Thriving & Celebrating Life...

So I was referred to Gleneagles Oncology - Dr Rachael Khong. To be honest I'm hoping to hear from Institut Kanser Negara as I heard good things about their drugs and facilities. Prof Yip even called them to refer me but after a week, I still don't hear from them. I don't want to delay things, so Gleneagles it is. Made an appointment to see her to hear her treatment plan for me. I also made another appointment with UMSC oncology to compare the treatment. The day I met up with Dr Rachael, Azwat was busy with meetings. He wanted to ask for emergency leave but i told him absolutely no. He has missed a lot of work last week because of me, so better not jeopardise his work. I have the lovely Jaime to come along with me to see Dr Rachael. It was quite a long wait as we were told she has 10 patients that morning itself.  But the moment we saw her, we liked her.  She was open and easy to talk to.  And reminds me of Jaime and I - loud!  I had a series of questions...

I've been reminded today, that my world is not ending.  Oh yeah, the Big C is in me, but there are so many things to be grateful of, and I thank Allah for this.   Let's see some of the things I'm blessed with: Being alive I have the best mom in the world I had the best dad in the world, Allah bless his soul I have the best husband in the universe - he is funny, loving, romantic, and I love his determination. I have great brother and sister in law, with lovable kids.  Love them to bits My mom in law is always kind to me I've been blessed with good health all my life (till now) I have a good job that pays the bills and some splurge once in a while I cook well (that works since I love food soon much!) I'm a good baker, although cake decorating is not really my thing I have a good comfortable home  I have wonderful friends - from childhood friends, to teenage friends, college friends, ex & current colleagues. All my mistakes - I learnt from them ...

There are so many things I want to do in this life, so I'm writing a list of things I need to do and finish, while I go through this fight.  Not in order. 1.  Go to the Hajj (Dear Allah, please grant me this wish) 2.  Watch the end of Game of Thrones 3.  Trip to Krabi with Azwat and do the rock climbing 4.  Keep baking cakes (even though sugar is now off-limits for me) 5.  Watch Star Wars! 6.  Adopt a baby, someone I will love with all my heart 7.  More run & bike with Azwat 8.  Learn swimming 9.  Enter a triathlon 10. Start & finish the miniature house I bought in Osaka 11. Read the Quran fluently 12. Love, care and look after Azwat till the end of our lives 13. Help the poor, less fortunate with my dear Suzana (will write about her) 14. Ensure Jaime is doing ok, with someone who loves her (someone who deserves her!) More to come. Forever

I love life.  I really do.  I love so many things - my husband, my family, my job, my small apartment, my beaten up car, my tiny kitchen where I create magic, the lake near my house, Hulu Langat - the cycling haven not far from my house, and of course food,  glorious food. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love food. And I love me - the not so perfect self. But now there's a bump on the road. I'm dumbfounded. I have cancer. The Big C. Slightly more than a month ago I discovered a lump at my armpit. It's not big, more like a swelling so obviously I ignored it. I mean it could be from the gym works or something. It stayed there and after a week I went to my usual clinic and asked if I should be worried. No, it seems. Could be an infection from shaving. So I was prescribed some antibiotics. It stayed there though and after a couple of weeks, after my husband's long awaited Ironman race, I went to a clinic that has ultrasound facilities. It's bi...