Family History of Breast Cancer

I had no history of breast cancer in my family and now that I survived breast cancer, I have started the family history. Ha!...Ha! In away, it has increased the risk for my family members developing breast cancer so more my first degree and my second degree relatives. My first degree relative will only be my mother and my second degree relatives who be my grandmother, aunties, cousins and nieces.

I came across this on What are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer posted by American Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.org/ which states “Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease….. Having 1 first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk”.

I must strongly advocate breast cancer examination among my relatives and to the older family members mammography.

OFF-BEAT AND OFF-MOOD

I have been off-beat and off-mood for the last 2 weeks. My chest cold has improved although I still have some remnants of it. It all started 3 months ago, I initially had lots of phlegm. The weather has been cold these past few weeks as it has been raining heavily almost every other day.

What more, my Tai Chi workouts are done outside on the open air in the cool mist. I now completely cover myself from toe to heat by wearing track bottoms, long sleeves T-shirt and a cap to cover my head. I have also been skipping some of the workouts due to all these reasons.

I have also stopped taking my concoction of juices (fruits & vegetables) in the mornings. Probably the “cooling” elements from the juices may have also contributed towards the phlegm.

Anyway my last visit to my doctor on this matter was, it has improved and my chest is clear. Thank god for that! At one point, I thought I might have the “C” in my lungs!

I also had to deal with other facet of lives beside my own. In this turn of event, one episode after another, I am somewhat emotionally and mentally drained.

I had also visit several medical centres in the Klang Valley recently as my father had an hernia operation and other medical conditions on the ear and neck that had to be treated. During this time, my own memories of hospitals paid me a visit.

Another realization hit me too. Will I live as old as my father to go through the other conditions of old age? Well! Time will tell!

MIM TOASTMASTERS CLUB OF PETALING JAYA, DeepaRaya Meeting

MIM Toastmasters Club of Petaling Jaya’s meeting on 1st November 2006 was a DeepaRaya meeting. Deviating from our normal meeting of table topics, humour and prepared speeches sessions, this meeting had the ambience of colour and custom. We also had several guests who came to the club for the first time. The Division C Governor, Ratnam and Area Governor C4 , Chuan too graced this meeting.

We, the members of the club, had a gala time celebrating our Deepavali and Hari Raya celebrations. A mist the glow from the kuttu vilakku (Indian lamp), the meeting was filled with air of festivity.

The Shah Hotel’s meeting room was decorated not only with the kuttu vilakku but also with kolam , ketupats , sarongs and greetings cards. Some members also came in wonderful traditional costumes of salwar kameez, kurta, sari, kebaya and baju melayu. Whereas, the rest brought with them the spirit of celebration. Our long lost member Syed, gave us a surprise with his presence…handsomely dressed.

The toastmaster of the evening Ishaq, took the meeting to an exciting start. Invocation was done by Hong who talked about lion king and introduced Hakuna Matata(where the heart lies). Club’s president Bruce immediately said that Hakuna Matata will be the theme of the club for this term.

The meeting started of with a record of 3 new members Sharmini, Wendy and Wei Chung oozing with enthusiasm to kick start their career in public speaking and all of them did well in their maiden performance in the ice breaker speeches. This was followed by Yeoh with a speech from the advanced manual. Ishaq ticked our funny bones with some quick humour.

That concluded the first half of the meeting. Then it was refreshment time. We indulged in array of delicious food contributed by not only Hindu and Muslim members but other members as well. We had mee goreng, kuih-muih, keropok, spicy chicken, Indian sweetmeats, muruku and vadai. As were we enjoying the food and mingling, our games show master Chrisie reminded us to be ready for the more fun.

Chrisie divided us into two groups with the names of Toasters and Idlers. Gina was leader of Toasters and I was the leader of Idlers. The games included, charade, Oscar winner, Romeo & Juliet , and another hilarious game of husband and wife. The last, was each group had to sing the club’s anthem with their own words. Members had a swing time, some displaying their talents in drama and acting and others laughing their heads off at the antics of members. The clubs’ anthem was composed and sung within minutes. The Toasters were declared the winners.

Before we called it a day, we had the gift exchange session. Then the exhilarating meeting came to an end.

