Breast Cancer...And NOW...The Lopsided Female

It has been so long

2011-08-13T09:29:00.003+08:00

I finally thought i should post again. I noticed that my last posting was in Oct 2010and at that time thought of taking a short break. But did not realise that it will be so long.

I am fine and going for my regular check ups and leading life with many daily challenges.

Whenever i tell people i am a breast cancer survivor, i get so many different reaction. Young people just brush it a side as another event in someone's life. Others ask more questions but that is about it. I can see from some of the women's expression that i not need to know about it as it would not happen to me. Well i hope these women are aware that more and more Malaysian women are getting breast cancer and early detection is vital.

A few months ago, visited a breast cancer survivor who had to met with cancer again and passed away. I was really glad that i made every attempt to visit her a week before she died. She was in her midst 30s and had lead active live. She definitely lead the her life to the fullest. She had touched and inspired so many others.

Events like these forces us to take stock of of lives and appreciate what we have.

Breast Caner Awareness Talk at the Rotary Club

2010-10-17T23:23:00.014+08:00

After i gave the talk at the Tamil School, i was invited to give another talk to the Rotary Club in Klang. This was definitely a challenge to me! Why? Because most of the Rotarians were men with only a few ladies among them.

This is my first time dealing with a majority men crowd. I showed my usual slides which included breast self examination and in the end i touched on the importance on husbands and boyfriends giving their full support to their wives or girls friends when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. The audience had many questions to ask and it was an interactive session.

Rotarians listening to what i had to say about breast cancer!

Receiving a certificate of appreciation.

This month of October, i have been quiet involved with NCSM on creating breast cancer awareness, particapting at roadshows and attended a sharing session at the Hospital Serdang. I have posted some pictures at my facebook.

Breast Cancer talk at Tamil School, Setia Alam

2010-10-09T19:30:00.007+08:00

I have not been posting for nearly two months now and i only realised this when i saw my blog...wow how time flies.

I have been busy with many things and including going through a career change. My high blood pressure is not stable now cfontrary to what i thought that by leaving the corporate world it would stabilise but it has not. I have recently starting going to university hospital to address the issue and the attending doctor has changed the prescription for the medicine. I just had a blood test taken and I am waiting for the results.

Last week i also had my mammography done which is the normal 6 months routine. I was told everything was normal and the date for the next mammography is a year from now. Thank for God for that!

Towards end of last month i did two presentations in creating breast cancer awareness, firstly to the teachers from the SJK(Tamil) North Hummock, Setia Alam. My cousin's wife who is a teacher there organised this talk.As this is a Tamil type school, for the first time i had to do my presentation in Tamil. My cousin said i did quite well...hurray hurray as i thought my Tamil is not that fluent! After the presentation i began to realise that many women folk beyond the town and cities are not aware of many aspects of breast cancer. I touched on the myths & symptoms of breast cancer and breast self examination. With many inquisitive questions from the young teachers i was glad i did my part in creating breast cancer awareness that day.

I am presenting my talk before the teachers.

Teachers in discussion after hearing the myths of breast cancer.

My audience listening tentatively to me ..ha..ha!.

My contribution to well being of women folks get paid in kind.

The reflexologist

2010-08-05T22:33:00.005+08:00

Today was my mother's six month check up with Prof Yip. The good Prof said my mother was fine and we with her for less than 10 minutes. There were may ladies waiting to see her. Unlike other times, i could not pick a conversation with anyone as both of us were seated at a corner...ha..ha!

Yesterday was a day that proved to be a motivating. I go this reflexology centre at least once a month. And yesterday I went to the reflexologist and as i was having a conversation i found out about his wife. Firstly he is blind and his second son is a slow learner which i knew earlier. What i found out yesterday made me feel really proud of having known him. He told me that his wife developed a mental disorder 5 years ago. So she is under strong medication and he is always watchful of her as anything can trigger her mood swings. He seem to know alot and i found out he is also well read on this topic. He has always appeared to be cheerful and talkative. So with all these challenges he can smile at life.

Many people these days, have actually got many of their perceptions in life wrong. To me yesterday the reflexologist amazed me and motivated me to meet challenges ahead with determination and confidence in this journey of ongoing of adventure.

These couple of months

2010-08-01T19:09:00.004+08:00

I am back after some break. It not that i did not want to do any posting but suddenly over the view months since my last posting i have become some what very busy.

Many of my blog visitors who i have recently meet as me why i have not blog recently and ere are some of the questions asked by them:

Have you got a job and gone back to the corporate world?
No i have not got a job. I am now a risk management consultant working from home dealing in various financial and estate planing products. I am slowly but surely getting a grip of this new adventure that i have taken on. It has been slow but i am learning about new skills especially dealing with people and getting to know about the outside world especially when i meet people from all walks of life. The first few months were not easy after years of working in an office environment to suddenly being in a home environment. Many who know me to come from a legal background are at first surprised and when they hear what i have gone through they understand....and say you had guts! Ha...ha!

Has it been easy doing something totally new to sustain one self?
Well it has been a challenge but it is something new and give me the excitement to do something new. Initially i have to cut my corner and live within my means.

What has happened to the issue with your previous company?
I can now proudly reveal that i had taken the matter to industrial relation dept and the matter did not get settled there. So i am now progressing with the next course of action. I am lucky that i met the right set of people to give me good advise in dealing with this matter.

So now you must have lots of free time?
Since July 2010 i have been elected the Division C Governor for District 51, Toastmasters International with 33 clubs under me. So i have been really busy visiting clubs , attending installation ceremonies and being judge for speech contests. Toastmasters has always given me the self confidence and self esteem over the years and it will continue to push me to greater heights. It is an atmosphere surrounded by warmth, positive energy and people that appreciate you. As toastmasters is a non profit organisation, our contribution is on a voluntary basis.

How is your health now?
My high blood pressure is much under control now that i am not in an office environment..ha..ha!

Well the above are a few common questions asked.

During this few months, i am also very sad that my fellow blogger Dalilah passed away as she lost her battle with cancer. She was a very gusty and couragerous lady. May her soul rest in peace. I had been caught up in my own world and had not been following her blog for some time. So it was total shocked to me when i received the news.

Two weeks ago i volunteered to be an emce for the IEM Family Day. It was the first time, for me to be an emcee for a family day and I enjoyed it tremendously. At one of the booths, i was asked to donate blood. When i told them i cannot, they wanted to know why. I told them i am breast cancer survivor. Oop! They just looked at me speechless!..Ha..ha!

Walked off my job

2010-04-23T21:58:00.006+08:00

Wondering what’s become of me! Well I walked off my job early this month. After working for ten years with the same company and now with lots of indifference taking place, I decided that enough is enough. I value myself more and thus made a decision on what was best for me.

I have taken this bungy jump, I not know how long I will swing in mid air but I know that in the end when I complete my jump I will have no regrets for I would be proud of myself.

Of course going back to the corporate world will be a challenge now due to my age and as a cancer survivor. Considering all aspects I know I have come to a cross road in my career and I have made certain choices…to try new things and to excel with all confidence and self esteem.

In the midst of this, last week we, some members of Pink Unity had a swell of a time in Langkawi. Visiting the general hospital and having a sharing session with a big group of ladies from the civil services , the 31 odd members of Pink Unity were involved in. I for the first time emceed the event in Bahasa Malaysia and was proud for now I could provide master of ceremonies services in both languages…ha..ha!

Of course, we also had great fun and camaraderie. We also proved that no outing is fun without shopping just like most Malaysian women. I will post more on the trip in the next post.

I have been busy with other things at home, very involved in my toastmasters' activities and decided to take a short break before making up my mind on my career plan.

When ones self- worth and self- esteem are tested then it is time to rise to the occasion.

Birthday..birthday

2010-03-15T08:21:00.002+08:00

I turned 44 last Tuesday. I took off from work for the day and visited temples and friends. My resolution where birthdays are concerned is to celebrate in many different ways that i can. I received many birthday wishes and gifts from many good hearts. They wishes and blessings made my day.

My birthday wish is for life to be filled with lots of laughter and joy..ha..ha. It the midst of many challenges for God the bestow on me the inner strength to face all type of situations and to more on.

Two weeks ago i went for my did my mammography The radiologist report states that there is many calcification on my right breast. She wants me wants to me to do any mammography in 6 months. Oh well! As usual doing a mammography is a uneasy experience.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-20T17:31:00.003+08:00

This Valentine's Day, was the 5th anniversay of having had the mastectomy done. As i always say Valentine's Day is a celebration of life for me.

Like everyone else the journey had been challenging yet fulfilling. I am really proud of my achievements and who i am today, regardless of what the people around me think.

I always tell some one who is down emotionally to "love thyself first" which i think is very important.

My high blood pressure is under control thanks to the medication. But then sometimes when i get upset, the reading show the pressure being high.

I am now facing new challenges in my life surrounded by negative vibes. But then after having gone through cancer these vibes can be overcome. I like to share these few words that i receive on my mail and would like to share them.

Your Best Year

Like in everything we do, in life there is not a second chance; every moment, either we lose or win! Everything is mental; we bring to our life what we think about most of the time.

The road has two ways, one toward light and other toward darkness. Life is a choice! Everything and Everybody starts from zero; it is your choice in what place you finish. If we accept mental poverty, all kinds of poverty is what we get.

Change your attitude to win now! Be happy and relaxed, regardless of any circumstance. Always focus only on the solutions; don't let anybody rob you of your happiness. Don't allow challenges or circumstances to defeat you.

Do the right thing. Demand from yourself whatever it takes to win - clarity, focus, effort, persistence, sacrifice, discipline and love - not just to survive but also to win!

Life is a give and take; we stop receiving as soon as we stop giving the best of us!! That's the balance of life!!! If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. Every tomorrow you will do even better.

Yes you can do this. Make this year your year; just you have to believe in you

Silly Presumption

2010-02-01T15:18:00.003+08:00

As i have shaved my head, i use scarves to cover my head when i am go out of the house. Of course i get alot of people starring at me and with some Indians knowing why i have shaved my head it being in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration.

Last week a lady who who works in my office building asked whether i am going through chemo. I said no sharply and added on that i shaved my head because of Thaipusam and i am also a breast cancer survivor. Then she was surprised and said that one of a colleague told her that i am going through chemo. I told her if I was going through chemo, no way could i make the journey everyday from Klang to Kuala Lumpur. To that she agreed because she has several friends who had undergone chemo and knew that it would be difficult to come to work. I ended our conversation by saying that to think that everyone wearing a scarf because of their head is clean shaven is a "Silly presumption". She was apologetic after that for asking so and i just brushed her aside.

When i got back to my work station i though how sensitive i have become and took offence to people asking me whether i am going though chemo. Actually I cannot explain why i took offence to that statement.

So the next time i ask some one the same question i must be mindful of their reaction.

Shaved head

2010-01-17T21:54:00.005+08:00

I conveyed my homage to Lord Murugan of Batu Caves for Thaipusam this year. The Thaipusam festival falls on 30^th Jan this year but I went to Batu Caves over the weekend.

As this is the 5^th year of surviving cancer, I shaved my head as a form of gratitude to the Lord. At the same time I carried paal kuddam or the milk pot on the 200 something steps to reach the hill top temple.

The barber at the shop at the bottom of the hill only took less than 5 minutes to shave by hair with a small blade. He did not leave any mark on my head at all. I then washed myself in the newly built toilet owned by the Barber’s Shop, changed myself into new clothes. I rubbed sandalwood paste on my head to have a cooling affect on my head.

I proceed to carry the milk pot up the steps and was surprised at myself that I did not stop much while climbing the steps panting as I usually do. Probably I am more fit now or just got the energy after shaving my head…ha..ha.

My aunt and uncle from Washington were there and so were my parents, brother and two little nephews. When an event like this takes place, it is a further blessing to have loved ones around you.

Am I brave to cut my shave my head? Yes I am because I did not have hair at all for some months when I was undergoing treatment so I do not feel uncomfortable at all. Some ladies who saw me at the temple smiled at me when they saw my head and I smiled back at them.

Outside home I am wearing scarves which I still kept from my treatment days. People may get uncomfortable seeing me without hair so I resorted to using a scarf. But of course even with a scarf people get confused whether I am an India or a Malay and then they see me using a pottu on the forehead. Some of my friends take some time to recognize me.

Hair will always grow. The most important thing in life is always to be grateful to Lord for all blessings HE has showered on us.

My little nephews, brother , parents, aunt and uncle.

I am carrying the milk pot climbing the steps accompanied by mother and aunt.

Happy Ponggal

2010-01-14T21:52:00.002+08:00

Wishing all my Tamil blog visitors Happy Ponggal. Here is my greetings in Tamil.

