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!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
International Conference On Survivorship And Supportive Care in Cancer
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Mammogram cartoons
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.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
THE JOURNEY-Newsletter by NSCM
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!
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!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Changes in my right Breast.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Half Year Clean Up
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!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Relay for Life KL 2007
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.
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.
Friday, May 25, 2007
DELIVERING A PRESENTATION IN TAMIL
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
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
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