1Malaysia ?
Can you guess who are these politicians and which political party they belonged to ?
She reminds me of the wife of .......
Murugih, why you do all those nonsense to me ?Sunday, June 28, 2009
She reminds me of the wife of .......Murugih, why you do all those nonsense to me ?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bits & Bytes.....
I went for my 8th 3DCRT session today. So, with 8 down, I still have at least 23 more sessions to go. These sessions will keep me occupied until end of July 2009. My friend, Suet Fun, met me and my wife at the Radiotherapy centre of the hospital. After my RT, we went to an Indian Restaurant at Jalan Gasing for some light snacks. Surprisingly, my appetite for foods is good today, I managed to finished 3 quarters piece of Roti telur, few pieces of spicy curry chicken, and a small cup of Teh Halia. If I can maintain my current improvement of appetite, I should be able to arrest my declining weight. I am now weighing at around 65KG. Compared to my 102 Kg a year ago, I am now not half the man I used to be !!!!!
The 3DCRT session usually last less than 15 minutes a day, and compared to intravenous chemotherapy, it is much more “comfortable” to deal with. However, 3DCRT in combination with oral chemo drugs also comes with its documented sides effects. I had been told to expect softness and sore in foot and palm, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, etc. But so far, after 8 sessions of treatment, I only encountered constipation issues and nausea. Yesterday, I encountered some minor nose bleeding, but I was told not to be overly alarmed by this side effects. I guess, after almost a years of dealing with so many treatment protocols and drugs, I am more or less getting used to expecting the unexpected.
I also realized, I am beginning to lose some minor motor control of my physical body. Last Sunday, while walking with my son at a park in Shah Alam, I fell down twice because, for no apparent reasons, my left leg just went limped and encountered momentary lost of sensations. There are also quite a numbers of recent occasions where I had problem to lift my left leg momentarily. I seriously do not think this is a side effect of the 3DCRT or oral chemo drugs. Most probably it is caused by malnutrition of proteins and wastage of muscle tissues. I just need to make sure I put in more proteins into my system, and exercise my leg to built back the needed muscle tissues.
As part of the assessment of my new treatment;s progress, I took my blood test on Friday, and the result which was released on Monday, was not encouraging at all, my CA 19.9 market shot up substantially. Probably in the past, the Taceva did managed to control the cancer cells but was not able to trigger remission. Perhaps, while I am implementing new treatment strategy to eliminate the cancer cells, those nasty mutants also quietly launched a counter attack against me. I suspect, the new treatment protocol of 3DCRT in combination with Xeloda was not able to achieve the desired result yet. The good doctor told me not to overly anxious about the latest test result, but to continue with the new treatment strategy and to wait out for the next 2 to 3 test results.
On Monday, after my usual 3dCrT session, I came home a bit tired and proceeded to take rest in my room. I fell asleep soon, but suddenly realized I had problem breathing ! In my semi conscious dreamy state, I saw a young handsome boy resembling me stomping his foot on my face. I struggled to freed myself from the situation and woke up from my short sleep. My first realization is, was this boy my son ? Many years ago, I made a decision to medically terminate the life of my 2nd unborn child. That cold clinical decision was not an easy decision, but nevertheless, I made that decision. I though, after so many years, I had let go, but it doesn't seemed to be. That decision I made, keep coming back to haunt me in many emotional and irrational manifestations. Sometimes, I do wish I can turn back the clock, see things differently, and perhaps, with different outcomes.
Being inflicted with this dreaded illness also made me realized how lucky I am. I am blessed with so many beautiful people in my times of difficulties. I have a very supportive spouse who is willing to accommodate my needs at all times. I also realized, my children have suddenly grown up trying their level best to show their appreciations and to be supportive of me. I am also blessed with so many good friends and relatives who constantly gave me words of encouragements, assistances, and moral support to help me fight on.
I have a good family and good friends. Well, life is beautiful ! But I do missed my cup of hot aromatic black coffee..................
The 3DCRT session usually last less than 15 minutes a day, and compared to intravenous chemotherapy, it is much more “comfortable” to deal with. However, 3DCRT in combination with oral chemo drugs also comes with its documented sides effects. I had been told to expect softness and sore in foot and palm, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, etc. But so far, after 8 sessions of treatment, I only encountered constipation issues and nausea. Yesterday, I encountered some minor nose bleeding, but I was told not to be overly alarmed by this side effects. I guess, after almost a years of dealing with so many treatment protocols and drugs, I am more or less getting used to expecting the unexpected.
