Its 4.04 am , 1st Oct 07(NZ time) I can’t sleep. It’s my 52nd birthday. I woke up in a familiar room yet it’s not my bedroom nor is it my home. I switch on my hand phone and there were several greetings from my friends. So where am I? Many of my dear friends had weeks ago emailed me requesting for latest update.
Since I can’t sleep I am sending all of you (including my schoolmates) this mail.
Well I have been sleeping on a sofa bed and next to me is my 17th year old handsome son Richard. I am sleeping in a single room at the Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand . My son receiving his chemotherapy treatment and I am beside him 24/7 giving him my motherly support. This has been our home since May. We spend more time here than in our house.
Looking at Richard, I told myself this is a beautiful day. Although there will not be any flowers, cakes, party or candlelight dinner. Being with my baby is the greatest gift of all. I am happy because my prayers have been answered.
At 52 years old I found out “Prayers do get answered”. I told myself, in my career as a Trainer, I have changed thousands of life for the better. The skills that I have imparted and shared to make them ‘shine’ in their careers. The motivational and development sessions I gave to encourage and instilled positive attitudes in those who have attended my training sessions. I know I have touched many lives; I just need someone to touch my son’s life.
Prayers do get answered! My son Richard is only 17years old diagnosed with Osteosarcoma left distal femur with T5 metastasis. I prayed for a successful treatment. God send angels into his life in the form of Dr Michael Sullivan and Rob Corbett Paediatric Oncologists and Dr Gordon Beadel Orthopedic Surgeon. Richard was also invited to sign up to in a study group “A randomized Trail of the European and American Osteosarcoma study group to optimize treatment strategies for resectable osteasarcoma based on histological response to pre-operative chemotherapy (known as ERAMOS 1) for 16+years of age. (Not available in Malaysia or Singapore ).
Today 5 months into treatment and after successful Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR) on the 16 August performed by the talented and brilliant Dr Gordon Beadel, Richard left leg is back to normal. The surgery took 10 hours but I know he is in good hands. Later I found out from the nurses that he was so meticulous in removing the entire tumor and brilliantly reconstructed the TKR.
Today when he wakes up in the morning, Richard will signed part 2 of the ERAMOS 1 Trial. Part 2 is for patients with good tumor response to induction therapy. It’s another prayer answered. I pray for a good response and for the entire tumor to be killed. Well goods news the histological results showed a good response to MAP therapy with more than 95 % of tumor cells killed. He is now eligible to be randomized to get more of MAP Chemo or MAP Chemo plus Pegylated interferon alfa2b. This is to help make sure the tumor cells do not return later. Thanks and credit given to the oncologists, he is really brilliant. Chemistry does works. I should have paid more attention to chemistry in school!
So what more can I ask for? All the right people came to treat my son. It is indeed my best birthday present.
At 52 years old I am blessed with 3 great sons and a wonderful husband. I own an extensive extended family, they are my property. My beautiful sisters, Sis –in-law , bro –in – law, uncle , aunt, cousins ,nieces and nephew. They gave me the greatest support when I needed it most.
My friends esp. the ones I met in the 70’s in the bank, they are really true friends (you know who you are ha! ha!) simply awesome.
Richard isalso very fortunate to be enrol in the best school - Ricacrton High School in Christchurch. His Dean and his teachers gave him so much support , and his new made friends were simply great.They all find time to visit him . Getting support from his school esp his Dean and Teachers means so much for Richard . They have contributed tremendously to the healing process because Richard just love schooling. I know he felt wanted and is eager to get well to get back to school.
I turn and glance at Richard; he is really “Richard the Lion Heart”. A brave young man who at 17years fought his cancer and won. He is a real champion ever so confident and positive. A very intelligent, bright human being with a charming personality. What a gift and joy to have him as my son.
What more do I need I am contented and happy. To add to my happiness during this tiring time, I discovered the maturity, sensibility, strength and compassion of my two elder sons. Together they supported Richard through his difficult times. The brotherhood they shared is envy to many parents. They are not just bright students taking double degrees in reputable unis but two young man with fine qualities of a gentleman. They are unspoilt, ambitious and focus in their goals in life.
Yes! What more can I ask for. I possess 3 precious gems. That’s my gift given to me for life.
Well, my husband what can I say. No words can describe him. I know I am the love of his life. I can’t ask for more……I am contented.
Well, email is good therapy; Writing this mail made me cry and cry.Not of sadness but happiness that my son is saved. I don’t have to count sheep. I am going back to my sofa bed.Good nite
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Many Friends wants to know what kind of sofa bed that I sleep on and is it comfortable. ( beggars can't be choosy!!) Well people, this is a tour of the hospital unit known as Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand . 
This is the sofa bed. When its open up its not bad at all. Quite comfortable. 
At Eon Motors Raya Open House 2006