Nutrition & Detox

Some researchers and scientists have broadly categorized any disease as malfunction of cells, the basic units  of human body. To be healthy, they argue that our cells need to be healthy, to be able to carry out the respective function well. This is achieved through sufficient nourishment, and ability to get rid of toxins(Nutrition and detoxification). So the emphasis on these 2 aspects.......

Detox:
The electronic industry has worked on reduction on heavy metals for many years through a testing called RoHS(Restriction on Hazardous Substances). All electircal/electronics products need to be monitored for the concentration of restricted substances including, lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). The 4 heavy metals and 2 fire retardants are known to be detrimental to our health.

Last month, I went to the dentist to remove all the metal (mercury) fillings on my teeth over 2 sessions. This was to prevent any potential damage the health-threatening mercury could do to the body.

Other means of detox including exercise(perspiration), sauna, Vitamin C flush, fasting etc...


Nutrition:
There is a saying that "we are what we eat". With the modern food production and delivery system, there have been a lot of undesirable stuff going into the food we get. Among them are artificial additives, chemicals, excessive salts, sugar etc.

For now, my intake on the major food classes of food:
Carbohydrates -reduction of sugar, less wheat especially refined wheat
Proteins- less dairy food, less red meat and more plant based like soya, tofu.
Fats - Reduce meat. More Omega 3 fats, mainly from fish like salmon, mackerel etc.

Beverages - reduce/abstain from alcohol, more green and black tea
More fresh fruits, vegetables; especially those good ones:

Vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts,mustard green, kale, carrot, onion, beets, spinach etc.

Good fruit – avocados, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, pineapples, watermelons, kiwis, mangoes, plums and honeydew, melons etc

Spices and others - garlic, onion, tumeric, olive oil, gingko biloba, dark chocolate, nuts etc

Getting food as close to the source as possible, to maximize the nutrition;  and reduce food with further processing where additives commonly used in food processing that could creating unwanted effects in our body. 

There are various discussions on:
1 supplements to be taken, like Magnesium, selenium, which I am trying to understand more. For now, just taking multi-vitamin and cordyceps.

2 what kind of water intake, the possible effects of chlorinated, fluoridated water on our body, alkaline water or RO filtered water......

3. what kind of oil is best for us and so on.
These information is quite widely available from books or internet sources.

The recent 2 rounds of blood and urine showed good results. Thank God!  A PET-scan would be done around end of June.

Mark 11: 22 And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly].

23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.

24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

马可福音11：22 耶稣回答说：“你们当信服神。 23 我实在告诉你们：无论何人对这座山说：‘你挪开此地，投在海里！’，他若心里不疑惑，只信他所说的必成，就必给他成了。 24 所以我告诉你们，凡你们祷告祈求的，无论是什么，只要信是得着的，就必得着。

Grace Abound

I was reminded of how much I have been blessed.

Late last year when I saw the oncologist, I asked by when the treatment could be stopped. He was rather coy about this. However, he told me that there was no hurry to rock the boat. Many patients who have the disease at such stage would have fallen, he said.

I was thankful - for a while I felt inconvenienced by the 2-weekly visit to the hospital to receive treatment, including the 4-weekly review, also another visit for blood sampling prior to each review.

Throughout this period, I have learnt quite a lot from the fellow patients, medical workers and friends. There was an old patients in his 70s who showed me how to read the blood test report.
There were many patients who showed resilience, graciousness despite the suffering they have been through. The doctors, nurses and staff, particularly those at public hospital, were amazingly patient, maintaining the cool despite long hour of work and overwhelming number of patients. Most of them remained cheerful, approachable and dedicated. One of the nurses, who hailed from my hometown, was particularly impressive. She has been so meticulous, paid great attention and put in her full heart in attending to the patients. She cleaned up wounds so well and carefully, dispensed advice on how to take good care of the wounds and general well being. Many friends have also rendered support, prayers and shared generously with us.

Of course, unflinching support from my family, my wife in particular, has made the whole process much more bearable.