I also realized, I am beginning to lose some minor motor control of my physical body. Last Sunday, while walking with my son at a park in Shah Alam, I fell down twice because, for no apparent reasons, my left leg just went limped and encountered momentary lost of sensations. There are also quite a numbers of recent occasions where I had problem to lift my left leg momentarily. I seriously do not think this is a side effect of the 3DCRT or oral chemo drugs. Most probably it is caused by malnutrition of proteins and wastage of muscle tissues. I just need to make sure I put in more proteins into my system, and exercise my leg to built back the needed muscle tissues.
As part of the assessment of my new treatment;s progress, I took my blood test on Friday, and the result which was released on Monday, was not encouraging at all, my CA 19.9 market shot up substantially. Probably in the past, the Taceva did managed to control the cancer cells but was not able to trigger remission. Perhaps, while I am implementing new treatment strategy to eliminate the cancer cells, those nasty mutants also quietly launched a counter attack against me. I suspect, the new treatment protocol of 3DCRT in combination with Xeloda was not able to achieve the desired result yet. The good doctor told me not to overly anxious about the latest test result, but to continue with the new treatment strategy and to wait out for the next 2 to 3 test results.
On Monday, after my usual 3dCrT session, I came home a bit tired and proceeded to take rest in my room. I fell asleep soon, but suddenly realized I had problem breathing ! In my semi conscious dreamy state, I saw a young handsome boy resembling me stomping his foot on my face. I struggled to freed myself from the situation and woke up from my short sleep. My first realization is, was this boy my son ? Many years ago, I made a decision to medically terminate the life of my 2nd unborn child. That cold clinical decision was not an easy decision, but nevertheless, I made that decision. I though, after so many years, I had let go, but it doesn't seemed to be. That decision I made, keep coming back to haunt me in many emotional and irrational manifestations. Sometimes, I do wish I can turn back the clock, see things differently, and perhaps, with different outcomes.
Being inflicted with this dreaded illness also made me realized how lucky I am. I am blessed with so many beautiful people in my times of difficulties. I have a very supportive spouse who is willing to accommodate my needs at all times. I also realized, my children have suddenly grown up trying their level best to show their appreciations and to be supportive of me. I am also blessed with so many good friends and relatives who constantly gave me words of encouragements, assistances, and moral support to help me fight on.
I have a good family and good friends. Well, life is beautiful ! But I do missed my cup of hot aromatic black coffee..................
Friday, June 19, 2009
I completed the first week of 3DCRT session …
I completed one week of 3DCRT today, the next session begins on next Monday. So, I have at least another 5 weeks of 3DCRT to go.
Come to think of it, 3DCRT is not that awful compared to intravenous drip of chemotherapy where you physically have to endure 2 to 3 hours of slow “dripping” process of chemo drugs into your body. The only inconvenience is, I have to go to the hospital everyday to receive my radiation treatment. In addition, 3DCRT also comes with some side effects. My first week encounter is, after the radiation session, I felt nauseated and vomited a few times. I hope the effects will tapper off from the second weeks onwards.
As advised by the Oncologist, I was prescribed with Xeloda ( Capecitabine ) to go with the radiation therapy. However, due to my taller than average height, my body body surface is bigger, so I was prescribed with a dosage 3 times higher than normal patient. Naturally, the medication costs 3 times more expensive. So, tall people may look more handsome and appealing, but when come to medical care, you are at a disadvantage in terms of treatment costs !!!!!
With Xeloda, I have to take 1500mg per 12 hours basis. The medication comes with its whole list of documented side effects. The most common side effects associated with the consumption of Xeloda are Sore palm, sore foot, ulcer in the mouth, diarrhea, etc. In anticipation of these side effects, the Oncologist also prescribed a another arsenal of medications to be taken daily to counter the side effects. Hmmm.... sometimes, modern medicines can be a real pain. But whatever it is, I hope, as I progress during the treatment period, I would not be over preoccupy with these side effects.
A young lady from Hospice Malaysia visited me yesterday and today to provide me with counseling on pains management and symptom management. One thing surprised me is, the young lady is so well versed with her area of expertise and serve with so much enthusiasm and empathy as compared to our over glorified private hospital. Hospis Malaysia provide me with free medication for symptom and pains such as liquid morphine. They also provide me with Sheepskin to make me comfortable when I lie on hard surface. All these items are provided free of charge. Well, in the midst of commercialism and profit orientation of medical care, at least there are still some NGO's out there who care for the well being of average Malaysians. Mind you, these people really serve with big smile, enthusiasm, dedication, and empathy !
For the next 5 weeks of so, I will have to go through pretty much the same treatment routine. I don't really look forward to, but, I will get around, and hopefully complete the whole treatment protocol with positive results......
Come to think of it, 3DCRT is not that awful compared to intravenous drip of chemotherapy where you physically have to endure 2 to 3 hours of slow “dripping” process of chemo drugs into your body. The only inconvenience is, I have to go to the hospital everyday to receive my radiation treatment. In addition, 3DCRT also comes with some side effects. My first week encounter is, after the radiation session, I felt nauseated and vomited a few times. I hope the effects will tapper off from the second weeks onwards.
