Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Over the weekend i followed my mother for her 6 months' once check up to UMSC and saw Prof Yip. While waiting an other cancer sat beside me. That morning i was in a chatty mood and so pick up a conversation with her. She in her mid 50 and is a 5 year breast cancer survivor, however after her third year she had leukemia. She told me how she had to go through the treatment and spend a long time in the hospital. She looked good to me but she said she still has some side effects of of the treatment for leukemia.

I asked her my famous question" How do you take life now?" She replied she takes one day at a time and does not really worry about the future. She enjoys and does what she can in a day. As a single woman, she thankful to her family.

When i was speaking to her as just truly admired her perseverance and energy to handle the treatment and move on.

Prof Yip said my mother is fine and asked how i was. I said i am fine except for the BP. As for my BP reading, well some days it is normal and some days slightly higher but everything is under control.

After such along time i followed my friends to their general hospital rounds as volunteers. It brought back memories as i had once followed them for almost 7 years visiting patients. At wards I saw two ladies, who had surgery for breast cancer and the other going through treatment. That day although i talked to them i did not share that i too am a cancer survivor.

Sometimes i feel like telling the whole world and sundry that i am a cancer survivor and other times i just do want to reveal anything.

Looking forward to the new year as i have a whole list of resolutions that i plan to write down.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my blog visitors

Pathology.org

I received this mail recently and wanted to share it.

Dear Webmaster,

Pathology.org is the largest up to date informational database consisting of general health and disease information. The only way to combat disease and promote healthy living is to provide the public current information on health and diseases. Pathology.org consists of breaking news in the health world and offers the information needed to take preventive and combative measures to fight disease. Your website seems to be a very credible resource and would beneficial to us in the fight to combat the contraction and spread of disease. You can aid us in this fight by simply putting a banner or link up for us, making our site available to your vast public. I have included the code for the banner within this email showing you exactly what this banner will look like. Thank you for your time, effort, and work you have done, we look forward to any thoughts you may have. Link Information:Title:PathologyDescription: Largest informational database containing information on Medical Schools and the best Medical resources.

Sincerley,

Kia RenInternet Outreach Team

Pathology.org

Master of ceremonies for annual convention

My blood pressure is now 130/90 and my doctor is happy with it. I am still on 100mg Normaten. I have also been taking some home remedy by juicing with cucumber, bitter gourd, celery and green apple. Well i have been taking things easy.

In the month of October, i was the emcee for my company's annual convention. There were about 1300 participants which was held at Pyramid Convention Center. I came down with a flu on the eve of the convention and it was full blown on that important day. I persevered although my voice lost its sharpness.

Here are some pictures taken on that day.

I am having fun too as the emcee.

I am busy announcing the speaker

I am discussing with the speaker on his introduction.

Lucky draw session at the end of the convention

Blood pressure

My blood pressure reading is 150/95. Although my doctor said that it has slightly improved but she has increased my the dose of the medication. I am to take to 100mg. She has asked to come back in another 2 weeks.

I have also purchased the blood pressure monitor from the Guardian Pharmacy as recommended by fellow blogger Dr Hasnah. I am monitoring the pressure at home, some days it is high and some days it is normal.

Anyway life goes on as i try to take things much easier now. I have started my walks and meditation more diligently.

Recently i met my friend Vanessa who has just finished her treatment for breast cancer and is back at work. We had a delicious lunch at the La Bodega at Bangsar. I snapped a photo and will post it later. It brought back memories when i listened to her experience.

High Blood Pressure

I went to see my doctor near my home and was told my high blood pressure was very high 160/110. She told me i am living time bomb and anything could happen any time. So she immediately put me on pills. I am to take the medication for 2 weeks.

That made me upset. Looks like i am collecting trophies of medical conditions. I still do not know why i have got it. I not have a stressful life , eat healthy and have exercise. I started on my breathing exercise and meditation recently. Hope i have the my reading under control the next time i see my doctor. May it is the travelling long hours to work. I really wish i could do something closely to home.