"There is in the worst of fortunes the best of chances for a happy change."said Greek dramatist Euripides. I was pushing back thoughts on what could have gone wrong in getting such disease. Not entirely in denial mode but evading something which I could not fully handle earlier on. I went through a few books recently on related subject and have been motivated to make changes.

For now, I tried to lived a life which is more structured, disciplined and healthier. This includes diet, exercise, mental and spiritual discipline. Also trying to get better balance among work, leisure and rest. Artistic therapy is commonly employed as part of therapy, like at the colorectal support group at the hospital. Whenever possible, I would practice some Chinese calligraphy. Aiming to get fitter, stronger and healthier by the day.

The 2 latest rounds of review on Mar 4 and Apr 1 were all positive.

Thankful for the grace from God Almighty.

Col 2:9  因为神本性一切的丰盛都有形有体的居住在基督里面， 
Col 2:10  你们在他里面也得了丰盛。他是各样执政掌权者的元首。
Col 2:9  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 
Col 2:10  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 

Adjustment and Changes

Recently I came across this book by an oncologist Dr Robert Nagourney, based in USA-


It describes his journey as an oncologist having lost loved ones to the disease and his early failures in treating patients. These spurred him to find better ways to treat cancer. Eventually he found how chemotherapy success could be improved through assay on chemosenstitivity, finding out in the lab what drugs could best kills particular cancer cells present in the patient before administering. Discussion on alternative and complementary therapy, examples of successes, patients who inspired him also leads to some interesting discussion on certain food that help reducing chance of tumor developing - raw garlic, dark chocolate and red wine(in moderation). There are references to Michio Kushi, a Japanese who introduces macrobiotics (the Greek term for "Great Life" or "Long Life," first used by Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine) in USA. He and his wife pioneered in the development of macrobiotic education and the introduction of natural foods, holistic healing, and other sustainable ways of life. Michio Kushi's  Macrobiotics is a system that can be used to create extraordinary health, through using both traditional wisdom and modern knowledge to ascertain the underlying causes of an individuals current health challenges, and make adjustments to their food and lifestyle choices that support health improvement. Not simply a “diet”, macrobiotic recognizes the profound effects food, environment, activities, and attitude all have on our body-mind-emotions. (italic info from Kushi's website)

From this book and other literature that I came across, there is some common theme of lifestyle adjustment or change to prevent the disease - on diet, attitude, managing stress etc.... So a time to re-think and realign these areas. There is of course the spiritual dimension that plays critical roles, as evident from many divine healing that I came across.

Latest blood test showed all indicators were well. This was further confirmed by latest PET-scan done on Dec 6,  which showed everything was fine. The doctor said it was the grace of God that saw me through, since the disease was rather advanced. He recommended to proceed with the current treatment for sometime, just "not to rock the boat".

So during this Christmas season, we give thanks to God for His making His promise come true. Thanking Him for healing, protection, provision and being very present help in time of needs. There are numerous blessings and financial provision we receive, a testament to God's faithfulness. Surely He is good, merciful and mighty.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas and a fulfilling year ahead! This week is a great time to ponder and reflect on the reason for Christmas:

Isaiah 9:6-7

Amplified Bible (AMP)

6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.

Matt 1
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us).

以 賽 亞 書 9:6-7

Chinese Union Version (Simplified) (CUVS)

6 因 有 一 婴 孩 为 我 们 而 生 ； 有 一 子 赐 给 我 们 。 政 权 必 担 在 他 的 肩 头 上 ； 他 名 称 为 奇 妙 策 士 、 全 能 的 神 、 永 在 的 父 、 和 平 的 君 。

Mat 1:21  他将要生一个儿子，你要给他起名叫耶稣，因他要将自己的百姓从罪恶里救出来。」 
Mat 1:22  这一切的事成就是要应验主藉先知所说的话， 

Mat 1:23  说：「必有童女怀孕生子；人要称他的名为以马内利。」（以马内利翻出来就是「神与我们同在」。）

Carry On

Tues 9/17 was again the 4-weekly checkup with the oncologist. I was early for the appointment.

