My radio treatment is officially over and I'm enjoying day 1 for the 5-yr count. Think this is all His plan 'cos today's my birthday too. What a nice birthday present :-)
The last 5 boosters were targeting the ellipse where my scar is. Just one beam, compared to 2 for the previous 25 times, so each session is much shorter.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
25 days
I've reached the 25 days mark. Next 5 will be boosters. I'm partially sunburnt. Don't really know how to describe 'cos I've not been sunburnt before. I turn red like a crab but don't peel. Am something like that now. Thank God it doesn't hurt :-)
I wonder how long it'll stay this way. Interestingly (to me at least), the sunburnt part is exactly within the marks that have been marked out on me.
Will post more soon. Have been spending lots of time with my kids and really enjoying this time. Thank God for opportunities!
Oh ya, in case I forget, I'll blog about the support group's 2nd meeting. Really fun :-) Thank God for support groups and for nurses who go the extra miles.
I wonder how long it'll stay this way. Interestingly (to me at least), the sunburnt part is exactly within the marks that have been marked out on me.
Will post more soon. Have been spending lots of time with my kids and really enjoying this time. Thank God for opportunities!
Oh ya, in case I forget, I'll blog about the support group's 2nd meeting. Really fun :-) Thank God for support groups and for nurses who go the extra miles.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tiredness
This fatigue thing creeps up on me often but I guess, in a way, this side effect is more manageable than dizziness. So I sleep on the way home, sleep when I get home, sleep whenever I feel so extremely tired. Some days I sleep for 3-4 hours in the afternoon, till the kids wake me up for dinner. Some days I get by without. It comes and it goes.
That was last week.
This week, for the first 2 days the fatigue bug was away. I was quite happy, being able to spend time with kids and do some long-overdue spring-cleaning (ya, after Chinese New Year). This afternoon, I knocked out after lunch, on a full tummy. Sleeping despite the din the kids were making, despite the warmth of the afternoon. Till the insurance agent woke me up.
I'm meeting KH tomorrow for lunch. She started radio on 29Jan.
That was last week.
This week, for the first 2 days the fatigue bug was away. I was quite happy, being able to spend time with kids and do some long-overdue spring-cleaning (ya, after Chinese New Year). This afternoon, I knocked out after lunch, on a full tummy. Sleeping despite the din the kids were making, despite the warmth of the afternoon. Till the insurance agent woke me up.
I'm meeting KH tomorrow for lunch. She started radio on 29Jan.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mdm Tan?
Sometimes I'm so engrossed in the book that I'm reading that I don't hear the radio therapists call my name. They call twice: first to tell me to go wait at the green chair, then to go in. Sometimes I don't hear once, sometimes both, but yesterday, the therapist called "Mdm Tan" and looked at me. "Mdm Tan" he called again, looking at me. I got up and went.
Come to think of it, I didn't check if my picture was there on the screen. This was the pic that was taken during the radio simulation. The numbers were correct though, always starting with 46. These are the bearings for positioning me.
Just as I was leaving to go change back, "Mdm Tan", he called again. I didn't respond 'cos I didn't think it was me. "Mdm Tan", he called again. I seemed to have trailed my skein of yarn, having dropped it for a few metres that I ignored the therapist. That'll teach me to be more careful about holding my knitting stuff. Hahahaha!
Come to think of it, I didn't check if my picture was there on the screen. This was the pic that was taken during the radio simulation. The numbers were correct though, always starting with 46. These are the bearings for positioning me.
Just as I was leaving to go change back, "Mdm Tan", he called again. I didn't respond 'cos I didn't think it was me. "Mdm Tan", he called again. I seemed to have trailed my skein of yarn, having dropped it for a few metres that I ignored the therapist. That'll teach me to be more careful about holding my knitting stuff. Hahahaha!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Obituary: HH's mom
HH's mom passed away yesterday morning. She had a recurrence of stomach cancer in November. When I saw her last month, she was already very thin. She was in good spirits then, also encouraging me, just like HH. When I saw her again yesterday, she had lost so much weight. HH said her mum took nothing but glucose-flavoured water the past two weeks.
I felt a bit awkward 'cos I was very early, arriving before the tentage was set up. I felt I had to lend support to HH who had been there for me multiple times during my tunnel period at the hospital. What little I could do, in comparison to her constant encouragement and advice.
HH and her sisters' apparent love for their mum made me rethink about my own mum. As I watched them spending time with her, I felt their sadness even though there wasn't much tears. Much has been shed already since November.
Dear God, please help me to love my mum while she's still here. Please also grant HH's family the peace to know that her mum is now with you. Give them enough rest after the wake and may they grow closer together. Help them cherish each other more. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I felt a bit awkward 'cos I was very early, arriving before the tentage was set up. I felt I had to lend support to HH who had been there for me multiple times during my tunnel period at the hospital. What little I could do, in comparison to her constant encouragement and advice.
HH and her sisters' apparent love for their mum made me rethink about my own mum. As I watched them spending time with her, I felt their sadness even though there wasn't much tears. Much has been shed already since November.
Dear God, please help me to love my mum while she's still here. Please also grant HH's family the peace to know that her mum is now with you. Give them enough rest after the wake and may they grow closer together. Help them cherish each other more. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Cheap Fruit Hunt
I've been searching for cheap pomegranates for a while. Finest had huge ones at 45c/100g but not anymore. The NTUC near my place has small ones at 55c/100g. Cold Storage doesn't have. Giant had but the 2 I bought were rotten at the bottom. Shop N Save doesn't have. Wet market stalls don't have. Central market doesn't have. Why is it so difficult to find a fruit that can be grown locally? I think I'll try to grow my own, hahaha.
Anyway, just as I was leaving NCC yesterday, I saw a huge crowd gathering round a makeshift fruit stall. I went to have a look and was wowed by the large selection. I bought 2 packets of mini mandarins ($2/packet or $5 for 3 packets) and 1 packet of longan (same price as mini mandarins). I also chose a packet of fragrant pear ($2.50) for Tiffy and when I thought that was about all I could carry, I saw the pomegranates. They weren't the red colour that I saw before. These were light brown. At $1 each, I asked for 2 and the man promptly gave me 3 for the price of 2. God is good :-)
I've not tried them yet. Will let you know if it's red inside soon.
Anyway, just as I was leaving NCC yesterday, I saw a huge crowd gathering round a makeshift fruit stall. I went to have a look and was wowed by the large selection. I bought 2 packets of mini mandarins ($2/packet or $5 for 3 packets) and 1 packet of longan (same price as mini mandarins). I also chose a packet of fragrant pear ($2.50) for Tiffy and when I thought that was about all I could carry, I saw the pomegranates. They weren't the red colour that I saw before. These were light brown. At $1 each, I asked for 2 and the man promptly gave me 3 for the price of 2. God is good :-)
I've not tried them yet. Will let you know if it's red inside soon.
Blood Donation
Yesterday I had to take my weight measurement and that triggered the memory of the last time I took my weight.
I think it was the last time I donated blood in early Oct 2008, just weeks before my discovery of the lump. Weighing is necessary to know how much blood can be drawn. I don't weigh each time I go, only when I'm asked to. Then, my weight was 54kg.
On 12 Dec 2008, when I got the diagnosis, I asked the oncologist, what about the blood that I've donated. I don't know how long blood can be kept. She explained that there are no markers to indicate that there are cancer cells in the blood for my type of cancer. I took it to mean it's a good thing that it's not present in the blood to be detected. She explained a bit more about markers and I arrived at the conclusion that there's no way I will know if I'm 100% cured or if I already am. Markers are present for certain types of cancers and even then, it's not a guarantee. Meaning, if it's not there, it doesn't mean there's no cancer. I also realised that this would be when I trust God to have healed me completely :-)
That long afternoon, after SOC consultation, oncologist consultation and radiologist consultation, I walked down the slope to the train station and detoured to HSA. I had to do my part to inform them. The nurse let me see the doctor almost immediately. Initially I thought he was a bit insensitive 'cos he kept repeating that I can't donate blood anymore (which made me sad for a while) till he mentioned that, don't worry, this is curable. Yeah!
I've been donating blood for a few years now. I'm elated each time I'm able to 'cos it was a confirmation of God's gift of good health. Even when I can't donate blood now, I'm learning another facet of God's love - to trust that He loves me and will heal me.