Living Life to the fullest even with breast cancer+video

Happy Deepavali to all my blog visitors.

It has been a busy couple of weeks for me. I was the master of ceremonies for my companies annual convention last Thursday and was suddenly down with flu on the eve of the convention. I managed to last the whole day of the convention with a blocked nose and i could hardly breath. Luckily all went smoothly though my voice was muffled because of the cold.

Then i took Friday off and did the least work for Deepavali as i did not want to stress myself up and miss all the celebration on Saturday.

It was a great celebration this year surrounded with family and friends. Of course my sugar and cholesterol level would be high because of all the Indian sweetmeats...ha..ha!

I had no time to access my mails for couple of days and when i did, I came across this from Radiology College on Living Life to the fullest even with breast cancer.

[Please vote for what you think best portrays the theme "Living life to the fullest even with breast cancer"

Each video is only 3 min long but the download time may be variable. Only 3 are presented for voting purposes.

The links to the videos are at www.radiologymalaysia.org/opn2009

Just give your vote for what you feel is the best one to convey the message/theme.This digital video contest is one of the Radiology Malaysia 2009 website activity and is the run up to the OutRageously PiNk Nite, 7 Nov 2009]

I had a look at all three videos...a very real life and simple protray of the ladies of courage.

Blood pressure

My blood pressure reading shows 155/105. My doctor told to control my food and to see her again in two weeks. Looks like suddenly my pressure has short up not that I am stressed at work or with other matters. Anyway need to see whether I can control it naturally or go on pills. I have just become a bit lazy and have not been mediating or doing my breathing exercise.

On 11 September 2009, the Pink Unity has a “Buka Puasa Dinner”. We occupied to tables and it was fun to meet up with the ladies again. I had taken some photos and hope I will be able to post them soon.

I received two emails from BCWA on Stand Up For Pink. As it is on a working day I will not be able to go for it.

Details of the event are as follows:
Date : Thursday, 1st October 2009
Time : 10 am
Venue: Espressamente Illy, First Floor
Bangsar Village
No. 1, Jalan Telawi Satu
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur

The other email was on that BCWA now has their Professional Counsellor available every Mondays 10am - 4pm for those who need psychosocial or emotional support during their breast cancer journey.

Walk for World Pink

I read in the papers recently about Estee Lauder’ Walk for World Pink which will be held at KL Tower Base, I thought of participating and then was very disappointed when I found out that the the event will be held on 3 Oct 2009.

I am the Organising Chair for Division C Toastmasters Humorous Speech Contests and Evaluation Contests which are being held on the same day. So I definitely cannot make it. Hope to join this exciting evert next year.

The Pink Unity is organising a Buka Puasa dinner at Bukit Kiara on this Friday . Since it is near my office I will joining the ladies again. We will definitely feast ourselves and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

My recent check up

I have become too lazy and to busy to blog. Even my cousin Padma from Washington whom i spoke to over the weekend commented that i should post more often. Oh dear...should endeavour to do so.

I went for my 6 months once check up last week at UH. As I was there very early, I was the first few to see Prof Yip. Usually I will have this sense of trepidation while waiting for my turn but this time around my thoughts were elsewhere. As I was waiting to see Prof Yip, I meet a breast cancer survivor of 30 years! Wow I was really impressed. Although in in her early 60’s, she looked good and ver stylish.

Prof Yip said everything is fine and my next check up February next year. I will also have a mammography done.I went home in a cheerful mood.

Here is an article i wrote about the Pink Unity trip to Cameroon which was not published.

PINK UNITY CAMEROON HIGHLANDS TRIP
BONDING AND SHARING “TOUCHING HEARTS PROGRAMME”

The Pink Unity organized a trip to Cameron Highlands between 17-19 July 2009, the first project of its bonding and sharing programme for a couple of days. It was a fantastic cool treat for about 33 lady survivors and one still undergoing treatment. It is amazing as 4 ladies from Melaka joined us and we picked after 2 more ladies Ipoh at Simpang Pulai.

