It's not over until the fat lady sings. The fat lady sang last Thurs

The roughest part of my treatment is finally over!!. Last Thurs I had my 6th and last chemo shot with minimal side effects, dispensing, to my pleasant surprise, the need for the usual afternoon rest. I was all perked up and raring to celebrate with a nice lunch and some shopping for the strong pipeline of social get togethers.

My radiation therapy starts on 17 Nov. Dr Lee, the doctor taking care of me is again another professional in whom I have confidence. His patience in fielding my hundred and one questions relating to the next leg of my treatment is highly commendable.

My red blood cell count has returned to 10+ level and should be on its way to the pre-chemo days of high 12. My dietary discipline will now be put to a test after recent relaxation on account of "eat whatever you desire as after all the drug will help rid the toxins". Back to healthy salads, more juices, steamed/braised food. What's more, hair growth is noted after the 5th cycle. On my way for the Joan of Arc look.

After a long break, I returned last Saturday to the museum volunteer guiding scene with what I consider a truly satisfying tour on the "Doubleness" exhibition by renowned Taiwanese photojournalist, Chang Chien Chi at the NMS (National Museum of Singapore). The lives of those in the photos make me realise that my plight is not the end of the world when compared to some whose lives are a 'living hell' on earth for a much protracted period.

I'll be joining the support group for breast cancer patients in 2009 when my radiation therapy is completed, to share my experience with fellow patients. My message to them focuses on positive thinking, exercise, yoga, discipline and especially blogging to transfer stress and depression.

sunnybunny

Blogging is so therapeutic

A friend of mine emailed me an article suggesting that blogging is good for cancer patients. I cannot agree more with this notion. Since my diagnosis, I started my blog with various intentions in mind but chief is the need to 'release' tension from hidden fear and stress of the unknown and unventured. While the frequency of my blogs has abated to once every 3 weeks or so, I still feel the immense relief whenever I pen my thoughts on coming treatments and sometimes what I consider needless medical interventions.

Life is starting to take on a more predictable rhythm. Barley green drink first thing in the morning, yoga while waiting for the body to absorb the nutrients of the drink, breakfast, newspapers, and, getting ready for work. At work, great effort is taken not to be stressed by financial market volatility, something quite difficult to wish away these days. Calling it a day whenever I feel I've completed an honest day's work. No wonder I went through my 5th cycle last Thurs feeling like nothing out of the ordinary. But wait! I actually completed the 5th shot and am ready on the 23 of this month to finish the final chemo shot. The prospect of a 5-week radiation course thereafter seems like 'small beer' in comparison.

There are many things to look forward to: less restrictive diet, hair re-growth, a new lease of life, more get-together with friends, etc. An important promise which I'm going to keep - help in the support group for breast cancer patients. High on my list is encouraging them to start a blog.

Sunnybunny