The Clock Is Ticking

It was a little to early to claim a pain free day yesterday. After lunch, the side of my right upper thighs was swamped with light needle like pain and I had to use my hands to massage to get some relief. By 6pm, I had developed some minor gastric problem and after consuming Capsule A+B,it became worst. However, after dinner, the gastric pain subsided but there was some throbbing pain around the lower right rib area.

I spoke to the CA Care consultant, Khatijah at Subang Jaya Center and was told that one of the healing reaction is that the problem area would be painful and this should be considered as a positive development.

I have been coughing off and on but so far, the coughs are short and I don't think it will develop further.

To Do Or Not To Do ? - Part I
I will be meeting the 5th urologist today afternoon. Basically this meeting is to get an opinion from the urologist as to the viability of removing my right tumor kidney. Other areas covered includes the risk of the operation itself, the most likely type of proceudre that will be used, post operation and recovery issues. Earlier I wondered if I should find out from the urologist the survival rate of his patients after surgery with similar situation as me. I have pondered over it for a week, I think this is an important question and the information will be very useful for me to consider in the decision making.

Cancer Support
When I was first told of cancer, I was shocked but when the doctor told me that he has no cure for me, I was beyond shock. But soon the realities set in and while waiting for the rain to stop in one corner of the verendah, I broke down and sat there for two hours pondering what I should do. I wish sometimes at moments like this, there is a warm hand to hold, someone experiened to guide and provide support.

I had always wanted to have some form of cancer support group but as I found out, not many cancer patients are open to discuss their problems openly and possibly a one to one support would be more useful. It has been said, you don't need to become a millionaire before you can donate. Similarly I believe one need not need to be fully recovered to provide cancer support. So long as one has the capacity, one can reach out to these people to share their stories, stresses, worries and celebrations.

I have been fortunate up till now (and hopefully for a long time to come), my therapies have been quite effective and have been able to lead quite a normal life without any restriction of mobility. It is also on this basis that many of my friends saw it as an opportunity for me help out other junior (people who contacted cancer later than me) patients, to provide some form of encouragement and support. I am honoured that I am able to contribute and hopefully make a little difference in their lives.

So far I have had exchanges with six people and I will be meeting the 7th this Sunday. She has breast cancer and Ms Tai, my former colleague has asked me to see her. As a fellow cancer patient, this is the least I could do.