Before checking in to Rosa Pasedanan Hotel we were accompanied by a district officer to visit the Diado Hana Chrysanthemum Farm. We were greeted with sweet fragrance from the flowers and it was really soothing to see so many colourful and beautiful types of chrysanthemum. The farm is a producer as well as manufacture for fresh cut chrysanthemum. The ladies wished their husbands and boyfriends who give them a bouquet of beautiful flowers like this..ha..ha!
On our way, we stopped at the Cameroon Bharat Tea Farm along the road. To take a group photo. The scenery was fantastic, the tea plants covering the valleys and very way was so serene.

Before checking in to the hotel, we also visit the Orang Asli of Sg Ruil. The officers from the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Organg Asli and the Tok Batin (orang asli community head) was there to greet us. We then had a sharing session with the community. What really took us by surprise was that the ladies and young girls of the community was not really aware of cancer. Luckily one of fellow survivors hails from orang asli community was able to speak in the language and touch base with them. The ladies and some young mothers were briefed on how to do breast self examination. It was an eye opener for us on the tour on the ways of living of the local community and was breathtaking was we were all able to smelt such fresh and crisp cool mountain air on the settlement.

The next day we enjoyed the famous red, juicy, succulent, a bit sour strawberries of Cameron. We visited KHM Strawberry farm in Tanah Rata and was briefed by the owner on strawberry farming. While listening to him we feasted to delicious strawberry ice with strawberry topping, it cold, yummy and refreshing. Many of us bought authentic strawberry jam mad from freshly squeezed strawberries.

We continue our journey to the Cactus Gardens. We walked around the gardens to view a variety of cactus of different shapes, colour and sizes. So many photos were taking by the ladies amidst of very strange looking cactus plants. In the afternoon we had another quick sharing session at the Mardi Agrotechnology Park with representatives of Puspanitha and enjoyed tea with them cool serenity environment.

At night we had a grand nite called the Idol Night… a night of letting our hair down. All the ladies we beautifully dressed looking forward for a night of fun and laughter. The night start off by a short speech by the President of Pink Unity Datin Azura and then followed by performance. Some ladies sang Karaoke and there were 3 belly dancers that night. The glamorous performance came from the Dikir Puteri group. Everyone was enthralled with each other performance and everyone was having a jolly good time, with bonding and camaraderie. Everyone was either dancing or singing at their places or on the floor. Prizes were given away but the best prize was that everyone felt a sense of happiness… like being on top of the world. The night ended celebrating our remarkable journey in life.

Third day before leaving home we went to Mardi again but this time to see the botanical gardens which include the herbs, roses, orchids, and the research centers. We were also brief on the latest development by a Mardi Official.

As we headed home, it was a wonderful trip to remember. For some the 3 days were relaxing, for some it was a first time experienced such gaiety among fellow survivor and for all us it is a awesome experience on top of the mountain.

Jamuan Teh Malaysia

I got invitations for Jamuan Teh Malaysia from NCSM and BCWA. I was curious what it was all about and found a blogspot dedicated to this event. Fund raising event Organized by National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) with kind cooperation from the Australian High Commission.

I am going to miss the events as i have commit teed to be judged for some toastmasters humorous and evaluation contests.

I am sure the ladies will have a wonderful time and hope coontribution of money pours in.

The details of the Jamuan Teh Malaysia are as follows:

By BCWA
Date: 15th August 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 am (sharp)
Venue: BCWA premise
The fee is RM10.00
Contact: BCWA 03-7954 0133

By NCSM
Date: 13 August (Thursday)
Time: 2.30 - 6.00pm.
The fee is RM10.00/pax.
Contact: NCSM 03-2698 7300

Pink Unity's Trip to Cameron Highlands

When i saw a miss call on my handphone from my faithful blog visitor Uma i knew it has been quiet awhile i had posted any thing on my blog. So when i called he, she wanted to know how i was keeping and i told her i was fine...just a bit busy and lazy at the same time to blog...ha..ha.