After the usual blood pressure and weight check by the nurse, I sat to wait for my turn. It was more than 2-hr wait. The doctor went through the blood test and urine test reports. He said all the functions were well. This was another time that all indicators were in good range. The doctor remarked," How I wish all my patients are like you! " Thank and praise God for His faithfulness.

 So the usual treatment proceeded, the doctor said the course of treatment would be reviewed in December, after another PET scan done.


Php 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:4  你们要靠主常常喜乐。我再说，你们要喜乐。 
Php 4:5  当叫众人知道你们谦让的心。主已经近了。 
Php 4:6  应当一无挂虑，只要凡事藉著祷告、祈求，和感谢，将你们所要的告诉神。 
Php 4:7  神所赐、出人意外的平安必在基督耶稣里保守你们的心怀意念。

Further Follow up

Tuesday 7/24 was scheduled monthly review with the oncologist. As the blood and urine test reports were good, it was just a brief session. The doctor recommended to continue with the same treatment. The treatment done at the hospital was infusion of Erbitux, which took around 45 minutes.

On Jul 30 I visited the radiology oncologist for the half-year review. Went through the latest blood test and PET-scan reports. The doctor did the check on the colon, all were fine. The next review would be in a year's time.

Another monthly review was done this Tuesday Aug 20. We reviewed the blood and urine test report done over the weekend. It was the 2nd time that all results were black, with everything in the healthy range. Thank God! Looking forwards to ending the treatment soon........

Of late I have been trying to exercise daily, trying to get fitter physically. This is part of the rehabilitation which I am embarking on. Worry not, pray more, perspire more, eat more healthily and rest well!

Psalm 16 (NLT)

1 

Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.

2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!

5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

Psa 16:1  神啊，求你保佑我，因为我投靠你。 

Psa 16:2  我的心哪，你曾对耶和华说：你是我的主；我的好处不在你以外。 

Psa 16:3  论到世上的圣民，他们又美又善，是我最喜悦的。 

Psa 16:5  耶和华是我的产业，是我杯中的分；我所得的，你为我持守。 

Psa 16:6  用绳量给我的地界，坐落在佳美之处；我的产业实在美好。 

Coping with side effects

Some friend asked me about the side effects arising from chemotherapy, mainly as reference to help someone they know.

Below is a record of what I experienced, and some ways I cope. Depending on the drugs used, there could be various side effects, and individuals would react differently too.

- Chemotherapy drugs originated from chemical warfare, which someone also found some therapeutic effects and adapted the toxins for cancer treatment. So drink lot of fluid to help the key organs (kidney and liver) to get rid of the toxin. Water, barley drink, chrysanthemum tea, green tea, green bean soup etc are some recommended fluid. Typically 2-3 liters per day. If the urine passed is yellowish, that means insufficient fluid is taken.

- Low white & red blood cell: reducing immunity level: avoid those who sneeze or having flu. Avoid crowd.  Get blood booster from the oncologist during those days the blood counts dive.

White blood cell booster syringe

- Fever: Take medication, if body temperature exceeds 38deg C, take prescribed antibiotics, or see the doctor.

- Taste buds change, causing lose in appetite:  a fellow patient told me to put some hard candy in the mouth during chemo infusion, this proves to be useful in minimizing the taste change

- Low in protein: Take lots of meat and other proteins during chemo treatment period

- Diarrhea: Drink lots of water to re hydrate  Some food could help in easing the diarrhea, like boiled rice,  tapioca, banana, peanut butter......isotonic drink like H2O, 100Plus and porridge water would help. Avoid milk, coffee, high fiber food till conditions improve

- Fatigue: Take lot of rest. Sleep

- Dry skin:  Moisturize.

- Skin peels, on fingers, legs, and feet: Get prescribed medicine from oncologist.

- Fungus growth on tongue:  Get prescribed medicine from oncologist.

