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'.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Felt strangely surreal on my 1st day back at work
Returned to office 2 days ago after more than 3 months of absence. The desk is still there, wiped clean with all electronic-based system switched on at 9am as welcome. Like to think it was not done to avoid delay in my having to deal with the tumultuous conditions in the financial markets. The past months of rest have the effect of making feel somewhat detached from the on-going crisis, a surprising departure from my usual immersion in similar events that have dotted my career in the past 25 years or so. Yes, I saw the volatile price movements on the screen but yet felt strangely calm. Perhaps my medical condition has unconsciously made me more philosophical about what's happening currently.
My work routine is going to be flexible, thanks to an understanding boss. Working hours will fit how my body feels in the day. Hopefully, work pressure will be kept at bay until I'm fitter to cope with it. If not, the appeal of early retirement beckons.
My 5th cycle starts tomorow. The week following it is one that is gastronomically delightful. To start off, one of my long-time friend from our Golden Girls Club is here in town to have her cousin whip up a 'not-to-missed' Hari Raya brunch. It is followed by daily lunch appointments with work associates who can't wait to catch up with me.
Health-wise, trying hard to stick to the straight and narrow path of healthy eating, yoga and walks. As the chemo treatment comes to an end in mid Oct, I'm starting to prepare myself to return to a fuller social life in museum-guiding activities.
sunnybunny
My work routine is going to be flexible, thanks to an understanding boss. Working hours will fit how my body feels in the day. Hopefully, work pressure will be kept at bay until I'm fitter to cope with it. If not, the appeal of early retirement beckons.
My 5th cycle starts tomorow. The week following it is one that is gastronomically delightful. To start off, one of my long-time friend from our Golden Girls Club is here in town to have her cousin whip up a 'not-to-missed' Hari Raya brunch. It is followed by daily lunch appointments with work associates who can't wait to catch up with me.
Health-wise, trying hard to stick to the straight and narrow path of healthy eating, yoga and walks. As the chemo treatment comes to an end in mid Oct, I'm starting to prepare myself to return to a fuller social life in museum-guiding activities.
sunnybunny
Friday, September 12, 2008
Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
The 4th chemo cycle which started yesterday was a breeze. Drug used was no longer the hard-hitting Epirubicin administered in the first three. Instead, Taxotere, a lighter drug in terms of after-effect discomfort was given; it will be this for the 5th and 6th cycles. I spent today much in rest, awaiting the expected after-effect of slight fatigue. It came but went off after a short nap in the afternoon. No nausea.
Back to Epirubicin. It was indeed strong going by the falling haemoglobin level (red blood cell count) since the start of the chemo session. I used to be a high 12 on haemoglobin and has since seen the level lowered steadily to the latest count of 8+. Any lower, blood transfusion has to be introduced. The attendant risks of this are high enough to prompt Dr Khoo to give me an iron injection. It certainly cost a lot ($1500) to bring back some colour to my cheeks. Hopefully, this, like the white cell booster shot, will stave the need for blood transfusion. It was comforting to know that the chemo drug's suppression of red blood cells is temporary. I should be able to return to my normal levels by Dec. What a relief! Meantime, food rich in iron is to be eaten in greater quantity.
My kind boss in HK has given me more days for medical leave by allowing chemo sessions as time off work. So, instead of reporting for work on Sep 10, I need report only on 21st, which is to be extended, much to my annoyance, by yet another week on account of the F1 race taking place during that period. Roads and car-park inaccessibility means that I'll have to take public transport to work, a prospect I do not relish given the almost sanitised atmosphere I'm subject to in the past 3 months. Having come this far I'm not risking infection to derail my chemo program. No wonder they say that women come from Venus and men from Mars. Cannot see what this excitement from testerone-laden car racing fanatics is all about.
Now that I'v passed the half-way mark, am looking forward to the completion of the course and am thinking hard the past days on how to celebrate its end.
sunnybunny
Back to Epirubicin. It was indeed strong going by the falling haemoglobin level (red blood cell count) since the start of the chemo session. I used to be a high 12 on haemoglobin and has since seen the level lowered steadily to the latest count of 8+. Any lower, blood transfusion has to be introduced. The attendant risks of this are high enough to prompt Dr Khoo to give me an iron injection. It certainly cost a lot ($1500) to bring back some colour to my cheeks. Hopefully, this, like the white cell booster shot, will stave the need for blood transfusion. It was comforting to know that the chemo drug's suppression of red blood cells is temporary. I should be able to return to my normal levels by Dec. What a relief! Meantime, food rich in iron is to be eaten in greater quantity.