"Tai piranthal..Vali pirakkum...Pirakkum intha tai maasam tanggal vaalvil yella selvanggalaiyum kondu selithu valara..Endone anbana Ponggal Nalvalthukkal"

2 weeks of the new years have passed ...wow! I must thank my friend Uma (my faithful visitor) who called me to say it is high time i posted and so here i am today.

My high blood pressure with the tablets is under control, looks like i have to be on them for the rest of my stay on planet earth..ha..ha. I am slowing accepting this fact and moving on,

Lately i seem to be mentioning this statement. " Do you love yourself?" Many of us go about our daily lives not loving ourselves but loving all and sundry out there.

It is really important to "love thyself first". I will continue with subject in the next posting hopefully by this week.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-20T21:13:00.003+08:00

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

2009-12-11T15:39:00.002+08:00

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

2009-12-09T09:22:00.009+08:00

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

2009-11-24T11:28:00.003+08:00

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

2009-11-04T09:33:00.003+08:00

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

2009-10-20T10:55:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-29T14:03:00.001+08:00

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

2009-09-06T21:30:00.000+08:00

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

2009-08-24T22:33:00.001+08:00

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

2009-08-09T21:48:00.002+08:00

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

2009-07-30T20:59:00.013+08:00

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

2009-07-09T13:22:00.001+08:00

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

2009-06-24T13:51:00.002+08:00

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

2009-06-22T15:40:00.006+08:00

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

2009-06-16T15:01:00.002+08:00

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

2009-06-01T16:15:00.002+08:00

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

2009-05-20T10:40:00.001+08:00

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

2009-05-10T22:02:00.002+08:00

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.

2009-04-17T08:56:00.003+08:00

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

2009-04-01T10:12:00.002+08:00

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

2009-03-18T13:16:00.003+08:00

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

2009-03-06T14:50:00.000+08:00

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

2009-02-26T10:47:00.003+08:00

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

2009-02-23T10:55:00.002+08:00

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

2009-02-06T11:26:00.001+08:00

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

2009-01-23T14:26:00.002+08:00

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.

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

2009-01-09T13:24:00.003+08:00

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

2009-01-04T21:38:00.005+08:00

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!

Avoided a head on collision

2008-12-22T17:13:00.001+08:00

My dad and I miraculous avoid a head on collision yesterday. It was a quite Sunday morning as I was going to drop my father off at the temple. As we were approaching a bend, all of a sudden a on coming kancil swerved into my lane..i shouted “OH God!” and I not know how the damn driver missed my car in a nick of time and got back onto his lane on the road. He was in such high speed that he just drove off.

I was stunted yet in control. A few seconds later I told my dad we should have just reversed our car and given chase. I would have been very glad to give that reckless fool a piece of my mind.

Thank you God… you were watching over us.

Hand-Knitted Breasts

2008-12-17T16:07:00.002+08:00

I have always been found of crochet. I used to lot of crochet while in college. Now I find that I relax when I do crochet. My patterns are always simple table mats.

Since I have done most of the pattern from my old book, I need to go to the bookshop soon to get new patterns.

While I was browsing the net, I came across this interesting website by cancer survivors on Tit-Bits: Hand-Knitted Breasts .I did not even know about hand knitted breasts until I stumble on this blog.

Really amazing, creative and definitely much cheaper than breast prostheses.

100th Posting

2008-12-10T10:35:00.002+08:00

This is my 100th posting..my..my..after such along time! This calls for a celebration.But this has taken me so long. Shouldn’t use others as my bench mark…ha! Nowadays, I only blog when I am in the mood.

Last week I called my good friend who I have not see since Deepavali and she said “I read your blog and just like my husband you are having that persistent cough!’ In fact blogging is a short cut to update your friends about your life. But it is still a one way traffic as I would not know about my friends and their news!

After having blogged for some time, I know cannot really write well and let beautiful words follow…ha…ha! I am actually looking for a writing programme around town and hope to find one soon.

I also suddenly gained an interest in swimming. Since I do not know how to swim and I looking for swimming lessons in Klang nearer to home.

Oh! By the way I have recovered from the cough hope not to see for a long time. It resolutions time again! New resolutions to make and see our far I can persist in my plans..Ha..ha

Cough & cold

2008-11-24T15:54:00.004+08:00

I just got back from Bali, Indonesia last week. I had gone to attend the District 51 Toastmasters International Semi Annual Convention at the beautiful island. A group of us went a couple of days earlier for sightseeing before the 3 days' convention. And guess what! I felt sick! Yap! I already contracted the cold before i left but thought it would go away and i stubbornly did not see a doctor. And when i was there my god...the flu made me think why i made the trip. The weather on the island was very hot and humid. With all these i still went for Balinese spa and i think that aggravated the condition further.

My toastmasters friends provided me with the medicine and took good care of me. I still had a good time. Although i was coughing alot in the bus, yet my friends were good enough to tolerate my presence..ha..ha! I realised my lungs have become weak lately. I am still coughing but not so bad.

I was asked to volunteer for a cancer related activity but am too busy to volunteer. Hope they have enough volunteers and feel bad for not being there to help them out.

2 more cancer survivor bloggers

2008-11-04T11:25:00.003+08:00

I just came across 2 fellow cancer survivors' blogs and have linked them to my blog from my fellow blogger Raden Galoh. They are Mamayati and Sharifah...two strong will women surrounded with abundance of surppot and love from their family members.

It is nice to see more people talk about cancer and share their journeys.

Wishing Mamayati and Sharifah all the best and may thier lives be with all good things.

Triumph International

2008-11-02T18:50:00.006+08:00

I am been extremely busy these past weeks and at the same time lazy to blog.

I had a good Deepavali surrounded by family and relatives. My little nephews at the same time drove us up the wall too...ha..ha! Then we have the little baby an addition to the family.

Last week my company had its annual convention for about 1000 participants...and guess who was the Master of Ceremonies...yours truly! Not a bad performance as i had a two important people coming up and telling me i have become a better MC...wow at least people have noticed.

I have a whole list of people that i need to meet over the past year and yet to find time to do so.

I discovered something interesting while doing my Deepavali shopping...about bras. Mastestomy bras are always very expensive. My friends have said that they always buy the normal bras and sew the pockets themselves...but i am too lazy to do that. Last year when i went shopping i discovered that Triumph 19-996/NY Fashion 929 WHP bra had some sort of pocket which i used a safety pin to tighten it. This year i bought M27-020/NY Form & Beauty M27-020 WP which cost me RM39.90. Hope these newly purchased bras will do justice.

I just wish more dealing in women apparels will introduce more designs for breast cancer patients.

Food & Diet

2008-10-14T08:53:00.003+08:00

A fellow survivor sent me an email me on an advice on food and diet. She said that everyone tells her that survivors can eat anything and everything. She had been looking around for the answers but could not find the conclusive answers. And so she wanted my view on diet.

First I was quiet touched by her contacting me and stating that after having read my blog she is amazed at how active I am and enjoying life.

This is extract of the email I sent to her:

[What to eat and what not to eat...this is always at the back of my mind.

I tell myself I have to be careful of not eating a particular food....but when I see them...I get so greedy that I just eat them up that then worry whether cancer will be back...ha...ha..!.

Early this year because of work I made to trips to East Malaysia. Seafood is so cheap and you cannot really get anything else. Since I went with my colleague I cannot deprive of him of the enjoyment of so many delicious of crabs, prawns and others. So I did eat all of them which I try to limit at home. And because of limited time during traveling on these trips we also had to eat fast food. So I consoled myself between staving to death and fast food... I better eat fast food at least to survival.

Every author of books who survived cancer has got their own theories about diet. I am really exhausted searching for the answer. Keep away from meat, sugar, carbo...and so many others...what the hell to be really eaten in the end? We must also see our surrounding circumstance.

In the beginning i was so diligent about making juice, eating lots of fruits & nuts everyday...but now life is more than just spending money food because there are other expenses and my family relies on my financial support...so I just eat what I can.

I take multi-vitamins, vitamin C, evening primrose, beta carotene, co enzyme 10 and when I remember I take apricot kennel. These are what I can afford.

There is not right formula because everything depends on surrounding circumstance. I love fried food...and every time I eat anything that damn question of I am eating right, is always at the back of mind.

Some survivors that I speak to, say they eating everything as life is short but others are on some special diet.

That is my story. There is not prefect situation as I have come to realize.]

Talking about cancer to an audience

2008-09-29T11:36:00.001+08:00

I did not know that giving a presentation as a cancer survivor after a gap of almost a year was going to be difficult.

I was recently called by leading insurance company to share my experience as a cancer survivor to a group of successful lady insurance consultants.

At first, I eagerly agreed but when I started amending my power point presentation slides, it reminded me of the days the cancer dominated my life. Yet, I found that I could not remember some of the moments when I was undergoing treatment. During a few days before the presentation I heard a survivor of 20 odd years have a recurrence of breast cancer and she was the epitome of “survivorhood” for all of us. I spoke to her and she sounded cheerful as ever and taking the chemo at a good stride. I also spoke to my fellow survivor and blogger Dalilah who is currently undergoing treatment. I was happy to hear these great ladies being so confident and strong.

And now for myself… sudden compared to 2 years ago I wasn’t really eager to share all of a about cancer. I realized that it is not so easy sometime to share because it takes you back on a painful flashbacks and memory lane, …a road filled with so much pebbles and holes.

I only had a few days left to gear up myself and so I called up another long time survivor who now works for a cancer organization to get inspiration. I asked her how she can deal with patients and giving talks often…does she not get worried and be constantly reminded of cancer. She told me she had not choice but to put aside her fears and move on. She said it is not easy for her either but she some how manages to do so. Well I was glad I spoke to my friend because I now know what I am feeling is normal.

Anyway I did give my presentation in front of many aspiring consultants about 50-60 of them for about 45 minutes on late evening after work.

I suppose I did quite a good job as when I ended I was given a standing ovation and was given a wonderful token of appreciation by the organizers. I wish all these charming and pleasant ladies all the best in their career as consultants.

Well! I suppose in the end of the day, as we inspire people, we too get inspired. I really take my hats of for all those cancer survivors who keep the momentum of talking to people and dealing with cancer relates matters for years.

New Addition to the family

2008-09-13T23:23:00.002+08:00

This week has been a rather an interesting week. My mother celebrated her 64th birthday, early this week. Celebration was just with immediate family which included husband, children and her only two grandsons.

This morning after almost going into labour for a 24 hours, my second sister-in-law delivered a baby girl. The little baby came saying hello to the world in wee hours of the morning...ha..ha.

We were all really excited, eargerly waiting for her arrival as after two nephews, it is good to have a niece.

I will now have more little fellows to deal with...hmm...it is going to be really interesting.

Since I do not have children of my own, i can experience a little bit of parenting when all the little ones come to the house...and that include sometimes driving me up the wall!

Married couples should have children. As children enhance and bring so much of joy to their lives. In fact i just found out that a friend of mine who was childless for many years, has adopted a baby boy. Having children also builds bond among the in-laws.

I wish this little baby girl, a life filled with lots of happiness, peace and good health.

Sungai Buloh Leprosy Control Centre

2008-09-02T12:02:00.000+08:00

I recently joined the Sathya Sai Baba Centres in their quarterly visit to the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Control Centre. It has such a long time that I have joined in this activity.

We were told that the inmates at Leprosy Centre have dwindled to about 160 people as many of them have passed away. When I visit started visiting this place some years ago the number used to be more than 200 inmates.

Many of the inmates have been day since pre merdeka days and that is the only home they know. Many of them have been abandoned by family and children because of their conditions.

I was at the food section as food and towels were distributed to the intimates, while the rest went form ward to ward, singing song, bhajans, speaking to the intimates and cheering them up.

Visiting the place always reminders me lucky we are for the life we lead with our loved ones. It is also a reminder how the human instinct to survive is great as some inmates have only each other and have become a new family unit. Some new volunteers were asked about their experiences. They all said it was an interesting experience and one way to do charity and give back to society.

What was quite disappointing on this trip is that many plant nurseries and landscaping businesses have given way to widening of the roads for new developments in that area including the new Sungai Buloh Hospital. These nurseries are owned by former patients from the leprosy centre. There are only a few plant nurseries that are left. I usually buy some gardening stuffs when I have there is a wide variety of plants, pots and gardening decoration. I suppose in my next trip there would be no more plant nurseries or landscaping businesses left and Sungai Buloh would have lost it fame for being a centre for plant nurseries and landscaping businessess.