Dear Person-reading-this-blog, if you're able to, please go donate blood. Thank you, in advance :-)
I think it was the last time I donated blood in early Oct 2008, just weeks before my discovery of the lump. Weighing is necessary to know how much blood can be drawn. I don't weigh each time I go, only when I'm asked to. Then, my weight was 54kg.
On 12 Dec 2008, when I got the diagnosis, I asked the oncologist, what about the blood that I've donated. I don't know how long blood can be kept. She explained that there are no markers to indicate that there are cancer cells in the blood for my type of cancer. I took it to mean it's a good thing that it's not present in the blood to be detected. She explained a bit more about markers and I arrived at the conclusion that there's no way I will know if I'm 100% cured or if I already am. Markers are present for certain types of cancers and even then, it's not a guarantee. Meaning, if it's not there, it doesn't mean there's no cancer. I also realised that this would be when I trust God to have healed me completely :-)
That long afternoon, after SOC consultation, oncologist consultation and radiologist consultation, I walked down the slope to the train station and detoured to HSA. I had to do my part to inform them. The nurse let me see the doctor almost immediately. Initially I thought he was a bit insensitive 'cos he kept repeating that I can't donate blood anymore (which made me sad for a while) till he mentioned that, don't worry, this is curable. Yeah!
I've been donating blood for a few years now. I'm elated each time I'm able to 'cos it was a confirmation of God's gift of good health. Even when I can't donate blood now, I'm learning another facet of God's love - to trust that He loves me and will heal me.
Dear Person-reading-this-blog, if you're able to, please go donate blood. Thank you, in advance :-)
- It doesn't hurt other than the local anaesthesia.
- It doesn't take long either 'cos the actual drawing of blood is only minutes for whole blood.
- It does a whole lot of good for those who need the blood.
- The nurses there are super-friendly and very gentle.
- While I don't participate in the family events, there was a picnic/movie at Esplanade park, sand-castle building at East Coast etc.
- I also get other freebies like umbrella (which I didn't collect), calendar, notebook, Risis pendant (which I didn't collect). There's a fine line between advertising to get more donors and boasting that I can. I don't want to cross that line.
- You get free iron tablets, free drink and snack at the cafe.
- You also get a free squeezie and a really cool band at your elbow.
- It's only every 12 weeks, or longer if you like.
- It's a reminder that God gives good health.
Bring on a Smile
Listening to these makes me happy, which is a good thing 'cos it uplifts the spirits. Turn up your speaker volume and enjoy
Breaking the News
- To my children - this was one of my main concerns. How to tell them, how much to tell them, how to not break down when I tell them etc. Toby had a teacher last year who was ill and away from school for a while and when she came back, she had no hair, so I guess she went for chemo. I asked them if they remembered that teacher, and told them that I'm not well like that teacher and would be going for treatment to make me better. I told them that I needed them to behave and help out around the house. It went simpler than I expected; I tend to worry too much. They were sad initially and a bit lost. As weeks passed, they seemed to have accepted.
- Boss - I sent a simple mail to my boss saying that I was diagnosed with cancer and requested to work from home for a while. She was very understanding and agreed, asking me to rest. I later met up with her and explained a bit more when I knew what treatment I was going for.
- Office - I wanted to keep it low-key initially but I then I thought, I should give God the glory for all that He'd done, how our prayers were answered etc, so I started telling some. Not all though.
- Smoking friend - I did a shock therapy over msn to a friend who smoked, trying to shock him into quitting. He said he'd try. Keep at it, HK!
5 days
I seem to be in a 5-day mode at the moment
- radio is 5 days a week - I do mundane things like put my stuff in locker 11 on Mon / Wed / Fri and in locker 12 on Tue / Thu
- Tamoxifen is in 5 day packs - I set my phone alarm to 10.30am each morning to take these pills. Kids know and remind me when they hear the alarm go off. I don't always take the med at this time though; it depends on what I'm doing at that moment. I could be crossing a road, on the MRT, having radio treatment? Thing is, I forget to eat it sometimes. So what I did was, take out all the pill packs and marked the start and end dates on each of them. If I was going out, I'd put a pack into my purse. Piece of cake :-) Now, if I can remember to bring water all the time....
First Radio Follow-up
Today was the first time I waited and waited for my radio treatment. Usually I arrive early and they'd let me be next in queue though my scheduled timing may not be for another 20-30 mins. This morning, however, there was a huge crowd at the waiting area. Huge 'cos there were no more seats, even for us, who were waiting for treatment. I had my book, of course, so the wait wasn't too bad. I think I was the 5th person called. They said the computer was slow this morning.
Today was also the first time I saw the radio doc. He examined me and said that I was except for slight redness. No cause of concern. He also mentioned that it was ok to put some lotion on it (eg. Johnson & Johnson, aloe vera, Nivea) after the treatment. Nurse Fiona mentioned this too. I don't do it regularly though, only when I remember to.
Last week, I bought a hydrating spray for this purpose, with the intent of a quick spurt of sweet-smelling liquid as I change back after treatment. Haven't done this though. I still have the body lotion from Body Shop which I use to take care of my right arm. That too, I don't regularly put. I do try to do the lymphatic massage that the physiotherapist taught me though.
I asked the doc about the intensity of my radio treatment and he said there are 3 categories and all within the category get same intensity:
Today was also the first time I saw the radio doc. He examined me and said that I was except for slight redness. No cause of concern. He also mentioned that it was ok to put some lotion on it (eg. Johnson & Johnson, aloe vera, Nivea) after the treatment. Nurse Fiona mentioned this too. I don't do it regularly though, only when I remember to.
Last week, I bought a hydrating spray for this purpose, with the intent of a quick spurt of sweet-smelling liquid as I change back after treatment. Haven't done this though. I still have the body lotion from Body Shop which I use to take care of my right arm. That too, I don't regularly put. I do try to do the lymphatic massage that the physiotherapist taught me though.
I asked the doc about the intensity of my radio treatment and he said there are 3 categories and all within the category get same intensity:
- those who'd undergone mastectomy - they'll get 5 weeks
- those who'd undergone lumpectomy - they'll get 6 weeks. I'm in this category. The other doc mentioned that the last week is a booster where they'll target the area where the lump was.
- those whose tumour is too big to operate
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Making Plans
My diagnosis coincided with the school holidays. God has been good in that I could still go for an overseas holiday with my family. 4 days after surgery. Plans were put on hold, partially due to medical appointments and partially due to mental state of mind (read: worry).
Anyway, it's good to make plans... something to look forward to
Anyway, it's good to make plans... something to look forward to
- Malacca trip - I was toying with this for months before diagnosis. Just the kids and I. It would have been our first trip out alone. Well, we can go this June or December. Or go elsewhere.
- movie - normally, we would catch a movie during the longer school holidays. Oddly, this time round, we didn't. I wonder if it's 'cos of lack of appeal. I mean, I would prefer wall.e to Bolt.
- West Coast Park - kids are drawn to this, asking me to bring them every school holidays. The weather wasn't good on the days we planned to go, and I didn't feel like going on the days the weather was fine.
- shopping - December is a time of shopping, for Christmas, for new school year, for stocking up during sales. I spent a bundle on medical and perhaps that put a damper on my mood. I even maxed out one credit card.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Staying Happy
A friend sent some jokes over. I'm supposed to be relaxed, not stressed and taking things easy.
An elderly couple were on a cruise and it was really stormy. They were standing on the back of the boat watching the moon, when a wave came up and washed the old woman overboard. They searched for days and couldn't find her, so the captain sent the old man back to shore with the promise that he would notify him as soon as they found something.
Three weeks went by and finally the old man got a fax from the boat. It read: 'Sir, sorry to inform you, we found your wife dead at the bottom of the ocean. We hauled her up to the deck and attached to her butt was an oyster and in it was a pearl worth $50,000 . Please advise.'
The old man faxed back: 'Send me the pearl and re-bait the trap.'
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards.
One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, 'Now don't get mad at me....I know we've been friends for a long time.....but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is.'
Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, 'How soon do you need to know?'
An elderly couple were on a cruise and it was really stormy. They were standing on the back of the boat watching the moon, when a wave came up and washed the old woman overboard. They searched for days and couldn't find her, so the captain sent the old man back to shore with the promise that he would notify him as soon as they found something.
Three weeks went by and finally the old man got a fax from the boat. It read: 'Sir, sorry to inform you, we found your wife dead at the bottom of the ocean. We hauled her up to the deck and attached to her butt was an oyster and in it was a pearl worth $50,000 . Please advise.'