My kind boss in HK has given me more days for medical leave by allowing chemo sessions as time off work. So, instead of reporting for work on Sep 10, I need report only on 21st, which is to be extended, much to my annoyance, by yet another week on account of the F1 race taking place during that period. Roads and car-park inaccessibility means that I'll have to take public transport to work, a prospect I do not relish given the almost sanitised atmosphere I'm subject to in the past 3 months. Having come this far I'm not risking infection to derail my chemo program. No wonder they say that women come from Venus and men from Mars. Cannot see what this excitement from testerone-laden car racing fanatics is all about.
Now that I'v passed the half-way mark, am looking forward to the completion of the course and am thinking hard the past days on how to celebrate its end.
sunnybunny
Monday, August 25, 2008
Halfway there
Can't believe that I'm done with three cycles and that I'm halfway through the entire course. The following three are expected to be less taxing with the change of medicine to be administered. After effects were minimal this round or perhaps my tolerance threshold has been raised.
Life is taking on a greater semblance of normalcy. I did not feel like I was on medical leave in the past 3 weeks. Went to office to tend to some work issues, interview candidates and did midyear reviews with staff. Cannot take a type A woman out of a patient I guess.
Now that diarrhoea is no longer a problem, at least immediately after the chemo shots, I can resume my juice routine. During the time when I was less fibre-tolerant, spray-dried barley green and beet in powder form was a good alternative source of anti-oxidant.
Had my first snow-skin mooncake today and it was bliss to taste it. Sure glad that Christmas is after my course.
Sunnybunny
Life is taking on a greater semblance of normalcy. I did not feel like I was on medical leave in the past 3 weeks. Went to office to tend to some work issues, interview candidates and did midyear reviews with staff. Cannot take a type A woman out of a patient I guess.
Now that diarrhoea is no longer a problem, at least immediately after the chemo shots, I can resume my juice routine. During the time when I was less fibre-tolerant, spray-dried barley green and beet in powder form was a good alternative source of anti-oxidant.
Had my first snow-skin mooncake today and it was bliss to taste it. Sure glad that Christmas is after my course.
Sunnybunny
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The 2nd cycle came and went with less discomfort
The 2nd cycle ended last Saturday with very much reduced discomfort. Besides the expected tiredness on the 3rd and 4th day, nausea and appetite loss were minimal. Looking forward to being up and about soon.
The marvel of modern medicine. I had booster shots to increase my white blood cell (WBC) count and I termed them 'reinforcements' in my previous blog. It's more like the national guards being called in. The blood test report revealed a significant improvement in my WBC from 1.42 to 9.66, a necessary morale-boosting sign to tackle the coming regimes.
The best decision I've made in my preparation was to shave my head. Loss of hair occurring from 2nd week onwards was manageable and I had so much fun trying on combination of wigs and scarves, hats.
The drive to the hospital for jabs is a welcome break from being house-bound. The scenery along the way is refreshing and in some way, comforting to give a 'glad to be alive' feeling.
Starting too to work longer hours from home in between rest and relaxation before Korean soap operas. Don't know how long I can last viewing such drama before boredom sets in given the typical 'Pride n Prejudice', 'My fair lady' or 'Pretty Woman' story-lines.
sunnybunny
The marvel of modern medicine. I had booster shots to increase my white blood cell (WBC) count and I termed them 'reinforcements' in my previous blog. It's more like the national guards being called in. The blood test report revealed a significant improvement in my WBC from 1.42 to 9.66, a necessary morale-boosting sign to tackle the coming regimes.
The best decision I've made in my preparation was to shave my head. Loss of hair occurring from 2nd week onwards was manageable and I had so much fun trying on combination of wigs and scarves, hats.
The drive to the hospital for jabs is a welcome break from being house-bound. The scenery along the way is refreshing and in some way, comforting to give a 'glad to be alive' feeling.
Starting too to work longer hours from home in between rest and relaxation before Korean soap operas. Don't know how long I can last viewing such drama before boredom sets in given the typical 'Pride n Prejudice', 'My fair lady' or 'Pretty Woman' story-lines.
sunnybunny
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