- Nose bleeding: Squeeze the nose to prevent flow to help in blood clot.

- Skin pigmentation especially on fingers, toes, and bottom of the soles. This should fade away after chemo.

- Hair drop: Shave.

- Dryness in throat and mouth: Drink water regularly. For mouth wash, use salt water to gargle, avoid using alcohol-based mouth wash

- Mouth ulcers, sores: use pain relief gel like "bonjela"....

- Numbness on fingers, lips : -

There are other side effect like change in voice especially the first few days the chemo infusion was done, difficulty in sleeping the first day of the chemo infusion etc.....
.So my strategy is not to look out for side effects, but inform the oncologist if any arises. He would make necessary remedies.

Also, on the other front, to help get over the side effects:

+ Keep faith in God, have a strong 'dose' of prayer and praise.

+ Keep positive attitude. 1Peter5:7 Casting  all the cares upon the Lord, for He cares for me. Philippians 4: ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

+ Support from family, friends and colleagues

+ Exercise if the body allows.

+ See a good TCM physician. TCM is able to moderate some of the side effects. Inform the oncologist about taking TCM too.

以 賽 亞 書 40:28-31 Chinese Union Version (Simplified) (CUVS) 28 你 岂 不 曾 知 道 麽 ？ 你 岂 不 曾 听 见 麽 ？ 永 在 的 神 耶 和 华 ， 创 造 地 极 的 主 ， 并 不 疲 乏 ， 也 不 困 倦 ； 他 的 智 慧 无 法 测 度 。 29 疲 乏 的 ， 他 赐 能 力 ； 软 弱 的 ， 他 加 力 量 。 30 就 是 少 年 人 也 要 疲 乏 困 倦 ； 强 壮 的 也 必 全 然 跌 倒 。 31 但 那 等 候 耶 和 华 的 必 从 新 得 力 。 他 们 必 如 鹰 展 翅 上 腾 ； 他 们 奔 跑 却 不 困 倦 ， 行 走 却 不 疲 乏 。 Isaiah 40:28-31 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

It is not to be yet

Done blood test and PET scan on Thur Aug 16.

Reviewed the results with the doctor Fri Aug 17. The doctor said the results were excellent. The treatment so far has shown results with improvement beyond his expectations (And we know why). Liver, kidney functions were good. Blood test results were well, with tumor marker of <0.5 (detection level).

To be on the very safe side, the doctor recommended some more chemotherapy to be done. I felt he was keeping the card too close to his chest, perhaps he was concerned with information overload???.....
"How many more cycles, Doc?" I asked.
"Maximum 3 cycles." He replied.

On top of this, he recommended a procedure called Radiofrequency Ablation(RFA); a high frequency electricity using electrode is used to generate heat to kill the tumor on the liver. Though the scan has shown no tumor, the doctor believed that this procedure will help to prevent any possible recurrence. I will be admitted to hospital Tue Aug 21 for the procedure, and be discharged the next day.

So the 7th cycle of chemo started on Fri Aug 17. So my earlier wish on final chemotherapy session was not to be, as yet. Nonetheless, it is on count-down mode. Very thankful that the previous round, the side effects were much reduced. Indeed God has been merciful and faithful! We could praise Him always.

³ 

Psalm 71:3
Be to me a rock of refuge,
    to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

詩 篇 71

³ 求 你 作 我 常 住 的 磐 石 ； 你 已 经 命 定 要 救 我 ， 因 为 你 是 我 的 岩 石 ， 我 的 山 寨 。

Onto next step

Finally done the last chemo infusion yesterday.

Reviewed with the doctor last Monday. Again all the blood and urine test results were positive. Kidney, liver functions were well, tumor marker CEA at all time round low of 0.6. Indeed God has been faithful! Praise Him! I was complaining and felt discouraged with the side effects from the 5th cycle. But the results probably was worth that amount of physical suffering.......One good news is that the appetite has improved quite a lot over these few weeks.