Camaraderie at The ATTIC

2008-08-20T09:55:00.001+08:00

During the weekend the National Cancer Society of Malaysia extended an invitation to volunteers who took part in the Relay for Life KL ’08 to an afternoon of sumptuous lunch and camaraderie.

The gathering was held at the The ATTIC, Bangsar. The President of NCSM, Mr Anthony Skelchy and I entered the place together and we were greeted with the aroma of food and chatting of people.

We, of course, had the bar in boutique to ourselves and the ambiance was cozy with everyone being relaxed. The friendly waiters and waitresses made sure we had our glasses filled with drinks or wine at all times.

Many volunteers, staff and survivors attended the function. Some brought their family too. One survivor cooked her signature mutton dish, which everyone enjoyed. Later we found out it was her 51^st birthday and with quick thinking & action a birthday cake was produced. We sang the birthday song and she then cut her birthday cake with a wide smile.

As the networking went on full swing…the place was filled with laughter and music. We also had some lucky draws, games and of fun in the form of line dancing. The ladies and some men enjoyed themselves to line dancing rhythms and beats following the survivors who were familiar with the steps.

In the midst of all the merriment, we had survivors who are going for treatment for reoccurrence of cancer. I must take my hats of for these ladies for the enthusiasm, eagerness to take part and to still have a good time.

The President gave a short speech thanking everyone for their support and contributions. He concluded by adding the survivors were and inspiration to others and to keep their spirit high.

I had a good time on a Sunday afternoon, as I got to meet fellow survivors on other occasions beside the day of the Relay for Life.

I took some photos which will be posted later.

Leave me alone

2008-08-12T14:50:00.001+08:00

I have been worried sick for the last few weeks as I had experience some pain and throbbing sensation on the area where I had the surgery. Of course all horrid thoughts were running in my head including whether I was also having problem with my heart! It was also a coincidence that during this time I was due for a six month’s once ultrasound examination on my right breast and breast clinic check up.

I had my ultrasound on 1 Aug and followed by the check up last Wednesday. During the ultrasound, as usual the radiologist had to wait for the chief radiologist to confirm that everything was fine on my right breast. As the examination took some time, I completely forgot to tell them about the pain on my left side and decided to speak with Prof. Yip my surgeon with whom I had an appointment the following Wednesday.

Prof. Yip assured me that the pain and the discomforting sensation are normal to be experienced by a survivor even after few years of surgery. I was really happy to hear that and left her room smiling from ear to ear.

Nowadays, I am in one of these moods of “leave me alone”! I was asked to give an interview for a leading women’s magazine for the October issue. I just declined and told them to look for other cancer survivors. I was told that sometimes it is difficult to find cancer survivors who want to be interviewed. I just admire survivors who can always appear in the media and in public and talk about their experiences.

Falling on the tracks

2008-08-04T13:40:00.003+08:00

I finished my traveling trips nationwide and the last training was held in Kota Kinabalu. It has been an interesting project and I would miss the traveling.

I came back home and received some sad news. My fellow survivor and blogger Raden Galoh has developed a recurrence and is undergoing treatment. I also found out another young fellow survivor and active volunteer is also going through treatment for recurrence.

It is not really easy when you hear friends you know developing recurrence. They are in my prayers for a good recovery.

I have started tai chi workouts which I have skipped for the past 4 months due to the traveling. Many of the ladies wanted to know the reason for me for not attending the workouts for such a long time but were glad to see me in their midst.

A month ago while I was waiting at KL Sentral to take the commuter train home after work, I heard a loud thud. Suddenly, the crowd including me saw a girl lying on the railway track. Some men nearby, quickly jumped down from the platform and picked her up. She must have slipped while standing at the edge of the platform, busy “smsing” as she was still holding on to her handphone when she fell. Luckily during that rush hour the trains were delayed on that day. I have taken the train for over a decade now but this is the first time I have witnessed something like this. Hope the girl did not have committing suicide in mind. She may have suffered some slight injuries, as her neck and head had hit the tracks. How fragile life is and how carelessly some people can meet with accidents and that too because of a handphone.

Travelling

2008-07-20T09:24:00.002+08:00

I just thought i will drop a few lines before I began a week's travel to Sarawak and Sabah due to work assignmnents. I got an sms from a friend who is on a work project in Europe (who read the blog), hoping that i am much better....and so i decided to post this before i catch a plane in a few hours.

My cough is much better though it is still there. I will just have to be much careful on the food i take while i am in East Malaysia.

A couple of days ago a friend of mine forwarded me this mail and i thought it was really good as it showcase of will power and faith of a man. These are the type of movitation we should be reminded oftern to get on with our daily lives. Happy viewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF9wo9sVn2c

Bad chest cough

2008-07-14T09:44:00.002+08:00

I have been down with a bad chest cough with thick phlegm for the past few weeks. What started of as a bad sore throat lead to more cough and sleepless nights. I have visited the doctors 3 times and stuffed myself with cough syrup to antibiotics. I also started taking some Indian traditional medicine.

Of course, now I am much better as the cough has reduced. During this duration, I also lost 2 kg in weight because of the coughs at night which interrupted my precious sleep…what away to loose weight...ha...ha!

Due to my job assignments, I also had to travel to deliver presentations in other towns. In fact during the presentations, I would just cough and then carry on with delivery. Luckily during these times some how my coughs knew how not to disturb me too much!

I went for foot reflexology over the weekend and was told that my shoulder muscles are all stiff at the back and on my shoulders. Of courselah…my muscles are stiff as I had to use 2 pillows to sleep to reduce the bout of coughs!

On Sunday, I met the lady who sells clothes at the morning market near my house. I was really glad to see her as I have not seen her after she had finished her treatment for breast cancer. I asked her how she was and she replied by saying that since she is back in business means she is okay.

Then as I was looking at some of the clothes in her stall, I overheard her saying that she is selling her clothes at a cheap sale as she need money to pay for her treatment.

Yap it is not only her health she must be concerned about but other matters including finance.

Relay for Life photos-Part 2

2008-06-27T22:25:00.013+08:00

Here are more photos that I took during the Relay For Life. There are many more that I took but I thought these are the few photos that captured the essence of the event.

The final lap with the NCSM banner leading the way

Some of the great ladies of NCSM, including the organising Chairperson

Volunteers arranged the Luminarias much earlier in preparation of the Luminaria Ceremony. Once again i missed the ceremony this year.

Perak Breast Cancer Support Group

Survivors & supporters from Cancer Link Society of Kuantan

The group from UKM, one of the many college and university students who gave their full surport to the success of this event.

The banner belonging to the US Embassy " One World On Hope"

the supporters from Xixili, one of the many companies who took part in this event

The palm prints of the survivors from Relay For Life 2007, now carried as a banner by two survivors.

The first performance on Saturday night was by these youngsters who performed indian classic dances.

The final count down as the crowd cheers and feels a sense of having contributed towards the sucess of the event

The tired participants packing up after the event

Photos-Relay for Life-Part 1

2008-06-21T21:47:00.016+08:00

The survivors all ready to start off the event with the survivors' lap

My mom and I all geared up for the survivors' march

Can you all spot me on my mardi gars constume?

One of the Sunday morning activity included the 100 metres relay. Cancer survivors too took part in this relay

Some of carrying a poster with our messages on Sunday morning. My message cannot be seen as I ran out of ink. The message was "Life short, enjoy most of it and laugh alot"

On Sunday morning these little supporters were seen with their parents. Age is never a barrier!

The beautiful ladies (all survivors)in thier colourful costumes at the opening ceremony

The crowd following the steps of the dancers on the stage on a hot Sunday morning

Some of the photos of the survivors pinned up at the Survivors Booth. I was busy so I had no time to submit mine

On Sunday morning the energetic women leading the crowd to the music.

The ladies marching with the crowd after the opening ceremony

Hot Flashes

2008-06-18T10:46:00.003+08:00

Lately I have been experiencing frequent hot flashes, it is like my ears are on fire! I remember two weeks ago I was giving a work related presentation to a large group of consultants and suddenly had my ears “burning sensation” to deal with. These attacks do not last long just a couple of minutes.

I do not experience other symptoms of hot flush like headaches or sweating….only my ears more so my right ear being on fire! Sometimes I do not get them at all but recently it has become frequent. Taking tamoxifen could contribute to this.

I really do not have the time to sit and analysis what triggers them. Is it my diet, stress,weather or excitement…ha…ha!

Besides hot flashes I do get tired easily too. Well I just have to manage all these and get on with life.

I received a call from thirties fellow survivor who had cancer a few months earlier than I did , told me her mother in her late fifthties has been recently diagnosed to have breast cancer. Luckily it is still in the early stage and she only had surgery and did not have to go through the other treatments.

Looks like more mothers are getting breast cancer after their daughters already had them earlier. With recent times..looks like, breast cancer skips a generation first, and then visits later.

Recently I had an opportunity to met up with my friend and her family in Johor Baru. It was good seeing her after 3 years. Over dinner, she told her son that she knows me longer than his dad. Yap! Our friendship goes back decades. It is really great to catch of with friends and their families to see their progression over the years.

Yesterday I visited my gynecology for my regular check up and had a rude shock when receiving the bill. My God! Everything has gone up including consultation fees!

Photos - Pulau Redang

2008-06-11T10:41:00.008+08:00

Here are some of the photos taking in Pulau Redang during my company trip which included families of staff.

Abundance of squirrels in the holiday resort which we stayed

Marine Life

On the boat to snorkeling

beautiful night scene

Jetty at Pulau Redang

I am somewhere there snorkeling for the first time

Relay For Life 2008 (31 May-1 June 2008)

2008-06-02T10:07:00.005+08:00

In the midst of gaiety, pomp and flair the Relay For Life 2008 held at the MSN Stadium at Bukit Jalil started on time on a very hot sunny Saturday afternoon .

The event was graced by the Health Minister followed by the welcome speech by the Organising Chairman Datin Zuraidah Attan. This overnight event also coincided with the "World's No Tobacco Day."

Survivors and participants showed their commitment to the event after being caught in a massive jam with road blocks as there were other activities that was held at the other stadiums in Bukit Jalil. They also had to park their cars far away to reach the MSN stadium.

There were about 370 survivors who participated this year accompanied by so many people from all walks of life which included many young people from schools, colleges and universities. Some corporations also participated and some international movements including the American Embassy took part in the event.

I was involved in a video shoot for the 25th Relay for Life by the American Cancer Society. So i missed most of the opening ceremony. I volunteered for the Mardi Gars costume parade adorning funky costumes, during the first lap walked by survivors. I was really made up with heavy make up and colourful costumes. My nephews could not recognise me..ha..ha!There were a number of fellow lady survivors who were all dressed in various fancy colourful costumes and we became instant celebrities as many people wanted to snap photos with us.

I had to be there early to prepare myself for the video shot, so my mother came with my brothers, sister-in-laws and nephews. Children could be seen running around the field, having a good time being entertained by clowns and being given free balloons.

The large stage also hosted a variety of entertainment from children performing classical dance, to Yoga workouts and many others which included singers and dancers performing.

I left early because my day on that Saturday started at 8 am as i was involved in my toastmasters club, youth leadership programme which coincidenced with the Relay For Life and was already tired by the time the event started full swing.

As I was leaving the Luminaries were being arranged around the stadium to honour all those people who have triumphed over cancer and to remember all those people who lost their battle to cancer.

Sunday morning I went back to the stadium and found that the crowd had dwindled but the mood and momentum of those who were still there was very high and vibrant.

It has been a successful second year for NCSM in organising RLF. I must takes my hat off to all those involved including staff of NCSM, volunteers (including survivors) and members of the public who participated to ensure this is another year to remember. For those of us who have participate last year and this year must be congratulated for our continous support and unwavering commitment towards Relay For Life.Our collective contribution in the fight against cancer and the same time to appreciate and value life for all of us who are survivors.

Photos will be posted later.

New adventure

2008-05-21T21:41:00.003+08:00

I thought I better post something before i receive calls from my blog visitors asking me whether everything is okay with me.

The last week was spent mostly in Kuala Terengganu as I conducted a seminar there and later part of the the week my company took the opportunity of the long weekend Wesak Holiday break to organise a company trip to Pulau Redang.

Pulau Redang is a paradise for people who love diving and snorkeling. I cannot swim so my snorkeling was so limited during my stay at the famous island. Anyway with some encouragement from my colleague I managed so see some colour marine lives...this was a wonderful experience...a first attempt in my life. Maybe it is time to consider taking swimming lessons...ha...ha!The sea at Pulau Redang was very choppy. In fact the one hour boat ride from the main land to the island had some us throwing up because of sea sickness. I took a lot of sour stuffs to keep everything under control in my tummy. Will try to post some photos of the trip.

