Care and Support

During this period, a friend was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. It was a tough time for him. Some side effects and complication during his chemotherapy and radiotherapy have weighed heavily on him.

Emotionally a lot of patients would be drained. They are uncertainties, and some time fear of the unknown. The treatment itself poses a challenge. We could not anticipate how the side effects turn out. Different patient may have entirely different reaction to the treatment.

I remember the first time I underwent chemotherapy. The side effects was fairly mild. Typically few days each session ended, lethargy would set in. The body felt weak, and most time I would just rest or sleep. Of course, I took precaution to avoid going to crowded place as the immune level was weakened.  I went through 9 sessions, coping fairly well. There were times I lost appetite, felt tired more easily, but overall it was not too bad. One of the surgeons actually told me I took the chemo fairly well.

However, during the 2nd time I went through chemotherapy with different drug combination, the situation was quite different. I have bad side effects. I threw up, had constant diarrhea, lost my appetite and were too weak to do lots of activities. Dehydration set in. At a point I lost so much salt that it was like someone in coma. Along the way, the oncologist gave booster for red and white blood cells, infuse protein to keep the body functioning well, to cope with the side effects. It was tough, and times and again I cried out to God for help.

Emotionally it could be quite taxing. As the patient would not know what would happen next, what kind of side effect would came, one could get very frustrated. The mood may fluctuate. Not all the feeling could be verbalized. Some resort to emotional outburst to release some frustration.  Those who gave care may not fully comprehend, but unfortunately they bear the brunt of all the emotional out-letting. It would be best to assure the patient, and stand by them with love and patience. No easy task especially this could drag on for a while.

Looking back, I am thankful that God had helped me, granted me strength and saw me through the challenging time. Of course, the medical team, family and friend provided a support network that was so important. Maintaining some sense of humor, keeping faith, be appreciative of what we have (and not harboring on what we do not have) and keeping a balanced diet would help to cope better.

For the past 3 months:
The PET-scan done on Jun 24 turned out to be good. Thank God for the positive results.
The blood and urine test reports were good.

Jul 22, I went to see the radiologist. He was a kind doctor and willing to hear and discuss any concerns. The last visit was 1 year ago. So examination was done on the abdomen and back area.

The 2 subsequent monthly blood and urine tests were well. The latest marker CEA has crept up, the oncologist said would monitor the trend, nothing to be concerned.

Colossians 1:13  Amplified Bible (AMP)

13 [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

歌罗西书 1:13(CNVS) 13 他救我们脱离了黑暗的权势，把我们迁入他爱子的国里。

Luke 10:19  Amplified Bible (AMP)

19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

路加福音 10:19(CNVS)

19 我已经给你们权柄，去践踏蛇和蝎子，胜过仇敌的一切能力。绝对没有甚么能伤害你们了。

Looking Ahead

Went for the monthly review with the oncologist on Monday Oct 14. The date was brought forward by 1 day due to the a public holiday on Tuesday. Normally there would be bigger crowd pre- and post holiday. So I was pleasantly surprised to be the 2nd on the queue of many patients.

The doctor as usual went through a check, and reviewed the blood and urine test report. These are all good. I thanked God and the doctor for keeping me healthy. To which the doctor replied, "No, thank God only." I managed to get home before noon after treatment, which was quite a luxury.

Nov 11 was another check-up and treatment session again.

We were all happy and grateful that the blood and urine test results turned out to be very good, tumor markers were all in low range. The doctor asked whether there was any issues encountered during the past weeks. Other than pimples on the body, the skin on the face tend to crack with minor bleeding, especially during bathing. I asked the doctor whether the antibodies Erbitux promoted hair growth. He asked whether I grew more hair or it got darker. I said both. He was pretty amused and joked that it was a new discovery. So it was quite a contrast compared to being bald-headed over a year back.

A PET-scan was arranged for early Dec, other than the usual blood and urine tests.

Of late, I have been exercising more. More than half an hour of running in the field, sweating out and getting refreshed. Feeling good and hope to keep the momentum going......

