eventful week

Well, the hospice team came and the hospice doctor managed to get hold of Dr Yee to discuss my case. Simultaneously, I found my "old lady" (aka the stoma) swelling to twice its usual size and rejuvenating to a young lady. That is to say, my stoma becomes bigger, and much smoother with no "wrinkles". Don't understand? Never mind.

The important thing is we might have found the cause of my fever: inflammation or infection of the intestines. After discussion, both doctors prescribed a course of antibiotics and would continue to monitor me.

Well, the fever stubbornly persisted till now. It would make me very sleepy. "Shuai Ge" is more worried about the persisting fever and what it might entail.

That's my update for you. Hope you have a great and enjoyable week-end!

new relief but not quite

My appointment (last Friday) with the palliative doctor saw some changes. One is the change to morphine tablets. The other is to increase dosage for nerve pills. The good doctor hopes to bring some relief to my situation and return to marketing days.

On both Sat and Sun, I was drowsy and sleepy most of the time. I also had fever out of the blue. The fever hit a high of 39.7 degree celcius. It was controlled with paracetamol. The fever became a mild grade one till today! The hospice nurse was surprised about the fever. Oh, I had diarrhea too, which was why we were concerned about these twins. After discussing with the hospice nurse and getting hold of Dr Yee, I will be put on a course of antibiotics. Anyway, the hospice nurse is coming over later.


Yes, there is lesser pain, but there are other problems too. However, I am still thankful for being able to go marketing yesterday! ^_^

wait and weight

The helper went on a three-week paid home leave sometime in April. Last year, I asked her if she wanted to continue working in this household. She waited till end of the year, as in the last day of Dec, to tell me her decision. She asked for a longer leave, but I had my constraints. Not knowing how my condition would be, I agreed to give her three weeks off, instead of the usual two. Thankfully my condition stabilized, some sort.


The problem then became who to take care of me during her absence. My mum was the first person that came to mind. Joyce suggested a live-in nanny, somebody like a confinement nanny. I tried but couldn't get a nanny. When I approached my mum, fate had it that my aunt was also returning from New York City during the same three-week period. My mum had promised to accompany my aunt during her stay here and even resigned from her work at my aunt's suggestion. I wondered who was in greater need of my mum here. Despite offering to give twice of what my aunt was going to give, my mum insisted on keeping her promise to my aunt but agreed to come over on days when she was free. Okay... no choice. We both know how my aunt is like. I had offers from friends who would keep me company on days when my mum couldn't make it. Anyway, I wasn't stressed by this. Somehow I knew my mum would help. Then came the Iceland volcano eruption. Aunt's flight was canceled. Hahaha! Wasn't it divine intervention?

During the three weeks, I gained half a kilogram from mum's cooking and loving care. I simply love her mee-sua! Yummy! I was eating small light meal every three hours. Mum wouldn't take "no" for an answer. That's the difference between mother and helper. The helper cannot force me to eat if I refuse. It's a different story with mother. She will even spoon feed me!

On the week of the helper's return, I went to see my doctor. I was prescribed antibiotic for a suspected infection. Bad move. Like the previous antibiotic, I was puking big time on the third dose. I couldn't eat for almost three days. I lost all that I had gained during the three weeks, and probably more. Sad. During the next one week or so, mum made sure I was eating well again to put on whatever I had lost. Mum is the greatest!

I am now home bound. No more breakfast outing, marketing and grocery shopping, and even going to church. I don't have the energy level for simple outing like these. The pain sometimes comes unexpectedly and I don't want to be caught when outside. These days I spend less than two hours on the internet. I kinda enjoy being quiet and by myself. Peace.

Updates

Sorry for the lack of updates.

I have been going for various appointments with different doctors for the past two months. Seeing how much weight I lost and unwell I had been, Dr See initially proposed putting in a central line. From there I could be fed intravenously (total parenteral nutrition) and if possible, chemo drugs. However, she later sent me a text message to say perhaps no chemo is better for me. She would rather work on preserving my quality of life. She told me to try Appelin, a multi-vitamins with lysine to help increase my appetite.

I had a post-surgery follow-up with Dr Tang. He jokingly said his job was over and I need not see him anymore. So, that's one less appointment to go.