I took my mother for her check up at the UM Specialist Centre and did not realise that it has moved from the main tower of University Hospital. The clinics are now housed at Lorong University (next to Malaya University guard-house PJ exit). As we did not know of the move, we had to walk from the main tower to UMSC. I also meet a few other ladies who did not know of the new place which is now more comfortable, spaces and has a look of freshness. My mother next check up will be 6 months from now.

I am considering of starting a blog of my mother's cooking recipes so that I don't have to jot them down in a book all the time. Well I would then definitely have to put in more afford as to maintain two blogs. I am not even a frequently blogger i wonder how i will manage them...well time will tell!

Organising Chairman, Relay For Life KL 2008

2008-05-08T10:52:00.001+08:00

This comment was left by Dato' Zuraidah Atan on my previous post "The joy of having children": I decided to copy the comment on a new page instead of leaving it as “comments”.

Dear NK Valli and family and friends,

Once again, Please join our Cancer Relay For Life KL 2008 this 31st May (starts 4pm registration followed by surivors' lap at 6pm) till 1st June (last lap 10am)?
It'll be held at MSN Stasium, Bukit Jalil. You can rent tents too as it's a whole nite of happenings!

As you know, it is an event where all our cancer survivor friends, care givers and volunteers get together from all over

Malaysia

and enjoy ourselves!

For more details and video on our last year's RFL, please view www.cancer.org.my? By the way, thank you for joining us last year. From the bottom of my heart i thank you and your parents/family and friends for making the event last year a hugely successful one!

This year, the

Ambassador and family and staff at the

USA

Embassy will be joining and supporting our Cancer Relay For Life KL 2008 in a big way, not to mention folks from other embassies too!

I shall be delighted to meet up with you and family plus friends this year and please come up and say hello if you are with us that day, ok? I am easily identifiable, the one who moves around from place to place being the typical 'kay-poh-chee' whilst the true workers are our volunteers, cancer survivors and my colleagues at our National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM).

Let's Celebrate Life!

Sincere wishes,
Zuraidah
(Dato' Zuraidah Atan)
Honorary Adviser,NCSM and
Organising Chairman, Relay For Life KL 2008

The joy of having children

2008-05-05T11:43:00.003+08:00

A few weekends ago I had visited 2 newborn babies both boys. The first baby boy now a month is the child of my two good friends. The other baby boy a few days old is the second child to my cousin and his wife. Parents were beaming with happiness on their additional found joy.

Both my friends lost their eldest daughter of 9 months due to some medical conditions. In fact while I was having my operation at the university hospital, their daughter was admitted to the pediatric wing of university hospital. A few weeks later she passed away. In the period of mourning my friends came to visit me at my home and I was really touched. They even bought me some very fancy scarves to use on my head.

I am really happy for them to have as God has conferred another bundle of love once again. This baby boy is in the pink of health. My friend herself, who has got her own set of medical conditions, had to endure tremendous pain and anguish during the delivery of her son…the power of mother’s love to endure the impossible for her child.

Another amazing lady I met over this weekend is my new found friend with disabilities who uses a wheel chair. My friend is so actively involved in NGOs now that she is retired and it is really enjoying life to the fullest.

It is important to be with people who are positive, as they deal and manage with challenges it gives us more confidence, strength and inspires us to deal with our own challenges.

I also came across this article which is very inspiring about a cancer survivor of 33 years.

Lastly, in my stint of conducting seminars nationwide, I had an interesting encounter in a hotel room in Kota Baru. The bed I occupied was filled with bed LICE! I was utterly shocked because I have heard of these crawling creatures but had not seen them before. What an enlightenment of the world under the beds and pillows…ha..ha!

A good convention

2008-04-23T17:26:00.005+08:00

I did not make it the final of the Toastmasters International District 51 Table Topic Contest but still I had a good time at the Penang Convention. I learnt a lot more about being a contestant and picked up one or two new skills which will come handy for future contests…if I do contest again..ha..ha!

While waiting for the result of the contest at the semi finalize, the contest chairman of the day took the opportunity to interview all 6 contestants. When my turn came I was asked about the books I was reading currently as I had stated, reading as a hobby in my bio data. During the interview, I said that I am really keen on taking a creative writing course as I have my own blog and stated the address of the blog. Then I heard some people laugh, probably they thought it was funny “lopsidedfemale”. I went on to share with them that I am a breast cancer survivor and I had absolute silence from the audience. At the end of the sharing, the contest chairman asked me a very poignant question…”How do you stay motivated?” I answered … “When I go and give a presentation to the public about breast cancer and after that people come to me and say my story is inspiring well that is what keeps me motivated!”

After the interview we adjourned for refreshment break and I had a few men actually coming up to me and asking me to write down my blog address. Another convention participant came close to me and said she is also a breast cancer survivor. Some said my short sharing was so inspiring.

All that feedback made my day and I was proud of myself ! I had good set of friends who traveled with me and was surrounded by gaiety and positive thoughts participants thought the convention.

I hope to post the pictures taken by my friends when I get them.

I post here some pictures of the MASWings fokker plane that I took from Kuching to Sibu during my trip to east Malaysia early this month. Not many get an opportunity to fly on a fokker to experience the thrills of the propeller driven aircraft. This was my first time flying on this aircraft which I have only seen on TV. It was great noisy experience…ha...ha!

Two good short movies

2008-04-15T14:40:00.002+08:00

I came across these two movies which is a good reminder to us about life. Do enjoy watching these movies.

http://www.bettertobless.com/movie3.html

www.BlueRibbonMovie .com

Happy Tamil New Year

2008-04-14T15:40:00.003+08:00

Happy Tamil New Year! [Tamil puthantunal vazthukkal]. Yesterday was Tamil New Year and we all went to the temple to have our prayers.

At the temple, I noticed a lady wearing a cap and she had no eye brows or eye lashes. Immediately it struck my mind that she must be going through chemo. When I had the opportunity I approached her as she was sitting with her husband and asked in English whether she was going through chemo. The husband replied and said no. He just smiled. I walked away and felt so embarrassed. I just did not want them to think I was a lunatic, thus I approached them again and said hope they did not take offence to what I asked early as I too had gone through it. The husband in a friendly manner replied that they were not offended. My intention of approaching a total stranger was just to give her moral support…but it turned out I was totally embarrassed…looks like I have to be careful when I approach some one the next time..ha..ha!

Now coming back to why I have not been able to blog for some weeks as it as been very busy few weeks! Here goes what has been happening.

The whole of last week I was in East Malaysia conducting training programme for my company. We had trainings in Kuching, Sibu and Kota Kinabalu. Because I am doing this training, I will be doing a lot of traveling over the next 3 months. East Malaysia is famous for its sea food and so I really had to control myself from binging on crabs, prawns and other seafood.

I also had some bad news over the weeks. My neighbour’s sister- in- law whom I mentioned in my one of post some time ago who had a recurrence of cancer after 8 years of having breast cancer passed away. On the other hand my fellow survivor Selvi suffered another blow in her life when she lost her husband to cancer. He was just diagnosed a few months ago and suddenly he passed away. My friend has got 2 college going boys and one school going boy. I pray that god gives my friend the strength to over this great loss and may the souls of the departed rest in peace.

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia will be oganising for a second year the RELAY FOR LIFE from 31^st May to 1 June 2008 at the MSN Training Stadium, Bukit Jalil. I was asked be a volunteer but unfortunately because of the training project, I am not able to contribute this time around and sincerely hope I can attend the event.

The cough that I got in India stayed with me for a couple of weeks, In the midst of this I entered my toastmasters club International Speech Contest and Table Topic Contest and went on to win the Area Contests. At the Division C level I was declared the champion for Table Topic Contest. I will now represent Division C at the District 51 Contest which is to be held from 18-20 April 2008 at Penang Island.]. Well! I hope I do well at Penang.

My Indian Trip

2008-03-21T11:06:00.003+08:00

I had a good Indian trip, enjoying the vast beauty and splendid architecture of Taj Mahal , forts and palaces in New Delhi, Agra, and two cities in Rajasthan i.e. Jaipur and Jodhpur. With me one this trip was my brother, my sister in law, my two little nephews and my aunt.

I came back to Malaysia on Sunday which happened to my birthday and also a new beginning for Malaysia, a day after the elections.

As the weather was hot in the parts of India that we traveled, I was already down with flu because of the weather and dust. Luckily my aunt came equipped with all the necessary medical tablets. Adding on to this I also had diarrhea when I landed in Malaysia. With all these I just stayed at home and relaxed and did nothing for my birthday as I decided to celebrate postpone my birthday celebrations.

Just the night before we left my cousin surprised my brother and me a birthday cake…so in away the celebration has already started earlier.

I am still recovering from the cough with has loved me so much…ha..ha!

I had arranged with Connecting Horizons in Delhi on the itinerary of this trip which was a trip well planned by the company. I am so elated that I saw one of the wonders of the world Taj Mahal, the greatest monument of love by an Emperor for his Queen. It was so awesome to see the integrate work of art which will leave you wondering of the craftsmen’s skills.

On the way to Taj Mahal we stopped at Mathura and Vrindavan. After Taj Mahal we went to Fatehpur Sikri which is s deserted sandstone city but still beautiful and the architecture is amazing. In Jaipur we visited Amber and had an elephant ride up the fort. This place has a shimmering Hall of Mirrors was so magnificent.

In Jodhpur we visited the astounding Jodhpur Fort. In between visiting places we tried to shopping whenever we good but some time we just took rest as we also has my two little nephews ( aged 3 years and 1 year) with us. We took a train ride from Jodhpur to Delhi.

In Delhi we went to Humayum’s Tomb, Old Fort, Red Fort and the splendid Government Buildings. The day of our flights home we visit the superb Akshardham charged with energy .

Looks like, we have covered 4 states of India on this trip that being Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Harayana. Hope to cover other in the future.

We had abundance of hospitality from my cousin and her family, awesome sceneries, colourful bangles, witnessed animals (camels, elephants, horses etc), food that tantalized our taste buds and memories to treasure.

Visiting New Delhi

2008-02-29T08:50:00.002+08:00

I leave for New Delhi, India this evening and will be away for a week visiting Taj Mahal and Jaiphur.

My aunt will be accompanying me and we will be joined by my brother and his family in New Delhi. This is my first trip to that part of India, and it will be interesting to discover more of India. We will be staying with my cousin and her family in Delhi. They will be moving back to America soon, the reason to visit them and Delhi before they leave.

I cannot believe this, from my Medan trip last year, I have become a traversing places every month. This is really a great a excitement to a boring life like mine..ha..ha!

I came across this movie called "dashpoem" on life from another blogger Selvi which is a good reminder and a touching story.

So let’s enjoy life to the fullest whenever we can and believe we can.

My biopsy result

2008-02-22T21:56:00.000+08:00

I got my biopsy result this Wednesday and what good news…I am fine! Thank you God!
Although I did not have plans that day, my close friend insisted we celebrate the occasion after work and so we did. Our celebration was retail therapy. We went and brought ourselves some new clothes at Mid Valley Mega Mall. I was glad I did some thing special that day.

Oh! I am so relieved as I now I can get on with my life. And make plans for the near future.

I also met the same elderly man who had a biopsy done before me. His wife came out beaming with a big smile, as her husband was fine too. He was the first patient of the day and what a good beginning it was for all of us.

The power of prayers is so important what more when you have so many people praying for you. I have joined a prayer/support forum about 2 years ago and members of the forum prayed for me too. Then I had some close friends who prayed too.

I was really touched by their gesture and felt it was because of their strong request to God that the result turned out to be good. I don’t think I really prayed so earnestly like them….ha!..ha!

Looks like I am not keeping up with my resolution to post often but then resolutions are not meant to be followed down the line..ha..ha!

3rd Year Cancer Survivor

2008-02-13T10:08:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and that will be my 3^rd year as a survivor. Hip Hip Hurray!

Many things have been happening so quickly lately that I just not have time to digest things including having fun...ha...ha!

I am now waiting for my biopsy report which will come out next Wednesday. As I said earlier, a needle biopsy was done on my right breast as they spotted some ducts. Frankly, I have really sick and tired about worry about things.

When I went to have the biopsy done, I met a 80year old man doing a second biopsy on his breast for confirmation on the existence of lumps in his breast. His 75 year old wife told me that her husband comes from a family with cancer history and she was told that every 1 in 100 men would get breast cancer. I am so used to seeing all ladies waiting for their appointments at the breast clinic and this time around it was a first time for me to have a man among us.

I had pain on my right breast for two days because of the needle biopsy. Well I pray that I am okay and in pink of health.