Matthew 6
25“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

马太福音 6:25-27  「所以我告诉你们，不要为生命忧虑吃什麽，喝什麽；为身体忧虑穿什麽。生命不胜於饮食吗？身体不胜於衣裳吗？ 

 你们看那天上的飞鸟，也不种，也不收，也不积蓄在仓里，你们的天父尚且养活他。你们不比飞鸟贵重得多吗？ 

 你们那一个能用思虑使寿数多加一刻呢（或作：使身量多加一肘呢）？

The Next Phase

"Mister, you have dropped 3 kg over the past 2 and half weeks, that is a lot!" the nurse exclaimed after taking my weight Wed Oct 17. That was due to the side effects after the 9th cycle of chemotherapy. I was feeling really lethargic, the diarrhea further reducing the appetite. Took a lot of rest, and slept much more too. Then the pimples which showed up during the past few cycles on the face were all over my head. They  bring much discomfort especially when I lay down.

A PET scan was done earlier on Oct 16. Reviewed with the oncologist on Oct 17. He examined the blood and urine test reports, and said they were excellent. The PET scan results showed some anomalies over the liver area, after further check with the radiology doctor who performed the RFA, he thought it could be due to that procedure. Another scan will be done in 2 months' time. Meantime, there is no cause for concerns.  One of the chemo drug would however, still be administered for as long as possible, this had proven to be helpful in the radiation therapy. This is dispensed through a pump, which is connected to the catheter line 24/7.  I could also move away from the high protein diet taken during the chemo treatment period. The oncologist said the toughest period was over, I should feel very happy. Thanks to God for seeing me through this trying period, and grateful to many who send prayer heavenwards.

Thur Oct 18, I was at the hospital again for the preparation of radiation therapy. A CT scan was done, with all the necessary markers done on the body. A newer form of radiation therapy called tomotherapy would be used for the next 5-6 weeks, for 27 sessions. The first session was done on Oct 23. The procedure lasted about 15 minutes. Basically I laid down on the radiation machine, a scan was done, then the nurses would make some necessary adjustment, then proceed with radiation. There was no sensation whatsoever. Before I realized it, the whole process was completed.

So the appetite has return to normal, I could eat well again. Pray that there is minimal or no side effects from the radiation therapy.......Trusting in God the Almighty for He is good all the time, His loving kindness and mercies cease not!



1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 
彼得前书 2:24  他被挂在木头上，亲身担当了我们的罪，使我们既然在罪上死，就得以在义上活。因他受的鞭伤，你们便得了医治。 

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！”

Wonderful are His Deeds

After resting for a week, proceeded with 2nd cycle of chemotherapy yesterday. Monday was a busy day for the doctor. There was a long queue, I waited for more than 1&1/2 hours before the scheduled time before seeing him.

The blood test report showed that the tumor marker CEA continued to remain low, at a reading of 1.2 (safe level <5). So, instead of the 3 cycles of chemo to do another scan, the doctor said I could do it after completing the 2nd cycle. He believed that "the cancerous cells have been whacked blue and black." What an amazing news! Our hearts were filled with thanksgiving to our God, truly He has done far more, beyond what we asked for.

Ephesians 3:20-21

²⁰ God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us. ²¹ May we see His shining-greatness in the church. May all people in all time honor Christ Jesus. Let it be so.New Life Version (NLV)   神能照著运行在我们心里的大力充充足足的成就一切，超过我们所求所想的。 
Eph 3:21  但愿他在教会中，并在基督耶稣里，得著荣耀，直到世世代代，永永远远。阿们！ 

Lately I have been meditating on the book of John, particularly on what Jesus proclaim Himself to be:

John 14:6
Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one can go to the Father except by Me.  耶稣说: "我就是道路、真理、生命；若不藉著我，没有人能到父那里去。" 

John 6:63
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.  叫人活著的乃是灵，肉体是无益的。我对你们所说的话就是灵，就是生命。 

The more I meditated on these verses, the more I was inviting the spirit to give me Life. Life brings wholeness, health, abundance etc. - all part and parcel of God's wonderful salvation. I believe all these contribute to my speedy recovery. And now I am praying that the same Spirit and Life would enable me to be free of all the side effects from the treatment. And of course, all the prayers that arises from different corner of the world, ascending to the throne of the Most High.

