Nov 2009 diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ(DCIS),
Dec 2009 went through surgery, with mastectomy on the left breast, Stage II a with 3 out of 7 lymph note positive, ER/PR -ve,javascript:void(0) HER2+, FISH +ve
Jan 2010-May 2010, chemo with 6 cycles of TC
May 2010 - June 2010, 25 sessions of radiotherapy, CT scan clear
Nov 2010 - marginally high ALP
Feb 2011 - ALP normal, bone scan clear
April 2011 - High ALP, ALT, AST
7 May 2011 - Ultra sound shows nodules in liver, high ALP, ALT, AST, GGTP, AFP and Ca15-3(tumor marker)
10 May 2011 - MRI showed liver metastases
12 May 2011, CT whole body showed liver metastases
22 May 2011, started chemo Navelbine and Herceptin
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Coping with chemo
Day 3... feeling alright, even though side effect of chemo started to kick in yesterday - dry mouth/numbness, fatique, and I slept for almost 10 hours last night, woke up at 8am, which is rare, as I am usually up by 6-7am, following the sun.
It's another day, and I'm living well... just enjoying the moment.
But have to go and cook soon, so that I could eat healthy.
It's another day, and I'm living well... just enjoying the moment.
But have to go and cook soon, so that I could eat healthy.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Herceptin + Navelbine, Day 1
Doctor prescribed Herceptin(targeted theraply) + Navelbine(chemotherapy) today.
After spending almost 6 hours of long wait outside doctors clinic, today is a breeze! Have never been so happy on chemo before, both physically and mentally. This time, I was set, and wanted to start asap, exactly 1 week after the ultra sound.
And the best news is, there's no visible side effects, no chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness nor itchiness during chemo. Hopefully no bone pain, hair loss(least of my concern), sleeplessness, etc.
So, Herceptin every 3 weeks, and Navelbine on Day 1(today) and Day 8(next Saturday) so I have 2 weeks break before the next cycle.
Great! Looking forward to sail through this.
Am so grateful to be taking things in control, despite of the odds, and I appreciate all of you. If you read this, I consider you my "support group", as energy exchanges have happened, and I appreciate your being there!
After spending almost 6 hours of long wait outside doctors clinic, today is a breeze! Have never been so happy on chemo before, both physically and mentally. This time, I was set, and wanted to start asap, exactly 1 week after the ultra sound.
And the best news is, there's no visible side effects, no chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness nor itchiness during chemo. Hopefully no bone pain, hair loss(least of my concern), sleeplessness, etc.
So, Herceptin every 3 weeks, and Navelbine on Day 1(today) and Day 8(next Saturday) so I have 2 weeks break before the next cycle.
Great! Looking forward to sail through this.
Am so grateful to be taking things in control, despite of the odds, and I appreciate all of you. If you read this, I consider you my "support group", as energy exchanges have happened, and I appreciate your being there!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
It's chemo, possibly with Herceptin
Guess it's chemo with Herceptin. Doctor will decide tomorrow after seeing my CT scan result.
The signs are everywhere, for me to get through this!
When in Japan, I signed up for their national health plan. Little did I know that they have a scheme for free medical check up, which I went around Oct 2010, and the result indicated marginally high reading of ALP(alkaline phosphate). At that time I googled and was alarmed, as this could indicate that cancer has spread to the bone.
Came back to Penang for checkup in Jan 2011, to my surprise, oncologist didn't run any test. The MO told me not to worry if the level is marginally high (exactly what the Japanese doctor told me, but he suggested to come back to consult my doctor). I wasn't happy, and went to see my breast surgeon in KL, complained the same, and he asked to repeat the blood test, which apparently came up normal. He ordered bone scan, clear.
Left for Philippines, and didn't have any medical plan. But today when I read my diary, I was so shocked to note that I have "picked up" signals and messages that I should take care of my body. There were bad dreams for a few days. My aunt passed away, and I only knew about it 2 days later, and wrote that maybe my aunt was sending me a message. Dreamt of another high school teacher who has passed away. It's shocking when I refer to my diary this morning, but at that time, all I wrote was, there might be a message somewhere, without knowing what.