So i thought i will write about my trip to Cameron Highlands 2 weeks ago. At the last minute i joined the Pink Unity in their Cameron Trip, Bonding & Sharing "Touching Hearts Programme on 17-19 July 2009.

What can i say about the trip. Contrary to what i thought i thoroughly enjoyed the trip with 30 odd lady cancer survivors and we all had a jolly good time at the mountains with beautiful scenery, cool and fresh air. Here are some of the photos that i managed to take before i became too preoccupied with the activities.

At the Cactus Garden.Me and the wild cactus plants. I am not a fan of cactus but i saw some real cute small plants and bought 3 small pots, which i am keeping it indoors.

All of us at the KHM Strawberry Farm, Tanah Rata. It was cold and surrounded by strawberries.

I was so tempted to pluck the strawberries, and eat them immediately but alas i dare not!

I love ice cream and I indulged in the strawberry ice cream with strawberry sauce. Hmm.So Yummy...Delicious!!. And to eat it on top of cool mountain, it was really a chilling experience.

The trip was an interesting and educational experience for many of us. We had good bonding and sharing among us and discovered new friends as not all of us know each other. Will post more pictures and write at Part 2 of this trip.

Standing Ovation

Recently, I witnessed 2 standing ovation given to 2 two people which I felt I needed to share my thoughts. I have always believed that a standing ovation should be given by the audience to show the approval and appreciation for a performance/ project or leadership which is outstanding or which had touched their hearts and made them feel good, happy or even special.

In the first incident which was a training session for new members, I witnessed the moment the new Organising Chairman walked on stage, he zoomed in to how grateful he was to his predecessor and talked about her remarkable achievements. The he asked all of us in the audience to give her standing ovation. I really found this very odd. Firstly not everyone in the audience knew the predecessor and secondly a standing ovation was demanded. It was not given by way of honour. And guess where the predecessor was, she was seated some when in the audience and was not even asked to come to stage to be recognized properly as some of the audience at the back could not even see her..ha..ha! Of course I adamantly remained seated while the others stood up against their better jugdement.

Actually it is for the audience to decide whether they want to give a standing ovation or not. But most times some members of the audience may be surrounded by people standing and clapping their hands and instead of letting their feelings known that they were not over impressed by the performance , they too join the crowd reluctantly.

The second incident was in another meeting, the chairman praised his predecessor and asked to give a standing ovation to the predecessor who was not even there but away in another town!

I suppose nowadays the meaning of standing ovation and its etiquettes are interpreted differently.

If I am speaker and I do receive a standing ovation, personally that would be an indicator that I have somehow touched the audience. I would then be totally elated of my achievement.

My Sister's Keeper

My just finished the book My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. It was superbly written and at the end of the book, my eyes were teary. It was about unconditional love, sacrifice, family bonding, human grit and the ironies of life.

Although reading this book brought flashes of my treatment, i did quickly read those paragraphs..ha..ha! but was anxious to finish the book because of how the story was spin with each character portraying their emotions, feelings, thoughts and pain.

Bonding with the community

Pink Unity is organizing a trip to the Cameron Highlands on 17-19 July 2009 for its members. Among the activities include sharing session with local community/orang asli, visit to the strawberry/veggie farms and an Idol Night. It all sounds likes good fun but due to job commitments, I am unable to follow the ladies on this trip. They will definitely have lots of laughter and enjoyable trip to the highlands.

One another note my youngest brother Alagappa is a founding member of Sadhana Visionary Academy together with Dr Ratna Malar Selvaratham and Sannyasin Gunanthswami. The project is to take off soon. Wishing my brother and his team every success. .

Oh, last week i feasted at the at the China Treasure at the Sime Darby Convention Centre for lunch. I had delicious Dim Sum and thoroughly enjoyed the Mango Sago. I have been having some enriching food later, hopefully it i do not put on weight

.

New Look

I had some time so i decided to change my template again and added one of my latest photo. The photo was taken a month ago. Some friends have said that i have lost weight but on the weighting machine i am still the same...ha..ha.