After the 1st cycle of chemo, my hair started to part from my scalp. I found hair on my pillow, room, each time I combed my hair, more hair dropped. I was neat a table one day and picked up something from the floor. Accidentally my head touched the table lightly when I stood up. Next moment, a chunk of hair was on the floor. There and then, I decided to visit a barber and shaved my head. Now, I can compete with my colleague to see who has a shinier bald head.

Psa 121:7  The LORD will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe. 
Psa 121:8  He will protect you as you come and go now and forever. 
 耶和华要保护你，免受一切的灾害；他要保护你的性命。
 你出你入，耶和华要保护你，从今时直到永远。

Win another battle

Went for review with the colorectal surgeon on Apr 4. He checked the blood test results and found tumor marker to be high. He recommended a CT scan to be performed. The queue at the hospital was long, though I managed to brought the scan forward, I could only see the surgeon again early May.

It was somewhat disturbing. The way home from hospital was bright and sunny. I admired the scenery along the road and tried t make light of the situation.

At the nudging of my sis-in-law, we decided to see another oncologist at a private hospital. He quickly arranged to a consultation on the eve of Good Friday. His immediately arranged for PET scan, a more accurate form of scan on Monday Apr 9.

I have been praying hard and earnestly these few days. There was anxiety in the beginning, through the pray sessions, the peace came into my heart. I was given word from the Lord:

On Good Friday - Psa 107:20  He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 20  他发命医治他们，救他们脱离死亡 (Most amazingly the same verse were sent by a dear sis and colleagues to me 2 days later)


Sat - Ps 75:3Psa 75:3  The earth and all its people are melting away; I hold up its pillars 3  地和其上的居民都消化了；我曾立了地的柱子
Psa 75:7  But God is the judge.....7  惟有神断定.....(God has the final say....)


Easter Day Psa 71:3  Be a rock of refuge for me, to which I may always go; You have commanded to save me; for You are my Rock and my Fortress. 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。 


Also the Lord showed me Luke 7 - the centurion's servant was healed at His command, and how by compassion He  raised the dead son of the widow.

On Monday the PET scan was performed in the morning. By 5pm, we were back to see the oncologist. Somehow, there was this peace reigning in my heart, as I kept my mind on the verse from Psalm 23: Surely goodness and mercies shall follow me all the days my life......The pastor had taught a day earlier to steady our spirit in God's word.

The doctor located some anomalies at the colorectal area from the scan. Good news is no spread to other area. And the doctor has managed to see some symptom to which a particular drug has proven effective. We agreed to proceed with treatment course and started chemotherapy on the Tues, Apr 10. There would be 2 sessions per month over the next 3 months. Another scan would follow then.

I thank God so far I have been feeling perfectly well after the chemo session. Truly, there is power in the Living Word. And Blessed assurance that I am healed by His stripes (Isa 53:5)!! I am reciting Psa 91:16  With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. 

信心的加添 Growth In Faith

以 賽 亞 書 54: ¹⁰ 大 山 可 以 挪 开 ， 小 山 可 以 迁 移 ； 但 我 的 慈 爱 必 不 离 开 你 ； 我 平 安 的 约 也 不 迁 移 。 这 是 怜 恤 你 的 耶 和 华 说 的 。

Few days before the chemotherapy was set to commence, I was praying over this treatment. There was some quite apprenhensions. During the eve of the session, Brother Ho sent me a sms/text. He told me that his brother has just completed the same treatment. He was recovering fast and had little side effect. Brother Ho sends me sms once or twice a week to encourage me. His writing is so amusing that I often burst into laughter, and this has helped to uplift my spirit. May God Bless his brother to speedy recovery and abundantly provides for Ho's family.

