do after that.'

He woke up. And what he did after that was work to keep his spirits up.
He had a rule for his family: No one was allowed to treat him like an invalid.
So he drove himself to chemotherapy sessions and, within two weeks of the operation, was back to performing a host of volunteer commitments.

The surgery involved removing a part of his small intestine, over half a metre of large intestine and his appendix as well. Over the whole process, he also lost 25kg.

'Having a sense of humour is important. I told my friends I had a free liposuction with the operation,' he said.

After keeping his illness private for a year, the Lien Foundation campaign gave Mr Ee a chance to share what he had gone through.

He thinks it is important to get people to prepare for death. Among other things, their families may suffer if they fail to settle their finances before they go.

He said: 'The only thing in life you can guarantee, and nowadays people talk about guarantees, is death.

'If you treat death as taboo and don't prepare for it, you are leaving behind a legacy in which your family will suffer because you ignore it and pretend it won't happen to you.'

theresat@sph.com.sg
13Nov08, ST

Run for Hope 2008..

2008-10-27T18:05:00.004+08:00

6.45am, the fresh smell of a light sea breeze and an inquisitive morning sun peering through the clouds .. what a lovely combo for this year's Run for Hope 2008 this month at the East Coast beach.

About 7,000 runners turned up this year to support the annual 'Run for Hope' event to raise funds for cancer research.

It's a lovely sight to see so many of us taking the initiative to give $35 per head to this most worthy of charitable causes.

Yes, it's nice to just be able to join in this effort..my 3rd consecutive Run since my chemo days. Many more to come, I know.

>>gleefully ntangle

"I have never seen a sunset before.."

2008-10-15T10:26:00.007+08:00

Have you seen a real sunset lately?

This video on the sun setting on the Greek island of Mykonos was the first time I have seen one in all its glory.

Take a look at it again..it is such an amazingly relaxing sight. One minute of pure food for the soul, really.

In broad daylight, this is how the island looks..magical.

>>gleefully ntangle

CNA's TV program on "A Journey of Hope"..

2008-09-14T22:14:00.009+08:00

3 weeks ago, Dr Ang Peng Tiam's office called to asked if I would be supportive of a TV program on cancer, called "A Journey of Hope". I naturally said "Yes, of course".. anything I can do to help support such a cause, I would be more than glad to do so.

Until.. I realised that I was supposed to be one of the subjects on the TV program itself! The program was to show how ovarian cancer has impacted women in Singapore, how it is now the 4th highest cancer incidence hitting women here, and how some women, afflicted by it, had been dealing with and managing this form of cancer.

"You mean I will be filmed for it.. on camera?", I asked the good doctor.

Yes, this would be the 1st time that I would be put on film.. and on TV!

I decided that it would be a worthy cause.. sharing my story, and in a way, going public. CNA wanted to film me in natural settings, so the producer, a lovely lady called Amelia, decided that the shoots would best be taken in the childcare centre where I work, and the East Coast Park, where I spend my relaxation hours.

I sms'd Hubby to ask if he was ok with it. He replied, "Sure, so long as it doesn't impact your health"..in his usual tongue-in-cheek way.

And so, on Wedn 03 Sept, the 5th episode of "A Journey of Hope" was aired. It featured 2 other fellow ovarian cancer warriors. One as young as 18. How can this be? Why is this cancer hitting women at a younger and younger age? It just doesn't seem right that this is happening.

After watching the episode in full, I was glad I plucked up the courage to support this program. The message on ovarian cancer must be told to more women. Only with an increase in awareness, can this insidious cancer be minimized, if not stopped.

Here are a few clips of this 5th episode on "A Journey of Hope".. (this battle on ovarian cancer must start with a higher awareness, then knowledge, then courage..and then there shall be hope!)

/gleefully ntangle

Stand Up 2 Cancer telethon takes over network TV

2008-09-08T21:26:00.006+08:00

No one does this better than the US..when it comes to raising awareness of a global campaign, there's no equal. We sat watching this amazing gathering of stars with one aim in mind..rid the world of cancer. $100m raised so far..
There's hope for us all, not just cancer patients or cancer survivors like me.. but all.

/gleefully ntangle

Stand Up to Cancer telethon takes over network TV
By SANDY COHEN – 2 days ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) —

Skateboarder Tony Hawk, actor Shemar Moore and other celebrities said they joined in a three-network cancer telethon on Friday because the disease had touched or taken the lives of loved ones.

Hawk, who lost his father to lung cancer 15 years ago and a close friend to a brain tumor last month, called the timing of the Stand Up to Cancer telethon "poetic."

"I'm here doing whatever they ask of me," he told reporters before the telethon began. "As long as I don't have to sing or dance, it's all good."

Stand Up to Cancer, a fund- and awareness-raising organization, organized the unprecedented, star-studded live telethon airing simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS on Friday night.

Moore, who said his uncle's wife waged a successful three-year fight against cancer, was eager to answer phones for the cause.

"I'm gonna be sweet-talking some people and trying to reach into their pockets," said Moore, who stars on CBS' "Criminal Minds."

Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland said her boyfriend's father died of cancer recently and her brother has been diagnosed with the disease. Sugarland, Melissa Etheridge and others were to close the show with a retooled version of Etheridge's "I Run for Love" — changed to "I Stand for Life."

"I hope I'm going to be able to get through it without crying," Nettles said, noting that Etheridge is a cancer survivor.

Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, whose hit "The Remedy" was inspired by a friend's battle with bone cancer, also was slated to join the star-studded finale performance.

Rehearsing with Etheridge and others "actually gave me chills," Mraz said. "Their star power is stripped away and they're just human beings today."

Casey Affleck, who was set to help answer donation calls, said he had a secret way to command more contributions.

"I'll probably tell them I'm ... someone more famous and exciting so I can get a bigger donation," he said.

America Ferrera left the "Ugly Betty" cast in New York so she could participate in the fundraiser. The Emmy nominee said she lost a beloved college professor to cancer, and that she hoped the evening would be a "hopeful" one that will inspire those facing the disease.

Hollywood producer Laura Ziskin, one of the telethon's organizers, has fought cancer since 2004. After seeing what "An Inconvenient Truth" did for environmental awareness, Ziskin wanted to make a documentary about cancer, a disease she has fought since 2004.

But, teaming up with two other prominent women, she found another approach.

Former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing, who established a namesake foundation dedicated to cancer research and awareness, was working with television networks to put on a cancer-awareness TV special. So was Katie Couric, who has been an advocate for early cancer screenings — and even televised her own colonoscopy — since losing her husband to colon cancer 10 years ago.

So the women got together — along with other entertainment-industry execs and more than 60 of their famous friends — to create Stand Up to Cancer.

"I jokingly say I have to make cancer awareness entertaining," said Ziskin, who is producing the show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. "The good news is that the entertainment community gets it. We're touched. Look at Patrick Swayze. Look at Christina Applegate. Look at Robin Roberts.

"Cancer is not in the closet anymore, and now that it's out of the closet we have to motivate the public to demand that as a country we do better," she continued. "And if the country won't do it, we'll do it. We'll raise money ourselves and try to spend that money in a way that will lead to better, less toxic treatments that we can get to patients more quickly."

Applegate, who recently underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, is among those set to help deliver the message Friday. She'll be joined by scores of other stars from TV, music and film, including Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera, Jack Black, Salma Hayek, James Taylor, Carrie Underwood and Rob Lowe.