In the midst of all this, I was in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah over the Chinese New Year holidays. As my new sister-in-law hails from Kota Kinabalu and so her parents hosted a dinner reception on the occasion of the marriage for the newly wedded. My parents and I flew on AirAsia on Friday to Kota Kinabalu and returned on Sunday. By the time we got home, it was almost 12.30 midnight and I had to go to work the next day. We stayed at Marina Court Resort Condominium in the centre of town which was really good and convenient.

The reception was held Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa a beautiful hotel and near the sea. It was celebration among family and close friends. Finally they all got to see my brother..ha..ha! Since we did not have much time, our sight seeing was limited to the town but the sea could be seen everywhere.

After all this the newly wedded can finally settle down and move with the married lives!

Yesterday I received an email from my friend forwarding me the youtube version of the condensed version of the “Last Lecture” by Dr Randy Pausch on Oprah . He has pancreatic cancer and has been just give a few months to live. It is inspiring to watch the video and touch on a wonderful message on how to live life and living your dreams. He choose to live an energetic live in these few months and that is overwhelmingly motivating.

Lost a good friend

2008-01-31T14:07:00.000+08:00

I lost a good friend today. He died of a heart attack in his sleep. According to his family, he complained of chest pain earlier but did not seek medical treatment. He worked long hours and smoked heavily.

I was so utterly shocked when I heard the news. Only last weekend I had just smsed him wishing him a happy birthday as he turned 52 and he had called me to thank me. Every since i heard the news i have been so upset. And now I have just returned from his home after having paid him my last respect.

I have only known him for about 2 years and in that span of time I have experienced so wonderful memories and encountered new exposures in life. I will always be thankful for that.

This just goes to show how fragile life is and we may not open of eyes no to see the next day. Life should be cherished and valued. It is also important to be surrounded by loved ones.

May his soul rest in peace.

Publication in Tamil

2008-01-21T11:56:00.000+08:00

A blogger left a comment asking whether I am aware of any publications in Tamil on breast cancer. I do not know of any so, with a with a quick search I came across these websites:

http://www.koodal.com/health/interview_guide.asp?id=390&title=breast-cancer

http://anuratha.blogspot.com/

http://www.cancerinfoindia.org/index.html

http://www.kkh.com.sg/BreastTalk/theatre.htm

http://sbcf.blogspot.com/2007/10/drkshantha-breast-cancer-foundation.html

Well Ram, I hope the above will be of some help and wishing your sister -in- law a speedy recovery.

Abnormality

2008-01-17T09:33:00.000+08:00

I have been experiencing discomfort on my right breast for the last 2 months. As my visit to the radiologist was coming up I thought I might as wait till then. Even when I was on my company’s trip to Langkawi I was really uncomfortable. Because I am just sick and tired of going to see the doctor as it can be nerve-wracking expedition, I just want to wait for the appointment date.

So last week I had my mammography done followed by ultrasound. The radiologist found the calcification that was 6 months ago on my right breast. After much thought she decided that she wanted a biopsy done just to be sure about the fluid filled abnormality.

So on 4th of February I will get the biopsy done. I asked the radiologist and she said it is not a worrying condition but she just wanted to make sure. Yestersday was my appointment in the Breast Clinic. They would have to wait for the biopsy to be done before proceeding further.

This year started with lots of issues on my mind including the health condition, I have no choice to cheer up and see how best to deal with them

Family Celebrations

2008-01-13T22:39:00.000+08:00

The last weekend of 2007 and the first weekend of 2008 were filled with gaiety, family bonding and celebrations.

Just before the year ended my cousin sisters from America threw a surprise bash for their parents on the occasion of my aunt and uncle’s 40th wedding anniversary is style at the Carcosa Seri Negara, a midst a colonial landscape. Joining merriment were family members and very close friends.

My cousin sisters and their families produced a book capturing the significant journey of their parents from India, subsequent marriage in Kuala Lumpur, their travels and their final home in Washington. It was really great to see black and white photos of yonder years…the growing up years… up to present moment. It brought back memories… I, of course looked very slim…so many years ago…ah…ah! Lots of thought and effort must have been put in by all of them in producing the book and the end product was simple breathtaking.

My cousin’s eldest 8 year old son gave a welcoming speech for his grandparents which he proudly wrote himself, portraying images of young blood in the family trees.

It was really great of my cousin sisters to celebrate this joyous occasion, as my motto is all occasions must be celebrated in a big or small scale, family moments with young and old must be cherished.

The second function was spent in Singapore. My granduncle celebrated his 80^th birthday or Sathabhishekam. My family including my brothers and their families joined this grand gala. My granduncle and grandaunt have in fact seen their 3rd generation as they now have 2 great grand children, besides 6 grandchildren. So there were immediate families, extended families, distant relatives, friends, about 600 people gracing this religious celebration in the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Singapore with traditional pomp and flair.

The function consisted of two parts, which on the Saturday night, a pooja (prayer) was held and on Sunday morning there was a wedding ceremony where my granduncle and grandaunt renewed their matrimonial vows. Both bride and bridegroom, looked energetic, radiant and had an air of accomplishment. Yap! It not every other day people get a chance to celebrate their 80^th birthday and renew their marriage vows at that age…it was a wonderful sight to watch and to record in our memories.

Pictures from Medan Trip

2008-01-03T15:57:00.000+08:00

Finally i had to time to post some pictures i took at Medan & Lake Toba. One of my new year's resolution is to become more activite at blogging...ha..ha!Here are the pictures.

I was amazed to see a moden Shopping Complex at Medan

The only 4 of us from the club at the convention's Ulos Nite

Parames, Gina,Chuan , Me & Ratnam

Guests and organisation committee at the Ulos Nihe

Ladies Performing at the Award Ceremony

Cultural Performance

Gina & Me at the Award Ceremony

Entrance to the Ambarita Historical Site

Village of Tomok-Small square line with Batak houses

Ambarita Historic Site-An ancinet village council

Tomb-King's Coffin-The sarcophagus contains the body of Raja Sidabutar, the chief of the first tribe to migrate to the area

Wooden Carving

View of Lake Toba

View of lake Toba

Me at the Niaga International Hotel

Flower Signboards which are used every where as a notice board

My company's trip to Langkawi

2007-12-31T09:33:00.001+08:00

My celebrations and traveling reached a climax for this year when my company organized a trip for staff and families to Langkawi Island. We had gone on a company trip earlier to the same island when I had just joined the company some years ago. After many years I am amazed to see the rapid development in Langkawi.

The archipelago of Langkawi contains 100 over islands and is sanctuary to some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, including exotic flora and fauna. Langkawi Island itself is the largest among the archipelago, is the only one with any real settlement. It fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and paddy fields.

My company’s entourage to Langkawi comprised of 31 adults and 18 children which included babies as young as 3 months old to a year old. Wow! I really take my hat off to my colleagues who are adventurous enough to bring their babies along.

We started the journey at about 11pm on Friday late night on two coaches. Since it was already bed time for some of us, we were half awake through the journey. After several stops, the bus I was in reached Kuala Perlis at bout 6 am on Saturday.

Day 1

Started very early as we had reached Kuala Perlis at the wee hours of the morning and had to wait for the Langkawi Ferry Service to bring us across the Island with it operations only starting at 6.30am.

I was very uneasy as I was already tired from trying to get sleep from a bus seat on a long night journey. I was however amazed to see my colleagues’ young children as they were so energetic. Oh! Sometimes…I wish … I could be as energetic as them. The ferry ride took us about 45 minutes and immediately upon landing on the island we were taken to the Langkasuka Beach Resort.

We were all so hungry when we reached the hotel and we could only check into our hotel rooms after 2 pm. We immediately dropped off our bags at the lobby and went to have the hotel's breakfast buffet. I kept on telling everyone that this is the first time in my life that I have not brushed my teeth to have breakfast. The others did not seem to fuss about it… may be they are a more seasoned traveler than I am or just less fussy…ha…ha!

After breakfast and since we did not have rooms to rest yet, we started our excitement in Langkawi by first visiting the Underwater World Langkawi,. this aquarium features abundance types of marine life, including a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays and a tunnel for visitors to walk through and enjoy a spectacular view of the marine creatures. There were also underwater gardens of weeds, sea plants together with exotic fishes and exhibits of fossils and penguins. Due to the mysterious death of hundreds of fishes a few months ago, some tanks were empty. We also waited to see the 3-D movie in underwater world but unfortunately the 3-D system was out of order and only managed to see a short movie.

We went back to the hotel, had lunch and checked in. Some of us decided to go to the Panorama Langkawi Cable Car and boy am I glad to had gone for the cable car ride regardless of feeling tired. While waiting for our turn to go on the gondola, I could see how high it was going up the hill and I told myself…shall I just chicken out! Yup! What further crossed my mind was… oh dear I not even told a proper good bye to my family if any mishap was to happen to me here. But then I told myself...what the hack I have not heard of any news of accidents…of cable cars plunging to the ground and so I joined the fun. What can I say..the views were awesome. Of course, as the gondolas went higher and higher up the steep mountain slope… virgin jungle of the Matcinchang Mountain Forest Reserve, I was getting nervous with my heart beating rapidly… so I became chatty with my colleagues who shared the gondola with me and at the same time enjoying the trees in the lush valleys and ravines.

At the hill top we came to a suspension bridge over the valley and my god it was so breathtaking and I marveled at the fabulous architecture of the suspension bridge. The feeling was one of being truly in cloud 9…reaching greater heights. This to me is the most memorial place of exhilarating fun in this whole trip. Of course we were also so close to the scorching sun and I was all sun burnt by then…but I did not care though but as usual I had to complain…ha..ha!

We had our dinner later out of the hotel and since all of us were tired, we said go night to each other for the next day was going to be another long day.

Day 2

We went island hopping. The sun was already scorching by the time we started our island adventure. We applied sun block lotion but after looking at our faces now… I not think it helped much. Going on island cruises was breathtaking scenery of Langkawi as our speedboats weaved through the watery passageways between the islands. We first went to Tasik Dayang Buting, the largest lake in Langkawi. We had to climb the hills to reach lake and I was already tired my then and was the last to reach the lake. There were so many tourists that day and some of them were taking a dip the lake. Some of us just padded our legs on the lake and then went to sit on some shade. We then went to Pantai Beras Basah for our lunch. Some of us took the opportunity to get ourselves a good dip in the sea to cool us down. The water was clear and refreshing.

Langkawi's is also duty free port so we much be crazy if we had missed to do shopping. So after quickly refreshing from the island hopping we then hopped to the shops to do some brisk shopping of chocolate, liquors and kitchenware among others. I really did not buy much as I already had splashed money during my Lake Toba, Medan trip.

By the time we reached the hotel, we all needed to rest before dinner.

Day 3

After an early breakfast I took my self to enjoy the beach in front of the hotel we were staying. After being in the water for some time, i went into the swimming pool at the hotel were ,most of colleagues and their families were enjoying themselves with splashes and laughter.

We check out of the hotel at noon after having a rushed lunch and head for the jetty. Luckily the ferry was well air conditioned and we made the journey back home before mid night on Christmas Eve…with memories and experiences to cherish.

Days Later.....

Probably I was enjoying myself too much in the sea and due to the heat, I came down with some skin rash on my arms and sores around my mouth. My doctor told me it could be so allergy.

Here are some photos of the outing. Surprised that I have posted them so quickly? This is because my colleague's husband is an avid photographer who provided all the photos. Wish i could have more enthusiastic photographers around me..Ha..Ha

I like to end this post by

Wishing Everyone A Happy New Year and May 2008 Be Filled With Great Laughter, Happiness and Scaling Newer Heights .

Beautiful Sun set

Romantic Moon

Last day at the beach

On the Suspension Bridge

Superb Structure of the Bridge

Breathtaking View of Bridge

Island hopping

I am collecting dead corals

Underwater World

Penguins

Resting at Tasik Dayang Bunting

On speed motor boats

Bathing at Pantai Beras Basah

Beautiful Sandy Beaches

Day 2 Dinner

Day 2 Dinner

Day 2 Dinner

Day 2 Dinner

My Brother got married

2007-12-18T10:01:00.000+08:00

My brother got married last Thursday, 13 December. My sister in law hails from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah but now works in Petaling Jaya.

It was a joyous celebration as the couple got married according to Hindu rites, early Thursday morning at the Sakti Eswari Temple at Sungai Way, Petaling Jaya. On Saturday, 15 December they hosted a wedding reception at the Hotel Maya, Kuala Lumpur. The couple took their married vows amidst custom and rituals filled with pomp and flair, surrounded by Indian traditional music and religious mantras.