The schedule for this round of chemo is as follows:

Mon 30 July 6th cycle of Chemo session I

Wed Hydration, white blood cell(WBC) booster injection
Sat Blood test
Mon 6 Aug Chemo session II
Wed Hydration, WBC booster injection
Fri WBC booster injection
Sun WBC booster injection
Mon 13 Aug Hydration, Red blood cell booster injection

Doctor has asked for another round of full blood test and PET scan on Aug 16. 

On Aug 17 there will be another review with him. Based on the results, he would decide on the next phase of treatment. We pray that God would grant him wisdom in determining the best course of action. Trusting in God based on His promises.

Rom8

³⁷ In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.

罗马书 8 

³⁷ 然 而 ， 靠 着 爱 我 们 的 主 ， 在 这 一 切 的 事 上 已 经 得 胜 有 馀 了 。

Thankful

After the 4th cycle of cheomtherapy, I went to see the Chinese TCM physician. She was happy to see the progress based on the examination and the blood test results. She mentioned that everything was under good control. She prescribed with medicine, mainly to boost immunity level to last through the whole chemotherapy sessions.


Reviewed with the oncologist again on this Monday. The doctor examined me and was glad with the latest blood test report done over the weekend. Thank God that all results were fine; including very low/safe tumor marker CEA at 0.7, blood counts, liver and kidney functions are well under control, except a bit low in protein level. We provided some feedback on the side effects, the doctor said: " I know this is tough program, please bear with it...."

After that, proceed with 5th cycle of chemo. The schedule for this cycle is as below, with the aim of minimizing side effects and boosting immunity level:


Mon 9 July Chemo session I
Wed Hydration, white blood cell(WBC) booster injection
Mon 16 July Chemo session II
Wed Hydration, WBC booster injection
Fri WBC booster injection
Sun WBC booster injection
Mon 23 Jul Hydration, Red blood cell booster injection

Except for the booster injection which could be done at home, all other procedures need to be performed at the hospital. We are very grateful that our Uncle has been helping to ferry me to-and-fro for the treatment most of the time.

Over the weekend, a colleague came to visit from faraway land, the presence lifted our spirits. Thanks too for those who uphold us in prayer and other forms of encouragement. We are very blessed to have you, may God Bless you and make His face shines upon you.

Psalm 107

¹ O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

诗篇 107

1“你们要称谢耶和华，因他本为善，他的慈爱永远长存！”

Walk by Faith

Went back to see the doctor on last Monday May 14. Reviewed the blood test results. Everything including kidney, liver functions were fine. These indicators showed how well the body system was taking the chemo, as they are the main organs to remove all the toxins.

After 2nd round of chemo, >95% of the side effects encountered during the first round were gone. Thank God indeed for His amazing grace.  Doctor said since the side effects were gone, he would recommend to go for full 3 cycles of chemo as originally planned. He explained that the side effects which was so severe after the 1st cycle, prompted him to request from scan after completing 2 cycles. This was not longer the case, so to be safe it was still better to go for 3 cycles.

What had changed along the way? I believe prayers played utmost important parts. I sensed somehow something had changed. In the spiritual sense, by learning to draw closer to God and trusting Him more, the peace and assurance would overflow me. Though I admitted a lot of time I was still very impatient, God in His infinite mercies had slowly taught me in this area. There were times when faith was tested, I had to constantly remind myself:

2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight......

So the Word come in handy in the struggle. It nourishes my soul and the spirit. I have to train myself to rely more on truth spoken rather than all the facts.....as truth supersedes whatever facts. John 8:32
"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”


During this time, I have a chance to read the book by Kenneth Hagin below (The Basics of Faith)

As a teenager, Kenneth E. Hagin lay paralyzed for many months, seemingly destined to die. His heart cried out for someone to encourage him to believe that he could be healed. But the few people he asked for help only told him to prepare for death.