The old man faxed back: 'Send me the pearl and re-bait the trap.'
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards.
One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, 'Now don't get mad at me....I know we've been friends for a long time.....but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is.'
Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, 'How soon do you need to know?'
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Third Radiotherapy Treatment
I was hit by the fatigue bug today. Apparently this is 'cos my body has to repair damage caused by the radiotherapy to healthy cells.
Picked up the following from Cancer Research UK:
Tomorrow's session is at 12.50pm. I'll miss picking up kids again but next week, I think all are in the morning. Thank you, God.
Picked up the following from Cancer Research UK:
- exercise lightly - light to moderate exercise every day helps people with cancer to feel better and can give them more energy
- getting support from other people - incidentally the Blossom support group is on this evening at 6pm. I slept from 5pm to 7pm. Hope they had a good time.
- resting and sleeping
- improving my diet
- keeping a fatigue diary - Keep a record of how you are feeling, and how your energy levels change. This will help you to tell if you are more or less tired than before, and help you to identify which activities make you feel better or worse.
Tomorrow's session is at 12.50pm. I'll miss picking up kids again but next week, I think all are in the morning. Thank you, God.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Second Radiotherapy Treatment
I took a shortcut to the Crystal Suite yesterday, tailgating a nurse through a door which had no entry signs. I read them first and one said only for patients and their visitors, or something like that. I thought, I'm a patient, so I went. It saved me 2 minutes of walking time going the long route. Try something once, no?
I dropped off my appointment card at the desk and went to change. Brought my book along to read while waiting instead of keeping all my belongings in the locker. Locker 11. The lady waiting opposite me kept her handbag with her so I gathered there would be no problem of keeping my book with me.
After waiting about 10 mins, I was called. Same stuff as the first day but this time they positioned me faster. Perhaps due to the fact that the marker lines couldn't be washed off. There was music this time and I was thinking: a typical song is about 3 to 4 mins. I came in in the middle of a song and left before the song ended. Wow! That meant the whole procedure took less than 4mins.
I changed back, picked up my appointment card. They didn't give me the timing for tomorrow. I hope it's in the morning 'cos I don't want to rush for cell in the evening. KH will be at NCC at 4pm tomorrow though but she laughed and said don't need to schedule my appointments to meet her. Thank you, Nurse Fiona, for this support group!
Guess which way I left by? The long route. No hurry, you see, since the treatment was faster than I expected. It won't be so fast today 'cos I'll be seeing the doc today after treatment.
I dropped off my appointment card at the desk and went to change. Brought my book along to read while waiting instead of keeping all my belongings in the locker. Locker 11. The lady waiting opposite me kept her handbag with her so I gathered there would be no problem of keeping my book with me.
After waiting about 10 mins, I was called. Same stuff as the first day but this time they positioned me faster. Perhaps due to the fact that the marker lines couldn't be washed off. There was music this time and I was thinking: a typical song is about 3 to 4 mins. I came in in the middle of a song and left before the song ended. Wow! That meant the whole procedure took less than 4mins.
I changed back, picked up my appointment card. They didn't give me the timing for tomorrow. I hope it's in the morning 'cos I don't want to rush for cell in the evening. KH will be at NCC at 4pm tomorrow though but she laughed and said don't need to schedule my appointments to meet her. Thank you, Nurse Fiona, for this support group!
Guess which way I left by? The long route. No hurry, you see, since the treatment was faster than I expected. It won't be so fast today 'cos I'll be seeing the doc today after treatment.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Time Spent
I was just thinking about how much time I've been spending at SGH and NCC. Some visits are short like I'm in and out in an hour while others are almost 5 hours long (excluding operations).
- consultations - waiting time to see doc + see doc + payment (first and last takes the longest. Incidentally, if you choose not to wait and pay, SGH will mail you the bill for your settlement. That'll save a bit of time.)
- pre-admission testing - these take a while 'cos it involves many stations. First off would be registration and payment. I chose to pay up front using credit card and AIA Healthshield so I wouldn't have to revisit payment upon admission. This is followed by the blood test. My 2 ops were too far apart so I had to have blood drawn again for the 2nd op and yet another time on the same day 'cos the blood clotted and couldn't be use. Next station would be the nurse taking your height and weight and checking other particulars. This is then followed by the anaesthetist (I checked the spelling) for medical history and assessment of general health so that there would be no surprises during GA. Last stop would be the assessment by the surgical team (I think). Each station involved waiting so I waited 5 times for the first pre-admission tests. For the 2nd op, I had more requirements (x-ray, ultrasound, bone scan) so it took even longer. The x-ray and ultrasound of my liver I did on the same day as the pre-admission tests. Bone scan was on the following Monday.
- admission - since I settled payment during pre-admission, this procedure was more of a verification. Please take note that the ticket machine issues 2 tickets with the same number each time. Not sure why but I tore mine off and left the 2nd one there which was picked up by another lady. I assumed it was for the staff to clip to my case file or something. Total elapsed time from arriving at SGH : 10mins.
- bone scan - waited for my turn for the jab at 9.30am then waited for the dye to travel round my body till 1.45pm. Scan took about 20mins by my estimation. Total elapsed time: 5.5 hrs.
- 1st operation - my first op was the first of the day but I had a long wait for a bed in the ward and for the effects of GA to wear off before I could leave. Total elapsed time : 13hrs.
- 2nd operation - this was scheduled at 2.30pm but I was required to be admitted at 7am for the sentinel dye procedure where the dye was injected into me and scans taken to check where the sentinel lymph nodes are. Also, I was to stay one night 'cos the next morning they would teach me the exercises on how to take care of my right arm and I would also get an opportunity to meet a survivor. Total elapsed time : 18hrs.
- radiation - first session yesterday. Radiologist said this would be longer than the other days except for the day when I would see the doc and on Tuesday or Wednesday when they would spend extra 2 mins to take x-rays. Total elapsed time : 75mins.
Juicing Trivia - Yields
Tried this combo this morning: pomegranate, beet and apple. All red, sort of.
This is the first time I consume pomegranate (bought at 45c per 100g from NTUC). I halved it and scooped out all the, err, bits. They're like little sacs with a seed inside. I tried a few. Some I could crush the seed with my teeth, some I couldn't. That's why I decided to use Squeaky to juice instead of Samson. Not sure if Samson would like the pips.
Yields from Squeaky:
The juice tasted sweet yet slightly sour which was a nice combo. I didn't dilute 'cos it was so nice I drank it without waiting. Might add some water the next time round to lower this sugar fix or use it to make vege juice more palatable.
ps: bought beet at $2.10/kg at Toa Payoh NTUC, the lowest price I've ever paid.
This is the first time I consume pomegranate (bought at 45c per 100g from NTUC). I halved it and scooped out all the, err, bits. They're like little sacs with a seed inside. I tried a few. Some I could crush the seed with my teeth, some I couldn't. That's why I decided to use Squeaky to juice instead of Samson. Not sure if Samson would like the pips.
Yields from Squeaky:
- 430g pomegranate (before removing the sacs) - 150ml
- 1 fuji apple - 150ml
- 248g beetroot (before peeling) - 100ml
The juice tasted sweet yet slightly sour which was a nice combo. I didn't dilute 'cos it was so nice I drank it without waiting. Might add some water the next time round to lower this sugar fix or use it to make vege juice more palatable.
ps: bought beet at $2.10/kg at Toa Payoh NTUC, the lowest price I've ever paid.
Useful Links
I thought I'd store these links here first. In case I lose them.
Breast Cancer sites
Treatment
Insurance links
Juicing
Prevention / Diet / Supplements
Breast Cancer sites
Treatment
Insurance links
Juicing
Prevention / Diet / Supplements
- Soya bean reduces risk of breast cancer
- Diet tied to survival in breast cancer patients
- something that my friend recommended : PureZyme
MC versus Hospitalization leave
I didn't realise that hospitalization leave covers weekends and public holidays. I'd always assumed that hospitalization leave meant you had to be in the hospital and I was in for 1 day only.
I received my Medical Certificate on 28 Nov when I was discharged and on it stated that it is valid from 27 Nov to 12 Dec. I didn't really study it closely and just submitted it to office. It was the HR lady who called me to explain that the Medical Certificate was actually all hospitalization leave and that it would be 16 days. My company provides 14 days of MC and 60 days of hospitalization leave and I was supposed to change what I thought was the MC that I applied to 16 days of hospitalization leave. The HR lady explained that there was a tick at the box that indicated hospitalization leave. Guess I missed that.