Saw my liver specialist last month. I hadn't seen her for at least six months. She warmly shook my hands and said she was thinking of me few days before my appointment. She arranged for me to see a dietitian. I was reluctant as I felt the one at NCC would better serve my needs. However, I couldn't refuse her kind suggestion.

Appelin is able to put back some appetite and at least I want to eat. According to the dietitian, I am not chalking up enough calories, which was what Dr See told me before. However, what I am having now is my maximum intake. My capacity to eat probably shrank after a prolonged period of small intake. He also noticed my lack of variety, which I explained was due to my colonstomy. I think he isn't sure what specific food I should avoid and I was asked to clarify with Dr Tang. Sighs. And as Dr See said, she would rather I see the dietitian at NCC.

I had a few episodes of intense pain. Although I am on maximum dosage for Tramador, I still have this intense pain which makes me lose my zeal to live. The pain management doctor, Dr Tan, prescribed liquid morphine when Tramador fails to alleviate the pain. I think he sensed my need for someone to understand my plight and to counsel me, he tied me up with Dr Yee, the palliative doctor at NCC. During my visit last week, I suggested not seeing him anymore and just see Dr Yee. It makes more sense. Anyway, Shuai Ge sees him in church and he is available if we need help on pain management.

The session with Dr Yee was an emotional one. I was asked to share my fears, worries, doubts... or whatever I'm comfortable with sharing, so that she knows how to help me. I'm thankful and grateful to Dr Tan for arranging this appointment. We have long wanted to see a palliative doctor at NCC.

I am also on an open date with Dr Yeo. Even he noticed I'm seeing so many doctors. He suggested an external beam radiation to give me some relief. We are unsure though, how long and how much that relief can be, if there is relief. I discussed this option with Dr See. On a side effects vs benefits scale, it is better not to proceed. Personally, I don't want it too.

With so many appointments to go, I'm thankful and blessed to have this group of supporters. My church friends, ST and SS would normally drive me to and fro hospital/clinic. If they were not available, either LX or LZ or both would bring me there. Then at the hospital/clinic, YW would be ready with a wheelchair so that I didn't have to walk. So nice, right? I felt bad sometimes to trouble them.

How have I been? Not any better. I still weigh 33+ kg, which makes me look like a malnutrition old lady. When my pain level hits a high and is unbearable, I become emotional easily, lose my will to live and cry buckets. The emotional low can last as long as two days or as short as half an hour. I cannot sit for too long, and sometimes lying down on the bed gives me backache. Going forward, I don't think I can get any better. LX and my BSF leader encouraged me not to lose hope, but to keep praying. It is really not easy fighting on with a battered body. Still, I need to persevere and look up to God for that much needed peace and strength, till He calls me home.

pain management

I had a bad case of intestine-twisting kind of pain two weeks ago. Dr Yeo decided to help me apply for hospice care to help me manage my pain.

The hospice care team visited me last week and taught me how to manage my pain. I also sought help from the Pain Management Centre at SGH. Well, I'm now taking painkillers regularly to ease the pain. The side effect is dizziness. I have to lie on the bed and be careful not to fall and hurt myself.

it's good to be home

Yes, I'm back home from the hospital stay today. Joyce and Fiona were really sweet to arrange a lunch on Friday before my surgery on Tuesday. I was able to satisfy my craving for "char kway teow".. we had the Penang version near Coronation Plaza.

Musketeer bp was laughing so hard at the hospital tales which I told him that he said my week was more exciting than his. Well, the surgery was a success. Only thing was that the tumours have to stay. Boohoo.

I have to get used to having this new *ahem* "branded bag" and a new lifestyle.

short update

Upon Dr See's suggestion, brought forward my appointment with Dr Tang. As the disease has progressed and the tumours have grown, Dr Tang felt it is in my interest to have that stoma surgery. It should provide some relief for me.

Surgery is on Wednesday, expected stay in hospital is 5-8 days. I would prefer no visitation.

doctor's review

I don't know how to begin this entry. Went for my appointment with Dr See this morning. Was rather shocked I lost so much weight. Dr See commented that I looked pale and weak. I think I have not been feeling well the last ten days or so. Poor appetite, pain, lethargy, bleeding, nausea and discomfort are my daily companions. I lie down on the bed most of the time.