Just completed reading the book by Cecelia Ahern. Thanks to the memories. And have started on My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I am quite pleased with myself as i ame becoming an avid reader and i still have 9 books ( one or two given as presents) yet to read. I usually try to catch up with my reading when i commuting from work.

Since i stand for long time during rush hours on the train, many nights i experience muscle pulls. The "urut lady"that is the lady who massages my legs makes good money out of me these day..ha..ha!

Relay for Life

The 3rd Relay for Life KL 2009 was yet another success which I was part of it. I too spent the night at the MSN Training Stadium Bukit Jalil, in fact a whole 16 hours at the stadium! . It was indeed a new experience thing for me as I am not an outdoor person..sleeping under the tent, and staying awake until 3 am were all so new to me. Initially I was doubtful whether I was going to be sleepy and exhausted but surprisingly I felt alright after the Relay.

I did not take any pictures this year as I was busy with getting myself ready for the international costume parade by the survivors. About 30 of us represented the various countries in the world and I adorned a black costume representing Portugal. We all took part in the parade as one of the first batch of survivors to start the survivors lap. My family took some photos though, will post it once I have got it.

Datuk Zuraidah Atan honorary adviser to NCSM delivered the welcome address followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony by President of NCSM, Anthony J. Skelcy, Datin Dr Juliet Dharmalingam and by a young cancer survivor.

The 16-hour event was filled with engaging activities for the young and old. There were competitions, quizzes, hunts and my photograph was taking so many times by the children as they needed signatures and photos of survivors for the hunt. Local singers, gymnasts, dancers all participate to make the night lively and exciting. Cancer survivors performed the joget and bellydancing, the audience were truly entertained. My mother joined the Survivors’ Lap with another friend who came with us from Klang.This time around I witnessed the symbolic and significant Luminaria Ceremony. I bought 2 bags for my 2 little nephews and they drew some drawings with their little hands… but they did not wait for the lighting up of the candles in the luminaria bags. The whole track was filled with these bags some so colorful and creatively decorated.

This year the Luminaria ceremony was started with the first candles being light up by family members of Ann Tan (who recently lost her battle to cancer and who contributed so much to the success of the Relay). Next the a very young cancer survivor gave a speech with was really emotional and followed by lighting of candles indicating HOPE.

I am a member of the PINK UNITY, a support organisation for women with cancer, established under the auspices of the National Cancer Society Malaysia. The President Datin Azura Bahaman had a tent for all of us on the stadium field. We survivors had some activities on our own at the tent which included cut of birthday cake for all whose birthday was on May and lucky draws which I got the first lucky draw gift. Some of us members of PINK UNIITY who stayed back had a sharing session at 2am…a what a session it was. I was half sleepy when it came to my turn and I actually slept off half way through the session..ha..ha!

Sunday morning started with Aerobics, Qi Gong ( by survivors), the chicken dance and all the college and school going young people were all so active even some of the survivors were so active, i…just observed and lightly followed the exercises…ha..ha!

The NCSM, sponsors, volunteers and survivors’ efforts and contribution made this year’s Relay For Life KL 2009 yet another fantastic event in celebrating survivorship and creating cancer awareness.

Relay for Life KL 2009 Advertisement on Astro

I have been receiving calls and sms text messages from friends from last week. My new found fame is because I am appearing on the NCSM’s Relay for Life 2009 advertisement on ASTRO. Even my parents have been receiving calls from friends after they had watched the advertisement. Wow! My instance found fame. Ha..Ha!

I want share one sms text message I received from my good friend who is in Johor that made me totally exhilarated. After I thanked her for her well wishes, she texted me this message:
“M truly happy 4u. U made me feel so so +ve. Kp it up fren seing u on tv made my day. No it is I should shld TQ u”.

Many a times, I have asked myself, when many cancer survivors keep their cancer a secret and not speak about it at all, why must I go around advertising myself I a cancer survivor. When I read that wonderful message sent by my dear friend, I feel truly justified in doing so with conviction.