Oh, and I asked about radiation therapy. Yes, there's an entitlement to excuse sheet, MC or hospitalization leave. I'll have to request for it as it's not given as a default. I'll 'save' it for now since I'm feeling ok and it's only the first treatment.
I received my Medical Certificate on 28 Nov when I was discharged and on it stated that it is valid from 27 Nov to 12 Dec. I didn't really study it closely and just submitted it to office. It was the HR lady who called me to explain that the Medical Certificate was actually all hospitalization leave and that it would be 16 days. My company provides 14 days of MC and 60 days of hospitalization leave and I was supposed to change what I thought was the MC that I applied to 16 days of hospitalization leave. The HR lady explained that there was a tick at the box that indicated hospitalization leave. Guess I missed that.
Oh, and I asked about radiation therapy. Yes, there's an entitlement to excuse sheet, MC or hospitalization leave. I'll have to request for it as it's not given as a default. I'll 'save' it for now since I'm feeling ok and it's only the first treatment.
Medical Claims
I'll need to find out more about medical claims
- if AIA Healthshield is insufficient and my medisave is deducted, can I then claim from my company the balance that AIA couldn't cover?
- the lady at the NCC pharmacy where I bought Tamoxifen and Zoladex mentioned that I could claim these from AIA Healthshield. These are medication, not treatments, according to my agent. He said he'd check. I hope it's covered. It costs S$672 every 3 months.
- can other insurance companies accept the medical report that the doc wrote for AIA, thereby saving me S$86.65 per report? HH told me her mum's doc wrote it for her without the additional charge. Thank God for favour.
Monday, January 5, 2009
First Radiotherapy Treatment
Went for the first radio today accompanied by CH. Met her at the Mr Bean outlet at 9.15am and we walked up to NCC together.
This treatment is at the Crystal Suite at basement 2 of NCC. It's done up rather poshly with carpet, larger changing rooms and flat panel TV. There weren't many sofas in the waiting area though and CH and I ended sitting at the far end and couldn't hear the staff calling me when it was my turn.
It started with an interview and the radiologist (I'm not sure what his role is, I'll just call him this) ushered us into a small room where he explained the proceedings. Asked me preference for treatment schedule and checked if I understood the side-effects. Patient guy who wanted to be sure I knew what I was going for. Actually, I'm not 100% sure but if it's something I have to do, I proceed. Do you know everything about a car before you drive? I trust God will heal me.
I changed into a kimono and waited till I was called and went through the doors marked with the radiation warning. The corridor reminded me of some spy movie that doubles back like a U so that you can't see the interior when the door opens. There was a single green sofa where I was to wait.
When I was called again, a team of 4 prepared me on the contraption. I still don't know what it's called, linear accelerator? I had to lie still for 20mins 'cos this is the first round. Subsequent ones would be shorter and the Tuesday or Wednesday ones 2mins extra 'cos of xrays.
Each time after they cleared the room to start the radiation, there were many different types of sounds - whirring, clicks and a boom followed by a siren. I was a bit alarmed at first but closed my eyes. The decorative panels above me of marine life no longer interested me.
It ended before I realised and they said I could go. After changing back, I checked the time. 10.20am. No side effects. Just a bit of tiredness but this could be due to my late night on Sunday night and not being able to sleep properly recently.
I SMSed both SF and KH to let them know that my treatment started. Interestingly, SF said to hold on the moisturizer and KH said to proceed. Hmmmm. KH's starting her treatment this Friday while SF finished hers last month.
Next 2 appointments will be in the afternoon.
Dear God, please let the beams just kill of those cells that need to be gone from me. Let those good ones get out of harm's way and be safe. Let the cell regeneration take place quickly so that I'll have healthy cells again. Thank you as I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
This treatment is at the Crystal Suite at basement 2 of NCC. It's done up rather poshly with carpet, larger changing rooms and flat panel TV. There weren't many sofas in the waiting area though and CH and I ended sitting at the far end and couldn't hear the staff calling me when it was my turn.
It started with an interview and the radiologist (I'm not sure what his role is, I'll just call him this) ushered us into a small room where he explained the proceedings. Asked me preference for treatment schedule and checked if I understood the side-effects. Patient guy who wanted to be sure I knew what I was going for. Actually, I'm not 100% sure but if it's something I have to do, I proceed. Do you know everything about a car before you drive? I trust God will heal me.
I changed into a kimono and waited till I was called and went through the doors marked with the radiation warning. The corridor reminded me of some spy movie that doubles back like a U so that you can't see the interior when the door opens. There was a single green sofa where I was to wait.
When I was called again, a team of 4 prepared me on the contraption. I still don't know what it's called, linear accelerator? I had to lie still for 20mins 'cos this is the first round. Subsequent ones would be shorter and the Tuesday or Wednesday ones 2mins extra 'cos of xrays.
Each time after they cleared the room to start the radiation, there were many different types of sounds - whirring, clicks and a boom followed by a siren. I was a bit alarmed at first but closed my eyes. The decorative panels above me of marine life no longer interested me.
It ended before I realised and they said I could go. After changing back, I checked the time. 10.20am. No side effects. Just a bit of tiredness but this could be due to my late night on Sunday night and not being able to sleep properly recently.
I SMSed both SF and KH to let them know that my treatment started. Interestingly, SF said to hold on the moisturizer and KH said to proceed. Hmmmm. KH's starting her treatment this Friday while SF finished hers last month.
Next 2 appointments will be in the afternoon.
Dear God, please let the beams just kill of those cells that need to be gone from me. Let those good ones get out of harm's way and be safe. Let the cell regeneration take place quickly so that I'll have healthy cells again. Thank you as I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Insurance Matters
This morning the lady from the Medical Records office at SGH called to say that the report was ready for my collection. I wasn't expecting it so soon since they said it would take 3 to 4 weeks from 19 Dec 2008 when I submitted the request and paid $86.65 for it to be processed. Taking into account the public holidays and normal clearing of annual leave at this time, I was expecting it to be back just before Chinese New Year.
It was an odd feeling when I received the envelope. One part of me wanted to rip open to see what the doctor wrote; one part of me didn't want to know. I finally stopped near Delifrance and opened it and saw
It's too late to regret not having taken up a women-specific health insurance policy. I don't have foresight. I'd be beefing up the kids' cover soon after settling this insurance thing.
It was an odd feeling when I received the envelope. One part of me wanted to rip open to see what the doctor wrote; one part of me didn't want to know. I finally stopped near Delifrance and opened it and saw
- Please provide full and exact details of the diagnosis and its clinical basis - right breast infiltrating lobular carcinoma
- What is the histological diagnosis of the disease - infiltrating lobular carcinoma
- What is the staging of the Tumour - T1 N0 M0
- Is the disease completely localized - yes
- Is there spread of malignant cells to lymph nodes or distant part of the body - no
- Is the tumour histologically described as pre-malignant or non-invasive, including, but not limited to carcinoma-in-Situ of the Breasts, cervical Dysplasia CIN-1, CIN-2 and CIN-3 - no
It's too late to regret not having taken up a women-specific health insurance policy. I don't have foresight. I'd be beefing up the kids' cover soon after settling this insurance thing.
Friday, January 2, 2009
My Treatment
Thank God that my cancer is low grade (1/3) and that it's lobular. The oncologist said I don't need chemo 'cos of those 2 reasons.
I'll be
Side Effects
Church friend said to pray against stated side effects and believe that it wouldn't happen. God's faithful (always!) and I'm not feeling any side effects.
I'll be
- taking Tamoxifen for 5 years. This is 2 white tablets about 0.5cm diameter taken every 24 hours. Started on 19 Dec 2008.
- going for a 3-monthly jab of Zoladex for 2 years, started on 19 Dec 2008.
- undergoing radiotherapy from 6 Jan 2009 to 18 Feb 2009 on week days excluding Chinese New Year, total of 30 sessions
Side Effects
Church friend said to pray against stated side effects and believe that it wouldn't happen. God's faithful (always!) and I'm not feeling any side effects.
