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。

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: 

Keeping well

The latest 2 appointments with the oncologist were on  Jan 7 and Feb 4 respectively.

On both occasions, the doctor went through the blood test and urine test report. He was happy with the results, and recommended to proceed with the same treatment.

It was still the festive Lunar New Year period. He wished me a peaceful 2014.

Keeping the momentum on exercising. For the past couple of months, the weather has been persistently cooler than usual, so it is a welcome phenomenon that we enjoyed. The temperature has since gone up slightly of late. It has been good weather generally to get outdoor for some workout.

Perspiration helps in getting good rest.
Keeping myself away from worries as much as possible.
Eat well.
Think well.

Believe.

Matthew 6:25-34

The Voice (VOICE)

25 Here is the bottom line: do not worry about your life. Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about how you clothe your body. Living is about more than merely eating, and the body is about more than dressing up. 26 Look at the birds in the sky. They do not store food for winter. They don’t plant gardens. They do not sow or reap—and yet, they are always fed because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are even more precious to Him than a beautiful bird. If He looks after them, of course He will look after you. 27 Worrying does not do any good; who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying?

28 Nor should you worry about clothes. Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They do not work or weave or sew, and yet their garments are stunning. 29 Even King Solomon, dressed in his most regal garb, was not as lovely as these lilies. 30 And think about grassy fields—the grasses are here now, but they will be dead by winter. And yet God adorns them so radiantly. How much more will He clothe you, you of little faith, you who have no trust?

31 So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? 32 Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. 33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.

Mat 6:25  「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？ 

Mat 6:26  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？ 

Mat 6:27  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）？ 

Mat 6:28  何必为衣裳忧虑呢？你想野地里的百合花怎麽长起来；他也不劳苦，也不纺线。 

Mat 6:29  然而我告诉你们，就是所罗门极荣华的时候，他所穿戴的，还不如这花一朵呢！ 

Mat 6:30  你们这小信的人哪！野地里的草今天还在，明天就丢在炉里，神还给他这样的妆饰，何况你们呢！ 

Mat 6:31  所以，不要忧虑说：吃什麽？喝什麽？穿什麽？ 

Mat 6:32  这都是外邦人所求的，你们需用的这一切东西，你们的天父是知道的。 

Mat 6:33  你们要先求他的国和他的义，这些东西都要加给你们了。 

Mat 6:34  所以，不要为明天忧虑，因为明天自有明天的忧虑；一天的难处一天当就够了。」 

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」。）

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）？

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。