As the Hindu ceremony took place between 8.30am-10am, we had to get ready at the wee hours of the morning at about 4am for the wedding as we also had to travel from our home in Klang to Sungai Way. Although it was a working day, about 300 guests attended the wedding. My grand uncle, grand aunty and their son from Singapore graced the occasion with many other relatives and family members. The guests were also feasted to sumptuous Indian vegetarian dishes.

Both sides of the families are truly happy that these two people finally got married.

For the reception at the hotel, I was the emcee…in a romantic setting with flowers, Indian kuttu villaku and Indian music. The married couple finally revealed how they decided to tied the knot when they were at Mt Annapurna, Nepal.

The 250 guests were treated to a fusion of Chinese and Indian flavours and of course with wine and liquor. Beside the newly wed couple everyone was also in high spirit that night.

Oh I must have impressed people with my emcee skills as I had requests from guests to be emcee for the children’s wedding reception!

As usual will try to post some pictures later…ha…ha!

I end this post with the toast I proposed that night

“May your voyage through married life be filled with abundance of love, good health, prosperity, lots of happiness and be majestic as Mt Annapurna..to Alagappa & Ann”

Medan & Lake Toba

2007-11-26T11:13:00.000+08:00

I had a good time at the toastmasters’ convention in Medan and enjoyed the rustic charm of Lake Toba.

This was my first toastmasters’ convention outside Malaysia and so it was a good experience for me. About 300 toastmasters came from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Mornings were filled with speeches, workshops and the nights were for merriment. My hats off to the organizers on the success of the convention. During the convention we stayed at the Tiara Hotel and during this time we did not get to see much of Medan.

The first night of the convention was fun as it was the “Ulos Nite” were everyone used ulos a traditional woven scarf by the Batak ethic people. I got myself an orange ulos for RM20.00.

The convention ended on Sunday and after lunch we started our Lake Toba tour. All together there were about 57 of us so we travelled by 2 bus coaches. It took us about 5 hours to reach Parapat, a small town on the shore of Lake Toba. We passed wide plantation of oil palm tress, rubber estates and padi fields. It was drizzling and it took us another 30 minutes to go by diesel boat to Samosir island. Samosair is an island in Lake Toba and is home to the Toba Batak- a prominent ecthic group in the archiplogo. The Lake is bigger than Singapore so just image how big it really is. We spend a night at one of the rest houses and the air was so cold that there was no need for air conditioner and the rooms did not have one anyway.

The next morning, it was so refreshing and rejuvenating to wake up on the island surrounded by beautiful sceneries and fresh air. When you look at the Lake you are will be really amazed at nature’s creation from a gigantic volcanic eruption. We first Tuk-Tuk and Ambarita two tourists centres at the Lake. The locals are well versed in English and communication is not a problem at all. We were brief on the history of the Batak people and did some shopping.

We then left the Lake to go Parapat and spend a night at the Niaga International Hotel. We could still enjoy the view of the Lake. We also visited a monkey rehab centre at Parapat. The next day we left Parapat to Medan and spend the night at Danau Toab International Hotel. During the span of 5 nights/6 days, we had the opportunity of staying at four different hotels. Wow were practically living in suit cases and for once it was quite fun. We also did a lot of shopping for souvenirs and the batiks were beautiful.

Medan’s food is chilli hot as chillies “padi” is one of the main ingredient to the dishes. We also snacked on a lot of fried stuff, chips and crisps as you can find them in abundance.

Medan is only about 55 minutes from Kuala Lumpur by flight. I would like to go to Lake Toba again to enjoy the natural beauty and relaxed ambiance.

Hope to post some photos in the next posting.

Deepavali

2007-11-12T08:55:00.001+08:00

I had a few visitors today,
Peace came, brimming with gay
Wealth came, saying “good day!”
Health came, saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away!”
Joy came, singing “oh happy day”
All asked for a permanent place to stay,
So I gave them your address without delay.
And directions so they don’t go astray
They should be at your doorstep sometime today!
Happy Deepavali!!!

That is one of the best Deepavali greetings via sms I received on Deepavali day. I had a good celebration with loved ones and a good rest too!

We indulged in good food and Indian palagarams including a lot of Indian sweetmeats.

As I read my posting last year on Deepavali, I realized that I had written that I will throw a party and invite friends. Well as we have to be economical, I completely forgot the idea until I read my blog. Maybe next year..ha…ha!

We have two maids (our own and brother’s), so the bulk of cleaning up was taken care off…Whew! What a relief! That is why all of us did not feel that tired on Deepavali. I was really lazy this year so I did not take any snapshots to post on the blog.

Since I had time, I decided to join my friends for hospital visit over the weekend. I had not done so for the past two years and definitely it was a bit strange going back as a volunteer.

I will be going to Medan, Indonesia to attend the District 51 Toastmasters Convention this Friday and will be away for a week. Really looking forward for this trip!

Then once I get back, the family will be getting ready for my youngest brother’s wedding on 13^th December.

Lots of celebration to look forward to at the end of the year.
Lite a lamp of life and let it reflect deep inside your soul.
In life’s journey million of tales will be told,
Some happy, like yours & mine
This Deepavali I pray to god that u see beyond this life,
Beyond time & space to feel happy & feel your heart with love.

The Secret

2007-10-31T13:58:00.000+08:00

Reading my posts later anyone would get the idea that I have gone into this low beat feeling of gloominess….if this sounds right! Well, that how I felt when I read again, my early posts...ha…ha!

Even when I read other survivors blogs and I do not see their posts for some time, I get worried. I suppose that is what others too must be presuming because as sometimes I get calls from friends to find out if I am okay. I am really touched by their calls.

It just that everyone leads a very busy life style that sometimes you just cannot find the time to sit and blog. I am really amazed at others who can find the time to blog so often.

Last week I just felt stressed…went for retail therapy...bought the book “the Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. The book had always been at the back of my mind. Then a friend loaned me her DVD on it which I did not get time to watch till the end. Coincidently, after that I meet my brother friend near my office and as we talked he said he is reading the book and had made changes to his life. And then I need retail therapy and got finally got the book.

And now lets see one can come out from the cocoon of negativism to a frontier of new energy, vibrancy and full of life…ha…ha!

Today is the last day of Pink October, and I did not participate in any of the events. Well, there are rests of the months to contribute towards the breast cancer cause.

No mammography for women under 40 years

2007-10-22T11:03:00.000+08:00

I am really annoyed. Last night, I received a call from my friend. She has got a cousin who went to have a mammography done in one of the leading medical centres in the Klang Valley as her breast was painful. However the hospital staff discouraged her from having the mammogram done because she was below the age of 40 years and she was assured she had nothing to be worried about! I suggested a few places to my friend where mammography could be done and where silly presumptions would not be made.

What is really amazing is how someone can come with such a presumption. Do these clowns know that I personally know about 10 ladies who are cancer survivors and happen to be below 40 when first diagnosed with breast cancer including myself! Looks like it is not only the public should be made aware of breast cancer but also the medical profession! With attitudes like these more younger women would not have breast cancer detected at an early stage.

Anyway on another note, these two weeks have been filled with news of two ladies I know having cancer. One is breast cancer survivor who had finished her treatment almost the same time I did but now it has gone to the bone and spread to the liver. Another is a dedicated volunteer in her late 60’s who has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

In the midst of all these I suddenly find my breast painful which I have to wait and see whether is due to hormonal change during the menstrual cycle. As usual all types of disturbing thoughts will occupy the mind.

Not been a very uplifting 2 weeks.

During this time, I also discovered that mastectomy bras are becoming more expensive as it is nothing less then RM100. A friend suggested why not I get bras with pockets from the shelves which are commonly sold. So I found out that the brand “Triumph” has got one bra designed with a pocket. After tying it on, I found that my prosthesis can fit into the pocket with a bit of alteration to be made so as to protect the prosthesis from falling out. That only cost me only RM50.00. Though I have am not wearing it yet, I think it should be okay.

Pledging Our Organs

2007-10-05T09:13:00.000+08:00

I read in the newspaper on how a teenager who was kept alive by a mechanical heart received a new lease of life from the heart harvested from another teenager who died in a road accident.

I must take my hats off to the family of the organ donor, who in the time of this great loss, has generously donated their child’s organs and give lease of life to others.

I have always contemplated of donating my organs one day. I know I would not be able to donate my eyes because I already have a poor eye sight and was thinking of donating the rest of the organs. But now after breast cancer it has been decided for me…I cannot be an organ donor.

As more organs are needs, I hope more people will pledge their organs and after their death it is further hoped that their family will not object at the 11th hour when the organs need to be harvested.

Pledging our organ and allowing others to live is a magnanimous gift of life.

A gift for a cancer patient

2007-10-01T14:38:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine asked my suggestion on a gift for her friend who is going to have mastectomy soon.

My sms text to her was as follows,”u could by anything tat is beautiful & cheerful…could even be a book about new hobbies…most importantly it is your companionship.”

Yap, I really felt in good spirits up when visitors came to visit me during surgery and treatment as I went through a roller coaster ride.

I told a friend of mine who came to visit me I needed to make juices and did not have a juicer, she immediately bought one for me and I was really touched. There were so many other incidences and gifts that touched my heart too. Another friend gave me some cross stitch materials… although I did not complete it then but it took my mind off things when I started doing them.

Others who came to see including my relatives always came with lots of fruits, organic vegetables., cereals and other food items. I know these are so easily available but by them bringing, it forces you (as you are many moods at times) to have a good diet and also makes you make the juices because you do not want what they brought to go to waste and you know people cared for you. I needn’t had to depend on my family for these things as I was already depending on them a lot.

I also received books and magazines to read whenever I felt like it. A couple of friends of my who came to visit me very often would my me a variety of soft drinks so it would enlightened the taste bud that has been dulled by the chemo. I got to know the existence of the purple colour dragon fruit during this time which is believed to be high antioxidant. My uncle sent the fruits every other week to my house.

I know I received a lot other things but cannot remember them as I post this blog. Ah! Now I remember another friend of my bought me several stylish scarves and I enjoyed wearing them when I went out. Another friend got me very big round ear-rings and I felt then I was setting a trend for scarves and big ear rings like gypsies!

Two weeks after the surgery, my toastmasters friends cajoled me to go for a day’s family trip to some orchard along a stream because they said it will do me good and it did then.

I know some people would rather be left alone during chemotherapy and radiotherapy but for me it was vital that I had people come to make me laugh and cheer me up. Many people helped and contributed in many ways towards my recovery and I shall always be grateful to them.

Vegetarian for a month.

2007-09-20T11:41:00.000+08:00

I am vegetarian for a month of Purattasi (tamil calendar month) which started on 18 September 2007 and will end on mid of October 2007. This month is considered a very auspicious month by the Tamilians and special prayers are offered to Lord Venketeswara.

All of us in the family are vegetarians and stick to strict vegetarian diets. We not even consumer any food that has traces of egg.

Special prayers are held on Saturdays at home and after the prayer we all have a authentic
meal served on banana leave.

Although on vegetarian diet, I have never lost weight during this month…because I am hungry often and end up munching a lot.

That is why I went on Sunday to the Pasar Ramadan in my neighbourhood and indulged on variety of traditional malay delicious. This included my all time favourite chicken satay and popiah basah among other things. The food looked oily but what the heck it has been some time I had all these items.

I don’t know about other survivors but I think I am loosing control of my so called planned diet of less sugar, fat and oil. I admire those who have cut down on these and have the discipline to follow their strict diet. I have not been taking my fruit + vegetarians juices.

Sometime I reminder myself about the diet sometimes I tell myself what the heck!

Breast Health Trainer’s Workshop

2007-09-18T09:01:00.000+08:00

I attended the Breast Health Trainer’s Workshop at Johnson and Johnson Medical Malaysia, Wisma Zuellig last Saturday. Supporting partners for this workshop were, Johnson and Johnson Medical, College of Radiology and BCWA.

The workshop was conducted by Dr Evelyn Ho, President of the College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia. About 30-40 women attended this workshop. She gave a comprehensive presentation on various topics. The session started of by everyone introducing themselves. Then I found out there were ladies (who are volunteers) from the Breast Cancer Support Society Kluang, Breast Cancer Support group from Segamat and the rest of us survivors from BCWA. When it came to my turn for introduction, I said I had my own blog. And was I surprised when a lady from Segamat said she had read my blog and left a comment. Wow! Then I discovered it was Maria who left a comment on my previous blog. What a small world it is!