The First Operation
12 Nov 2008
When the doc mentioned that he would take out the lump on 12 Nov I was thinking and silent for a while. I asked him, if it's 12 Nov, when will STO be? He looked at me and smiled and told me that was ages ago when STO was needed. He'd give me soluble ones so I do not need to have any stitches removed. Then I told him, I'm going on a holiday on 16 Nov till 20 Nov. He said, that's fine, no worries.
Sis and Bro-in-law sent me to SGH. Registration was at 7am. I couldn't sleep the night before. The butterflies in my tummy wouldn't settle down. What was I afraid of? I should be trusting God that everything will go fine but faced with immediate circumstances, I was getting fearful. It didn't make matters easier that the kids were home 'cos it was meet the parents' day for Tiffy's class. I also missed Toby's meet the parents' day 'cos of a medical appointment at Clinic 'C'. Thinking about my illness and kids make me sad.
We got there slightly past 7am. I was supposed to be the first op of the day. After registration, I went up to the ward and waited. The nurses were changing shift. There were others waiting too. I couldn't tell which were patients and which weren't. All anxious faces.
I saw the doc while we waited and he waved, smile on his face - good sign! Sis, BIL and I tried to make small talk while we waited. If I was anxious in the car ride, I was even more so then but I tried to be civil. It's only a 30-minute procedure, I was reminding myself repeatedly.
The doc came up about 8.05am and said, we're late. It was then that I knew that the op would be at 8.30am. There was a rush to process me so I could be brought to the OT on level 2. Going backwards on a gurney made me dizzy.
****
I woke up in the recovery room unsure of what happened. It was like I lost time. One moment I was awake in the OT, the next moment I'm awake in the recovery room. I don't even remember losing consiousness. The nurses assured me that the op was over. Thank God!
There I lay, hooked up to the drip and monitors. Thank God the blower was still blowing hot air under the blankets. Beeping monitors and hushed conversations and many people washing their hands. That was what I could hear since I was placed feet facing wall in a sectioned area, till this lady was wheeled in and moaning loudly that she wanted to die. On and on she moaned, that it hurt and that she wanted to die. I wanted to sleep while I waited to be sent back to the ward. I didn't want to lie there listening to her moaning. She quietened down after a while and I got bored. Wasn't easy to sleep. The doc dropped by to check on me. He seemed happy with the op - good sign! I waited and tried to sleep again.
More than 4 hrs later (by my estimation), I was wheeled back to the ward. Apparently someone made a mistake and sent me to another lady's bed 'cos someone was waiting for her sister at my bed, and they brought the other lady's food to me. I found out later that she got my food and it was ok. I guess, same food. I changed back and tried to eat. I remembered SL saying not to drink in case I threw up and ate the porridge instead. After fasting from dinner the night before, my first meal at 6pm of porridge and sliced chicken was like an ice-cold coke on a hot sunny day. Thank God for great tasting hospital food :-)
Another doc dropped by and wanted to be sure I could walk steadily before I could be discharged. I tried my best and passed. I didn't want to stay. It was already past 6pm. I was dizzy but it was manageable.
Sis arrived around 7pm and passed me the medicated oil. Great stuff, this medicated oil. Just a drop or two and I felt so much more clear-headed. While the journey was ok, it got very bad when I got home. I was so dizzy that I went to sleep without changing; sweater and all. Just lie down and didn't want to move again.
When I finally woke in the morning, I was no longer dizzy. Surprisingly, the op site didn't hurt as much as I expected. Thank God!
When the doc mentioned that he would take out the lump on 12 Nov I was thinking and silent for a while. I asked him, if it's 12 Nov, when will STO be? He looked at me and smiled and told me that was ages ago when STO was needed. He'd give me soluble ones so I do not need to have any stitches removed. Then I told him, I'm going on a holiday on 16 Nov till 20 Nov. He said, that's fine, no worries.
Sis and Bro-in-law sent me to SGH. Registration was at 7am. I couldn't sleep the night before. The butterflies in my tummy wouldn't settle down. What was I afraid of? I should be trusting God that everything will go fine but faced with immediate circumstances, I was getting fearful. It didn't make matters easier that the kids were home 'cos it was meet the parents' day for Tiffy's class. I also missed Toby's meet the parents' day 'cos of a medical appointment at Clinic 'C'. Thinking about my illness and kids make me sad.
We got there slightly past 7am. I was supposed to be the first op of the day. After registration, I went up to the ward and waited. The nurses were changing shift. There were others waiting too. I couldn't tell which were patients and which weren't. All anxious faces.
I saw the doc while we waited and he waved, smile on his face - good sign! Sis, BIL and I tried to make small talk while we waited. If I was anxious in the car ride, I was even more so then but I tried to be civil. It's only a 30-minute procedure, I was reminding myself repeatedly.
The doc came up about 8.05am and said, we're late. It was then that I knew that the op would be at 8.30am. There was a rush to process me so I could be brought to the OT on level 2. Going backwards on a gurney made me dizzy.
****
I woke up in the recovery room unsure of what happened. It was like I lost time. One moment I was awake in the OT, the next moment I'm awake in the recovery room. I don't even remember losing consiousness. The nurses assured me that the op was over. Thank God!
There I lay, hooked up to the drip and monitors. Thank God the blower was still blowing hot air under the blankets. Beeping monitors and hushed conversations and many people washing their hands. That was what I could hear since I was placed feet facing wall in a sectioned area, till this lady was wheeled in and moaning loudly that she wanted to die. On and on she moaned, that it hurt and that she wanted to die. I wanted to sleep while I waited to be sent back to the ward. I didn't want to lie there listening to her moaning. She quietened down after a while and I got bored. Wasn't easy to sleep. The doc dropped by to check on me. He seemed happy with the op - good sign! I waited and tried to sleep again.
More than 4 hrs later (by my estimation), I was wheeled back to the ward. Apparently someone made a mistake and sent me to another lady's bed 'cos someone was waiting for her sister at my bed, and they brought the other lady's food to me. I found out later that she got my food and it was ok. I guess, same food. I changed back and tried to eat. I remembered SL saying not to drink in case I threw up and ate the porridge instead. After fasting from dinner the night before, my first meal at 6pm of porridge and sliced chicken was like an ice-cold coke on a hot sunny day. Thank God for great tasting hospital food :-)
Another doc dropped by and wanted to be sure I could walk steadily before I could be discharged. I tried my best and passed. I didn't want to stay. It was already past 6pm. I was dizzy but it was manageable.
Sis arrived around 7pm and passed me the medicated oil. Great stuff, this medicated oil. Just a drop or two and I felt so much more clear-headed. While the journey was ok, it got very bad when I got home. I was so dizzy that I went to sleep without changing; sweater and all. Just lie down and didn't want to move again.
When I finally woke in the morning, I was no longer dizzy. Surprisingly, the op site didn't hurt as much as I expected. Thank God!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
What I Eat Now - Fruits
ER, a friend who had stage 4 breast cancer advised me to start consuming more juice.
The Why
... I'll try to add the links that I came across while researching
The Fruits
Juicing fruits meant I needed more fruits. We used to have cut fruits after dinner and occasionally smoothies on weekends. With juicing, I'd need to buy more fruits and that's when I started scouting around for fruits delivery. Figured that we would have to cart more fruits from the shops nearby else have them delivered. I didn't consider organic fruits (which has delivery starting at $25) due to high cost. So we had KSY deliver fruits to us at $80 per delivery. We've had 3 deliveries so far and the main grouse I have is that they sent 1 rotten fragrant pear. Else, the fruit selection is great - we had
ps: a note about buying beetroot. Inorganic beetroot that I've bought ranged from S$4/kg at Carrefour to S$2.30 from KSY. NTUC sells them at $2.60 and they have the same sticker as the ones in Carrefour. My Indian shop sells it at S$2.80 and market at $2.50. Fruit shop sells $3.50. I don't know why there is such a wide range. Just thought I'd list the places that sell beetroot.
The Juicer
I bought the Philips juicer in 2006 during the warehouse sale. The one that you can pop the whole green apple in without cutting it up. We used this for a while, kids helping me juice, throwing this and that down the chute. This went on till I chanced upon a book on wheatgrass.
This was when I realised the difference between a centrifugal juicer and a masticating juicer.
For all it's worth (about S$200+ now), the Philips juicer can't juice wheatgrass.