When I went to Dr Merced, I had little idea how crucial that visit was, as she ordered to repeat the blood test, which I went on 18 April. It was holy week and I went for holiday in Mindanao on 19 April, knowing I had high reading in ALT, AST, ALP, but had one of the best experience with waterfalls, enchanted river, and caves.
Saw doctor on 2 May with blood test and she suggested Ultra sound abdomen, as blood test indicates something is wrong with my liver. I went for the scan on 14 May as it took me some time to find where to do the scan - in most hospitals, I have to go to 2 different department for abdomen and breast scan, which sounds complicated to me.
Anyway, everything else follow...am amazed how I've managed so far, now happily back home, getting ready for another round of chemo.
The signs are everywhere, for me to get through this!
When in Japan, I signed up for their national health plan. Little did I know that they have a scheme for free medical check up, which I went around Oct 2010, and the result indicated marginally high reading of ALP(alkaline phosphate). At that time I googled and was alarmed, as this could indicate that cancer has spread to the bone.
Came back to Penang for checkup in Jan 2011, to my surprise, oncologist didn't run any test. The MO told me not to worry if the level is marginally high (exactly what the Japanese doctor told me, but he suggested to come back to consult my doctor). I wasn't happy, and went to see my breast surgeon in KL, complained the same, and he asked to repeat the blood test, which apparently came up normal. He ordered bone scan, clear.
Left for Philippines, and didn't have any medical plan. But today when I read my diary, I was so shocked to note that I have "picked up" signals and messages that I should take care of my body. There were bad dreams for a few days. My aunt passed away, and I only knew about it 2 days later, and wrote that maybe my aunt was sending me a message. Dreamt of another high school teacher who has passed away. It's shocking when I refer to my diary this morning, but at that time, all I wrote was, there might be a message somewhere, without knowing what.
When I went to Dr Merced, I had little idea how crucial that visit was, as she ordered to repeat the blood test, which I went on 18 April. It was holy week and I went for holiday in Mindanao on 19 April, knowing I had high reading in ALT, AST, ALP, but had one of the best experience with waterfalls, enchanted river, and caves.
Saw doctor on 2 May with blood test and she suggested Ultra sound abdomen, as blood test indicates something is wrong with my liver. I went for the scan on 14 May as it took me some time to find where to do the scan - in most hospitals, I have to go to 2 different department for abdomen and breast scan, which sounds complicated to me.
Anyway, everything else follow...am amazed how I've managed so far, now happily back home, getting ready for another round of chemo.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Back to Penang 18th May 2011
It is exactly a year ago I did my CT scan, which showed that everything was clear. A year later, things do not look so good. Just saw Dr Zaatar, my oncologist, who ordered a CT scan tomorrow.
Chronological order of events:
May 14(last Sat) went for Ultra Sound which show some nodules in the liver, Dr Merced(who ordered the US because of high ALP score) recommended coffee enema, high doses of supplements, juicing and IV of B17 and others...
May 16(Mon) Walked in to gastro in Makati Medical, told me to run more blood test and suggested I should go home; Hepatologist in St Luke's told me to get MRI with Primovist
May 17(Tue) Did MRI, and saw an oncologist, who suggested biopsy, control of blood level, then chemo. From St Luke's I took a cab back to my apartment, got my luggages and left for airport, transit in Singapore
Spent a wonderful time with my sis, and I came back to Penang, straight to oncologist, waited for 3 hours but it's worth the wait. Showed him all the reports. Everything is suggestive of liver metastasis coming from previous breast cancer. He tells me that the mind is very important, that I should have the will power to fight. I told him sure, I still want to go to Chiang Mai in November. We will work this out.
Am quite happy. To be home. To know that I am taking things into control - am a professional patient!
Of course there were difficult moments, right after the scan, and also right after seeing the gastro who told me to go home. But I had great support from various people along the way... am just so lucky.
Life has a way of tricking me into doing certain things at certain time. Tricking me into learning, into accepting.
May 18
Chronological order of events:
May 14(last Sat) went for Ultra Sound which show some nodules in the liver, Dr Merced(who ordered the US because of high ALP score) recommended coffee enema, high doses of supplements, juicing and IV of B17 and others...
