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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
No mammography for women under 40 years
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.
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.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Pledging Our Organs
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.
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.
Monday, October 01, 2007
A gift for a cancer patient
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.
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.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Vegetarian for a month.
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Breast Health Trainer’s Workshop
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.
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.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Assuring a fellow survivor
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.
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.
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