I wanted to buy a masticating juice but balked at the price. Cheapest I came across was S$395. I went to buy a manual one at S$39.90 instead. After I bought this from Nature's Glory at Tan Boon Liat building, I realised that it was the same thing as those sold at juice counters and 10 cents cheaper. Oh well :-)
So we used the manual one. It juiced wheatgrass great! Wheatgrass doesn't taste great though but that may be 'cos I've not acquired the taste for it. It starts with a vege taste followed by sweetness (very!) and then by a taste that is like when you suck the suanmei (sour plum) for a long time. I read somewhere to start with a little then build up. Well, I bought a 100g pack of wheatgrass at S$2.50 and juiced half a packet to get about 20-30ml and that took me a few minutes to down it all. Like I said, acquired taste :-)
We tried beetroot on the juicer, and it was so squawky that we named the juicer Squeaky. Squeaky performed well though the plastic rotary handle was straining when it was beetroot. I tried it once for celery and it was straining too. That was when I reconsidered the electric masticating juicer.
With Christmas just round the corner, I bought myself a Samson GB-9001.
The Juices
These are what we tried
The Why
... I'll try to add the links that I came across while researching
The Fruits
Juicing fruits meant I needed more fruits. We used to have cut fruits after dinner and occasionally smoothies on weekends. With juicing, I'd need to buy more fruits and that's when I started scouting around for fruits delivery. Figured that we would have to cart more fruits from the shops nearby else have them delivered. I didn't consider organic fruits (which has delivery starting at $25) due to high cost. So we had KSY deliver fruits to us at $80 per delivery. We've had 3 deliveries so far and the main grouse I have is that they sent 1 rotten fragrant pear. Else, the fruit selection is great - we had
- premium South Korean strawberries that are really sweet
- Australian mango, with it's smooth and creamy thick flesh with that tangy taste
- crunchy cantaloupe with rich orange colour and lots of juice
- Thai red jumbu that are sweet and juicy
- Thai coconuts (first order had 2, second had 5, third had 10... need I say more?)
ps: a note about buying beetroot. Inorganic beetroot that I've bought ranged from S$4/kg at Carrefour to S$2.30 from KSY. NTUC sells them at $2.60 and they have the same sticker as the ones in Carrefour. My Indian shop sells it at S$2.80 and market at $2.50. Fruit shop sells $3.50. I don't know why there is such a wide range. Just thought I'd list the places that sell beetroot.
The Juicer
I bought the Philips juicer in 2006 during the warehouse sale. The one that you can pop the whole green apple in without cutting it up. We used this for a while, kids helping me juice, throwing this and that down the chute. This went on till I chanced upon a book on wheatgrass.
This was when I realised the difference between a centrifugal juicer and a masticating juicer.
For all it's worth (about S$200+ now), the Philips juicer can't juice wheatgrass.
I wanted to buy a masticating juice but balked at the price. Cheapest I came across was S$395. I went to buy a manual one at S$39.90 instead. After I bought this from Nature's Glory at Tan Boon Liat building, I realised that it was the same thing as those sold at juice counters and 10 cents cheaper. Oh well :-)
So we used the manual one. It juiced wheatgrass great! Wheatgrass doesn't taste great though but that may be 'cos I've not acquired the taste for it. It starts with a vege taste followed by sweetness (very!) and then by a taste that is like when you suck the suanmei (sour plum) for a long time. I read somewhere to start with a little then build up. Well, I bought a 100g pack of wheatgrass at S$2.50 and juiced half a packet to get about 20-30ml and that took me a few minutes to down it all. Like I said, acquired taste :-)
We tried beetroot on the juicer, and it was so squawky that we named the juicer Squeaky. Squeaky performed well though the plastic rotary handle was straining when it was beetroot. I tried it once for celery and it was straining too. That was when I reconsidered the electric masticating juicer.
With Christmas just round the corner, I bought myself a Samson GB-9001.
The Juices
These are what we tried
- beetroot + apple + pear (my kids drank this. Yup, Toby who doesn't drink barley and doesn't eat any fruit except apple, grape or banana, drank this and finished his cup faster than Tiffy)
- beetroot + apple + pear + jumbu (sweet!)
- beetroot + wheatgrass + apple + pear (sweet!)
- beetroot + grape + apple (sweet!)
- wheatgrass (acquired taste)
- cabbage + carrot (acquired taste - has this aftertaste that is... well, different. I added an apple today to downplay this taste. There's some talk about not mixing fruits and vege. I'll get to that when I get to that. )
- sprouts (acquired taste)
What I Ate - Before BC
About a year ago, I switched to the Old Testament diet. Well, almost.
I bought a book (can't remember title now, book's with sis) that had 3 simple rules
I bought a book (can't remember title now, book's with sis) that had 3 simple rules
- eat natural food
- eat it in it's original state when possible
- can't remember
- no more canned food
- no more pork (unless we ate out) - pigs don't chew cud
- no more sausages (even chicken)
- no more prawns, crabs - no scales nor fins
- mixed brown and white rice
- gave the microwave oven away
- switched from white refined sugar to brown sugar
- cut down on confectionery
Medical Tests
21 & 24 Nov 2008
Ya, I'm not blogging this in chronological order. It's based on whim and fancy. I'd been toying with the idea of blogging for a while; especially after I had so much difficulty finding local information and being bombarded with lots from overseas sites.
During the 21 Nov visit, doc explained that since the pathology report mentioned that the cancer cells had spread, there was a need to check where it had spread to. Typically, it would spread to the bone, liver, lungs. He also scheduled another op on 27 Nov to check if spread had reached the sentinel lymph nodes as well as remove more tissue around the original op site.
So, on 21 Nov, I went for the chest x-ray to check the lungs and an ultrasound to check if my liver, pancreas, etc were ok.
Thank God for immediate confirmation by the time I left the hospital that my liver is unaffected :-) Thank God too for warm goo (the electrolyte ?) during the ultrasound. I remember bracing myself and the lady told me, if it's cold I'll need to tell her 'cos it's not supposed to be. Very friendly and funny lady. She took my mind of the ultrasound talking about her life. Even with her talking and talking, she could punctuate it with 'ok, breathe in' and 'breathe out' so smoothly. It was like a day out with a friend and her sharing with me about the latest movie she caught.
X-ray's the norm so I'm not spending many words here. I arrived for 12+ appointment at clinic 'C' and left around 5. Long hours due to pre-admissions tests, chest x-ray and ultrasound.
24 Nov appointment for bone scan. CH said she'd go with me. I forewarned her that I had no idea how long it would be and she said that it was ok. We arrived 10mins early for the 9.30am appointment. While waiting, I was wondering why my number didn't appear for payment when all others had. Then I went to ask them. I'd forgotten that I parked this bone scan under the pre-admission test so that the billing will be together and thus I wouldn't need to pay then.
When my number finally came up about 9.40am, I went to an area where the doc explained that he would inject the dye into my left hand (back of my palm) and I'd need to return at 1.45pm. 1.45pm, I asked? He said yes, and drink 1 litre of water between now and then.
I walked back to where CH was sitting and told her, we're free to roam till 1.45pm. We decided to have dimsum at Block 3 kopitiam. (Incidentally, this dimsum is really good. Please use your kopitiam card for the 10% discount. Try the char siew bao. It's the open type - fluffy bun that's open on top.)
After taking a leisurely brunch, we walked to People's Park Centre to check out exchange rates 'cos CH was going to Bali. I also bought water to drink along the way.
After roaming round OG, we made it back at 1.45pm. We waited again for my turn till about 2.15pm. When my number came, I went to change and went to the waiting room where I was told to go empty my bladder before the scan. 1 litre of water plus my nervousness resulted in many trips to the toilet. By the time I was settled, they led me to a room with 2 huge machines. They told me to lie on the platform of the larger one and not move. Wasn't too difficult. I was kept warm. Very nice in the hospital where almost everywhere is so cold.
While I was lying there, the platform moved up and forward (err, feet first). Then there was this thing (imagine a big clamp with 1 side above and 1 below) that moved here and there from my head to my toes. With no pain and feeling warm in a cold room, I almost fell asleep. The contraption had a slight hum to it and as long as I didn't move, the radiologist didn't say anything.
I think I was done about 3. Don't remember. CH got cold waiting for me, reading her book at the lobby. Thank God for friends like her.
Ya, I'm not blogging this in chronological order. It's based on whim and fancy. I'd been toying with the idea of blogging for a while; especially after I had so much difficulty finding local information and being bombarded with lots from overseas sites.