Celebrities will share their personal experiences with the disease and will help answer phone calls from donors, Ziskin said.

The hourlong show also will include a performance of "Just Stand Up," a charity song featuring Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, Underwood and others.

Couric and her fellow network news anchors, Charles Gibson and Brian Williams, are set to host the show.

The aim of Stand Up to Cancer is to raise funds for "translational research," Ziskin said, which encourages scientists to collaborate rather than compete, translating basic science into applicable therapies for patients. She compared the approach to the Manhattan project.

"We took the best and brightest and locked them up in Los Alamos and said you can't leave until you split the atom and create, unfortunately, a bomb," Ziskin said. "This is no less a problem, with half a million Americans a year dying from this disease. If we take best and brightest, encourage them and reward them for working together, the answers will come much more quickly."

Read these too:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/02/entertainment/main4407953.shtml

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5748258&page=1

Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments..

2008-08-25T12:02:00.012+08:00

Have you had the urge to start a collection of what I would call "Once-in-a-Lifetime" moments or experiences as part of your life journey?

Well, I have to admit that once you have experienced cancer inside you, the urge to do more and more of these OIAL events gets even more urgent. And for all the right reasons, of course. Time is the most precious commodity now (and yes, a gift), and cancer survivors simply want to make things happen, and in so doing, make our very own time. Does this make sense to you?

OIAL events become even more meaningful too, simply because one can sense that these events may truly turned out to be once only, and no more..

In the world of songs and music, I am happy to say that I have experienced some amazing once-in-a-lifetime moments so far. Top of the list has to be the 'live' concert of "The Police - ReUnion" on the very stage of the Singapore Indoor Stadium, back in Feb earlier this year. Can you feel the "Breath"? Here.. take a feel of Sting's breath, courtesy of a bit of phone technology in the pocket on that magical night..

And then, there's the all-time favourite, Roxanne..

I can feel Sting singing to me whenever I hear this.. who cares if I was on the cheapest seats in the house, and 20 rows away..

I feel good just thinking of this event. And isn't feeling good a crucial part of our post-cancer therapy? And are you "making your very own time" too?

(hubby and I argued over which concert was the nirvana, this or that Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" concert in Singapore 2 years back.. we voted for the Eagles in the end, surely a once-in-a-lifetime moment then)

/gleefully ntangle

The Symbol of Eternity..

2008-08-13T10:36:00.009+08:00

Of all the stories, the schoolbooks and the wonders of ancient history, the one that stood out for us most was the history of the great Egyptian era.. and of course, the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Hailed by many as the universal symbol of Eternity, one cannot help but feel small in front of this massive human engineering feat, which has lasted over 4500 years .. yes, it was built in 2560 B.C.!

Being there, right under the shadow of these magnificent pyramids, one can sense that "eternity". Not even the beautiful Sphinx can compare with its majesty and longevity.

I wish a little of this "eternity" has rubbed off on me..

Yes, life can be short..but it was a dream come true to be standing beside the Great Pyramids of Giza.. and holding it by the tip of my fingers, no less!

This is one experience for me that will last for eternity!

( the Great Pyramid itself - the one with the polished tip - can be scaled downwards, right into the very heart, by walking down a tunnel through bended knees. I decided to take the scenic option and opted out, but hubby was game enough to overcome the heat and the claustrophobic tunnel to view the insides.. what a view it must have been!)

The Passing of a Great Teacher..

2008-07-26T22:04:00.007+08:00

Prof Randy Pausch has touched millions of people with his "Last Lecture". He touched ours too, when we referred to this lecture in our earlier posting back in March..

http://beatcancer10.blogspot.com/2008/03/prof-pauschs-fight-with-cancer-and-his.html

We took his new "Last Lecture" book with us last month to Athens and Cairo, when we went there for a 12day break. We finished his book by Day#3. Such was his way with words that we simply wanted to continue reading page after page..

A remarkable professor, and a great teacher indeed, as noted by CNN below..

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/07/25/obit.pausch/index.html

Here are some gems from his Last Lecture speech..

“…when you see yourself doing something badly and nobody’s bothering to tell you anymore, that’s a very bad place to be. Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care.”

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”

“It’s not about how to achieve your dreams, it’s all about leading your life. If you lead your life in a right way, karma will take care of itself. And dreams will come to you.”

[Quoting a CMU secretary]“This advice is good for the ladies: when it comes to men that are romantically interested in you, it’s really simple: just don’t listen to anything they have to say; pay attention to what they do.”

“If I only had three words of advice, they would be, Tell the Truth. If got three more words, I’d add, all the time.”

"Father of Medicine" - Hippocrates & Athens' Acropolis

2008-07-08T10:13:00.001+08:00

Long regarded by the world as the "Father of Medicine", Hippocrates was the man whom every doctor pledge allegiance to, through the Hippocratic Oath, which reads:

- To practice and prescribe to the best of my ability for the good of my patients, and to try to avoid harming them (source: Wikipedia)

We came across an alabaster figure of Hippocrates in Athens, while climbing up the Acropolis last month, and we told ourselves that we must bring this figure home for Dr Ang Peng Tiam, even if he has a drawer full of it in his office.

Turns out, at the next appointment on 19June for my blood-test results and the quarterly "ZoMeta transfusion", we were pleasantly surprised that he had none, and accepted our little gift of the bust of Hippocrates with open arms.

To me, Dr Ang is the father of medicine!

And with another set of results in his hands, he said..
"Everything is fine. Continue to live and enjoy your life, Nellie!"

The Acropolis in Athens, regarded as one of the original 7 Wonders of the World, was built where it is today because it is at the very peak of the, then and now, great Greek city of Athens.

I feel I , too, have reached the very peak of my health!

/gleefully ntangle

(the Acropolis is standing precariously today not just because of daily wear & tear from the elements, but also from the threat of earthquakes .. one of which we felt right under our feet on 8th June in our hotel room, and which we found out through the local TV the next day, that the 6.2 tumbler had destroyed multiple Greek towns, only 150 miles west of Athens at the region of Patra!)

A WonderWoman Indeed..

2008-06-20T09:51:00.000+08:00

A fellow ovarian cancer warrior, Molly Lee, who took the extraordinary road of dealing with her cancer with her inspirational blog, and touched thousands of people along the way through it, passed away last month. She fought the disease all the way with amazing courage, and in the end, was truly a WonderWoman.

I never got to meet her in person (though hubby&I met her husband briefly when we paid our last respects at her wake), but I feel like I have known her as if we were friends for a long time, by merely 'walking' through her blog ..

http://www.wearewonderwomen.com/ ..and feeling most of what she felt in her postings.

This article on the Today newspaper, says it best..

Wonderwoman loses battle with cancer

Even in the last painful stretch, Molly Lee strove to help her blog’s readers

Friday • May 30, 2008 Today Online, Lin Yanqin yanqin@mediacorp.com.sg

THERE were countless letters to answer, talks to give, and many more women to encourage, but this wonder woman wasn’t able to do it all.

After three years of fighting ovarian cancer, Ms Molly Lee — who had wonVanilla magazine’s inaugural Singapore Woman Award in March for starting a highly-popular blog on cancer — died yesterday morning. Battling her second relapse when she won the award, Ms Lee, 33, was a fighter all the way to end, said husband Josef Lee.

“She was very cheerful, and she had plans,” he said. “She wanted to give talks to women about her experience with cancer, she wanted to reach out to more people.”