Dr See suggested a CT scan to see what is happening inside me, and to address the weight loss and bowel issues. An optimistic case scenario is a stoma surgery, worst case being nothing can be done. I don't know how to react to this, just feel so tired and in pain. I seriously don't know how much longer I can bear all these.

Was rather touched when I received an email from my young friends this evening. It was a slideshow put together as a present for me. I was tearing as I watched the slideshow and the messages each of them wrote to me. I may not have my health, but I'm certainly surrounded by many friends and love.

what's happening and the future

I finished my radiotherapy early last month. Compared to chemotherapy, it was a much more pleasant experience. My church friends came to support me on my first treatment. They took turns to bring me for subsequent sessions as I didn't want to disrupt "Shuai Ge" from work too often. Although I bled shortly after my 4th one, I was able to complete the whole treatment.

There are two reasons for the lack of posts here. One is laziness. The other is I cannot sit too long typing on the desktop. Alright, that sounds like an excuse, but it really isn't. My bowels are somewhat blocked by the tumours. Whenever I sit at the desktop, I get this urge to visit the toilet. I'm now typing this entry on the tablet computer "Shuai Ge" puts in the room.

I have been off chemotherapy since the ixempra issue. There are no more new chemo drugs for me to try. Anyway, my body didn't quite recover since August. I lost so much weight (and body fats) that I look like someone who is anorexic. I am now trying to put on weight, which is an uphill task. There are diet constraints, considering my blocked bowels. Dr See listed out some of the food to eat and what to avoid. Ling returned from Melbourne for a short visit and gave me additional pointers too. It is rather sad that I have to avoid many of my favourite food. The only one I find most pleasing to indulge in is ice cream (must be made from full-cream milk and not low fat and the like). What is life when you cannot enjoy your favourite food and eat what you like?

My Chinese physician, Zhang yishi prescribed TCM to regenerate my body. I am able to resume some of my usual activities: breakfast and marketing on Tuesday and Thursday, BSF on Monday and church service on Sunday. However, I don't have enough stamina like before to walk long distances and my stomach sometimes will act up. It is also rather troublesome to go out as I'm always looking for the ladies' room. It's still good to be outside occasionally, sipping tea and drinking soup with really great friends.

At one stage I lost interest in surfing the internet, except the few friends' blogs. It hasn't been the same since Flora's passing on. Sometimes in the night when I woke up, I had panic attacks and would often wonder if it was my turn to go home. I shared with "Shuai Ge" my fears. "Shuai Ge" being himself, reminded me of the things I needed to do, so that I would have no regrets. I would like to share my thoughts, but not in this entry.

So, what's happening now? It's waiting. Waiting for new chemo drugs to come onstream. Waiting for my body to give distress signals or recovery signs. Meanwhile, I will eat to gain weight. Take my medication regularly and hope that my nerves will recover and the numbness on hands and feet will disappear. Pray that TCM will work its wonders and my body will rejuvenate itself. Pray that my bowels will not be totally blocked and I don't need that surgery. And I will get my hands going to do what I'm supposed to do so that I won't have any regrets.

Future? Dare not think too far. It's good enough to be able to plan a short retreat with church friends this coming weekend.

Regime #9 stopped

The numbness in my fingers and hands made typing difficult. Please do appreciate this entry. Thank-you.

Ixempra is not an easy drug to handle, as could be seen by the side effects I was put through. I blamed myself for not taking my Chinese herbal medicine in time to manage the sluggish intestines, which I did so well in cycles 2 and 3. The bone ache and numbness were not easy too.

Anyway, more drama followed after my last entry. The bone ache and numbness hit new high and caused me much misery. Shuai Ge as usual troubled Dr See who prescribed me medications to ease the pain and to give me at least a good night's rest. Before that, upon LX's suggestion I sought help from a fellow churchie who specialises in pain management. He only called two days after Dr See's prescription.

I then had a tussel with antibiotics (to tackle the inflammed large intestines). This was after the CT scan done, which showed part of the large intestines being enlarged. Thank God for the gentle nurse at the CT scan department, the scan went smoothly. The two courses of antibiotics were those after my recent seeing "red" episode. I stopped after two doses of them as they did not agree with my stomach. Again after the third dose on day two, I was nauseating to no end. Sleep was denied. Shuai Ge couldn't stand by to see me in pain and again disturbed Dr See's clinic. I felt so silly when after her prescription of anti-nauseating pills and proper management of taking the antibiotics, my stomach was in much agreeable terms with the antibiotics.

