A New Start

I started the gammadelta therapy yesterday. I have to time the starting of this new therapy because I have to chose a date that I could easily remember. This is a once monthly 150mg tablet. It's easier to remember to take the tablet on the 1st of every month. The drug is ibandronic acid (commercially sold as Boniva). The tablet should be taken on the same date each month, in the morning after an overnight fast (at least six hours) and before the first food, drink or medicine of the day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of plain water (180 to 240ml, not mineral water) while you are sitting or standing in an upright position. Do not crush, chew or suck the tablet.

Ibandronic acid belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat bone thinning (osteoporosis). In certain situations, they can help protect your bones against some of the effects of secondary bone cancer, such as pain and weakness. Secondary bone cancer occurs when the original (primary) cancer spreads to form a secondary cancer (metastasis) in the bone. Ibandronic acid can be given alongside other cancer treatments. It may be given to women with breast cancer that has spread to the bones. It can be used to prevent and treat problems caused by secondary bone cancer and to reduce a raised calcium level in the blood. As a result of secondary bone cancer, calcium, which helps strengthen the bones, can be lost from the damaged bone and seep into the bloodstream. A raised level of calcium in the blood is known as hypercalcaemia. This can cause symptoms such as feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), tiredness, irritability and sometimes confusion. Ibandronic acid helps reduce high levels of calcium. Secondary cancer in the bones may make them weak, and in some situations they may break (fracture). Ibandronic acid helps strengthen the bone and reduce the risk of fractures. It also helps reduce pain in the bones.

Last night, I was feeling a little warm around both my legs. It was a funny feeling, disturbing but not the extent of being uncomfortable. Stayed up late a little bit and listened to some music to relax. Yesterday afternoon, a friend from Australia and a group of friends visited me. We adjourned to a nearby shopping mall for drinks and chat. We celebrated life because a few of our friends passed away recently without warning. It's great to be alive and kicking.

I would like to take a moment to make a dedication to Hong Kong singer/actor, Leslie Cheung who died on 1 April, 2003. He took his life as lovers often do. This world was never meant to be for one as beautiful as you (taken from Don McLean's Vincent).