During the 21 Nov visit, doc explained that since the pathology report mentioned that the cancer cells had spread, there was a need to check where it had spread to. Typically, it would spread to the bone, liver, lungs. He also scheduled another op on 27 Nov to check if spread had reached the sentinel lymph nodes as well as remove more tissue around the original op site.
So, on 21 Nov, I went for the chest x-ray to check the lungs and an ultrasound to check if my liver, pancreas, etc were ok.
Thank God for immediate confirmation by the time I left the hospital that my liver is unaffected :-) Thank God too for warm goo (the electrolyte ?) during the ultrasound. I remember bracing myself and the lady told me, if it's cold I'll need to tell her 'cos it's not supposed to be. Very friendly and funny lady. She took my mind of the ultrasound talking about her life. Even with her talking and talking, she could punctuate it with 'ok, breathe in' and 'breathe out' so smoothly. It was like a day out with a friend and her sharing with me about the latest movie she caught.
X-ray's the norm so I'm not spending many words here. I arrived for 12+ appointment at clinic 'C' and left around 5. Long hours due to pre-admissions tests, chest x-ray and ultrasound.
24 Nov appointment for bone scan. CH said she'd go with me. I forewarned her that I had no idea how long it would be and she said that it was ok. We arrived 10mins early for the 9.30am appointment. While waiting, I was wondering why my number didn't appear for payment when all others had. Then I went to ask them. I'd forgotten that I parked this bone scan under the pre-admission test so that the billing will be together and thus I wouldn't need to pay then.
When my number finally came up about 9.40am, I went to an area where the doc explained that he would inject the dye into my left hand (back of my palm) and I'd need to return at 1.45pm. 1.45pm, I asked? He said yes, and drink 1 litre of water between now and then.
I walked back to where CH was sitting and told her, we're free to roam till 1.45pm. We decided to have dimsum at Block 3 kopitiam. (Incidentally, this dimsum is really good. Please use your kopitiam card for the 10% discount. Try the char siew bao. It's the open type - fluffy bun that's open on top.)
After taking a leisurely brunch, we walked to People's Park Centre to check out exchange rates 'cos CH was going to Bali. I also bought water to drink along the way.
After roaming round OG, we made it back at 1.45pm. We waited again for my turn till about 2.15pm. When my number came, I went to change and went to the waiting room where I was told to go empty my bladder before the scan. 1 litre of water plus my nervousness resulted in many trips to the toilet. By the time I was settled, they led me to a room with 2 huge machines. They told me to lie on the platform of the larger one and not move. Wasn't too difficult. I was kept warm. Very nice in the hospital where almost everywhere is so cold.
While I was lying there, the platform moved up and forward (err, feet first). Then there was this thing (imagine a big clamp with 1 side above and 1 below) that moved here and there from my head to my toes. With no pain and feeling warm in a cold room, I almost fell asleep. The contraption had a slight hum to it and as long as I didn't move, the radiologist didn't say anything.
I think I was done about 3. Don't remember. CH got cold waiting for me, reading her book at the lobby. Thank God for friends like her.
Radiotherapy Simulation
30 Dec 2008
I went alone this time. Told friends that since it's a simulation, I'd be alright. HH wanted to come but she forgot (It's ok, HH, no worries, please spend more time with your mum :-) I digress a bit to mention a bit more about HH. Her mum was hospitalised in SGH too and she went there daily. During those visits, she'd pop by and keep me company too. Even in her worried-about-mum state, HH continuously encouraged me to think positive and take 1 step at a time. Thank God for such friends!)
Anyway, the simulation was at Block 2 B1. Interesting place in that you can walk from block 4 to block 3 and completely miss this block. Try it :-)
I packed a new knitting project (Toby chose the falling water pattern) and knitted while I waited. The nurse called and said the doc wanted to see me... I'd forgotten to sign the consent form. This form was given to me during the first consultation at NCC on 12 Dec and I forgot to bring it. Consent is required for awareness of the procedure and side effects, alternatives and agreement for tattooing. Yup, tattooing. 3 pinheads, needed for positioning of the linear accelearator rays. I signed it. God made doctors and medicine too.
Another lady (I'm not sure what she's called - radiologist?) then led me to another room and told me I'd have to lie still for 45mins. Oops, empty bladder time. She was very patient, helping me to find an empty toilet (the one reserverd for the disabled; rest were occupied or being cleaned) then leading me back to the room. She took a digital pic of my face first ... and I thought, is this the before? No, they laughed. 4 of them. 3 ladies, 1 guy, all young.
So I changed and lay on this platform which closely resembles what I had for the sentinel scan. They took turns to position me and talking in some medical language that I soon tuned out to. If not for the freezingly cold temperature, I might have fallen asleep. With each position, they drew lines and more lines. Water soluble markers, they assured me. They needed to get the positions for the 3 tattoos and thus the lines would guide them. It kinda went like this: position me, all go in room, take x-ray (?), then come out, position the scanner / me, draw lines and all over again. Think more than 10 times. I'm not trial and error, they assured me :-)
I thank God that this group wasn't so uptight that they could laugh and joke with me, and reassure me while they went about their business. I thank God for the time passing so quickly. I wished they had warm fingers like the senior consultant though. (One of the ladies said that 'cos the senior didn't feed them enough and that's why they're so cold).
All in, it seemed much lesser than 45 mins. I understood why the nurse told me to wear a blouse with a high neckline when I changed back again... I had green, blue and magenta lines with the green one almost peeking through the top of my blouse. There were also 9 pieces of medical tape (1cm wide, different lengths) with some of the marker lines too. The 3 tattoos didn't hurt much, just like ant bites. LA hurts more. The pulling of the tapes off me hurt too. Hahaha!
Appointment at 10.30am, done by 11.45am including waiting and payment.
ps: PT asked me where the tattoo are. One's below my cross pendant, one further down and one on my right side. Varies from person to person and the senior consultant said they had to spend more time on me 'cos I was thin. I didn't ask him what he meant... I'm small? *blush*
I went alone this time. Told friends that since it's a simulation, I'd be alright. HH wanted to come but she forgot (It's ok, HH, no worries, please spend more time with your mum :-) I digress a bit to mention a bit more about HH. Her mum was hospitalised in SGH too and she went there daily. During those visits, she'd pop by and keep me company too. Even in her worried-about-mum state, HH continuously encouraged me to think positive and take 1 step at a time. Thank God for such friends!)
Anyway, the simulation was at Block 2 B1. Interesting place in that you can walk from block 4 to block 3 and completely miss this block. Try it :-)
I packed a new knitting project (Toby chose the falling water pattern) and knitted while I waited. The nurse called and said the doc wanted to see me... I'd forgotten to sign the consent form. This form was given to me during the first consultation at NCC on 12 Dec and I forgot to bring it. Consent is required for awareness of the procedure and side effects, alternatives and agreement for tattooing. Yup, tattooing. 3 pinheads, needed for positioning of the linear accelearator rays. I signed it. God made doctors and medicine too.
Another lady (I'm not sure what she's called - radiologist?) then led me to another room and told me I'd have to lie still for 45mins. Oops, empty bladder time. She was very patient, helping me to find an empty toilet (the one reserverd for the disabled; rest were occupied or being cleaned) then leading me back to the room. She took a digital pic of my face first ... and I thought, is this the before? No, they laughed. 4 of them. 3 ladies, 1 guy, all young.
So I changed and lay on this platform which closely resembles what I had for the sentinel scan. They took turns to position me and talking in some medical language that I soon tuned out to. If not for the freezingly cold temperature, I might have fallen asleep. With each position, they drew lines and more lines. Water soluble markers, they assured me. They needed to get the positions for the 3 tattoos and thus the lines would guide them. It kinda went like this: position me, all go in room, take x-ray (?), then come out, position the scanner / me, draw lines and all over again. Think more than 10 times. I'm not trial and error, they assured me :-)
I thank God that this group wasn't so uptight that they could laugh and joke with me, and reassure me while they went about their business. I thank God for the time passing so quickly. I wished they had warm fingers like the senior consultant though. (One of the ladies said that 'cos the senior didn't feed them enough and that's why they're so cold).
All in, it seemed much lesser than 45 mins. I understood why the nurse told me to wear a blouse with a high neckline when I changed back again... I had green, blue and magenta lines with the green one almost peeking through the top of my blouse. There were also 9 pieces of medical tape (1cm wide, different lengths) with some of the marker lines too. The 3 tattoos didn't hurt much, just like ant bites. LA hurts more. The pulling of the tapes off me hurt too. Hahaha!