The workshop started as 2.30 pm and ended at 6 pm. The workshop covered a spectrum of topics of breast anatomy, breast self examination, support and counseling. The topics also touched on symptom, diagnosis, screening and testing. I came across mammography tomosynthesis which is being tested in some centres in Malaysia.
Towards the end of the session, we were all divided into groups to test our skill if we were to present a breast self examination talk in front of a group of women.

Breast models with other brochures and postures were handed over to the support groups from Segamat and Kluang. I must take my hats off for these ladies who came all the way from Johor in their learning new skill to be better volunteers and support providers.

Well I look some pictures, which as usual will post later!

I got a call from my friend over the weekend wanting to know whether I was alright as she has not seen a new posting for almost 2 weeks. Oops!looks like a lot people are there to monitor whether I am actively blogging!

My mother celebrated her 63th birthday early this month. Suddenly birthdays have become a must celebrate event for us and not to let it pass without being noticed.

I had time to catch of with another friend of mine who is also a survivor. She has not joined any support group but in her own way she is giving back to society. She give support to others who are diagnosis with cancer referred by family, friends, colleagues or people her neighbourhood. Giving back to society is important and it can be done it so many ways.

Assuring a fellow survivor

2007-08-30T16:26:00.000+08:00

I received a call from a cancer survivor 2 days ago. She was referred to me by my friend. During her chemotherapy I had kept off and on in touch with her. However lately, of course as I have been busy I could not find the time to catch up with the development of her treatment. In fact… I had not spoken to her for a few months.

So when I saw her “miss call” I was truly surprised. I called her back and found out she was doing the marking for her radiotherapy in the general hospital. She has just completed her chemotherapy. She called from the hospital to ask since they did the tumour marker and found nothing alien, must she continue with the radiotherapy. She further added that she was told earlier that she had to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy but now has been increased to 20 sessions.

Of course, I told her that she must have radiotherapy and complete all the 20 sessions. I assured her that all of us have after going through both treatments and have managed the side effects of the treatments. I convinced her that she should not have second thought about it but should complete all the treatments. She also wanted to know which side I had my radiotherapy treatment as hers was on the left and she was worried about her heart. I told her not to worry about her heart right now but deal with her cancer first. She told me she needed some one to talk too and she thought of me! Yap… I know how important it is to talk to another fellow survivor in times when you are not sure of what to do.

I do remember reading that somewhere that measuring of tumour markers in blood as a screening tool, is not conclusive evidence of the existence of cancer.

It also brought memories of the marking session and followed by the radiotherapy treatment we all had to go through.

Relay for Life-Part 2

2007-08-19T22:09:00.000+08:00

I know it has been almost two months...but i only had the time now to posts the Relay for Life pictures. Surprising i had an anonymous blog visitor who asked me about the photos and i thought i better get down to serious business of posting them.
Here they are...

Second day of the relay Sunday morning...I am with two of my friends (One of them a survivor and another volunteered all the way from Ipoh).

Some of the enthusiastic survivors who still looked fresh and energetic on Sunday morning.

We started walking under the drizzle. I am with my mother and Datin Dr Dharmalingam. They both were given rain coats and i went looking for an umbrella.

The crowd focused at the stage for the finale of the relay for life on Sunday morning. There was a sense of achievement and pride felt by the participants as they have contributed towards the success of the event.

Young and old participants continued walking on the track filled with so much energy. I take my hats off for all those senior participants! The sun was really hot that day.

These ladies are the Pink Challengers from the Breast Cancer Welfare Association. They are the adventurous women who continue to take part in dragon boat races. Hip- Hip Hurray for them!

Just before the start of the event on Saturday, the was a heavy down pour with thunder and lighting...but this did not damp the spirit of all those who were there. The merriment went on with dance and music while waiting for the sky to be cleared.

I snapped this photo of the stage at the end of event. Before this there were activities at all times on the stage, performance by the music bands or dancers....

The palm prints of the survivors who came that day. I cannot seem to spot mine. Ha...Ha! Mine and my mother's prints are somewhere on the cloth.

These are tents made available for participants to spent the night on the field. While some caught up with sleep, others joined the activites on the field.

Ha.. I found a picture where a volunteer helped me to press my palm hard on the cloth.

International Conference On Survivorship And Supportive Care in Cancer

2007-08-07T10:09:00.000+08:00

The BCWA is organizing the International Conference on Survivorship and Supportive Care in Cancer over the weekend from 10-12 August 2007 at Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur. The theme of the conference is “Enabling Survival-Promoting Early Intervention and Care”. The conference is held in conjunction with 1^st KL International Congress on Breast and Colorectal Cancer.

Many foreign and local speakers ( including cancer survivors) will be delivering their speeches on a myriad of topics from treatment, to supportive care to benefit finding after cancer. I was hoping to go for this conference but my job schedule does not permit me to do so. I initially planned on going on Saturday and Sunday, then found out there was a family function to attend to on Sunday. That why sometimes it is good not to be working as it would allow one to attend events and seminars at our leisure. ..Ha…Ha!

I am sure the conference will be a success and hope I will be able to attend events like these the next time they are held.

Mammogram cartoons

2007-08-01T14:58:00.000+08:00

My…My!

I have not blogged for so long. Actually I have been very occupied lately. Firstly my department manager resigned and then my weekends are busy doing this, like any other Malaysians

During this period of silence, an email was forwarded to me on Mammograms. Although the message at the beginning was a reminder to have mammograms done but it was followed with some disgusting cartoons about ladies having their mammograms done. The cartoons were poking fun of women’s breasts after having the mammogram done...the different shapes and so on.

I personally was upset when I received it. For many those cartoons may have brought about smiles or laughter as they may be considered humorous. But to me it was totally distasteful, my colleagues too agreed with me. I not think the message to have mammograms done, would reach any one who reads them.

I also read an article which stated a research was done among women, where the study concluded that a diet extra heavy in fruit and vegetables was not better than one with the standard recommended amounts in preventing the recurrence of breast cancer. Well for me everything in moderation is important. Sometimes it is really difficult to follow the recommended diet, most probably being Asians our servings are less. Anyway I can’t eat much at night either. As I usually have my dinner before 8pm, I find stomach discomfort on the days that I have my dinner after 8pm.

Recently, I got inspired when an anonymous person left a message in my previous post and a friend of mine who got hold of “The Journey” said it was wonderful via sms. It was a great feeling after reading the succinct comments.

THE JOURNEY-Newsletter by NSCM

2007-07-12T11:44:00.000+08:00

A copy of “THE JOURNEY”, the newsletter published by NSCM was sent to my office recently. My colleague brought it to me immediately. A few minutes later when I had the chance to look at it I was surprised to see my picture….hei! What am I doing! Ah!...it was picture take during the fashion parade held in conjunction with the NCSM’s Yellow Week 2005 at Suria KLCC Main Concourse.

That was the first time in my life I took part in a fashion show and I must say I had a wonderful time. It was also immediately after I had completed my treatment in August 2005 and this gave me a real image booster. I paraded myself in designer clothes and professional make up… face…ah!....ah! It was really a new experience for me…but have not got the opportunity to do so after that although there were invitations. What to do…as most of the event falls on a working day.

I realized they have also published the article I for the newsletter titled “ My first 2 days of being diagnosed with breast cancer-NCSM’s support”. Looking back, I am really glad the article was published because it emphasizes my favourite message i.e “It is important to open up and receive support when dealing with breast cancer”. It is also good I wrote this article and to have my experience documented. This is because as the years go by, I may forget how I handled the situation during treatment. As it is I always had a problem remembering things! I hope the article will inspire others to seek and receive support when diagnosed with cancer.

About last week I received a call from BCWA about doing a mother & daughter interview for a local woman’s magazine with a wide circulation. The writer wanted to write an article based on cancer in the family. As I had to check with my mom, I told them that my mom is not me and may be reluctant to give the interview. True enough when I asked my mother she was not in favour of it. To be interview is one’s prerogative
and they decision should be respected!

As I looked at “THE JOURNEY” again to write this post, I am glad for all the new experiences gained. After BC , I am game for new frontiers!

Changes in my right Breast.

2007-06-29T15:35:00.000+08:00

I had my mammogram done this morning. I thought as usual it was going to be a breeze through but was I in for a rude shock. While I was waiting for the mammogram results, the young radiologist assistance came and said they have to do ultrasound examination. When I heard that my heart was really beating fast and the first thing that came to my mind was, “Oh No! Something is wrong!”

There were several radiologists (properly assistances or trainees) in the room and one of them told me that because of my history they felt the need to have the ultrasound examination done. They keep probing my breast with the transducer for almost 20 minutes and there were 3 doctors doing the examination. I was really praying hard everything would be okay. Finally the head radiologist explained that they found changes in my breast on this mammogram compared to the one done last year. It fact they found more cysts and calcification (deposit of calcium in the tissues). She asked several question including when I had my last menstrual and when was gyne visit. I told I have not had my periods for 2 months now and my gyne visit is due next week. She wanted me to do another mammogram on a certain spot on the top of the breast just to be sure nothing abnormal is there and to have a follow up in 6 months’ time.

Then I went back again to next room to have another mammogram done. After that the radiologist told me to come back in 6 months time. During this time, it struck my mind may be I was eating too much of food with calcium content and I must be more careful of my diet. Well, from the hospital I got back to work as I only had taken time off and after doing a search on the internet…it states that calcium in the diet does not create calcium deposit in the breast. I spoke to a fellow survivor for support and then carried on with work.

Earlier on the morning episode had left me quite shaken and upset. Now, I have calmed myself down … well…what has to happen will happen…just enjoy life and pray.

Half Year Clean Up

2007-06-21T09:51:00.000+08:00

I was down with fever 2 weeks ago. In fact during that time most of my family members were having flu or fever. The whole house was a “sickly” zone! I had the fever for 4 days and I did a blood test for dengue. Well lucky after the blood test, the fever suddenly disappeared and the results showed it was not dengue. After that episode, I am struck with a bad chest cough. Although it is much better now, but I am still coughing off and on. Since this is June, I joked to my friends that is the half year clean up of the body system….ha!....ha!

So really I have not been in the best of moods lately. I have not been going for my tai chi exercise for the past 2 weeks nor have I done any other form of exercise. I feel like a couch potato. I even missed my toastmasters meeting last week.

Early this week a friend of mine whose is a fellow breast cancer survivor called to have a chat. She too has not been well, with a constant blister on her tongue. The doctors that she saw told her not to worry however recommended her to do a biopsy. She is so afraid of doing one…I can understand the feeling. It was both of us pouring out our fears and worries about this and that. Even the smallest health conditions will create a fear in us.

In the midst of swallowing antibiotics, I ever forgot to take my tamaxifon. Funny really…I have been taken it for more than a year now every day, and there are times I forget to take it. Then I worry if missing to take the tablet will bring about other problems.

Well…worry or fear…life goes on!

Relay for Life KL 2007

2007-06-07T09:20:00.000+08:00

It was an awesome event during the weekend. My parents, a friend and I were at Bukit Jalil. The event was Relay for Life (RLF) organized by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). True to the Malaysian spirit of “Malaysia Boleh”, the event started with a high spirit despite the heavy downpour an hour before the opening ceremony. The event was officiated by NCSM honorary advisor Datin Zuraidah Atan followed by a speech by the president Mr Anthony Skelchy.

Although the rain had abated by then and it was drizzling, it did not stop the 300 odd cancer survivors from all ages to walk the survivors’ lap. I must admire all of them, who braved the drizzle, however I used an umbrella and my mother was given a rain coat. Survivors beam proudly as they walked around the stadium accompanied by the boisterous cheers from the crowd.

The atmosphere at MSN Training Stadium’s was one of carnival with live music, live performance, concerts, activities, games and even Ms Malaysia graced the occasion.
Participants from corporate organizations, colleges and individuals continued walking or running for 16 hours on the track. It being school holidays, there were lots of young children joining the activities adding more energy to the RFL. Some people had also adorned their creative costumes while walking on the track. People came with their families and I remembered seeing babies being pushed in the pram around the field. There were also tents for those who wanted to spend the night at the stadium.

I left the stadium about 9.30pm as it was still drizzling and my parents wanted to get home. But the activities were on full swing with everyone having a good time. I was hoping the Luminaria Ceremony would start by then but because of the rain, the event had to be delayed.

I went back again the next morning to the Stadium and to my surprise the crowd was still there. People who stayed over night did not look tired at all. I marvel the energy all of them had. May be next year I must try spending the night at the stadium to witness the enthusiasms of the crowd. That morning I walked a few rounds with my friend on the track….I did not want be left out of the feeling of creating history as RFL was for the first time held in KL…ha…ha!

