Friday, July 10, 2009

Yoka Ha and family


Hi guys and gals,
This pic is taken in Hanoi in Oct, 2008. My 3 boys, daughter-in-law, daughter, Khoon Hock and myself.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Reunion of class73 sjc






To all my dear friends, we have indeed mellowed after 36 years (since we left school in 1973) But we look good,don't we? Here is the proof. Take a look at these gorgeous photos! Lets keep it up!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hard on the brain

Hard on the brain and brain scan report

There was an article on the star newspaper (6th May 2009) entitled “ Hard on the brain. After chemotherapy, patients can experience huge cognitive problems”. This couldn’t be more true for Norman! It is indeed a widespread problem for cancer patient, especially brain tumor patient who have undergone brain radiation therapy as well.

After 30 fractions of radiotherapy and 6 cycles of Temozolomide chemo treatment, welcome to chemo brain! Nowadays, Norman struggled to find the right word for an object or is unable to type out a letter smoothly (he could not spell words correctly). He could no longer multitask as he easily lost concentration and the ability to focus. On top of that he suffers short term memory loss too! All these occurrences shake his confidence and upset him tremendously. Friends said he looks good but they don’t really know what he is still going through. All these problems could be the results of chemotherapy and radiation therapy damaging the brain’s ability to grow new cells.

Lately, Norman gets tire easily. On Tuesday ( 13th may), he had a mild facial fit after playing 18 hole of golf. We were worried sick! Yesterday (14th may) we had a brain scan done. The report shows the tumor now measure 3.5 x 3.4 x 4.5 cm in size and still massive edema present. It is this edema that is causing him the fits. Again the Dr put him on high doses of steroids. So now he not only have a chemo brain but also a steroid brain! God bless him! Sob! I don’t know how much more of this medication abuse we can take! I am so tire from so much fear. I might just freak out but the Dr said I have to be strong for him. So, the battle continues……

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Prayer of bereavment

Dear Shirley and Josephine,

ALMIGHTY GOD, we rejoice to know
that your reign extends far beyond the limits of this life.
In the mystery of what lies beyond our sight
we pray that your love may complete its work
in those whose days on earth are done;
and grant that we who serve you now in this world
may at last share with them
the glories of your heavenly kingdom

HEAR US, O merciful Father,
as we remember in love, our brother Heng Li and TL Yeap
whom we have placed in your hands.
Enfold them in the arms of your mercy,
in the blessed rest of everlasting peace

Heng Li and TL, go forth upon your journey from this world,
in the name of God the Father almighty who created you;
in the name of Jesus Christ who suffered death for you:
in the name of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you;
in communion with the blessed Saints,
and all the armies of the heavenly host.
may you be in peace,

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Heng Li and TL
Where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Father of all mercies and God of all consolation,.
give courage to Shirley and Josephine in their loss and sorrow.
Be their refuge and strength, O Lord,
reassure them of your continuing love
and lift them from the depths of grief
into the peace and light of your presence.
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
by dying has destroyed our death,
and by rising, restored our life.
Your Holy Spirit, our comforter,
speaks for us in groans too deep for words.
Come alongside Shirley and Josephine. Remind them of your eternal
presence and give them your comfort and strength.
Amen.

Dear shirley and Josephine,

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray
the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may
appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye

May the good lord continue to bless you and your family.


Heng Li(liver cancer) and TL Yeap(prostate cancer) are members of our Elpizo cancer support group lead by Shery Lim. May God bless their souls.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Ruta Graviola and Calcarea phosphate

Dear friends,

Its been a while since I last blog. Life hasn't been easy since Norman's craniotomy on 16th Feb. The recovery was good but there are some slight neurological deficit we have to put up with,mainly speech issues and short term memory loss.

We did a MRI on the 30th march and the report was not favorable.There is a big cyst about 3-4.8cm, lots of necrotic tissues and massive edema. The Dr put him on steriod and epilim for fits again. Sob! This is a real monster we are dealing with! There is no need for chemo untill the next MRI due on the 28th May. The oncologist will review him then.

Norman started the CAAT diet on the 1st April. So far he is keeping closely to the diet plan. In fact the people reviewed his food chart(which I chart everyday and send over to them) and they are very pleased with him. Will be commencing the supplements next week.

We received the ruta graviola and calcarea only yesterday. The herbs cost only USD25but the shipping charges cost USD35.50!! ohmigosh!! Its only 2 very tiny bottles and its not heavy at all! How come it cost so much for shipping? For friends who is not familiar with this herb, graviola is an extract from the sour sop plant. It has been extensively research by Dr Banerji of India and he claim that the success rate for brain tumour is very high.We are willing and desperate to try anything at this junture as we are not keen on chemo anymore.

May God bless and keep you in good health.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Controlled Amino Acid Treatment

Dear friends,
I was recommended this special diet by Mr Looi of Medi food. CAAT stands for controlled amino acid treatment.

