First Radiotherapy

Time has gone so quickly. The break between chemo & RT was over. The family rejoiced for the break. Jed loved to have daddy roughing around and going out to the park. Reg experimented his cooking skill after watching Master Chef. Anita took the joy to let go some household chores for Reg and was able to attend some social events. The family really praised God to be able to take a break between treatments.

To prepare for radiotherapy is quite different. The Chan household has a different routine, especially for Reg. Reg has to get up very early for the appointment was 8am at the hospital. So instead of having a Mothers Day dinner outside, the family decided it was wise to stay home, but they had a relaxing time in Manly for the afternoon. Jed was so tired and was sound asleep by 7pm. REg and Anita was disciplined to go to bed early, preparing for the early rise.

Although with some apprehension, REg didn't sleep too well, but he managed to get up. The morning traffic was a very smooth ride and after a short wait, the treatment went ahead and all was done in less than an hour. Reg was stuck in traffic with return trip. He was more tired from getting up early than the treatment itself. He was happy that no more extra drugs to take, and the treatment seemed simple enough that he only needed to lie down and do nothing. Anita was glad that REg returned home safely.

The family continues to rely on God in this final stage, even though the worst is over. They know God is their source of healing and He alone gives live. His ever presence is their stength in every step of their way. The family asks for God to sustain Reg the ability to sleep well and getting up early. They do not know when Reg's energy will start to deplete due to treatment, but they pray for wisdom in the balance of activities and rest in this time for Reg.

Tough Decision

After another week of rest, Reg is definitely feeling so much better physically. He has been out and played with Jed and gave Anita a bit of a break. Anita managed to spend a whole day for her mother-in-law with undivided attention and another day, she attended a Christian seminar and even attended the church's annual general meeting on Sunday. It may not sound like a break to most people, but to have some normality in life and freedom to attend an event can be a previledged to Anita. As for Reg, it was just as good to spend time with Jed. So the family really thanked God for the blessing in this time.

The time for radiotherapy is a week away and the family had been recieving changes in schedule. Reg needs to be in hospital 8am for the first week every morning. It is a tough decision for the household. Anita would like to work hard to make arrangement, so Reg can have some form of transportation to hospital. Reg on the other hand prefers to go in by himself without hassling anyone, even refuse to use transportation from Leukaemia Foundation. Daily, the same topic was raised and with various options laid out. Reg wanted to fight the mental battle and go in by himself, while Anita simply prefers Reg not personally driving to hospital just in case. With all respect to the patient's will, Anita is losing ground and can only trust her mighty God for protection and wise judgement for Reg. Reg on the other hand is happy for alternate arrangement after two days, knowing physically he may be at risk after couple of days of treatment.

Meantime, Reg must readjust his sleeping pattern, and learning to rise up early. It will be a challenge but Jed is happy to help in this area. The family continues to pray for treasuring the last week of rest and preparation both mentally and physically for the next phase of treatment. Yet in joy, the family echoes the praise in the Scripture that "surely God is salvation; will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is strength and song; He has become salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)

He is not here, He has risen!

There is nothing better than hearing the Good News that Jesus has risen and He cannot be found in His tomb. It is a frightening expereience for those who expected the dead Jesus should be laying in His tomb, but for those who knew the final outcome of the event on the First Easter morning, there is a great joy, for our Saviour, Jesus has conquered sin and death. And we too may share the blessing and power of the resurrected Christ! Hallelujah!

The message of victory in Easter gives great joy and hope to the Chan's family. Even Jed learns the event of Easter well and proclaims Jesus is alive. The family give thanks to God for their certainty to be raised with Christ despite the present suffering.

After a week of reunion with family members from Hong Kong, the Chan family was filled with joy and excitment, at least for Anita and Jed. Although, Reg could not join in the family function, he was glad for their short visits.

Reg is feeling much better and has been able to move his legs a lot better. Anita even tried to get Reg out for a very short bush walk on a perfect Autumn day with Jed. Unfortunately there were lots of steps, but Reg managed well but only felt exhausted the whole night. Anita has learnt that it will take some time for Reg to really regain his muscle's strength. She will have to try something much milder. Yet it was a huge achievement for Reg since his chemo days.

The daily injection has become an ease to Anita, but Reg has noticed his loss of fat meant more pain with each injection. Yet he thanked God for the odd occasion when Anita managed to still find a good fatty spot to jab the sharp needle in. Jokingly, Reg will not dare to upset Anita in this time to seek extra pain, while Anita gaining an insight of the power of a sharp object on hand!

The family continue to praise God for this short break that they can have together before the radiation therapy. Reg will only need to see a GP with the continuation of medication post chemo, and by God's grace, the chemo side effect is subsiding and Reg's arm is also getting less pain.