Thanks a lot to all my friends who have always been very supportive of me. Right now I feel very good about myslef. Cancer has made me appear on TV which I would not have dreamt off.
Last week too, I took my mother for her mammography and ultrasound. She is fine. At the same time I also registered both of us for Relay for Life KL 2009.

Cough and cold

Wow it going to be 3 weeks from my last posting! I have been extremely busy at work and had to deal with other personal matters...the ups and downs of life.

Looks like the cough has visited me again. But this time only occasionally do i cough. Today i visited the Indian Ayurveda doctor to seek treatment because of my cough. He gave me some herbal medicine which i will try for 2 weeks and the treatment will be for about 3 months. I am to keep away from spicy, chill or cold food during this time. I would miss my ice-creams and curries.

I also seem to have problem with my thinking cap lately which is becoming very a problem. I forget things so easily and now have started using my mobile phone more frequently to remind me of thinging that need to be done. I would like to think that it is because i am growing old and not because of chemo brain..Ha...ha!

My stint as a Master of ceremonies was an interesting experience for me as i not been an MC for treasure hunt before. I did receive praises which i am really happy about.

I have not registered for the Relay for Life KL this year yet. I hope to do it soon for my mother and me.

I got a call yesterday from my faithful blog visitor Uma to find out how i am doing as she did not see any post by me recently. I told her i am fine..it just that too many issues to deal with recently. Thank you Uma for checking on me and in way you act as a reminder...ha..ha!

When i saw my blog this morning, i realised i have not blogged for for more that 2 weeks. Ooops!

I have volunteered to be the Master fo ceremonies for the Hospice Klang treasure hunt over the weekend. I have been a master of ceremonies for many corporate events such as convention, MOU signing ceremony, award presentation for my company but this is the first time where a motor treasure hunt programme is involved.

I have been a volunteer with Hospice Klang since 1998. But after i had cancer myself, i was not much interest and did not do any voluntary work. So when i recently went to meet the new committee members including the President Dr Micheal Yoong, i found a lot of new faces.

When i became a cancer survivor, my focus of doing voluntary work changed. I rather talk to people about cancer and create awareness to larger group of people than having to meet cancer patients often and to be reminded of the past. Even i have stopped becoming a hospital vounteer now. I just want to live out of fear of cancer and sickness.

Of course there are survivors who now volunteer so eagerly to do voluntary work including dealing with patients and my hats off to them.

Hope my first attempt as emcee for a treasure hunt turns out to be success.

eHomemakers

At a spur of a moment, I joined the ehomakers as a member recently. I received their first newsletter for 2009 yesterday which was informative. I just wanted to discover the various opportunities available working from home.

After all, because of work, I cannot be leaving home at 6.30 and coming back at 7.30pm and traveling by public transport for the rest of my life. Eventually I was to find something closely to home so that I do not spend half my time of the day traveling.

March was an interesting month. Lastly year during my birthday I was arriving from New Delhi and this year on my birthday, the whole family was on our way back from Cherating after a short holiday. Because of the heat, I had bad stomach pain in the morning then as we reached home after several hours of traveling, I came down with a severe headache. What a way to celebrate a birthday…ha..ha. But still I had lots of presents and well wishes from so many good souls…to me these are priceless.

And now I have been suffering from a bad cough since last week, of course it is much better but still I have been missing a lot of sleep. Even with this cough I was able to take part in a speech contest but was unlucky as I did not win any awards. This is the first time actually I have entered the final round and did not win anything. It was definitely a disappointment.

I am currently reading the book The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga which was given to me as a birthday present. I am really quite pleased with myself as I have been able to read a number of books lately. I also have several books I have not read yet.

International Women of Courage Award

Congrats to Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan to be recognized for her contributions to women and human rights advocacy in their homeland…being the receipt of the International Women of Courage Award.

Being a former member of the BAR myself, I am extremely proud of her achievements and to be recongised internationally. I just managed to read her speech given at the grand award ceremony amidst many distinguished ladies. Receiving the award from two dynamic ladies US First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is beyond anyone’s wildest dream.