THE SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED AMINO ACID THERAPY
CAAT is much more than just a “diet”; it is an amino acid, carbohydrate, & glucose REDUCTION protocol which strategically uses the chemical reactions of amino acids, foods, and nutritional supplements to impair the development of cancer cells, thus starving them to death.) Clinical trials have already been done with humans using amino acid depravation formulas, and with much success.

CAAT is a course of therapy to control a patient’s amino acid intake. This is achieved by taking certain foods out of a persons’ daily food plan for a short time and by replacing them with a scientifically supported formula of amino acids. It is also important to emphasize that the food plan that accompanies the amino acid formula needs to be followed so as not to offset any of the benefits that are created by depriving the cancer cells the nutrients they need to grow. Controlled Amino Acid Therapy inhibit phosphofructokinase which shuts down the energy supply to cancer cells, simultaneously enhancing the benefits of chemotherapy while lessening their toxic side effects. CAAT has also proven to work successfully alone.

Phase 1: CAAT Formulation

The most important component of CAAT is the scientifically formulated amino acids. Based on the specific formula for each cancer, it consists of separate amino acids, citric acid, and small amounts of sodium benzoate. Each formula replaces most of the regular daily proteins found in meats, dairy, fish, beans and nuts, which cancer cells can derive their energy from. The CAAT formula taken two times per day will nourish the healthy cells while causing the cancer cells to starve to death.

Daily Food Intake

The following food program SHOULD NOT be consumed without the amino acid formula and without consent from your doctor and our Institute.

Breakfast:
*1/2 Grapefruit or 1-orange or 6-ounces of fresh orange juice.
Whey Enhanced Protein (Vanilla Flavor – Vitamin Shoppe Brand) approximately
10 – 12 grams of protein – read label carefully, based on 150 lb. person ].
A serving of Grits (Butter, cinnamon and other spices are okay).
1 cup of green or black tea (Fructose is sweetener of choice).
* Do Not have ½ grapefruit if taking Chemotherapy

Lunch:

Amino acid formula (4 level plastic scoops) mixed with any of the following: Water & Fructose; Sugar free Kool-Aid; Diet ginger ale; Fresh lemonade & Fructose; Chicken or Beef broth; V8 juice.
Generous amounts of One cooked vegetable or a combination of the following: asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, brussell sprouts, spinach, squash, string beans.
One serving (1/2 cup)of fresh fruit. Choice of: pear, orange, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries.
1 serving (moderate) of grits or corn or rice or pasta (Add tomato sauce or butter)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
8 to 10 black or green olives
2 tablespoons of vinegar (minimum of 5% acidity) add to vegetables or food
1 cup of green or black tea (Fructose as desired)

Dinner

Amino acid formula (4 plastic level scoops) mixed with any of the following: Water & fructose; Sugar free Kool–Ade; Diet Ginger Ale; Fresh lemonade & Fructose; Chicken or Beef broth; V8 Juice.
Generous amounts of One cooked vegetable or a combination of the following: asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, squash, string beans.
One serving (1/2 cup) of stewed plums with fresh cream & fructose; use 4-ounces of orange juice if plums are not in season.
Avacado salad with lettuce, tomatoes, celery, onions, with lemon juice and coconut oil or olive oil.
2 tablespoons of vinegar (minimum of 5% acidity) add to vegetables or food.
1 serving of grits or corn or pasta or rice (Add garlic and butter or tomato sauce)
1 cup of green or black tea (Fructose as desired)

Phew! I think it will take alot of discipline to keep to this diet. Very western lah!
Will be seeing a nutritionist Dr tomorrow to review if this diet is acceptable. In the mean time Norman is resting well. We dare not see any oncologist untill the next brain scan is due, most probably end of march. Dont want anymore poisonous toxic chemotherapy! We are trying to keep up the good spirit. My sisters said, when fear knocks on the door, send faith to open it.Praise God

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

2nd surgery

Dear friends,
On 4th feb, norman's brain scan showed a malingnant tumor measuring 3 x 3.5cm. I was devastated! I feel like I have fallen through a trap door into total darkness and i felt numb to the bones! Nothing felt the same after that bad news. Nothing is the same and nothing will ever be the same. I see the despair in Norman's eyes and I feel so helpless! I do not know, honestly, how I will weather all the grief, the emotional stress and the deep agony in my soul. God have mercy on me! I will breath deeply through every bout of anxiety and fears and pain!
After several visit to several hospital and several doctors, we decided on surgery.
On 16th feb, surgery was done at sunway medical center.5 glaidel wafers was implanted. Norman recovery was excellent. Praise God. The price?? Its too traumatic to tell. Leave it alone ok! We are discharged on the 19th feb.
Below are some pre and post op photos.

Family Support Is Of Utmost Importance

ECG before operation

Tumour mapping on the night before op

In ICU - 6 Hours After operation

Waiting To Remove clips - 8 days post op