All good. Glory be to God!!

Went to the hospital Monday morning at 10am. Brought back loads of memories of the poking and prodding and lying still etc.

Anyways, got done and the results were out in 30 minutes. Went to see my oncologist and she said that the lymph nodes are back to its regular size.  She said; "Now that you've recovered you must exercise and eat well. Go hiking...."

I guess that means I'm good for now. The doctor is happy and so I only need to go back in 3 months to do a thyroid scan, chest X ray and abdominal ultrasound.  Have to also visit the ENT quarterly.

I'm still doing my weekly pilgrimage to Tung Shin to see the Chinese oncologist who prescribe me herbs which I have to faithfully take twice a day.

I did meet a fellow alumni at SDMC who was under the same treatment as me. We finished at the same time..he was actually earlier as I had an extra 5 irradiation treatment. However his taste buds have yet to return fully and his throat is still a little sore.  He was unable to enjoy the CNY because he still could not taste well.  So I am just thankful that I have received speedy recovery and that God has mercifully carried me through this trial.
That when I looked back I know it was you that carried me through...

My veins apparently shrink after chemo so smaller needle

Two tries. Big needle failed... so smaller needle on the wrist...ouch

Psalm 77
Your way was through the sea,
    your path through the great waters;
    yet your 
footprints were unseen.[c]
20 You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Going back for a CT Scan

Today I'm going back for a CT Scan after almost 11 weeks since my last irradiation.
I still look back and cannot belief the journey I've just been through.  God has been good to sustain me under that circumstance and I've come out deeper and stronger.
Praying for complete healing and a clean bill of health for a fresh start as far as my health goes.

New late onset side effects

Have been enjoying Chinese New Year meals and the gatherings around a sumptuous table of food. Glad that there is no more pain in the throat.

A late onset side effect which came a week ago is sharp pulling pain in the neck area up to the back of the head.  It feels like someone is tugging on the hair.  Apparently the nerves are damaged and are repairing itself. My hands shake a lot especially when putting a spoon to my mouth.  Drinking soup is a challenge :)

Chinese oncologist Tung Shin said that exercises are important to help with the recovery of this side effect.

I have been diligent I'm going to the gym and that has helped somewhat.

I go to do a CT scan in a couple of weeks and prayingt complete healing. 

Visit to the ENT

2nd Feb - a visit to the ENT specialist. He put a camera up my nose and found no growth.  Its cleared.  Now that's good news.

I have a late side effect development.  The muscles from The neck to the shoulder blades are super tight. I also exprience sharp pains in the chest. Doc says I have to stretch them muscles or else it stiffen up.  Look up look down, look left look right....ouch!!

No pain in my throat

For the record, I woke up this morning 29th January and felt no pain in my throat.
Very emotional morning....

Memories in pictures for the record

24th October I began my Radiotherapy Treatment. 35 sessions. 5 days a week
25th October I began my Chemotherapy Treatment  6 sessions, once a week.

I had my last Chemo Therapy treatment on the 29th November

From that day till this week 23rd January 2016 (2 months) I experienced the peak in terms of side effects until this week when things have finally significantly improved.

Up to the 29th November, I had only lost 6Kg.  In the last 2 months I lost a further 7Kg.  Total :13Kg

Here are some pictures...

My last Chemo Treatment. After every treament, nausea sets in

Sorry to spoil your appetite but the white layers in the throat are the sores

After my RT, the doctor added 5 more lighter Irradiation wch eneded on 20th Dec

The skin is burnt from the 35 sessions of RT. It continues to blister a week after the last RT treatment

The hair drops at the back...Still have not grown back. "WHO IS YOUR BABRBER?"

A quick getaway to Cameron Highlands with the family.  This was a good break and rest especially with Bryan back from the US.  We did this on the 2nd day of 2017

With Connie on a cold Cameron's morning

Palas Tea house

The family all together

SS15 McDonalds. We used to do this many Sundays when the children were young

AND FINALLY...

All the meds I used in the last 3 months. Confessions of a Junkie....

Thank you all for patiently following me on this painful and trying journey. Praying for me and my family and encouraging us.

Next steps
I should be going for my CT Scan  in a months time to make sure everything is GONE!!  Praying.

First day I dont have to gargle Aspirin

Today is the first day I do ot have to gargle the aspirin gargle to numb the pain.  I think my throat is clearing up finally.  I picked up a throat infection and fever the last 2 weeks but that too is behind me now!!  Thank God!!

I have been reminded by friends and family to REST!  and rest I must but its not easy! 
Its not easy to stay home when everyone around me is being productive- going to work and going to school
Its not easy to rest when there is a thousand things I would like to do but I'm learning...

Learning to be patient

One thing that has definitely happen over the last 3 months is that I see myself more clearly.  Funny statement especially now when there's less of me having lost 13Kg since the first day of treatment on October 24th 2016.  Trials like these have a way of surfacing heart idols, things that I love more than Christ. 

One clear one is the pride of being productive - the ability to make something happen out of nothing. I'm driven and often I get impatient when things dont go the way I intend it to go.  Like Now!

I found myself frustrated these few days as it appears the recovery has gone  into slow mo....tion.

I have lost 3Kgs in the last 2 weeks, a month after my last radiation treatment.  New sores seem to have appeared (polyp like) on the roof of the throat causing intense pain and coughing especially when it becomes dry.   I have also experienced fatigue, really really tried which I have never experienced during my 7 weeks of treatment. This week, I drove to church office and spent 2 hours talking to colleagues.  It tired me for the  rest of the day!!  

I'm supposed to be going forward!!! Not backward.!!  But I am reminded by NPC survivors that the process of restoration and recovery takes months to a year and more.  The cells are still affected and degenerating which explains the constant hair drop all along my neck even up to now. I am learning to be patient and to take each day as it comes.

Lord, help me to find justification in your righteousness alone NOT in my ability to be productive and useful. Help me to be patient as I await your healing and restoration upon this frail body. Lord have mercy as I get acquainted once again with pain and discomfort.  

PS.   I know I have not been regular here.... whereas the purpose 3 months ago was to update the church community so that you can better pray for me, I am going to begin to record some of my progress over the past 3 months for future reference and NPC patients.

CONNIE AND I and our entire family THANK EACH OF YOU DEEPLY WHO HAVE UPHELD US IN PRAYER, PROVIDED GENEROUSLY THROUGH YOUR CULINARY EXPERTISE,  SHOPPED FOR VEGETABLES, PURCHASED FRUITS, ADORNED OUR LIVING ROOM WITH BOUQUETS, CELEBRATED AND CRIED WITH US THROUGH YOUR WHATSAPP MESSAGES AND COMMENTS HERE.....