Saturday, November 22, 2008

The next phase of treatment is pleasantly light

After a week, which is also the 1st of five, of radiotherapy, I'm none the worse for the experience. The after effect of slight fatigue was felt but easily overcome with more rest. The scheduling is to fit my work hours as I take the last slot so that I return home for rest. The cumulative effects of fatigue, small joint stiffness and some tan on affected areas are to be felt only mid-way through. So, save for the inconvenience of having to make daily trips for a few seconds of rad beaming, this phase of my treatment is easy on the body.

Diet-wise, there has been no major changes. Now looking up literature, talking to fellow patients for TCM boost for the body that has been wrecked by chemo drugs in the past 5 months. Eu Yan Sang, the Chinese herbalist shop I'm told, is more reliable in terms of product quality. With the current global scare about China's creative ways of speeding and increasing output of anything she plans to produce, one cannot be more careful about goods from there.

The year 2008 is coming to an end. To say that it has been eventful for me is an understatement. Similarly, the global economy has gone through a credit and the resultant economic shock and is currently undergoing treatment via bailout and fiscal measures policy makers around the world are putting forth. Like me, treatment is necessary before it can get back on its feet. Too often the world forgets that the patient's fever has to run its course before the intended benefits of treatment are seen.

Daily we are bombarded by unrelenting media forecast on how 2009 is going to be worse for the economy. We'll have to be more prudent, batten the hatches and seek help if necessary while waiting for the storm to be over. As for me it is also time to reflect and make changes, spending more time on myself and what I would like to do. Hopefully, economic considerations do not weigh too heavily in these plans. Like everyone, I pray that the recession is not a fat 'U'.

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