I told Shuai Ge today would be the last day of the antibiotics course (but didn't tell him my plan to throw away two tablets left). But alas! He actually counted the tablets and said it was Tuesday morning. Aiyah!

The bleeding issue was not resolved totally. Dr See had asked Dr R Yeo the radiation oncologist to do a brachytherapy on me. I have been scheduled to be radiated tomorrow. Ah! My first suana!

Though the CT scan report wasn't out, Dr See had suggested to stop chemotherapy altogether and to rest for two to three months. Meantime, she suggested I try TCM. That night after seeing her, Shuai Ge asked me if I knew what all that meant. I didn't. I don't think my doctors have given up on me yet, just that I have very limited options as of now.

You probably can't recognise me now, being reduced to mere bones. LX had been my main contact point in church with so many asking for visitations. She helped me decline all. As for me, I would ask for help in going to the hospital should the need arises. As LX said, LZ and her are on standby all the time.

I have done enough crying over the last few weeks. I really hope it will not be repeated.

Till the next entry!


P.S. Much thanks to my chio-est one for helping me out with adding gadgets on this blog.

aunt agony

The lack of updates is an indication of how things are: bad. Over the past few weeks, I have turned into aunt agony, not one who dishes out advice for the troubled, but one who is in anguish.


The biopsy report showed spread of disease, unknown sources till further scan. I had sometimes played the scenario in my mind whereby the doctor would give me the ultimate bad news. Would I be devastated and cry my heart out? Or just simply take in the news? I don't know.


Anyway, the bleeding did stop after Dr See's medication. I carried on with cycle 4 on 23rd July. I was still feeling alright till Sunday (26th), everything just turned painfully tormenting after that. For three whole days, I spent every waking second in agony and misery. Never had I felt so much pain and in such great intensity as those days. I couldn't eat, move, sleep or do anything. The pain was so excruciating that I broke down, several times. Painkillers didn't help. I just wanted to die as the agony got unbearable. I sent out prayer-sms requests.


The bone ache abated somewhat an hour after that sms was sent. However, another pain hit me. My stomach began to feel bloated. Over the next few hours, the skin threatened to split over. The discomfort got to a point that I had thoughts of ending it all again. Why, Lord, why wouldn't it stop?


The one who is also suffering with me is "Shuai Ge". He couldn't watch me suffer and not do anything. By Thursday morning (30th), I was in Dr See's clinic. I had a drip, an x-ray, a booster for white blood count and an enema. There was some relief but not the end of my suffering.


The bone ache returned at a moderate level, but the numbness intensified. My fingers and arms, knees, toes and feet are stiff and perpetually in pain. Imagine I couldn't even text on the handphone or press the buttons on the house phone. Even simple bending of the fingers hurt.


I have no lack of concerned friends, help and offers of help, and words of encouragement/hugs. It is very heart-warming. All these pain and suffering have taken a toll on me physically and my fighting spirit. I have reflected my intention not to continue with this regime as there is no quality of life.


I realise this is a really bad year for me. I was transferring blog entries from my previous blog and reading through some of them. My entries this year weren't like before. All I can say is that the side effects have significantly affected my mental and emotional state and thus it is reflected through my entries. I need a break and a return to "normal" days, so as to be recharged and kick the unwelcomed, overstaying guest. When will that be?

Seeing "red"

As in the previous entry, the pain level hit its peak on Friday night. I took the strong painkiller and tried to get some sleep. I managed to catch some winks and thought the bone ache somewhat abated. The numbness was (and still is) a nuisance.

On Saturday late night, I felt nauseating and was trying to vomit (I ate very little and there wasn't anything in the stomach). Wasn't too sure if I had used too much force, I later found blood stains down the unmentionable. I told "Shuai Ge" about it and he was very concerned. I wasn't bleeding profusely or in amounts that warranted panic, but it was frightening to see fresh blood, not just stains. The "bleeding" continued each time I was in that "nauseating" mode.