Appointment at 10.30am, done by 11.45am including waiting and payment.
ps: PT asked me where the tattoo are. One's below my cross pendant, one further down and one on my right side. Varies from person to person and the senior consultant said they had to spend more time on me 'cos I was thin. I didn't ask him what he meant... I'm small? *blush*
Medical Jargon
Saving this space for new terms I come across. After the doc explained the diagnosis to me and passed me the pathology report, I had a peek and could only understand, say, 20%? He asked me if I had any more questions and I asked him to translate the report into plain English.
These are some common terms (I'll get round to updating them soon):
These are some common terms (I'll get round to updating them soon):
- lobular
- ductal
- carcinoma
- sentinel
- stage of cancer
- lymph node
- mammogram
- ultrasound
- Tamoxifen
- Zoladex
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- estrogen (ER)
- (PR)
- (HER)
- lumpectomy
- mastectomy
- excision
- biopsy
Under 40s Breast Cancer Support Group
I received a snail mail invitation one day to the Under 40s Breast Cancer Support Group from Breast Care nurse Fiona. It's ironical that I once was part of the Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group.
We met on Saturday afternoon at Ward 47 tuition room. I was the first patient. SF was 2nd and they wheeled KH in soon after. The rest were Fiona, GK (a 20-yr survivor), nurse Minako (13-yrs in nursing and still so cheery) and another lady (I forgot her name).
The session started with us introducing ourselves and some instances were really funny when we could relate to what the person was feeling. The nurses shared many insights on other patients and we all had an enjoyable time and agreed to meet on 6 Feb08.
What I enjoyed was that we could talk freely about our infliction and all could understand what this was about and we had the benefit of the survivors telling us what possibilities and options are available. There's a difference in knowing that there are survivors and meeting one is an experience. Then you get to ask questions like, how was the chemo? Where did you buy that wig? How was it? Does it really not hurt? What tests are there and so on....
The breast care nurses at SGH are a friendly and helpful group but nothing beats being in the support group to be able to ask first hand information about anything. The nurses would then facilitate or explain more why certain things would happen, like why some choose not to go for treatment.
There are actually several breast cancer support groups in SGH:
We met on Saturday afternoon at Ward 47 tuition room. I was the first patient. SF was 2nd and they wheeled KH in soon after. The rest were Fiona, GK (a 20-yr survivor), nurse Minako (13-yrs in nursing and still so cheery) and another lady (I forgot her name).
The session started with us introducing ourselves and some instances were really funny when we could relate to what the person was feeling. The nurses shared many insights on other patients and we all had an enjoyable time and agreed to meet on 6 Feb08.
What I enjoyed was that we could talk freely about our infliction and all could understand what this was about and we had the benefit of the survivors telling us what possibilities and options are available. There's a difference in knowing that there are survivors and meeting one is an experience. Then you get to ask questions like, how was the chemo? Where did you buy that wig? How was it? Does it really not hurt? What tests are there and so on....
The breast care nurses at SGH are a friendly and helpful group but nothing beats being in the support group to be able to ask first hand information about anything. The nurses would then facilitate or explain more why certain things would happen, like why some choose not to go for treatment.
There are actually several breast cancer support groups in SGH:
- Blossom - this is the main one that has been running for a while.
- Chinese-speaking group - specifically for those speaking mandarin. Our Under 40s ended up speaking in mandarin most of the time 'cos it felt more qingqie :-)
He loves me
God has been very good to me during this time and I thank Him for the following:
- diagnosis that it's stage T1C M0 N0
- that it's lobular cancer and low grade, such that I do not need chemotherapy
- friends who've rallied around me - taken time to keep me company while I was recuperating from the operations or accompanying me during my numerous trips to the hospital or staying in touch via SMS or MSN ... details in another blog soon
- doc who knows his stuff and pretty hands on - first time I see a doc come up to the ward to get his patient (me) and rushing the nurses and even pushing my gurney to the operating theatre
- friendly hospital staff who are super patient with having to repeat the same thing for each new patient
- being in the inaugural Under 40s Breast Cancer Support Group
- this list doesn't just end here ...
Money Matters
Since I was referred to SGH by a GP, I was defaulted to private patient status. What this meant was that I wouldn't get the higher government subsidies. This was the least of my concern at the onset but it gradually became something I had to be mindful of.
This is a rough list of what I've paid:
This is a rough list of what I've paid:
- SGH Specialist Outpatient Clinc - $86.62 (first visit), $61.14 (subsequent)
- Ultrasound - $119.40
- Mammogram - $119.40
- FNAC - $119.40
- 1st op - $2449.51
- Physiotherapy - $37.40
- National Cancer Centre - $90.95 (first visit)
- request for information for insurance claim - $86.65
- 1 wk of radiotherapy - $42.80
So how do they know it's C_____ ?
Symptoms (as extracted from the Breast Cancer Foundation site)
During my first SGH visit, I had the following done
Ultrasound - details soon
- a persistent lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area
- a newly retracted (pulled in) nipple
- changes in the colour or skin of the breast, areola or nipple (eg. dimpling, puckering or scaling)
- blood or discharge from the nipple
- a change in the size or shape of the breast
During my first SGH visit, I had the following done
- physical examination - during which the doc remarked that it doesn't feel like a bad lump
- mammogram - during the physical examination, the doc kept saying "you're only 38" till I asked him, what's the significance? He explained that mammograms are usually done for those 40 and above but since I'm 38, that's almost 40 so I could go for it too.
- ultrasound - only ultrasounds I've had were when I had kids. Ultrasound of the breasts? Yup, same goo, only warmer this time. Advances in medicine.
- FNAC - fine needle .... - what it means is that the doc will poke a fine needle into the lump to extract some cells for testing. I was supposed to have a core needle (read : big hole needle) but the doc changed his mind before and said the lump would run away from him if he used the core needle and then switched to the fine one.
Ultrasound - details soon
What's this?
I remember the day I discovered the lump.
Not the day of the eventful diagnosis. Just the day I discovered the lump. It wasn't big, at least to me. It was oval in shape, less than 2cm long and about 1.5cm wide... height wise? Less than 1 cm. Moved a bit when I tried to shift it. The proverbial time stood still as I considered the possibilities. This is my second lump. First one was almost 20 years ago and was benign.
That was Sunday, 19 Oct 2008.
Dates
20 Oct 2008 Visit to GP to get referral to SGH
24 Oct 2008 Visit to SGH Specialist Outpatient Clinic 'C' + FNAC done
29 Oct 2008 Visit to SGH SOC 'C' for result of FNAC
12 Nov 2008 1st op (lumpectomy) to remove the lump
21 Nov 2008 Visit to SGH SOC 'C' for result of lump analysis - confirmation of breast cancer. Take chest x-ray, ultrasound
24 Nov 2008 Bone scan
27 Nov 2008 2nd op (wider excision + sentinel node)
12 Dec 2008 Visit to SGH SOC 'C' for result of tissue analysis - confirmation of stage T1c M0 N0.
19 Dec 2008 1st Zoladex jab + start of Tamoxifen
30 Dec 2008 Radio therapy simulation
06 Jan 2009 1st radio therapy session
Not the day of the eventful diagnosis. Just the day I discovered the lump. It wasn't big, at least to me. It was oval in shape, less than 2cm long and about 1.5cm wide... height wise? Less than 1 cm. Moved a bit when I tried to shift it. The proverbial time stood still as I considered the possibilities. This is my second lump. First one was almost 20 years ago and was benign.
That was Sunday, 19 Oct 2008.
Dates
20 Oct 2008 Visit to GP to get referral to SGH
24 Oct 2008 Visit to SGH Specialist Outpatient Clinic 'C' + FNAC done
29 Oct 2008 Visit to SGH SOC 'C' for result of FNAC
12 Nov 2008 1st op (lumpectomy) to remove the lump
21 Nov 2008 Visit to SGH SOC 'C' for result of lump analysis - confirmation of breast cancer. Take chest x-ray, ultrasound
24 Nov 2008 Bone scan
27 Nov 2008 2nd op (wider excision + sentinel node)
12 Dec 2008 Visit to SGH SOC 'C' for result of tissue analysis - confirmation of stage T1c M0 N0.
19 Dec 2008 1st Zoladex jab + start of Tamoxifen
30 Dec 2008 Radio therapy simulation
06 Jan 2009 1st radio therapy session
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