The publicity led many to discover her blog — www.WeAreWonderwomen.com — after she was featured in Vanilla magazine as a nominee, the number of hits she received rose from 80 to more than 130 a day.

“I would update her on the comments on her blog every day, and the letters and email she received, and she tried very hard to respond to all of them,” said Mr Lee, 29, a broadcast designer.

This, in spite of being in tremendous pain and discomfort from the disease and the chemotherapy.

“From April, it was just bad news all the way; we were told that the treatment wasn’t working. The tumours were causing her stomach to swell and she couldn’t do anything, she couldn’t sleep for days because of the pain,” added Mr Lee.

Through it all, Ms Lee made sure to update her blog when she could, getting her husband to type her posts when she was too ill to do it herself.

“She felt that it was almost like her responsibility to respond to the readers who were asking her for advice,” said Mr Lee. “At the same time, I think the encouragement from readers gave her a lot of strength, they inspired her too.”

Since Mr Lee posted about Ms Lee passing away yesterday morning, well-wishers have posted more than 20 responses. Said one: “Goodbye Molly, may you rest in peace ... Thank you for inspiring so many of us to be strong and be positive in the way we look at our lives. You will be missed.”

Said Vanilla :assistant editor Ms Pamela Ho, who had interviewed Molly for the magazine: “I think people will remember her strength, the way she never talked like she was going to die. She always talked about the things she liked to do, her favourite food, because she was so optimistic.”

Mr Lee hopes to continue running the blog — which has seen over 23,000 hits since its inception last year — as a place women can go to to share their own experiences fighting cancer and to seek answers to their questions.

“I do hope more women will continue to come and share their experiences,” he said. “That’s what the blog was created for, and I hope to continue it.”

Those who wish to pay last respects to Ms Lee can do so at Punggol Field, Block 203 (Multipurpose Hall), from now until Sunday when the cremation will take place.

Climbing New Walls, Scaling New Heights..

2008-05-07T11:14:00.001+08:00

Since cancer crept into my life back in Jan 2006, I had always dreamt that someday, I will be able to scale the longest wall on this planet, with my mother by my side.

Of course, that wall is the Great Wall of China.

So, on a cold and icy morning of Monday, 18Feb ( only a month after China's worst winter storms for nearly half a century), we stood at the base of the Great Wall, with my mother by my side. And with the added bonus of my younger sister beside me, we all scaled the Wall!

It was symbolic for me. And it was steep in meaning too. Having experienced the depths of cancer, I was now scaling new heights, a 'feat' which only 24 months ago, would have been the furthest thing on my mind.

The tingling numbness of the toes was still there from the chemo, but who cares? The beauty of the Great Wall in the middle of winter was no less spectacular.

If my sister, who was also afflicted with cancer barely 9 months after my own diagnosis, and I were able to "make it here", the feeling in me was that nothing in this world could stop us.. yes, nothing can stop me from reaching even greater heights.

Reach out for that symbolic new height, in your own way.. I know it will mean a lot to us as cancer survivors!

/gleefully ntangle

Giving Back..in Our Own Ways

2008-04-01T16:15:00.000+08:00

Supporting charitable causes, in whatever small ways, has long been an area of interest for us, although in most cases, they have been of a passing kind.

But once an illness like cancer emerges in your life, you tend to view things differently. All of a sudden, a magnifying-glass-effect starts to get focused on charitable causes that are aligned to your own disease, and those whose lives are also touched by that disease in similar ways.

And so, when we first read that the Terry Fox Run would be held in Sentosa, we took the first drive up to the registration-booth at The Regent Hotel and signed on.. merely 3 months after my chemo cycle in Sept 2006. And on that day, amidst a slight drizzle, over 7000 supporters run the 3 km route around the beach at Sentosa.

Inside of me, it was a personal triumph to be able to complete the route.. it sure felt good to be able to run again!

Since then, we have made it a point to support this "Run for Hope", just like Terry Fox did. And we hope to run every year till we are well into our 70's, if not 80's!

Similarly, when we got the "LiveStrong" wristbands through the post from Lance Armstrong's Foundation last month, we felt a nice tinge in our bodies when we slipped it around our wrist. Anytime we start to take things for granted now or we slip into self-pity, we will pull this rubber wristband so that it snaps back..reminding us of how lucky we are.

The Food-from-the-Heart Foundation, an incredibly simple yet enormously effective charitable cause to bring un-sold food or bread to the less fortunate, again gave us the opportunity to give back. The 'run' we do every week, since Jan 2003, brings us to The Muhammadiyah Welfare Home in Mountbatten, an easy 4km from The Blossom pasterie shop at Paya Lebar SingPost centre. And somehow, this has turned out to be one of the most fulfilling activities for us, week in and week out.

Yes, it is a good feeling..to be able to give back, in our own small ways.

/gleefully ntangle

Prof Pausch's fight with cancer and his "Last Lecture"..

2008-03-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

How we deal with the suddenness and enormity of being told by your doctor that "you have cancer", varies in almost the same countless ways as our fingerprints, I feel.

But a man that has given a new twist to handling this dreaded news is Prof Randy Pausch of Carnegie Mellon University. We came across this remarkable man only last month on Oprah. But his story should be spread to all, even with your children. Through the ubiquity of YouTube, his so-called "Last Lecture" to his university students has now been viewed by millions around the world.

Here is Prof. Pausch on Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=362421849901825950

We know you will find it truly inspiring.

/gleefully ntangle

Listening to My Body..

2008-03-11T16:03:00.000+08:00

Does this count as listening to my body?

For a few days or so before heading to China for a holiday 17Feb, I had felt a discomfort in my abdominal area. I didn't think much of it. But after China, the discomfort persisted. I felt bloated. Told hubby about it, and we were off to see my gynae the same day. Her assessment was that it could be a muscle strain in that area, and that the best way to know more clearly was to have a full blood test done, with a proper scan. We agreed with her, but decided to have these done with Dr Ang Peng Tiam, given that as our onco, he had been tracking all our blood test results and CT or PET scans since Feb 2006.

The same day, without wasting any time, we got my blood tested at Mt E, and would be seeing Dr Ang the next day for the results.

For some reason, my anxiety level began to build up dramatically. What will happen if the blood test results were showing a higher level than normal for the CA125 cancer marker? Will I be back to the chemo routine again.. pain, vomiting, numbness and yes, hairloss?

Dr Ang gave us the result straight up : "Everything is fine!"

We asked if this is foolproof. What a silly question, on hindsight. Is there such a thing as a foolproof cancer test? He suggested that if you want to get all worries off your mind, then lets get a PET scan done. I was due to have one done anyway, come June. Might as well bring it forward, Doc said.

We agreed. "Can we do it tomorrow?" Doc asked.

"But I have a field trip to a goat farm with the children tomorrow", I replied.

Doc looked at his assistant, as if in amazement that I would put a major cancer detection procedure behind that of a children's field trip. I guess he will not understand..unless he knew how attached I am now to all "my children".

First thing yesterday Monday, we headed to Mt E to prep for the PET scan. It was almost like the 1st PET scan.. long, boring and yes, time for the mind ( 3hours!) to fester and build up both anxiety and fear. Is this normal? Why does knowing what's known seemed more fearsome than not knowing what's to come next? I am referring to that fact that even if the PET scan showed cancer cells spotting along my abdominal area, I would know exactly what to expect next because "I have been there, done that!"