On Monday morning, I called up NCC to page for my doctor and made an appointment to see Dr See as well. Dr Ng did not respond to my call yet when I went to see Dr See. I was very grateful and thankful to Dr See who did most of the legwork for us. Even SSN Tan helped. In the end, I managed to see Dr Wong, my surgical oncologist five years ago. She performed a short biospy on a suspicious nodule found. I will see her on Friday to review the result.

It hit me later that it could be a serious condition. If the loss of blood was significant, I might have needed a transfusion (which was why there was this tube of my blood for 1-to-1 comparison). If the bleeding did not stop, and if it came from an existing tumour, perhaps a small area radiation might be needed. Then at one point when the nurse tried to take my blood pressure, the machine could not take my readings. When she finally measured it manually, it was 90/60. Scary!

The pain down below superceded the numbness. I couldn't walk without help and had to lean on "Shuai Ge" all the way home.

What a Monday! But I'm glad I have angels around me to help me through. See, told you I'm a blessed patient. ^_^

Pain, pain go away

That's what I have been feeling for the past nine days. Whatever position I take, lying down, sitting up, standing, walking... the pain sticks to me like a Siamese twin. The bone ache (despite medication) and numbness are torturing me, and depriving me of sleep and rest. I have been whining too, non-stop. I walk like an old lady without a walking stick, hunchbacked. Sounds depressing? Afraid it's the situation as of now.


But I think I will survive, like always.

cycle 2

I'm still finding my way around in this platform, so please bear with me.

Finished my second cycle almost three weeks ago. Given the experience of the first cycle, I think I coped rather well with the second one. The good news was that I responded to this new drug Ixempra and my marker came down significantly to 56. I couldn't contain my delight and shared with Dr Ng my feelings. I thought he was trying to pare my happiness when he said, "We always look at the trend." Hmmm.....


I still had the same side effects for the first ten days, intensity lessening as the days go by. I will be going for cycle 3 this Thursday. Not looking forward to it.

new blogsite

My new blog site to keep in touch with my friends and to keep a record of my fight with ovarian cancer.

P.S.
Entries before this date were those from my previous blog at moblog.

new regime, the ninth

This entry was taken from my old blogsite.

new regime, day 13

[2 Jun 2009, 01:38:14 PM]

I started on the new regime with the new single drug, Ixempra. As Dr Wong said, two of the side effects were body ache and numbness in fingers and feet. After 2 months of oral regime, I had to return to intravenous treatment. It was a good thing that nurse KOH aka teddy bear did the plug for me. However, the anti-allergy drug given totally knocked me out, both during and after drip. It left me feeling groggy till the following day.


The body ache started to kick in on the second day and intensified on the third day. The body ache was like being boxed by someone and left me feeling painful (especially the joints) all over. I couldn't sit up, lie down or even walk, every posture was incredibly uncomfortable. Very frustrating. I had to take the strong painkiller prescribed by Dr Wong. It only provided slight relief, even though the medicine could last 12 hours. Then I had this itch/rash on the upper half of my body. I scratched myself raw on the chest and on the shoulders. The other side effect I had was constipation. I was feeling bloated and the intestines were sluggish. I rang the walk-in clinic for an appointment since I was going to SGH to see my liver specialist that Tuesday. Ser was really thoughtful and gave me a lift to the clinic after our usual breakfast and marketing.


At the clinic I was told that I might have to wait for at least two hours. I let the nurse know of my other appointment at SGH. As I was pressing for time, another doctor just took a look at me outside the clinic and prescribed medications. While waiting at the cashier (no consultation fees payable since I wasn't examined in the clinic), this couple kept smiling and waving at me. Turned out that the lady patient recognised me from the cancer programme. O.O!


It was good to see my liver specialist again. She also caught me on the repeat showing of the programme. She asked, "Oh, you didn't use your Chinese name?" I smiled and said, "No lah, I asked them to use my Christian name." My previous liver specialist is back in Singapore, but I decided to stick to Dr Ng. The consultation card had several names of the liver specialists I had seen after the first one left for private practice. I felt very comfortable with Dr Ng and she really showed care for her patients. She saw my weight loss and asked if I needed to see a nutritionist. She encouraged and reminded me to eat well since I am still on treatment.