Feeling better

Pain in all four limbs has not been easy, however, the God of miracles has been working. Reg has been feeling much better today. The pain in right arm is still bad, but the rest has become bearable. He managed not to take any pain killer! Being trapped at home has been tough for Reg. Since he felt better, he went out for a drive. Reg was not contactable because he has lost his mobile. So when Anita returned home, she was frightened when she saw Reg's car was gone. Yet she knew she can only pray for Reg's safe return and she knew she can trust the Lord who is the Rock eternal. Thankfully, after half an hour, Reg came home rejoicing his legs are well enough for a short drive, and the fresh air, change of scene has definitely made him feel good. Anita and Jed had a great time meeting up with family from overseas. The family is still trying to work out activities that Reg can join in without compromising his health.

Another muscle torn

Reg has been complaining pain in upper thigh since yesterday. They spent the whole day waiting for teh hospital to tell them the next action. By late afternoon, Reg had to have an ultra sound. To make matter worse, Anita went out with her sister and thought REg should be fine, given all meals were prepared, but Reg lost his balance when he was bathing Jed and hurt his right arm. Now Anita would not allow Reg to do anything until he is all well. This morning, they have started to notice his right arm has swollen up. So his four limbs are in pain. THankfully, the right leg from previous clog and torn is getting better. AFter the ultra sound, it was confirmed that the right thigh has another torn and possibly hematoma. Reg will be in pain for awhile and the family could only ask God to heal him from all his pain.

Radiation Test Run

Reg has been resting as he had been feeling quite tired from the chemo. Thankfully, besides the usualy morning sickness and a bit of redness and hotness in the arms (which has subsided), Reg is well.

This morning was a time to go into hospital for a test run with the radiation therapy. Reg and Anita decided to take Jed with them as they knew it will at most be two hours. Thankfully the technicians allowed Jed to go in and Jed had fun seeing what is happening to daddy. A mask was being made and a tattoo was marked on the chest. (Yes a permenant tattoo, but no choice in the design!) Then Reg was sent through a donut shape CTscan machine. It was more fun for both Anita and Jed to see the action. Reg on the other hand was not allowed to move and laid still on the bed. In order to help Reg to know what was going on, Anita took photos (as did Jed) and videos. AFter the whole simulation, Reg understood exactly what needed to be done everyday. Anita was extremely grateful that the staff gave them a full time schedule in those three weeks, including dietition adn review appointments all made in advanced for them. They have been told parking permit will be given to them on the day of arrival, so there will be no need to worry about parking at all. The family really thank God for the important brief today at the hospital and the smooth running. Of course, they really thank God for Jed's maturity and well behaviour in the hospital.

A mask being made. Jed thought it looks like "spiderman's" mask

Here is the "donut" machine!

Being school holiday and knowing it is not possible to keep Jed at home the whole time while Reg resting at home. So Anita planned a new routine for everyone. She had decided that Jed can go out and play in the morning with mummy, leaving Reg alone in the house. This way, Jed can burn his energy and have a bit of fun, while Reg can sleep in and enjoy some personal space. They'll have lunch together and have fun together for an hour or so when Reg has his afternoon nap. When Anita prepares for dinner, Reg can have a bit of fun time with Jed, if he is not too tired. Indeed, Jed has been trained to play on his own by late afternoon, so it was good for everyone.

Jed is really looking forward to next week when his cousins are coming from overseas. No plan is set, but whatever it may be, it will be fun to see his cousins. It will be hard for Reg being left behind, but there is a time for everything and thankfully, our real joy is in the Lord.

LAST Chemo

Praise God! This day has finally come. The Chan's household had an early start, but felt excited. Reg did not because he knew the chemo will make him sick again, but Anita tried her best to remind him this will be his very last one. Jed was dropped off to his friend's place to go to school with his friend's mum as Reg and Anita had to be in hospital at a much earlier time this time. Thankfully, all went smoothly and the traffic to hospital was much better than expected. They even found a perfect spot for parking that Reg didn't need to walk too far with his limping leg. They knew God has been answering everyone's prayer and made the whole day such a smooth process. The family rejoiced when they were given the green light for Reg to go ahead. Unfortunately, the nurse who had trouble finding the vein last time had given up with Reg and decided to swap with another nurse. Otherwise, it would be nice as she was teh first nurse to look after Reg. Thankfully, the other nurse was skillful enough to make it in her first attempt and spared Reg from the agony with more needle's prick. Due to the uneventful day, everything was completed so swiftly that they managed to reach home at record time. Anita could even take a break before picking up Jed. Reg was very tired after the chemo and took a good nap. He managed to eat a light dinner tonight and just pray that the side effect will be managable. It did feel strange after a week delay. It felt it has been a long time since the last chemo and resuming chemo felt like the very first time of having chemo. Yet they know it will be over soon and their hope is renewed in trusting God's peace and strength will be upon them in the next few days.