So why this extra element of fear this time around? Who's to say how one's mind truly works? I told Hubby that perhaps this time, I had read more about cancer and how it has impacted other survivors than ever before. In particular, the trials and tribulations of Molly.. captured in her terrific blog ( http://www.wearewonderwomen.com/blog/). We came to know of Molly when we saw her article in a magazine December last year, and have since kept in touch with her and even cross-referenced our own blogs. Her relapse was the trigger in my brain, I supposed. Her courage and honesty is simply inspirational. But her relapse (also from ovarian cancer) may have been gnawing at my mind, subconsciously. It is a wonder..how the brain works.

At 6pm, it was time for the truth in Dr Ang's clinic, which was filled to the brim with patients, as always. In his own inimitable way, Doc said "I think we may have wasted $3000!"

We reassured him, "Dr Ang, it is worth every cent of it!"

A massive relief came over me..I could see Hubby staring at me through the corner of my eye. He knows the worry and yes, fear, inside me just 1 minute ago!

We took our 1st photo with Dr Ang, and quickly head to our favourite steak&ribs joint again.. Tony Roma's.. to celebrate a different type of victory, but a victory all the same.

I am glad I listened to my body..

..gleefully ntangle

"I am secretly very happy with you.."

2008-01-23T16:14:00.000+08:00

"I am secretly very happy with you and your progress, Nellie"..Dr Ang Peng Tiam, 03Jan08

Those words from our onco were as sweet to hear as when he told us that Nellie's "cancer is now in remission", back in June 2006 (see earlier posting, dated 30Aug'06).

We walked out of his office, slightly light on our feet..as if we were floating a little. At Killiney's for my cuppa while she continued with her latest infusion, I sms her.."I am so happy today, dear".

She replied "Me too :-) "

It's been almost one full year since we posted our last blog. And what a year it has been! Perhaps it was the stark contrast to the year before but 2007 had been simply wonderful!

Let us give you a pictorial tour of the highlights of '07:

Jan 07.. we took the big step to go into our own business..running a childcare centre!

After over 20 years of corporate life, we felt it was time we try something new. Not just something that would be challenging but also uplifting. And what a lift indeed!

In April, we put our money where our hearts are, and started our new life-chapter right in the centre of Tampines.. Carpe Diem Young Minds Pte Ltd.. a lovely childcare centre in the heartlands.

And just look at the faces of these children (we lovingly called them "our children")..

Seeing them grow, day by day..

Watching them being nourished everyday by their dedicated and caring teachers..

Yes, they nourished us in turn, Nellie especially..

August 07.. and so we said.."Why not run another centre?"

Indeed, and thus was born Carpe Diem Young Hearts Pte Ltd, our 2nd centre also in the heartlands of Tampines. You can tell we just love this township.

Our distinctive outdoor artwork soon became the centre of attraction for the children, and the neighbourhood alike. With such professionally painted, life-like safari animals, who wouldn't be captivated..

Can you guess who the new 'man' in Nellie's life is?

What a cute darling indeed!

Looking back, we can't help but think that this "ed-adventure" of 9 months old will somehow be a lifelong journey for the rest of our lives.

>>gleefully ntangle

A Holiday for the Body, Mind and Soul..

2007-02-09T17:22:00.000+08:00

It was a trip which was meant to have taken place in Feb 2006, and now I am all ready to board the SQ plane which will take us direct to Milan. So... Italy here I come.. 10 months later, but this time, the ode "better late than never" holds even truer.

What could anyone ask for after going through all those tough months battling oneself with a deadly disease and all the sufferings one had endured during those seemingly never-ending treatments.... Yes, I am now glad to wake up every morning being able to see sunshine and even more glad that I finally made it for this trip. Nothing was in my mind other than enjoying every moment I have in Italy and Austria, and making sure that I treasure every moment and every hour while I am there.

A recap of our trip which started off like this........we arrived Milan in the early morning of 1st Dec, sky still dark. With our backpacks we walked straight to the train station (hubby says to travel light so I had to ration my colorful sets of outfits), hoping to catch the train to take us to our hotel. But after checking around we were told to hop onto an airport bus, cheaper and faster. So we got ourselves onto the bus and within 50 minutes we were there! Breathing the cold air was just fantastic and refreshing! I had to pinch myself to make sure all was real..Milan at last!

Found our hotel which was located about 100m away from the central train station... Hubby did a good job in sourcing this particular hotel as it saved us lots of time and money shuttling to/from the train stations during out stay in Milan.

Our Italy Itinerary
1st Dec - Arrived in the morning and spent the afternoon shopping! What is Milan without shopping? Took a stroll to the center of Milan and arrived at the magnificent Duomo Cathedral.. it has to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Right beside it was Milan's hottest shopping strip. Got my prada & gucci bags as planned... :-)

2nd Dec - Decided to spend a full day in Venice..an easy 2 hrs train ride from Milan (trains there are so clean and comfortable). Our day in Venice was great, but my camera went kaput! Bought one to replace it and we just let the new camera capture everything this city had to offer. Venice has to be the most romantic city in the world, and the St Marks Square has no equal, especially from up the Tower. I can't imagine this city disappearing under the rising sea level..I told myself I must come back again, one day.

3rd Dec - Spent 8 hours on the train to Salzburg - long train ride. It was becoming a little restless for both of us after a while, but the views in northern Italy, Germany and then the Austrian countrysides made it worth it. Arrived in Salzburg and it was already getting dark... hubby went to look around for hotel to stay for the night. As you can tell, we wanted to make our trip free and easy, which added to the overall adventure of our trip here.

4th Dec - Spend a day in Salzburg - Joined a day tour - The Original Sound of Music Tour.. all the songs from the movie came rushing back. It's a great way to see the city and the surrounding areas up close. I even had a photo taken with a lovely nun from the Nonberg Abbey..nice.

5th Dec - Spend another 8 hours on the train back to Milan - another long ride back to Milan. If the train timings had been better, this was where we were supposed to head to Croatia, but sigh.. another time, I guess.

6th Dec - Milan - More shopping for me.... can never get enough of shopping here!

7th Dec - Turin became our last city on our trip agenda. One hour train ride from Milan... we almost ended up in Porta Susa which was the wrong station... thanks to the train door which failed to open! Our day in Turin was gloomy but that does not deter us from another round of shopping..the street malls there were beautifully decked out for Xmas!

8th Dec - Time to pack our backpacks and make our way to the airport :-(

9th Dec - Arrived Singapore, feeling rested and happy with all my great buys!

Looking back, I had enjoyed every moment in Italy.. a trip which I would regard as our very own "Amazing Race : Italy+Austria". The weather, the shoppings.. we've never eaten so much pizzas and pastas in our lives! I would certainly love to go back there again. I was also pleasantly surprised by how well I could handle the long flights, the many train rides and all the walking in Italy and Austria. In order to fulfil my new mission of going back to Italy and Europe, I have to stay healthy and happy. With a strong, positive mind, I just know that I will be there again... It really was a much-needed holiday for the body, mind and soul.

>> gleefully ntangle

"So, How Much Doe$ Cancer Co$t?"

2006-10-25T11:08:00.001+08:00

"So, how much does treating your cancer really cost?"

All of us have some idea that treating cancer is expensive. The newspapers have tuned most of us to brace ourselves for that big medical bill when a critical illness hits us. Maybe not now, but one day. Hopefully, not ever.