Below is the extract of President Bruce’s mail of the event:

[[ The ladies came in resplendent in their saris, Gina, Valli, Sharmini, Bathma and Chrisie. The man came out second best with Jaya in a very handsome Indian outfit and not to be outdone our veteran Syed came in an equally handsome baju melayu. The decorations immaculate with a colourful kolam painstakingly done by the ladies. For those who missed out on last night wonderful meeting and fellowship, I believe the photos would be posted on either Valli's Blog or our own website.

We had three icebreakers or done in superb fashion and Yeo T K attempting a role playing assignment trying to sell something to someone who doesn't know that he needs it yet. He chosed a difficult customer in Dr. Khong. Good to have Yeo T K attempting his assignment, almost a year after his last.

Best speaker went to Sharmini.... She really surprised me with her age. She looked so much younger......

Fellowship was great with gifts exchanged. The gameshow master, Chrisie Tan was at her best, drawing out the potential acting and singing talents from our members.

Great nite of fun, laughter and fellow ship. Keep up the euphoria.

Hakuna Matata (Our theme for the year)

Bruce Chan ]]

Here are photos which will paint pictures of the excitement and camaraderie!

[Smiles of the members and guests]

[Ishaq, Gina, Valli, Chrisie, Sharmini,Jaya and Bathma in the tradisional costumes]

[Gina briefing her team the TOASTERS]

[Game show master Chrisie watches Syed and Carol as they act in the drama]

[Club president Bruce welcoming members and guest]

[ I briefing my team Idlers on club's athem]

[Prepared project speakers eagerly waiting for thier presentations]

[Veera and guest in the Romeo & Juliet with a twist storyline]

[Chuan, Dr Khong and guest from the Toasters singing the club's athem]

[I must thank my colleagues for coming with the idea of the kolam. They provided the coloured rice, design and did the most of preparation. I just put it all togehter and the ladies of the club put the final touches to it. Wahlah! The kolam formed in less than 20 minutes]

[Members and guests]

MIM TOASTMASTERS CLUB OF PETALING JAYA MEETS AT: SHAH'S VILLAGE HOTEL, PETALING JAYA EVERY 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAYS OF THE MONTH

Love My Life. BSE, I have it!

Early this month, I shared my experience as a cancer survivor at the Pink October Campaign with the theme “Love My Life- BSE, I Have It” by Malaysian lingerie brand Xixili. The BSE Awareness campaign was held at Xixili Boutique at 1 Utama Shopping Complex.

I had a small crowd of 20 people this time around but amazingly the audience were interactive. I had lots of questions asked about breast cancer and after the talk I had ladies come up to ask about menopausal issues!

Xixili has introduced the BSE calendar cards as reminder to women to conduct monthly self-examinations.


Presentation Corner in the Boutique

A unique experience of presentation among sexy mannequins and ladies lingerie! Some shoppers were coming in and going out during presentation oblivious to what was going on. Some came in but shied away quickly thinking they may have to buy something.

Xixili Boutique

Xixili Boutique decorated with pink ballon in a heart shape. There was also booths outside the Botique with free trials on breast dummy to discover and how to check and detect breast lump. Talks on breast health were also presentated by other speakers

Below are two photos taking on the tropical rainforest at 1 Utama. I must admit I truly admired the lush greenery with many species of flora and fauna. It was a good ambience of having a forest and colourful fishes amidst cafes and restaurants.


Rainforest at 1 Utama Shopping Complex

Deepavali-The Festival of Lights

I really enjoyed my Deepavali this year binging on forbidden food to some but mouth-watering to me.

This year the Festival of Lights celebration was a real family affair. All of us in the family were tied down with work so we decided on a family celebration for a change. We did not extend invitation to friends as the previous years. Only my uncles and their families visited us. The rest of the holidays were spent resting and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

As for food, we were woke up to the aroma of mother’s delicious cooking on Deepavali. After the customary oil bath and going to the temple, we indulged in mother’s cuisine of chicken kurma, mutton curry and briyani rice. Adding on to this, we suddenly had lots of variety of Indian sweetmeats and guess what!...I enjoyed them in abundance. Not to forget the muruku and other Indian palagarams (traditional tidbits). As some of the family members were vegeterians, mother had also prepared idli, vadai, sambar and chillie chutney. The briyani too was prepared in a vegeterian style with vegetable kurma and oninons & cucumber yoghurt salad ( raita) to go along with it.