At 10 am that Sunday morning the RLF came to an end. A record of success has been made in the history books of NCSM. Heartiest congratulations to the organizing committee (many of them cancer survivors), for their tireless & selfless volunteerism have borne into a beautiful fruit to be remembered by all who participated. All those organizations and individual who donated in kind or cash must be applauded. For survivors like me, it was a proud moment when I made the survivors’ lap…a sense of achievement…Hei! I have made it too.

I had taken some picture which will be posted later.

DELIVERING A PRESENTATION IN TAMIL

2007-05-25T09:49:00.000+08:00

I always wanted to know how I would perform if I was asked to speak in Tamil about BC. I had the opportunity to test my skills last Sunday early morning. There was a breast self examination (BSE)programme organized by the women's wing of Petubuhan Kebajikan Socio Ekonomi Masyarakat India KL & Selangor (PEREMI) with the assistance of Yayasan Strategik Sosial. The BSE was the first programme after the opening ceremony.

This was the PEREMI’s inaugural event which was officiated by it patron YB. Tuan Manibalan Kutty. Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) was invited to conduct the session on BSE.

Besides me there were two other survivors, Sarojini and Vimala. I started by sharing how I discovered BC, followed by my fellow survivors. I realized a lot of times I express myself in English that I have forgotten how certain words are spoken in Tamil.

I even forgot how “breast” is said in Tamil….can you believe that! I also totally did not know the tamil word for “menstruation”. Anyway I quickly picked up the words and used them in the presentation.

There were about 30-40 women from all ages. BSE techniques were explained by making reference to the BCWA pamphlet. Teaching sets of silicon breast were available for all women to have the hands on experience.

The audience had a lot of questions to ask, which we gladly answered. It was a good one hour session.

I was actually proud of myself for having been able make the presentation in Tamil. I must congratulate PEREMI for creating more awarenss about BSE to the indian women.

My first presentation in Tamil

Silicon breast sets for on hands experince

Vimala explaining about BSE to a participant

Marion of the BCWA showing to a participant how to feel the lumps on the silicon breast

Organising Chairman Dr Batumalai Velu presenting a token of appreciation to Babara of the BCWA

Toxicity Level of Vegetables & Fruits

2007-05-10T16:06:00.000+08:00

I really got upset when I read the recent reports of farmers using banned pesticides. It is important for everyone to eat healthy and fresh veggie and fruits, especially us the cancer survivors. According to these reports these tainted vegetables and fruits are so easy available in wet markets, supermarkets and pasar malam. What then do we do anyway if all these vegetables which looks so beautiful from the outside because so much illegal pesticides have been sprayed with the banned pesticides. One consumer group claims that the illegal farms are so prevalent in Malaysia that almost half the produce of vegetables like cucumbers, brinjals, ladies fingers, chillies and leafy vegetables contain dangerous amounts of pesticides.

After all the treatments, I already have enough alien substances in my body. The irony is, I have to eat more servings of nutritionally rich food but yet at the back of my mind, is the level of toxic each vegetable contains. This fact really bugs when I make myself a bowl of salad from raw vegetables, which I enjoy alot.

Well, farmers do not realize that all these illegal pesticides are also a serious health hazard to them too beside the consumers.

Alternatively I can go for organic food but then I am not on organic food due to cost and availability. I seriously wish there will be more ethical farming practices and awareness among farmers on the use of illegal pesticides. They are used so as to reap higher profits…but then what good is it there if people do not live long enough to enjoy it.

For now, I will continue to buy vegetables which have signs that they have been eaten by insects and have leafy veggies soaked in water before eating them.

Hospital Visits

2007-05-07T13:51:00.000+08:00

I read an article written by an oncologist on bed manners which touched on how not to visit a cancer patient. This brought to mind my own experience when I spent 2 nights at the hospital when I had the mastectomy .

I personally felt good when my relatives and friends came to see me…after all I told all and sundry that I was going for a mastectomy.

It was nice to have them, bringing flowers or boxes of ikan aruwan among others items. Most importantly was the fact they brought with them lots of laughter and cheerfulness. That made me forgot the pain and uneasiness of the surgery, the fear and anguish of having breast cancer.

Friends whom I have not seen for ages came to visit me and I was really pleasantly surprised. To me, all their visits showed me they cared for me and I cherish that.

Well, each of us have of own perspectives of people having visit us when we are in hospitals. I know some friends who rather not have visitors as they just want to be left alone to rest and recover. Of course to those friends, I respect their privacy and would make enquiries from their family members on how they are recovering in the hospital.

I now recollect the encounters which I had heard from patients when I used make my hospital visits as a volunteer with the general hospital in Klang. Patients’ grouses included people had tried to sell them health products, strangers approaching them to preach about religion, family members do not coming often enough to visit them or worst still family members have not come at all but have left the maid to look after the patient.

That is the reason why when we volunteers visit them, they would be chatty or at least make an effort to smile. We had spent time with them talking to help them overcome their boredom or assist them in any other way.

Recently, I have a few people whom I know (friend’s friend or family member) diagnosed with breast cancer. As I was unable to visit them in the hospitals, I had endeavored to speak to them via handphone to motivate and to give them confidence. I think this I important as one lays in bed worried about life after surgery due to breast cancer.

Aromatic Massage & Reflexology

2007-05-02T11:39:00.000+08:00

My friends and I decided to drive to Melaka last Saturday, just to get away from the rigmarole of the weekend life at the Klang Valley.

As did not book any hotel rooms early, we finally found empty rooms at the Melaka Straits Hotel. We checked into our rooms and took a walk in the scorching sun around the town and had our lunch at the Indian street. At night we had dinner had the Portugis Settlement. We took a table near the sea wall and could hear the small waves beating against the rocks.

We feasted ourselves to some Portugis cuisine. Beside our table was a stall which sold all kinds of sea nails and cockles with were barbequed. Some of the shell thingy…I have not seen in my life! Of course, we were not adventurous with our sea food so we did not try them but other customers were really enjoying the shells which were sold like hot cakes. We restricted ourselves to “sotong sambal” and “Portugis Fish Baked” and we thoroughly enjoyed.

Many of the people at this settlement looked like to me are fishermen during the day and at night they operate the food stalls.

After dinner, as it was still early we just drove into town again and the shop with the sign reflexology caught our attention. So we went into the shop and at a reflexology session for 30 minutes. As the reflexlogist applied pressure at my soles almost every point was painfully. He said I had lot of air in my tummy among others. It was supposed to relax me but it was a realization for me that most parts of my body were not in good shape…ha….ha!

As we completed our session and was driving away, another sign board got our attention. All types of massage. I think we were in the area of the town which was a centre for all these massages and therapies. Since we did not have anything planned and since we would not find the time to indulge ourselves in the therapies when we were back home, we decided to try out the aromatic massage. We had a good one hour session. I have never had experienced aromatic massage before so I was quite reluctant at first because of my hand.

I told the young girl therapist that I am a cancer survivor and warned her nicely of course not to touch my left hand at all. She said she had never had a cancer survivor before and I am her first. Of course in between massaging, she would check to see whether I am alright. She also said I had lots of wind in my veins and I wanted to tell her that was old news! With the pains on my sole, I had more pain to my body….what away to spend a holiday ah!

The brisk stokes and the relaxing movement lulled me into a state of semi sleepiness though I was conscious of the hard pressure from the therapist hands. I allowed the therapist to massage the left back shoulder, but she did not touch my left hand at all.
I was tempted to ask her to do a gentle massage but the thought of any chances of having numbness on the hand prevent me from doing so.

We all slept well that Saturday night. We returned back on Sunday, and with me still complaining of soreness on my soles, hip and thighs.

I suppose the next time I go for any of these therapies it would not be so painful as I hope there will be less wind /air in my body!

Lift Etiquette

2007-04-25T14:43:00.000+08:00

I just got hit by the lift doors because 3 selfish people who went into the lift first did not have the courtesy to the press the button for the doors to remain open until everyone was in.

Well this is the selfish attitude of people these days. For a change after being hit by the doors, I raised my voice and said “Jaga sikit lain kali!” Of course the three dumb fools just kept quite and did not even have the courtesy to apologize. What a bunch of nin-com-poops!

This has happen to me several times and after the lift door hits, my left arm is painful and some times it is numb for days. That is why I am usually careful when I enter the lift these days.

I was surprised at my own outburst. With more self centered people lurking around, in every nook and corner, it is time to be vocal!

My Sunday Discoveries

2007-04-22T22:37:00.000+08:00

I just found out this morning, two of my neighbours a few houses away have been hospitalized for dengue fever. When people came yesterday to spray the insecticides in our housing area, we were wondering why all of a sudden the town council has sent their men to spray. After hearing the news this morning, it explains the men’s presence. Hope the insecticides have eradicated the mosquito population in my housing area…that is the last thing we need, is to be down with dengue fever.

My 4-month old nephew had his head shaved at Batu Caves today. I climbed the 272 steps to reach the hilltop, panting and catching my breath at several stops on the way. When I reached home, I had a muscle pull at my right leg and my heart was still beating fast as it was going to pop out of my chest. Looks like going for Tai-Chi does not change the fact that I am getting old…ha…ha!

As I was resting my legs this afternoon and reading the papers, I came across this article on how a number of people have signed up to have their bodies frozen after death in the hope of being thawed and brought back to life some day. It is about the world of cryonics. These people are convinced that if they were frozen carefully and quickly soon after their death, their bodies could be maintained indefinitely until science found a cure for whatever illness that claimed their lives.

When the time comes, they hope the future generations would be able to take them out of cryogenic suspension and jump-start back them into a second life. It was interesting article to read on how people are willing to pay lots of money for a second life.

That made me think, what about those suffering from breast cancer. Would they want to be put in cryogenic suspension and brought back to life many years later when there is medicine advancement? Among other issues, that is an interesting, expensive and morally ethical thought to consider as it creates revolution for human existence.

Punching Bag

2007-04-12T17:01:00.000+08:00

I represented my area in the Toastmasters International, District 51, Division C, International Speech Contest last weekend. The title of my speech was “punching bag”. The speech was for 5-7 minutes. I spoke about when challenges coming knocking at our doors at once, how to cope with such adversities. I associated adversity to be a boxer and we the punching bag

Of course, I said the first thumb rule was self confidence. To believe in oneself of our inner strength and willpower. The second rule was to find alternatives. I related how my first chemotherapy was really bad and how I found ways to reduce the effects by going to tai chi. The final rule was the phrase chemotherapy taught “this is only for a few months”. I spoke how I lost my crowning glory, my eye lashes fell on my blouse, my eyebrow thinned and nails turned black. I said I was an image of a sunflower with no petals! But this image was only for a few months and how I look stylize after that.

I concluded my saying how when life gives punches, we must the punching bag to bounce back.

I was declared the 1st runner-up of the contest. I was naturally disappointed and bruised by the result. I thought I did well but the judges must have thought otherwise. My club members were encouraging as they said I should take this defeat in a stride and with humility and this will make me a speaker in future.

Contesting was a great experience for me. I would not like to dwell too much on the defeat but remember the fact that many people who came to me and said it was inspiring and a good speech. So I guess I am a winner in other ways!

A Small Celebration

2007-04-04T21:38:00.000+08:00

We had a small celebration 2 weeks ago. It was the ear piercing ceremony for my 3 months nephew Theenesh and a small celebration of my father's birthday. After all it has been some time that we had merriment after all the life's adventures we experienced in recent months.

My relatives and close family members graced the occasion. Of course my father wanted the celebration to be a surprise so only close family members know about it.

Food was prepared by the The Big Rajah Caterer where my cousin works. As usual the food tantalized everyone’s taste buds. We also had instantly cooked kuey tow for the vegetarians. Guests indulged in ice kacang, which was great for a hot night.We also had lamb chop...my favourite...but then i only took one piece this time around. Regretted it later, should have taken one more...he...he!

I too showed my creative talent that night. Since I have my own garden with flower plants, I decided to use them. I took small bowls, filled them with water, put some coloured flowers and put tea lights into them. I wanted to have green colour too…guess what I did…I plucked some curry leaves from the garden and added the dark green into the array of coloured flowers. Ha…ha…that’s my creative juices working.When everyone is showing off their inner talents, i too decided to take the first step of having it captured for the blog!

Then I had used Bel Air Fragrance Green Tea to give fragrance around the house. I was given this by a friend who came to see me during my chemo days. I got hooked to them. Whenever i use them it always reminds me of the chemo days for a few seconds.

Since it was Sunday night, the celebration ended early. The weather to was very accommodating, although it was hot, it did not rain...thank god for that.I must say everyone had a good time. The baby got hugged and kissed by almost everyone. It was a great day.