But when I was asked this question some time ago, I thought that it would be good for more people to fully grasp what the real dollars and cents are, when an major illness like cancer strikes. And then perhaps, we all can better plan, save and respond to such an emergency. Is it about $10,000 or thereabouts? With medical costs escalating these days, perhaps double that to $20,000. The truth was, hubby and I didnt know what to expect in full, until now. So here's a summarised total of what I had to pay, moneywise, to fight this monster disease:

1. Surgery and hospital... $ 13,367
2. Chemo sessions (x6) ... $ 28,800
3. PET Scan.....................$ 3,100
4. Post-infusions (x4)..... $ 5,464
**********************************
Total todate............ $ 50,731
**********************************

And oh, this is not the end. Post-chemo infusions continue, now at 2 monthly intervals. And there are of course the followup visits with both the oncologist and gynae, which I expect will be required for the rest of my life. So, when the Health Minister says people of today needs to be able to manage and financially withstand a personal health crisis, we now know exactly what he means. It is interesting to note an article some time ago, that a high percentage of the American population today is one major health crisis away from personal bankcruptcy.

Goodness, and how true indeed, by just looking at this total sum above.

One word stands out like a beacon in my mind right now as I write this... insurance.

The need for health insurance to cover any major critical illnesses now rings true more so than ever. I am really glad I paid for some health cover when I was younger. I hope more women today will do likewise.

>> gleefully ntangle

Hair Today, Hair Tomorrow : a lady's crown

2006-09-20T11:05:00.002+08:00

I still remember that one of the very first questions I asked my oncologist when he first laid out the "chemo-buffet" on all the side-effects that I should expect over the 5-6 month period, was .. "Doc, how will my hair look after the chemo, in say, 2 to 3 months time after the last treatment?"

I could see my hubby looking back at me instantly, as if in total wonder that such a question had even come into my mind when my very life was on the brink. I suppose expecting a man to understand what a woman's crown really means to her would be too much of a stretch. In truth, as he walked side by side through the first 5 months with me, I can sense that he began to understand what it means to me .. a little, perhaps.

So, given that my hair took such a huge chunk of my attention, from the start of chemo till this day, I thought it would be interesting for you ladies out there to have a glimpse of the hair-evolution I had to go through, pictorially. Here's 4 pictures I can share:

(Pic 1 : my long hair, before chemo)
Here's my silky long hair.. a real "Before" shot of what was crowning my head for a good 20 years. Aahh, the good ole days..

(Pic 2: my crew cut)
My hubby insisted that I should have this photo taken. I have never seen myself in this crew-cut short hair before, so it was a bit of a shock to the system. My hairdresser was excellent in snipping my hair to a level that I wanted. By now, the hair had begun to fall, and I didnt want the long hair to be dropping all over our home. Also, it helped in adjusting my own view of me before the next phase hits me, ie totally bald.

(Pic 3 : My wig)
Me and my wig, which became my constant companion for a good 5 months. The wig was made of natural hair, which I discovered was more comfortable than the artificial hair. Sometimes the heat generated under the wig can be rather unbeareable, which led to curious stares from the public whenever I took it out for some much needed airing in the car.. who cares what other people might think!

(Pic #4 : now)
And so, this is the answer to the original question above.. my hair 3 months after my last chemo. It's soft and it's curly.. my mum's description says it best : "like a young kitten's".
I certainly did not expect it to be this soft. I decided to give it a coppertone colour.. and it felt and looked good then.. still do now!

(Pic #5 of Kylie's hair)
When Kylie was interviewed in June, she had this to say about her hair:
"When it first started to fall out, I just buzz cut the whole thing. I am used to having different looks and figured out the way to use my scarf. But when it started to grow back, it was so thrilling!"

Yes, I know how she felt and can share that same sense of thrill with her.

>>gleefully ntangle

Top10 Stress Busters

2006-09-19T12:23:00.000+08:00

Interestingly enough, as we talked about stress in the previous posting, an article popped up in the middle of clearing out some old documents yesterday. It is titled "Top 10 Stress Busters"..how appropriate indeed. I think you will find this listing useful, which is based on materials from IMH:

#1 : Exercise
You can walk, run, skip and do yoga or taiji but working your body is guaranteed to ease your mind. Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, which are opium-like substances that ease pain and produce a sense of comfort and euphoria. People who exercise actually go to sleep faster, are more refreshed, have sharper memory, better reaction times and concentrate better than people who dont.

#2 : Take things step by step
Deal with changes one at a time as much as you can.

#3 : Organise your time - prioritise, and schedule for breaks
If you dont have priorities, you get bogged down trying to do everything at once. Try and rank each task in order of importance. It is the first step to feeling calmer about the many challenges that may come your way.

#4 : Break down your tasks
Tackle things step by step and give yourself enough time to complete them. This involves being realistic about the time needed to complete a project and scheduling some extra time in case things dont go according to plan.

#5 : Make your worrying count
Worry (if you have to) about things you can do something about.

#6 : Be realistic about your expectations
Know your abilities and limits. Ask for help when you need it. Accept that things do change.

#7 : Look inwards
Watch your thinking.. ask yourself if you are over-reacting. Are you looking at the facts of the situation or going with your feelings? What evidence is there to believe this thought? Is there another way of looking at this situation?

#8 : Make time for family and friends
Talk things out with them.

#9 : Wind down the day
At the end of the day, take some time to unwind. It could be having a warm bath or read a comic.

#10 : Learn to relax
Do deep breathing, muscle relaxation exercises, have a massage or visualise pleasant scenes.

Do these make sense to you? They do, to us. If you find that certain things you have been doing personally are very effective in reducing stress, please share it with us... post a short comment below, thanks!

>>gleefully ntangle

The Seed + Soil Theory

2006-09-12T15:34:00.002+08:00

Kylie Minogue has it..
Sheryl Crow has it..
Heather Clarke had it..
Koh Chieng Mun has it..

My hubby's sis-in-law has it..
And now, my sister too has it..

What is happening to our society that is bringing this dreadful disease to the famous and the ordinary women folks like us? And why does it appear to be hitting us younger and younger?

Is it the food we eat? Is it the clothings we wear or the perfumes we splash on? Or is our day-to-day inactive office lifestyle making it conducive for cancer cells to grow and multiply? I wonder..

We asked the good doctor on the very day when Nellie 's cancer was declared as being in remission, the one question that had been on our minds all those 6 months through chemo:

"So how and why was it that Nellie was stricken with this cancer in the first place, Doc?"

His answer took us by surprise. Based on our best recollection, this is what he tried to tell us in the simplest terms:

He said he believes in the "seed and soil" theory. Our body is constantly exposed to cancer-causing stuffs called carcinogens.. things we eat, stuff we breathe. But our body's immune system battles against these carcinogens and wins. Almost always. But there comes a time when our body's natural immune system meets with a cancer-causing agent but fails to wipe it out and flush it off our body. This one abnormal cell starts to multiply and therein lies the beginnings of a cancer growth.

So what caused the body's immune system to fail us, we asked? His answer.. stress!
Stress from everyday life.. from work, from family, from relationships. Therein lies his "seed and soil" theory. The seed (cancer-causing agent) happens to sit on the soil (an organ in our body) at the very moment when the soil was 'weakened', so to speak, by stress.

Does this makes sense? We looked into Nellie's past. She's a relatively active lady, meaning she works out in the gym at least once a week, jogs when she can and plays golf perhaps twice a month. As recent as last August, she took her regular healthscreening test and all seemed fine. But taking another deeper look, we realised that she was indeed subjected to some serious stressful situations, both at work and within the family.