As advised by the Oncologist, I was prescribed with Xeloda ( Capecitabine ) to go with the radiation therapy. However, due to my taller than average height, my body body surface is bigger, so I was prescribed with a dosage 3 times higher than normal patient. Naturally, the medication costs 3 times more expensive. So, tall people may look more handsome and appealing, but when come to medical care, you are at a disadvantage in terms of treatment costs !!!!!
With Xeloda, I have to take 1500mg per 12 hours basis. The medication comes with its whole list of documented side effects. The most common side effects associated with the consumption of Xeloda are Sore palm, sore foot, ulcer in the mouth, diarrhea, etc. In anticipation of these side effects, the Oncologist also prescribed a another arsenal of medications to be taken daily to counter the side effects. Hmmm.... sometimes, modern medicines can be a real pain. But whatever it is, I hope, as I progress during the treatment period, I would not be over preoccupy with these side effects.
A young lady from Hospice Malaysia visited me yesterday and today to provide me with counseling on pains management and symptom management. One thing surprised me is, the young lady is so well versed with her area of expertise and serve with so much enthusiasm and empathy as compared to our over glorified private hospital. Hospis Malaysia provide me with free medication for symptom and pains such as liquid morphine. They also provide me with Sheepskin to make me comfortable when I lie on hard surface. All these items are provided free of charge. Well, in the midst of commercialism and profit orientation of medical care, at least there are still some NGO's out there who care for the well being of average Malaysians. Mind you, these people really serve with big smile, enthusiasm, dedication, and empathy !
For the next 5 weeks of so, I will have to go through pretty much the same treatment routine. I don't really look forward to, but, I will get around, and hopefully complete the whole treatment protocol with positive results......
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The 3DCRT session begins....
I attended my “CT Planning” for 3DCRT on Friday, done my first session of radiiation therapy on Monday, and today is my 2nd session of Radiation Therapy. And, there 29 more sessions to go spreading over the next One and a half month !!
The doctor has also prescribed daily intake of 3000mg of Xeloda ( capecitabine) and 15 tablets of Vitamin B6 to go together with the 3DCRT. In additions, there are also some medications to counter side effects.
I was a bit apprehensive about the whole 3DCRT treatment in the beginning, because I do not know what to expect. But Monday session was not so bad, no pain and no discomfort. All I have to do is to make sure I minimized body movement on the table, and let the machine revolves around my body to aim at the preconfigured area. The session lasted slightly less than 15 minutes and I was allow to go home with no discomforts. However, I do felt very tired throughout the day. Compared with the Chemotherapy I had previously, 3DCRT is so much more “comfortable”
Today's 3DCRT is the same compared to yesterday's session. It lasted less than 15 minutes. However, After I got home, In addition to the feeling of tiredness, I felt dizzy ( probably due to the haze), and I also vomited twice.
I do not know whether the vomiting is caused by the side effect of Xeloda or 3DCRT, I will check with the doctor tomorrow when I go for my 3rd session of 3DCRT. I don't feel good at all today with all these vomity feelings. But my main concern for the time being is to resolve my weight lost and constipations issues.
Well, 2 sessions down, and 29 more sessions to go..... I do hope, this new treatment protocol of 3DCRT in combination with Xeloda oral chemo can produce the desired results for the recovery of my health.
The doctor has also prescribed daily intake of 3000mg of Xeloda ( capecitabine) and 15 tablets of Vitamin B6 to go together with the 3DCRT. In additions, there are also some medications to counter side effects.
I was a bit apprehensive about the whole 3DCRT treatment in the beginning, because I do not know what to expect. But Monday session was not so bad, no pain and no discomfort. All I have to do is to make sure I minimized body movement on the table, and let the machine revolves around my body to aim at the preconfigured area. The session lasted slightly less than 15 minutes and I was allow to go home with no discomforts. However, I do felt very tired throughout the day. Compared with the Chemotherapy I had previously, 3DCRT is so much more “comfortable”
Today's 3DCRT is the same compared to yesterday's session. It lasted less than 15 minutes. However, After I got home, In addition to the feeling of tiredness, I felt dizzy ( probably due to the haze), and I also vomited twice.
I do not know whether the vomiting is caused by the side effect of Xeloda or 3DCRT, I will check with the doctor tomorrow when I go for my 3rd session of 3DCRT. I don't feel good at all today with all these vomity feelings. But my main concern for the time being is to resolve my weight lost and constipations issues.
Well, 2 sessions down, and 29 more sessions to go..... I do hope, this new treatment protocol of 3DCRT in combination with Xeloda oral chemo can produce the desired results for the recovery of my health.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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