By the way, Dr Wong too had left NCC for private practice. In my humble opinion, I felt that NCC has been losing good staff over the years. The queue for Dr Wong's clinic was incredibly long. There was once we waited for two and a half hours. There was a patient then who said Dr Wong is a "big shot" doctor and yet refused to see another doctor when the nurse suggested. The patient claimed that she saw another doctor and wasn't happy/satisfied. She and her spouse certainly showed their impatience and dissatisfaction for the long wait.


I'm always grateful and thankful to the doctors who have/had taken care of me. Sometime ago, my ex-classmate called to say she saw me on tv and shared that she has been diagnosed with br.east cancer. She went to NCC initially but changed to another hospital after she found the doctor not quite whom she wanted. That was another reminder that my doctors "rock"! My Chinese physician is just as wonderful. Blessed me!


It's been a month since I last posted. I'm still on this battle against cancer. Sometimes it feels easier to give up, especially when the side effects are in full swing and the fighting seems futile. There are more "down" times but within those times, there exists "up" moments, albeit short ones. These short moments sometimes provide me impetus to continue. I very much prefer to be left alone although I must say that my friends are always there for me. Don't worry, if I ever need anything from my friends, I won't hesitate to ask. Promise!


Oh, the hair has started to drop since Sunday and I'm going for the shave this evening. I have a new wig to play with, courtesy of Lyn. She also bought me the last one five years ago. I'm just wondering if I'm brave enough to just wear bandanas. Yati, the lab technician, suggested wearing a hat with jeans. She said I'm petite and should look quite "stylo" in that. Haha!

regime#8, stop

good, bad and bald?

[30 Apr 2009, 03:23:42 PM]

Good: blood count all ok, despite not eating much
Bad: (a) marker shot up to 208, suggesting current regime not working for me
(b) blood pressure measured at the clinic was at all-time high of 171/117
(c) protein found in urine
Bald: going to try ixempra, which means I'm going bald again

regime#8, cycle 2

cycle 2

[21 Apr 2009, 03:23:53 PM]

It's been awhile since my last update. It has been a challenging two-month and still is as of now. The side effects are not quite the same in intensity as my previous ones. So far, I have lost more than 2kg, and is back to my pre-diagnosis weight of 41.3kg. I look so ghastly.


When I went to see Dr Wong early this month, I highlighted to her the side effects I was having in cycle one. I was feeling better (end of cycle 1) but alas, before I could recharge and rebuild, cycle 2 began. I was specific in describing my problems and Dr Wong was able to prescribe medications to relief the side effects. Though the medications did help, I still had to suffer at least two days on the weeks I was on my chemo oral drug.


After consulting Zhang yishi, I drank special-need milk powder with ginger juice. At least the milk supplies 50% (1 packet) of the daily nutrients required and is a good source of protein. Perhaps that helps in maintaining my weight inspite of same side effects. I think I'm getting to know the medications (and the accompanying effects) I'm on better now.


Dr Wong mentioned that perhaps we needed to think about marginal benefits vs bad side effects and quality of life of this regime. When I went to see Dr See last Saturday, she suggested continuing as long as the marker is below 200, but with adjusted dosage of sorafenib. In case you are wondering what side effects I had, well, on the day I took Navelbine (which is already low dose), I vomitted for at least 2 hours. The oden tablet so far only worked once. I think I'm the puking kind -- puke to get better. Concurrently, I had diarrhea. Sometimes I had low-grade fever on the same day. The food-poisoning type of symptons lasted two days. The vomitting would stop but not the diarrhea. That explained my inability to be out of my room, because I needed to sprint to the toilet. My appetite was greatly affected too, or should I say I had no appetite to eat or drink. Just lying on the bed, fighting it out with the side effects, which I'm getting better at.


Off topic, I laughed when I read the article in the newspapers about brown fats and researchers are thinking of using it to help people lose weight. I even saw it on the news. Ha!


For reference:
side effects: vomitting, diarrhea, thinning hairline, stomach and abdominal wind (lots!), dry skin, pain at middle joint of thumbs, abdominal cramps, always wanting to burp (too much air in stomach), stomach and intestines always making "symphony sound"

medications: oden (anti-vomitting), aromag (antacid --- this is really effective) and one more for diarrhea

diet: stay off vegetables that cause wind, liquid diet like porridge and special-needs milk with ginger juice, vitagen on no-diarrhea days to replenish (?) good bacteria, black dates with black sugar and ginger water to boost platelet count, lotus root soup with peanuts (those with skin on) to boost platelet count, no spicy food as it burns my tongue

others: frame of mind is unlike previous regime, i.e. no forgetfulness, no memory loss, and is able to think logically and analyse (on no side-effects days), less mood swings except on those 2 days (really feel like dying!)