We women can do anything it if we put our mind to it. May many more Malaysians rise to international recognition and do themselves and Malaysia proud.

Doing charity and gaining publicity

A colleague of mine point to this article by Terence Fernandez on the Sun daily today titled “When it’s not from the heart”. It is about a people’s degrading attitude about doing charity and gaining publicity.

I am not really surprise on how scrupulous people can get if when they are doing charity. As my brother remarked a week ago if you do good deed while expecting something in return then it not called charity.
I just read an article sent to me via email that because of global financial crisis, many cancer patients had to change their treatment plans and in some cases, had to stop cancer treatment all together.
Those who have not suffered any disease, would know no how expensive each medical treatment is. So if big corporate giants do not come out to do more charity, a lot more patients have to forgo getting treatments at all. This is the time for health organizations and non governmental bodies to be supported in a big way by people and corporation with money.

Conversation with a taxi driver

I took a taxi to work this morning and had an interesting conversation with the taxi driver.

I always have a tendency to have conversations when I am on a taxi as it helps me to kill time and take my mind off things. This morning I started my asking my usual questions to the driver

He shared with me that he is an Indian but converted to Islam after marrying his wife. He is now divorced, children do not care for him and he has just recovered from the chickungunya. He suffered terribly from the disease alone and in silence for almost more than a month. Only his brother came down from Melaka several times to take him to the hospital for treatments and follow-ups. A neighbour, an elder woman helped him by buying food for him. He drives the taxi long hours as he does not want to go to an empty house. He said he has few friends. He really sounded pathetic and haggard.

He told me his brother has been advising him to come to back to Melaka and start afresh there. I advised him that it really a good idea to do so. He should just forget his past and move on. He should take up new hobbies and do new things which will interests him and deviate his thoughts. It is better for him to be surrounded by loved ones though not his wife or children but with of his brothers as he would need their strength and encouragement.

He told me that his brother advised him to marry again. He said he in not in favour of that idea at his age of 55. I told him that happiness could come in so many forms beside marriage. He should take care of health first and venture into other things.

He said whatever I said is true and wished there were people around him to motivate him like this.

He asked me whether I was married and I told him I am not. To his further question I told him I lived in Klang with my parents but work in KL.

To add more creditable to my advise, I told him I am a cancer survivor and now live my life the way I want it. I do not give too hoods for what the society thinks. God had given me a second change and I must make full use of it. I said I go for short holidays and engage in activities that gives me simple pleasures.

When I revealed this, he actually turned back and had a good look at me. I said God has given him a second change and he too must be grateful and live to the fullest. I said that he must love himself first and be positive as only then good things will come his way.

As we had reached the office, I wished him all the best and he thanked me once again for my advice.

Well I hope what ever I said will do some good for that poor chap.

There are times when we are so low in self esteem and feel so lost, God sends us messages even through total strangers. It is up us really whether we want to take the advice and move on with our lives.

Only when we look at others are we thankful and grateful for the things we have. And not to forget this God in HIS own way sends people to us to constantly remind us we should be content with what we have..

Cooking, Reading & Crochet

My colleague Aishah handed me the food magazine BestFoodJunction.com special issue. Her blog posting on Honey & Mustard Roasted Chicken has been published on page 33 of the magazine. I told Aishah that she should be proud of herself for the magazine to publish her recipe. Though I have not had the opportunity to try her recipe, I am sure it will be delicious as she is a creative and passionate cook.

Aishah starting blogging first then only I followed her foot steps. Wishing her all the best in her exploration and inventing her own signature dishes.

What have I been since the last time I blogged…well on Valentine’s day I turned 4 as a cancer survivor. Hip.. hip.. hurray?

I had my mammography and ultrasound done last week and the reports were fine. While waiting for my turn at the Radiology Dept, I met a few ladies, some cancer survivors. As usual some of them whan to share their experience of their friends having passed away of reoccurrence and I tried to divert the topic on other issues. That is why at times I try to take something to read but alas end up not being able to concentrate. This time around I did not take anything to read.