By the grace of God and young Kenneth's determined study of God's Word, faith finally was quickened in his heart for him to believe for his healing. On August 8, 1934, he was raised off the bed of sickness by the power of God, completely healed and made whole. He lived a long and fruitful life as a preacher.(1917-2003)


He mentioned in his book the step of faith:

1. Have God's Word for what you desire to receive from God. 
2. Believe God's Word. 
3. Consider not the contradictory circumstances. 
4. Give praise to God for the answer. 

Medical facts denied him of a cure, but Kenneth Hagin chose to believe in God's Word. His faith allowed God's power to be manifested in him. He received divine healing. "My faith tapped into the power of God and I was made whole! My paralysis disappeared and my heart condition was healed. Since then I've been going at a hop, skip, and a jump, and I have been preaching the truth of the gospel, including healing, ever since. " Truth superseded facts. Truth set him free!

(A copy of the book in English, pdf file is available at: 

http://www.livingfaithchurch.org.uk/pdf/Faith%20Bible%20Study%20Guide-Hagin.pdf) 

Thankful for the lessons learnt.
Thankful for those who continue to pray and support.
Thankful for those who encourage me.
Thankful to Mum and siblings who always help me to look at the brighter sides, for their love and cares.
Thankful to families who help me in my struggle, your comfort is immeasurable.
Thankful to God who initiates love, forgiveness, and healing.

因信而活，（罗一17）；凭信而立，（林后一24）；因信而行。（林后五7）
Live by Faith (Rom1:17) ; Stand firm by Faith (2Cor1:24) ; walk by Faith (2 Cor5:7)

Weather the Storm

Before the chemotherapy was started, the doctor had advised to load up protein by eating lot of meat and warned about the possible side effects. From my previous experience, I was coping quite well with side effects. But how wrong I was!

What I went through was just unimaginable. The diarrhea was so bad.. I was rushing to the washroom 24-hr non-stop. My stomach was churning, vomit came and went. Fortunately it was just liquid and nothing else, as I had not been consuming much at all Every 2 hourly I took Imodian, which was supposedly very effective to stop the diarrhea. It offered little help.

After few days,  I felt too weak and exhausted, we went to see the doctor. Hydration was done for 3 times over the 5 days, along with the nutrition, protein and other stuff.  When the blood test report came out, the doctor said the salt (Na, Cl) level was so low that it was like someone in coma..

The battle did not stopped there, this waged on for 10 days, The Imodian supply at the pharmacy near our place was cleared out by my dear wife. She had to travel to another pharmacy to purchase more. Poor her, who woke up every couple of days to help me record the time medicine was taken. I was totally grateful that she ｗａｓnot stressed out.

Finally come to a much welcome stop on Sunday, what a huge relief. Towards the final 2 days, I was able to eat more too.

The 2^nd round of chemo was due to start yesterday. My stomach wall was still in pain. After the doctor examined me, he decided to postpone giving me the particular drug that caused diarrhea  by a week. It was a wise decision.

Throughout the ordeal, I thank my wife for standing by me. She was a pillar of strength, the kids have been very helpful. We prayed together daily for strength and divine protection. Thanks to friends, colleagues and relatives who prayed for us, supported us in various ways. Some rallied their churches to pray for us, this really touches my heart.

I am very happy to inform that the latest blood test results show that the tumor marker has become normal again, the CEA reading was 1.3 (safe level is <5). It was 10 when tested at the 1st hospital. Praise God for His special healing!

In the hospital there were many patients from overseas. Many travelled from Malaysia and Indonesia. We met a couples in the sixties from Kuching. They usually travelled a day ahead of chemo and flew back the same day. They have a son-in-law from my hometown. The couple seemed very serene, taking things in their strides. When I was undergoing my 1^st chemo, I was pleasantly surprised he walked over to me and offered a prayer. May the Lord bless them. They spent 30-40k RM each month to seek treatment here. It was not easy. And there are some many like them. I sympathized with them, especially those more elderly ones. They have suffered much, and traveling to-and-fro no doubt adds to their burden. So overall, still feel very blessed just to be here.....

106 

Psalm 106:1-2 Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

     for his steadfast love endures forever!
² Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise?

