Avoided a head on collision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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 US 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 80 year 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

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

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

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

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

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