The same night I picked up a book next to the television. It was titled " Daring to Live on the Edge" by Loren Cunningham. Loren was called by Lord to set up "Youth With A Mission" (YWAM) at 18, to send out trained youths to various countries to spread the gospel. Each of them receives no pay, makes no appeal  for donation, but merely pray to God for daily needs. This includes the fares to the countries that each is led to evangelise and place where training is conducted. When the book was printed in 1995, there were few thousand youths, many times more volunteers over hundred countries. Each one had amazing testimonies to share how God  provided each of their needs, often in the nicks of time and in miraculous fashion. God moved people/strangers to give the exact amount they needed. This had been going on and on for years/decades across continents.

I was greatly touched and also shamed for the little faith I have after reading the account of how God took care of every details with YWAMers. He not only proved how true He Was/Is, He also built faith among the people. Faith is like muscles, it needs to be exercised to grow. God utilises various means to let us understand He is more interested in us, in building up our character and grow in faith, far more than merely supplying our needs.

God planned these 2 events in His perfect timing again. I was able to lay down all my worries before Him, and turning my full trust in our Living God!

Isaiah 54:    ¹⁰ Though the mountains be shaken
       and the hills be removed,
       yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
       nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
       says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Exercise 锻炼

I have been taking half-hour stroll everyday for couple of weeks now, in the park next to my apartment. My exercise regime has over the past few days progressed to using some exercise equipment installed in the park. These include some static cycling, arm movement equipments etc. to exercise various muscles.

Yesterday started brisk walk at another park slightly further away from home. It was good feeling to sweat again. Thanks God for His healing!!

两三周前开始在住家附近的公园每天散步约半小时。过去几天加了一些运动量，使用公园里一些健身的设备，包括身体各部位锻炼的器材。

昨天去了离家稍远的另一个公园。绕着公园快步走了一圈，稍稍出汗，感觉太好了！感谢神继续的医治！！

Some flora seen at the park 公园里的一些花卉

Mushroom by the roadside on our way back回家路上看到路旁的蘑菇

詩 篇 19

 ¹  诸 天 述 说 神 的 荣 耀 ； 穹 苍 传 扬 他 的 手 段 。

Psalm 19

   ^[a] 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; 

       the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Divine Healing

Our church (Lighthouse Evangelism) organizes Miracle Service every Saturday. Pastor started this many years ago. He was healed by God in 1979 from a near-death experience himself.

Many has been touched and healed by God every week, believers and non-believers, young and old.  Medical doctors were baffled by medically unexplainable healing phenomena on some of their patients.  So some doctors and nurses recommend patients with medically challenging conditions to the church for prayer.  Some of those healed, when giving their testimonies, said they felt some heat, some felt tingling sensation, other just have no special feeling, yet they are healed.

My wife and I have attended the service many times. Last night, as I was praying, I felt the heat sensation on my upper abdomen. It lasted some 20 minutes. I knew the Lord has started His healing. It was amazing timing after a tough day yesterday. Thank God for His perfect timing!!

^{Acts 5：15}As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil^[a] spirits, and all of them were healed.

使 徒 行 傳 5

¹⁵ 甚 至 有 人 將 病 人 抬 到 街 上 ， 放 在 床 上 或 褥 子 上 ， 指 望 彼 得 過 來 的 時 候 ， 或 者 得 他 的 影 兒 照 在 甚 麼 人 身 上 。

 ¹⁶ 還 有 許 多 人 帶 著 病 人 和 被 污 鬼 纏 磨 的 ， 從 耶 路 撒 冷 四 圍 的 城 邑 來 ， 全 都 得 了 醫 治 。

我们的教会每周末都举行神迹医治布道会。牧师好多年前就开始这么做，他本身在1975年一次频临死亡的疾病中蒙神的医治。

每周有许多人在会中蒙神的医治，有些是信徒，也有未信的，男女老小都有。一些医生在病患身上看到难以解释的医治奇迹。有些医生护士就会推荐棘手或束手无策的病例患者到会中来。各种各样受医治的人当中，有些做见证时说在患处会有炙热感，有些会有麻刺感，有些没有任何感觉，却也得到医治。


妻与我去了好几次的聚会。昨天夜里祷告时，我感觉上腹部一阵阵炙热，持续了约20 分钟。心里知道神在我身上开始施行了医治。感谢祂在这艰难的一天里行了祂奇妙的医治！！