詩 篇 106 ¹ 你 们 要 赞 美 耶 和 华 ！ 要 称 谢 耶 和 华 ， 因 他 本 为 善 ； 他 的 慈 爱 永 远 长 存 ！ ² 谁 能 传 说 耶 和 华 的 大 能 ？ 谁 能 表 明 他 一 切 的 美 德 ？

Post op 手术后

It has been a month post op. The wound is now completely healed. The assistant surgeon was very certain that there would be infection, due to the pre-existing condition. We prayed otherwise. Indeed we are very thankful that the wound has healed without incidence.

It has been quite a different story adapting to the ileostomy though. The colon, having rested for 11 months, has taken longer time to adjust. Past few weeks has been tough, with need to rush to wash room regularly. This was accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Some time it was up to half a day in the rest room, the pain was so unbearable that  at times I have to resort to painkiller.

Visited the doc yesterday, a new doctor since the surgeon has moved on. He explained about the bacteria at work  after the large intestine just gotten back to function again, and prescribed some medication to reduce bowel irritation. This situation has kept me at home pretty much. Pray and looking forwards to improvement soon.  Pressing on.

James1：2  Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort;
雅各书1：2  我的弟兄们，你们落在百般试炼中，都要以为大喜乐； 

and the doctors said.....医生如是说。。。。。

Reviewed with the colorectal surgeon, Prof E on Monday. He was back from a long vacation and looked very much refreshed. After examination, he arranged for a X-ray to be done on Aug 4. If the joint in the colon heals well, he would then proceed with the operation.

After going through the reports, he mentioned it wais rare to see such a good progress, given the conditions that I had. He was very happy for me. I could not help but gave thanks to God, so has been seeing through the healing and remains ever so faithful.

This morning I saw the oncologist, Dr K. As usual, he examined me- and said all was well. He asked when the operation would be done. The tumor marker was very low, and thus did not warrant a scan. He would see me again on Nov 1, thereafter every half yearly. This is indeed fantastic news!!

Psa 41:2  the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; 
Psa 41:2  耶和华必保全他，使他存活；他必在地上享福


Lam 3:24  Deep in my heart I say, "The LORD is all I need; I can depend on him!" 
Lam 3:24  我心里说：耶和华是我的分，因此，我要仰望他。

God is faithful 信实的上帝

(1)

When I was diagnosed with cancer, there was quite a shock to my family. I have been healthy all this while, so it was like a thunderbolt out of blue clear sky.
Among others, my mother-in-law begun to pray. She said if I recover, she would start believing God. Surely she did keep to her promise, we accompanied her to church last Sunday.
May God strengthens her faith, and keep her.

(2)

Went for review with the liver surgeon last Tuesday. Prof O was as gentle and kind as ever. It was no wonder that he topped the list the outstanding medical professional, gathered from patients' feedback for the hospital's honour list.   After looking through all the reports, he announced that the liver has returned to normal, with all the indicators showing good reading from the blood test.
He mentioned that there would be no need to see again. Praise God, for His wonderful faithfulness and amazing grace!

Lamentation3

 ²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”
 ²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
   to the one who seeks him;
²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
   for the salvation of the LORD.

耶 利 米 哀 歌 3 

²² 我 们 不 致 消 灭 ， 是 出 於 耶 和 华 诸 般 的 慈 爱 ； 是 因 他 的 怜 悯 不 致 断 绝 。
 ²³ 每 早 晨 ， 这 都 是 新 的 ； 你 的 诚 实 极 其 广 大 ！
 ²⁴ 我 心 里 说 ： 耶 和 华 是 我 的 分 ， 因 此 ， 我 要 仰 望 他 。
 ²⁵ 凡 等 候 耶 和 华 ， 心 里 寻 求 他 的 ， 耶 和 华 必 施 恩 给 他 。
 ²⁶ 人 仰 望 耶 和 华 ， 静 默 等 候 他 的 救 恩 ， 这 原 是 好 的 。