I am now into crocheting and reading books fiction and non fiction.

The list of novel I completed over the few months include; The Last Lecture, The Alchemist and The Interpreter of Maladies. I am going to complete reading The Unaccustomed Earth. I would recommend these books as they are good.

As for crochet, I have become suddenly passionate about it. I have done a couple of items. They are pocket tissue holders, fridge holder, coin purse and book marks. I am now working on a book cover. This time around I just use my creative juices to come up with the patterns (of course after browsing through the internet). I must say the items came out quite well. I was told to consider crochet and sell the items like tissue holder. But ney…i may even loose interest if I am pressure to produce things. I do not have a camera right now and need purchase to purchase one. Then I will be able to post pictures of what I have done. My personal achievement in the world of crochet..ha..ha!

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is on 8 February this year, which is coming Sunday.

I fulfilled my vow of carrying the paal kodum (milk pot) climbing the 272 steps this morning. I know I am going to come down with a flu soon as the symptoms are there but prayed that I will able to complete my vow before Thaipusam. So I applied for leave from work and completed my mission. thanking Lord Murugan for another year.

During the 2005 Thaipusam, I had severe pain on my left breast as I was walking behind the chariot of Lord Murugan to Batu Caves. The next day I went to see my doctor and then on got all my tests done which I then discovered, I had breast cancer. So I am ever grateful to Lord Murugan.

Unlike last year, I did not feel pain on my right shoulder while carrying the paal kodum. Though as usual my legs were aching when I came down the hill. To get myself prepared I am a vegetarian since January 14th. As I have not been going for Tai chi or frequently going for my walks, I was quite anxious that I do not get any muscle pulls on my legs while climbing the hill.

I am so happy, everything went well. Thank you Lord Murugan for the year past and many more happy years ahead. Vel..Vel..Vel

Staying on track

I was reading the STAR newspaper yesterday and came across this article “Getting back on track”.

Before I could read the article further, I recongised all the three faces. Yap! They are three cancer survivors, Liza, Yasogee and Ann. Liza is one of the youngest survivors I have known.

This as-it-happens Google Alert is brought to you by Google...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Remove this Google Alert:
http://www.google.com/alerts/remove?s=EAAAACGrSCmY7HA_7uK0dLms4AE&hl=en&gl=

Create another Google Alert:
http://www.google.com/alerts?hl=en&gl=

Sign in to manage your alerts:
http://www.google.com/alerts/manage?hl=en&gl=

I know Liza and Yasagee for sometime as we have meet at survivors' gatherings but met Ann only recently.

My hats off for these ladies who gave an interview and appeared on the papers for creating awareness about breast cancer. I do not know whether I am up to giving a newspaper interview with wide circulation though I have been interviewed in a health magazine before.

Anyway I admire these ladies for their preservation, courage and determination. They so full of energy ready to take on new challenges.

DeeDee Jonrowe

I came across this article on one of the local dailies last week on the "Toughest Race On Earth: Iditarod" to be aired on the Discovery Channel on Astro. What amazed me most is that among the participants is a breast cancer survivor DeeDee Jonrowe, 55 who has competed in 27 Iditarod races so far.

Wow to participate in rugged terrains across frozen rivers in Alaska just months after finishing her breast cancer treatment and having 22 lymph notes removed is really something not most of us can do! My hats off to DeeDee and wishing her all the best in the coming 2009 race.

Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. May more exciting events take place this year.

I did not take a break during the last two weeks and managed to carry forward some annual leave for 2009. This is with the hope i get to travel to new places.As usual several resolutions have been listed down by me but whether i am going to be successful is another question altogether.
I hope to learn swimming and i am looking for a swimming centre near my house. That will be interesting especially the swimming suit...ha..ha..

I have renewed my interest in crochet lately and did some experiement with a pocket tissue holder. Previously i only used to do table mats and doilies. I also noticed that when i crochet for longer time my left arm is slightly numb...so i have avoided doing it for hours.

What more new interest am i going to pick up this year...left to be seen..ha..ha!