We can only look back and connect some dots. But can it be true what the doc said .. that stress could be the big culprit afterall? Till today, we look back and wonder... perhaps the smart thing to do is to make a vow to not let any stress bring us depressingly down from here on. With the benefit of hindsight, this makes perfect sense to us, and we hope it gives you something to think about too, for health's sake.

And please, do listen to your body and if something is not normal, go and have it checked early! As I write this, the results of my sister's report was told to me.. she's in Stage 1. Her surgeon added.." it's a good thing your sister came to us early". Thank God, indeed.

>>gleefully ntangle

The Mind-Body connection

2006-09-04T16:58:00.001+08:00

Try listening to these words..

" Take a comfortable position and let yourself begin to relax in your own way. Let your breathing get a little deeper and fuller but still comfortable. With every breath in, notice that you bring in fresh air. Fresh oxygen that fills your body. And with every breath out, imagine that you can release a little bit of tension. A bit of discomfort. A bit of worry. And let that deeper breathing and the thought you have for fresh energy in and tension and worry out, be an invitation to your body and mind to begin to relax.

And let it be an easy and natural movement, without having to force anything, without having to make anything happen right now. Just letting it happen. Just breathing and relaxing.. breathing and energising.."

Do they not simply melt your body and relax you?

Those are the words from a CD called "Complementary Cancer with Evidence-based Mind-Body Medicine", compiled by Dr Lim Kok Kwang and Ms Wong Mei Yin. With title tracks such as "Relax to Free Yourself from Stress", "Get the Best of Chemotherapy" and "Create Inner Strength and Courage", the listener is brought through various imageries through the mind. The goal? To use the mind as a key tool in bolstering your body's strength, therefore enhancing your immune system.

We came across an article on this subject in an April issue of the Straits Times 'Health' Supplement, and immediately went to get a copy of the CD. Indeed, it turned out to be one of the best investment for Nellie's fight against her cancer. We can't quantify the return on this "investment" of $15 but I know that it brings a sense of calm in Nellie's face everytime she listens to any one of the 5 tracks.

The CD was available from Shan You Counselling Centre, Blk 5 Upper Boon Keng Rd, #02-15, Singapore 380005. Tel: (65) 6741 9293.

I have no doubt that the mind is a wonderful tool. Keeping it positive everytime, keeping it nimble in the heat of the side-effects of chemotherapy.. I know that has been a hallmark of Nellie's. She even went back to cross-stitching to keep her mind challenged and alert. For someone like me who thought cross-stitched works that one buys at the shops are easily stitched replicas, put together by mass labour in a faraway country, well, lets just say it was a huge eye-opener for me. After a span of 3 months of concentrated work, though intermittent, she completed a beautifully stitched piece of art.. 18 bright roses resting in a delicately weaved basket.

The framed art-piece now hangs at our doorway, forever reminding us of the beauty of combining courage and patience.. both seemingly abundant in this homegrown cross-stitcher.

>>gleefully ntangle

"Your cancer is in remission!!"

2006-08-30T15:15:00.002+08:00

The days after the 6th chemo were filled with so much anticipation.. half my mind was fighting the usual aches in the bones and numbness, but the other half was awaiting the final results. Will this war with my cancer be ultimately declared successful, or will more treatment be required? All the 5 blood tests todate appear to show consistently good results, esp the CA125 marker, which tracks the cancer cells for ovarian cancer.

However one last test was recommended by Dr Ang Peng Tiam, one called a "PET Scan". It will allow him to see cell activities.. cancer cells being more active than normal cells. If no red patches show up in the scan, then all's well. He calls this the test to confirm all the past blood tests.

15June.. the scan took a full 5 hours to complete at Mt E, which supposedly is the only hospital in Spore to have this technology.

16June.. Time to see Dr Ang for the PET Scan result. I had a strange feeling.. like I was about to receive my school exam results.. butterflies-in-the-tummy time. Hubby and I sat in front of Dr Ang, his left hand holding my right, as if in joint prayer. And then, the 5 words I had been nervously waiting for..

"Your cancer is in remission!!"

He carried on .. "You can now go back to normal life, Nellie. You can do anything you want and eat anything you want." My hubby chimed in, "Including durians, doc?". He replied in the affirmative.

160606.. this is a day I will remember for the rest of my life. As much as 19Jan took almost everything out from inside me, this day brought just about everything back into my body. I can now wake up in the morning with confidence, laugh in the day with joy and go to bed in the night with peace inside me. We thank Dr Ang profusely. And we asked him if he could do us the honour of autographing his book.. the very book which brought us to him in the first place. And he wrote... (see pic below).

We headed out to celebrate at my favourite steakhouse..Tony Roma's.

Yes, I have won this battle for my life!

Yes, I am now a cancer survivor, I am proud to say.

Where do I begin in thanking all those who have helped me along this tough, long road to recovery? My mum and sisters.. your wonderful food and your continuous support to fight this evil. My friends.. your visits, your thoughts and words of encouragement, and your Korean DVDs! And a huge thank-you to Dr Goh whose keen eye caught the disease early on 19Jan, and to the magical hands of Dr Ang and his talented team.

And of course, Dad.. I know you are watching over me..

>>gleefully ntangle

"What about my job, dear.."

2006-08-28T20:38:00.000+08:00

We had kept Nellie's employer informed of her condition from the very beginning in January when her abdominal pain got from a mere irritation to being persistent. Given her newness to the company, she had to obtain due instructions from them on which clinic is under their group insurance and what was covered.. you know, the usual stuff that an employee should get to know at times like these.

But man, things sure were not usual stuff anymore, as we had learnt, about a week into her surgery.

When she asked, ".. but what about my job, dear?", I took the view that being able for her to return to her current job would be most soothing for her, given the circumstances. When things do get back to "normal", she would more than likely want to get back to work, I reasoned. Of course, there's the other view that giving her 100% focus on winning her war with cancer ought to be priority #1, as opposed to getting sidetracked by what could be or might be, 6-9 months down the road. We decided that it would make better sense to hold on to the job than to resign, and took the decision to ask from her employer a leave of absence of about 8-10 months. We asked her oncologist to write us a letter to explain her condition now, and was duly given one the very day we asked.. what impressive turnaround indeed from Dr Ang and her office.

Her request was formally put to the company the next day. What came back literally blew my top!

Sorry, your request for LOA was denied.. so said the HR dept. How can this be? Here's an employee seeking what to me was a most innocuous request: time-off to fight a disease, so that she can be back to perform her duties again. And a terminal disease called ovarian cancer, no less. Surely, the time to look after the welfare of your employees must be now.. now, more so than any time in an employee's tenure with a company, wouldnt it?

We felt utterly deflated. But we decided to take the matter further with the VP of the company, essentially appealing to his sense of caring and compassion. Afterall, she isnt asking to be paid... just time off to fight for her life! What could be more immediate or noble a cause than that?

2 days into her appeal, Nellie came to me with an email in hand and with a smile as wide as the horizon, "The company has decided to grant me the LOA, dear!"

Who's to say what that had meant to her? Who's to say what would have happened to her spirits if her appeal was not granted, and the impact that would have had on her will to fight? I have no doubt in my mind that knowing that her job was there waiting for her when she goes back to "normal" was one of the key contributors to her successful conquest of this most dreadful disease.

As I write this, Nellie is looking through her wardrobe again.. checking out her working garments and deciding which dress she will be wearing this Friday.. when she steps into her office again.. exactly 7 months and 12 days later. I know she can't wait to be back with her colleagues..

