A Great Lunch Gathering on 3 January 2009 |
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The radiation therapy (RT) treatment Edmund was prescribed was a 3D conformal radiation (3DCRT), i.e best for patient with conditions requiring treatments that can be extended to a margin around the tumor bed to account for microscopic traces of tumor cells. To ensure that the beams would target on the right position, Edmund has to wear a plastic mask with pre-designated mappings during the treatment. The radiation is very much akin to three or four flashlights pointed from different directions onto the same target, i.e. when the beams converged over the tumor bed, they would be added up to enough dosage to kill the tumor cells. During the RT treatment, the beam would be active only when the machine is switched on. As soon as the beam is off, the radiation is gone. The RT will not make the patient radioactive. This means that even immediately after the daily RT treatment, the patient can be near to children, pregnant women, and pets safely, without restriction. Fatigue, partial hair loss, skin irritation are the common side effects of the RT.Edmund was also prescribed with the radiosensitizer drug – Temozolomide alongside with the RT treatment. When combined together, the effect of RT & chemo-drug are greater than the sum of their parts and would kill tumor cells more effectively. Although the chemo-drug is often well tolerated, it could require close monitoring of fatigue, nausea, vomiting & blood counts while taking this drug.
In the beginning of the chemoirradiation treatment, Edmund had a low grade fever of 38.5 degree Celsius and he was often tired and needed to take short naps. After three days, he was getting used to the treatment and the fever had gone by then. So far, Edmund has been coping well with the RT and the side effect of the chemo-drug on him was tolerating.
On Wednesday, Edmund had taken a blood test as it had been 2 weeks since the start of his treatment at QMH. Edmund had seen the Doctor on the following day on 8 January 09. The oncologist was pleased with the blood test results and his treatment progress. This means that Edmund will continue on his current course of treatment for another 2 weeks and see the oncologist again for continuation of the treatment.
Edmund’s chauffeur departed Hong Kong on 9 January 2009 with a ease of mind after spending three whole weeks supporting Edmund and monitoring on Edmund’s reaction to the treatment. Without a chauffeur, Edmund is planning to take public transportation to the hospital for his future treatment in the following weeks.
Edmund is keeping himself healthy, he eats & sleeps well. He is very thankful for all your support especially the tremendous encouragement given & the valuable healthy tips/recipes you sent. He is moving on in his path of recuperation.
6 comments:
Dear Edmund & Alice,
It's great to know that you are making progress and the side effects from chemoirradiation is gradually diminishing. So long as you keep eating and sleeping well, the healing will take care of itself. Compared with about two months ago, I am sure you have gone through a lot in life and you have given each other more love and support than you would otherwise have without this journey together. Likewise, if you have started with your praying, you would have experienced the love and care of God and perhaps begin to believe that God is in control of your healing. This could be a blessing in disguise!
Life sometimes seems too big to handle. Things happen we cannot foresee and at times hopelessness finds it's way into our hearts. We become downcast and at times it is even hard to look up. There are so many sermons about God's sovereignity that often people wondered why pray. It is because God is in total control, what He says will be, will be, what does He need us for? BUT GOD, continually shows us His faithfulness and His love toward all of us. We pray because He listens, He is the God who cares, who wants to hear us, who wants to lift our burdens and fill our hearts again with hope and faith in Him knowing He will answer us. He even says in His word, "Call on Me, and I will show you things you could not know."
Best regards,
Philip
What an encouraging comment, Philip! I cannot beat that... Uncle Edmund, I am so pleased you are keeping positive and the treatment is going well. Keep it up!
Do continue to seek God because He promises never to leave us nor forsake us, and He is very close to you. Like Chez said, Emmanuel - God is with us. Read Romans 8:37-39 :)
Love you!
Carol
Philip's comment is for us all!
What happened in the last two months had pulled the family closer to each other and we can feel the outpouring love!
It has been an amazing experience in reading the wonderful comments and we know we are all on the journey with Edmund and Alice together.
What Philip said is such a great reminder about why we should pray and let peace come into our hearts and lift our spirits. We have friends and family members in 3 continents praying for Edmund and Alice continuously and God listens!
Love to you all,
Sabrina and family
Hi Dad & Alice,
Ka and I have settled back in Oz well, however we really miss you guys a lot. It's not the same driving around without you in the car. Your Grandchild also misses you as he/she is continually kicking in Ka's womb. They are both doing well.
We are continually thinking and praying for you and hope that you are eating well. Look forward to speaking to you soon.
Love,
Chez & Ka
Ed and Alice
Hope the travelling to and from hospital without Chez the chauffeur is working well. Just take it slowly. I'll be in Sydney for 10 days. Will remember you in my prayers.
EL
Hi Edmund,
Joining EL to have you two in my daily prayer.
I'm pretty sure that the Almighty is taking good care of you. It's fun to try seeking his message behind your suffering, which is going to be short and temporary.
Eat well, sleep well and don't forget to keep yourself with a bit of exercise.
David Tse
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