Sorry I'm not up to having visitors. I appreciate your thoughts and concern. Till the next update, take care!

regime#8, day2

Regime #8, day 2

[3 Mar 2009, 05:04:36 PM]

After a week of deliberation, it was decided that I should try a new cocktail. Of course I could rest a little longer and not do anything. I chose not to wait. With the CNY celebrations and low platelet count rest period, I believed I had rested almost two months.


Decided to do the sorafenib and navelbine oral regime. I think my veins, my flesh, and myself need recuperating. Dr Wong put me on a low dosage first and would monitor my response. I chose to start yesterday, being a new month. Five hours after I consumed the pills, I became a "sprinter"... sprinting to the toilet! I had diarrhea which lasted till almost ten at night. This was in stark contrast to the previous regime where I had constipation. Such extreme! Afraid of being dehydrated and weak, I drank "porridge water". However, the more I drank, the more I lost. The toilet bowl was totally bombed out! Hahaha.


I sent out an sms to LX requesting for prayer support as I was feeling really lousy and miserable. I skipped my BSF class last night and asked Estella to help me collect the notes. Don't believe I could and should attend class at all in that state. I was glad when the "sprinting" finally stopped before ten.


This morning the helper made a concoction of "black dates with black sugar and ginger slices". I was greeted with a cup of warm "porridge water" when I woke up, which soothed my empty stomach. I am still experiencing occasional abdominal pain, but certainly feeling much better now. ^_^

regime#7 stopped

regime #7 stopped

[24 Feb 2009, 06:16:49 PM]

My low platelet count caused some inconvenience, confusion and rescheduling of appointments. A backtrack of my days.

Saw the Chinese physician on 6th Feb.
Went to Dr See's clinic on 7th Feb (after receiving a call as I forgot about it).
Did a heart echo on the same day. Heart functions were normal. Put on anti-hypertension medication as my blood pressure is still high. Forgot to bring cardigan out that day and was freezing cold in the clinics.


Cycle 5b was re-scheduled to 17th Feb, but I was supposed to see Dr Wong, my new onco, on 19th. Both were too close. I approached the friendly and helpful staff to ask if it was alright to ask Dr Wong about the chemo and her appointment being so close apart. Meanwhile, I had to re-schedule my appointment with the liver specialist, which was also on the 17th. The clinic only reverted a few days later and told me not to go for cycle 5b on 17th, but instead keep the appointment with Dr Wong.


Well, my platelet count is back up from a low of 81 to 173, after drinking peanut soup and "black dates plus other stuff" water. The low count triggered the alarm bells and "Shuai Ge" almost called everyone he knows or has one way or other plays a part in my treatment. I co-operated by drinking whatever he bought to boost my platelet count. He was worried because WZ is still having problem boosting hers, and did not want the same for me. Good thing mine managed to climb back to within range again. Phew!


Whilst the platelet count and other blood count were within normal range, the marker doubled (132). Dr Wong reckoned that the current regime is no longer working for me and suggested not to proceed. I opted for a week's rest and to mull over the next regime. She listed the options, which are the same as what Dr See mentioned before. It's quite scary to think I have already tried so many drugs and have yet to find one combo that will keep the naughty cells at bay. Now I am having drug-related side effects, like high blood pressure. I would be lying if I tell you I'm not frightened. But as the good doctor said, "Let's treat you and not the number."


I will be seeing Dr Wong again this Thursday. Hopefully by then we would be able to reach a decision: either the one painful on the pocket, kinder to my veins or the one not as painful on the pocket but torturing on my veins. Or best, rest some more and it will be not painful on the pocket yet and resting for the veins. Hahaha!


Oh, I met Fleur (as Dr Wong is her onco too) last Thursday. Just that I didn't expect it to be so soon, especially on my first appointment with Dr Wong. Now you know why I blog my appointments. ;)