Thank you, Nellie's employer!
In making her feel special, you are now a special breed of employers who have shown what this sometimes cold dark world can be when we all show a little bit more compassion and caring. Well done indeed!

>>gleefully ntangle

Diary of my chemo days....

2006-08-24T14:34:00.000+08:00

11 Feb
Had my 1st chemo treatment today, which had me sitting at the clinic for almost 3 hours.
I was hoping the drips would be faster. But then again, what other appointments do I have?

13 Feb (% of sleep: 40)
I suffered body aches and was low in energy. As a result of the aches it also impacted my sleep. This is what I have to get used to for the next 4 months, I suspect.

21 Feb (% of sleep: 50)
Today I noticed hairs on the seattee and on my pillow. It is the beginning of my hair falling as result of the treatment... Sigh!

22 Feb (% of sleep: 80)
Got my hair dresser in today to shave the hair to 1/2 inch height. I wanted to ensure a gradual change of my image, as opposed to what could be a heart wrenching experience of seeing a full head of long flowing hair turning bald, right before my very eyes.

4 Mar (% of sleep: 75)
Had my 2nd chemo today. Told the doc of my experiences after the 1st chemo session and he was happy with my progress. He increased the dosage 10% more. Informed the doc about the numbness on my fingers and toes that I have been feeling since yesterday. In the afternoon after the chemo, the numbness that I have been feeling went away. A bonus.

5 Mar (% of sleep: 70)
Woke up without feeling any numbness or body aches.. but I anticipate it coming any moment. Hubby and I set off for our first outing... KL trip, after midday. It was good to be able to get out and join the human race again!

6 Mar (% of sleep: 10)
Body aches and numbness starting to impact me. Energy level has also dropped. Went to the massive Times Square to walk around but I could not walk much (my legs are feeling weak), so I decided to walk back to the hotel to rest. Shopping isn't the same anymore..

7 Mar (% of sleep: 70)
Similar body aches and numbness feeling. I went to Parkson around 10am but came back to the hotel after about an hour's walk and my legs are feeling weak again. We headed back to Singapore around 12pm.

8 Mar (% of sleep: 80)
Body aches and numbness are still there and by the later part of the day the aches have subsided. A good friend came to visit me today and we chatted.... it was good to have friends during this period.

25 Mar (% of sleep: 70)
Woke up at midnite to take my medication in preparation for my 3rd chemo today. The treatment ended later than usual, drip was rather slow. Nurse at the clinic says that chemo treatment cause the veins to shrink thus drip is much slower, another biological change to me, I thought.

26 Mar (% of sleep: 80)
I woke up feeling ok and decided to go for a light jog. We spent some time at the beach. It was good to feel and smell the fresh sea breeze.

1 Apr (% of sleep: 90)
Woke up at 1.20am and went back to sleep till 7.15 am. Hubby and I went to watch a play "Doubt" at the Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel. 11.30pm..we had never been out this late for a long time now. Apart from my wig, I could easily pass off as any other ladies at the show.. nice feeling.

12 Apr (% of sleep: 85)
Went to Mt. E this morning for my blood test and saw the doc in the afternoon pending my 4th chemo the next day. Doc says I am tough and doing good (as shown in the blood test results). This made me feel uplifted!

16 Apr (% of sleep: 80)
Numbness and tingling on my toes and fingers are more intensed than previous treatment. Tummy was feeling bloaty and I was burping alot. My appetite was not good and in the evening after dinner I threw up around 9pm. This is a new experience for me being the first time.

17 Apr (% of sleep: 80)
I woke up many times last nite but managed to go back to sleep. Tummy still feeling bloaty and decided to call the doc about it. He asked for me to collect some medicine to reduce the bloatiness. After 2 doses I felt slightly better. This is probably the most uncomfortable period over the last 2 months of chemo.

26 Apr (% of sleep: 60)
Was struggling to sleep the whole night as I was impacted with a bad persistent headache from previous day.

3 May (% of sleep: 90)
As I have been feeling better the past few days, hubby decided to take me to golf .. for a start 9 holes. I survived the game and felt great (who cares about the score!). It's fantastic to feel the golf clubs and hear the sound of the ball falling into the cup again.

5 May (% of sleep: 60)
Very disturbed sleep last nite... not sure why? Had my 5th chemo today.. started at 8.50 am and ended at 1.10 pm... I'm restless by then. Numbness and tingling were felt on my thighs and lower arm after today's session.

7 May (% of sleep: 90)
Slept better last nite. After breakfast I started to feel a little nauseous. I didn't have much appetite during lunch so I just had a bun. Decided to pop in an anti nausea pill... I was also experiencing diarrhea today. Mild body aches and my knees are feeling weak.

26 May (% of sleep: 90)
Today is my last chemo session, finally! A sense of relief and excitement at the same time. A small prayer.. let this be my last, dear God.

Looking back, keeping a record of how I felt everyday since my first chemo has helped me to stay in closer touch with my day-to-day emotions and feelings. Plus it has given me a chance to recall as much information as I can whenever I visited the doc. I would recommend keeping such a diary for anyone who is in a similar situation as mine.

>>gleefully ntangle

The side effects : chemo treatments..

2006-08-07T11:16:00.000+08:00

Total hair losts, body aches, numbness and nausea are the 4 main side effects which I have to go through during chemotherapy.... Wow, there goes my long and silky hair! I guess body aches and the numbness are side effects which I can put up with. Also there are medications which Dr. Ang will prescribed on standby to ease these side effects. Nausea is almost 90% a "no" but there may be occasions during the treatments when I may experience it. So the total hair loss is something which is rather difficult for me to accept... I asked the doc : when will my hair start to drop and his answer is "in two weeks time after your first treatment".. oh dear..

11 Feb 2006 - The day I am set for my 1st treatment..... sitting at the clinic for the treatment lasted for 3-1/2 hours and this first experience wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Although during the treatment I did feel a little restless. Home I go after the treatment. Body aches started the next day and it lasted for 4 days.

11 days later my hairs started to show signs of dropping... hairs on our settee, pillows and all over the floor!

13 days through my treatment I called my hairdresser to our home to shave off my hair to half an inch long.... my new hairdo took a while to get used to it, but I was all ready and even more determined to fight this battle.

My sleep was also impacted since I had the treatment.. my mind was overly alert and I struggled to have a good nite sleep. The yellow antihistamine pills became a good companion for the next 2 nites.

My 2nd treatment was scheduled 3 weeks later and I went through the same 3-1/2 hr of infusion at the clinic.

But more was to come..

>>gleefully ntangle

The book that changed our lives..

2006-08-03T11:37:00.001+08:00

On the very day of her surgery, a rather inconspicuous article in the "Today" newspaper caught my attention, as I sat at the lounge waiting area of the hospital.

It was titled "One in 4 S'poreans will die of cancer", and carried on.." Driven by harsh figures, oncologist writes book for parents, families". The book was titled "Doctor, I Have Cancer. Can You Help Me?" And the oncologist? Dr Ang Peng Tiam.

Few things could ever compare the irony of the situation that I was in.. here I was at the very day of my wife's surgery that could potentially save her life, and there it was, an article on cancer in the papers saying one in four people will die of cancer. But reading into the article a bit more, it was billed as a book of hope. I made it a point to seek out the book as soon as I could. I showed it to Nellie and said to her that this book will bring something new to our fight against the cancer.