Festive Cookies

Some of the Indian palagarams that were served and which I truly enjoyed! Made from rice flour, ghee, lots of sugar, almonds etc.

A Part of My Deepavali Meal

Yummp! Briyani rice (basmati rice), spicy mutton curry, chicken kurma. It is does not look delicious...then I must improve my photography skills!

Of course, somewhere behind my head, I heard an echo saying “be careful…all these festive food are oily, fatty, meaty and sweetie.” But then I was happily and enthusiastically savouring the Deepavali specialties…after all it is Deepavali, a time for celebration and merriment. I put aside the breast cancer issue and celebrated Deepavali the Malaysian way!

I also revisited childhood when I played fire crackers which I bought for my 2 year old nephew. Well, we need to add sparkle to our lives and what better way then to see the colourful sparks on the clear night sky.

And guess what? The following day, for first time in my life, I went saw a movie at TVG a day after Deepavali. Although it was not a tamil movie I saw the “PRESTIGE”. Wow! And I really enjoyed the magic in it.

This year was within family and next year i think, i will invite friends and throw a party. After all every DEEPAVALI ust be different, unique and memorial.

Pink October-The Malaysian Awareness

A thought came to me two days ago that made me eager to find out how many ladies knew that October is a Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So I sent mails, asked colleagues, friends and some total strangers whether they were aware that it the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I also got some friends to ask their colleagues too.

About 50 ladies were asked. The verdict majority of them are not aware of the Pink October. That does not sound good at actually. I remember reading an article early this month stating that not many Malaysian realize this symbolic month. It clears shows there are a lot more needed to be done in creating awareness.

I know there are various activities and campaign to create public awareness being initiated by various bodies including the radio stations, magazines, manufacturers and distributors of beauty products and women apparels, hospitals and medical centres. Others have also come out with their products in the pink colour, participating outlets are giving away goodie bags, discount voucher and insurance companies have launched new schemes for female related diseases.

Proceeds from the various activities among others, charity auction, charity golf, charity walk are being donated to the various cancer related organizations. In addition, some organizations are also subsidizing or sponsoring mammography for the lower income group.

At the road shows and public forums educational talk, breast self examination demonstration, free consultations are some of the important agendas. I, myself have participated at these forums where a survivor is called to share her experience.

To be frank, I can’t remember whether I knew of Pink October before my encounter with breast cancer. Many may not be aware of it but I know more Malaysians are aware of breast cancer more than ever now compared to a few years ago.

CROWNING GLORY

My friend’s mother-in-law who is 66 years old has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. The doctors have begun treatment by administering chemotherapy first. She has completed her first cycle of chemo and is experiencing hair loss. My friend told me she was very disturbed my this. At this juncture, I decided it was a good time to visit her.

I shared my experience of my “chemo days’. I told her when I started to experience hair loss, I knew I would not be stand the sight of my thick black mane coming off in strands gradully until there is not hair left on my head. In fact it was rather disturbing to see my hair in clumps in the hair brush. It really did undermine ones femininity and image. As I have read about some women shaving their head, I decided to go bald too! Anyway, being a Hindu it is auspicious to shave ones head for fulfilling a vow or receiving a blessing from GOD.

I had decided to go Batu Caves in the pretext of religious pilgrimage to shave my hair then. And so, I went all the way to Batu Caves, one early morning after my first chemo to have my hair ceremonious removed! After that, this year, I once again shaved my hair during Thaipusam at Batu Caves as an offering of thanks to Lord Murugan.

After becoming bald, it took time to getting use to seeing my reflection on the mirror and assuring myself that it still is the same old me with just a different look! I only used a scarf and that to only when I went out of the house, I wasn’t in favour of a wig because, I am quite clumsy and if in did not put it on properly I would look like a clown! NOW…I have cut my hair so short that men have longer hair style then me. Anyway, my friends say I look more stylish now and I DO…Ha!...Ha!

I also told my friend’s mother-in-law, the hair loss on the head will also be followed by hair loss from other parts of the body. I quickly also assured her everything will grow back after completion of treatment. She listened calmly to my encounters and my experiences with breast cancer. After hearing all that I had to say, she said she would think about shaving her mane. I know she would need time to think about it and she can only do so when she is really comfortable with the thought of being bald. After all a woman’s beautiful mane is her crowning glory and it is not easy to be without it.