Sunday, October 14, 2007

How I Feel Today


Tuesday, October 09, 2007

A day in a life at Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand .

Children Haemotology Oncology Centre, Christchurch Hospital , New Zealand . 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.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

A dear message from wonderful friend Haniza Ros.......I miss my kebaya

At Eon Motors Raya Open House 2006

Dear Cik Puteh,

It takes me a while to write to you as I really didnt know what to say. I did send you a bday greeting to your local maxis though.

Anyway, I figure God has prepared you long enough to face this trial from him and therefore all the strength you're displaying. I really wish to fly to you now, just to give you a hug and whisper to you that your LOVE will beat everything else comes your way.

Just to divert your attention a bit, attached a pix I always treasure and I hope you eat good despite your agony so that you're able to fit into this kebaya nicely again.

Love always,
Ros

Saturday, October 06, 2007

My Card From Richard Reads: Mom We Beat Cancer! Yes! Indeed We Did

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

Saturday, September 29, 2007

CHANGE/CHOICE

"What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do." -- Aristotle

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me." -- Carol Burnett

"Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." -- William Jennings Bryan

"We must either find a way or make one." -- Hannibal

52 years old......what do I wish for?

On Monday 01-10-07 I will be 52 years old. Every birthday I used to wish for good health and world peace. This year , what can wish for.......? I pray everyday to god.
  • Please GOD heal my youngest son Richard Yap Jun-Woh of cancer. Guide him in his life journey and the great plans you have for him. Protect him from all harm. You have created a brilliant son . He is an extraordinary person. He wants to be an oncologist . He needs your blessing and guidance.
  • For my eldest son William and my second son Alexander- my wish and message for them is to "follow your heart and live your dreams". May God protect you both always.
  • My wish for my husband is- always be happy.
  • My wish for my mom and two beautiful sisters -"May they enjoy good health,wealth and happiness .
  • For my departed brother- " May his soul rest in peace"
  • For me .... I wished for "all my wishes to come true"

Remember the words of Napoleon Hill - "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." Believe it, it is true!

Happy Birthday to me !

Saturday, September 01, 2007

The "C" Word

The 'C' word scares people, but it can be overcome. With good medicine and strong hearts, it can be overcome."


http://www.mayoclinic.org/osteosarcoma