"I read the book within a day! Filled with pictures, it was easy to read and clearly showed how the most aggressive of cancers can be stopped from spreading further, if not fully cured. In my mind, I was half dreading what's to become of me in the months ahead, but also what I can do inside me to win this fight... literally, the fight of my life. The book put in all together for me, from what others have had to go through to what expectations I should carry with me, as I walk down this war path. I am going to try to be as positive as I can, and if mind over matter has anything to do with it, I will give it a very good try !!"

After reading it, we both decided immediately that Dr Ang will be her oncologist from here on.

Fate has a way of bringing together what looked like the most disconnected of things. What were the chances of me ending up reading that article on Dr Ang's cancer book? And on the very day of her surgery, no less. Looking back, one has to marvel at the ironically fortuitous circumstances of it all.. indeed, the book literally brought us both plenty of hope! And of course, Dr Ang himself.

"Relative 5-Years Survival Rate is.."

2006-07-19T14:48:00.001+08:00

Hitting the Net immediately when I returned from hospital, I began searching for information on anything cancer, and in particular, ovarian cancer.

http://www.cancer.org/ gave the most comprehensive and easily understood details, posting information from the American Cancer Society. It showed clearly how ovarian cancer is staged, or how widespread it is. More important to me was a small table titled "Relative 5-Years Survival Rate", showing all 10 Stages, from Stage 1A to Stage 4. It refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer had been diagnosed.. 92% for Stage 1A and at Stage 4...17.5%... a chill ran down my spine.

Nellie's 3-day stay at the R Hospital was relatively smooth. Fed with her Mum's best soups and porridge, and with comforting visits by family and friends, she soon gained enough strength to return home.

4 days later, it was time to see her gynae again for her final results to be revealed, showing the staging of her ovarian cancer.

" I remember saying to myself, 'Be brave. Lets get the full story from Dr Goh' , and then take it from there. But what awaited me was more then I could handle. The doc said that not only has the tumour grown to such an enormous size, it has also spread to the womb lining, the ommentum.

She continued, "I am afraid your cancer is at Stage 3C!"

My husband and I held our hands, and wept. A minute later, and still fearing for the worst, he asked Dr Goh to give it to us in plain English what a Stage 3 cancer really meant... ' about 30% chance of survival' was her answer. My head was spinning. It took awhile to soak it all up. We thank the doc and took a sombre drive home. In the bathroom, I fell onto my husband's shoulder and sobbed.."

>>gleefully ntangle

"Why is it taking so long.."

2006-07-17T17:09:00.000+08:00

Surgery of any type is a worrying situation. Surgery to see what exactly is inside your abdomen and then to determine if a tumour in an ovary is malignant or not is simply edge-of-the-seat stuff. And I was only the guy sitting outside the OT, waiting for the gynae's results and for Nellie to be rolled out.. safely.

It was supposed to be over within 3hours..
"So why is it taking so long..?", asked Nellie's mum, with increasingly worrying lines on her face. 4 hours passed. In the 5th hour, the gynae surgeon came out and gave the news..

"The tumour is malignant. We had to be doubly sure that we got out as much as we could. We took the womb out too."

I swallowed, but my throat was dry.

"I was feeling drowsy and could hear voices of the family around me..... My mum came over and asked if I was feeling fine. I said yes and went back to sleep.

It was not until the next morning that I was fully conscious and was waiting for the gynae to come over and tell me what had been done to me. My hubby came early in the morning and I could see from his face that things does not look right for me. I asked him if I was ok and he came over.. gave me a big hug and started tearing. I knew from that point that the cancer had hit me! The sadness and disappointment in his face made me realised that I was in a very major battle to fight from now on.......

The battle that I have to fight was confirmed by the doc who came over to see me around 10am. She said I have to be strong, stay positive and fight it! As devastated as I was feeling then, I told myself that I will have to fight this."

The doc showed us the picture of the ovary.. a massive size of a tennis ball! (see picture in next blog-entry). It was a disgusting sight, made all the more gory by the streaks of blood around it.

How can this be? Just 3 weeks ago we were strolling in the cool mountain air of Cameron Highlands. In fact, just 5 months ago, she had a full medical healthscreening and apart from a few innocuous comments, she was given the all clear. Everything still seemed so totally surreal..

>>gleefully ntangle

"Something's not right.."

2006-07-12T15:33:00.000+08:00

Back from the mountains in Cameron Highlands after a nice 2006 New Year's holiday, Nellie began to feel pain in her abdominal area. She described it as "a small discomfort". But it was discomforting enough for her to seek medical help from her employer's doctors.

Her initial prognosis? Probably a urinary tract infection. She got her medicine, she took them and we didnt think much of it.

But the discomfort persisted. She returned to the same GP the following week. Some additional tests were done. Again, she was asked to take some new medicine and to monitor her condition.

Then..

6 Jan 2006 - It started with a cramp attack which lasted for about 10 mins. I was unable to move, feeling faint and started to cold sweat. Seated in my office chair I was waiting for the pain to go away. I was scared as this has never happened to me before. The GP suspected it was food poisoning.

13 Jan 2006 - A week later I had the same attack and it was then that I insisted she refer me to a specialist or whoever that can tell me why I'm experiencing this pain? Fortunately a lady Gynaecologist will be in the clinic in the afternoon and an appointment was made for me to see her. My appointment with Dr.Karolyn Goh at 12.30pm was even more shocking when the ultra sound scan showed my ovary had ballooned to the size of 10.8cm, a tennis ball instead of a fishball! She immediately wanted me to go for a further test and scan at Raffles Hospital that afternoon. I left the clinic and called my hubby immediately to tell him what happened.

19 Jan 2006 - My experience at R Hospital was something which I will never forget. With a full bladder, I was asked to wait until it was my turn..an uncomfortable 30min wait. With the additional scans, the tumour was confirmed. And it was likely cancerous. The doctor asked that we consider immediate surgery to remove not just the ovaries, but also the fallopian tubes and the womb... a total hysterectomy! My mind was spinning..how can this be? Just 3 weeks ago, I was in the cool mountain air of beautiful Cameron Highlands. Now, I am in the clutches of cancer..

We were asked to seek a second opinion, if we wanted. But my mind was made up. I had asked for the earliest surgery available.

The next day, I was rolled into the operating theatre...

>>gleefully ntangle

"This is my first public outing, dear"

2006-07-10T14:25:00.000+08:00

And so it ended. Our incredible journey of nearly 6 months, fighting this monster of a disease called cancer. Or has the journey only just begun....

08-07-06
A date for a new couple, as they glide down the ballroom, hand in hand. But also, a new date for a not-so-new couple too... Nellie and I stepped out together to face the world. Her cancer is now in full remission!

How symbolic indeed that it took the wedding of one of our best friends' daughters to highlight the significance of Nellie's own 'walk down her aisle'. Looking beautiful as ever, in her beige dress, in stilts and oh... her favourite hair, of course.

We laughed, we shared, we told our usual golf stories, our wins... our spirits were high. What a lovely evening. To be amongst friends. People who, just 6 months before, rallied behind our crusade. With their thoughts, their prayers. It's such a lonely battle to fight alone.. this monster. Indeed, we fought a good fight. We won!

Over the next blog entries, Nellie and I will document what happened over the last 6 months when she was first told.. "I think there's a tumour in your ovary!"

We hope this successful fight of ours will provide, in small perhaps immeasurable but hopefully significant ways, for you to gather the strength that she somehow managed to find, in her darkest hours over those 6 months..

>>gleefully ntangle