May 16(Mon) Walked in to gastro in Makati Medical, told me to run more blood test and suggested I should go home; Hepatologist in St Luke's told me to get MRI with Primovist
May 17(Tue) Did MRI, and saw an oncologist, who suggested biopsy, control of blood level, then chemo. From St Luke's I took a cab back to my apartment, got my luggages and left for airport, transit in Singapore
Spent a wonderful time with my sis, and I came back to Penang, straight to oncologist, waited for 3 hours but it's worth the wait. Showed him all the reports. Everything is suggestive of liver metastasis coming from previous breast cancer. He tells me that the mind is very important, that I should have the will power to fight. I told him sure, I still want to go to Chiang Mai in November. We will work this out.
Am quite happy. To be home. To know that I am taking things into control - am a professional patient!
Of course there were difficult moments, right after the scan, and also right after seeing the gastro who told me to go home. But I had great support from various people along the way... am just so lucky.
Life has a way of tricking me into doing certain things at certain time. Tricking me into learning, into accepting.
May 18
Friday, May 13, 2011
Ultra Sound Abdomen, Breast and Thyroid
Went for Ultra sound this morning, will get the result later. I think there's something in the liver, but the radiologist was one of those who avoid communication. Will get the report and go see Dr Merced this afternoon(even without appointment).
It's strange. I was introduced to Dr Merced by Susanna who happened to be in Manila. And a series of things just happen. She ordered blood test which showed high SGOT SGPT and alkaline Phosphate level, and then told me to get US, which was not even being ordered by my oncologist in February.
Life has its way. Found that a professor in AIM, Nieves Confessor had cancer of uterus, and she survived. I am here for a reason, just waiting for the stories to unfold itself.
Almost forgotten I have this blog, as I was feeling so healthy, yet so vulnerable when reality strikes.
So, don't be alarmed if you read this...as I have no information yet.
It's strange. I was introduced to Dr Merced by Susanna who happened to be in Manila. And a series of things just happen. She ordered blood test which showed high SGOT SGPT and alkaline Phosphate level, and then told me to get US, which was not even being ordered by my oncologist in February.
Life has its way. Found that a professor in AIM, Nieves Confessor had cancer of uterus, and she survived. I am here for a reason, just waiting for the stories to unfold itself.
Almost forgotten I have this blog, as I was feeling so healthy, yet so vulnerable when reality strikes.
So, don't be alarmed if you read this...as I have no information yet.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
New Soup Recipe in the Philippines
Just settling down in Makati city and getting used to living in this studio unit. Come to think about it. This is one of the rare time that I get to live alone, without any housemate. I am djusting well, nevertheless and getting innovative with a modified soup recipe that contains :
raddish
pumpkin
zuccini
corns (Japanese corn)
sweet potato(purple in colour)
Just cut/diced and throwed everything in to boil. No sugar, no salt, and it's naturally sweet!
In general, people here are very much affected by the fastfood chains, and oftern will go for MacDonald, KFC, Starbucks, and has their homebred Jolliebees. They also pride themselves to have the biggest Mall in Asia, The Mall of Asia(MOA), which is turned into the slogan Philippines, mall Of Asia; as compared to Malaysia, truly Asia. They are also essentially meat eater, and as a result it has been difficult for me to follow my vegetarian diet, except for the few meals which I prepare for myself.
So, am now happily enjoying my soup for lunch.
raddish
pumpkin
zuccini
corns (Japanese corn)
sweet potato(purple in colour)
Just cut/diced and throwed everything in to boil. No sugar, no salt, and it's naturally sweet!
In general, people here are very much affected by the fastfood chains, and oftern will go for MacDonald, KFC, Starbucks, and has their homebred Jolliebees. They also pride themselves to have the biggest Mall in Asia, The Mall of Asia(MOA), which is turned into the slogan Philippines, mall Of Asia; as compared to Malaysia, truly Asia. They are also essentially meat eater, and as a result it has been difficult for me to follow my vegetarian diet, except for the few meals which I prepare for myself.
So, am now happily enjoying my soup for lunch.
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