Saving Not Just Debbie.. But All Leukemia Friends

On 26th December 2009,

We understand now the agony of waiting...

For the right person to come forth as a bone marrow donor.

In the beginning, there was hope, as initial match was found in the US. Subsequently, further test shows that the the donor could not match Debbie's.

Before the news came, I really thought that all these will be over soon. Lo and behold, the doctors bring news not of glad tidings but shattered hopes. What can we do?

We can only continue to pray, be strong and courageous to face this unknown journey. Let the uncertainty soon be a certainty of hope, Be a bone marrow donor not just for Debbie but for all Leukemia friends.

Please, I urge you brothers, sisters, and friends regardless of you blood type. Do register yourselves as a donor to help us.

This is the greatest gift one can give, the gift of life to live...

Bills Bills Bills... Still Ok But Running Out Soon...

Here comes the bill from SGH. This is for the month of October 2009. The bill for November 2009 has yet to arrive.

We thank God that she still has the basic medishield plan. It will soon be running out as there is an annual limit of $50,000 and a lifetime limit of $200,000.

This plan has been with her since during Lupus days. It has been drawn upon during her hospitalisation in 1997-98.

Cost for the bone marrow transplant will definitely be beyond our means.

We will continue to trust that God will move the hearts of many in helping us raise the right amount at the right time.

Home For Christmas...Hurray

On 21st December 2009,

News from the doctor that the bone marrow did not match Debbie's. The search continues...

After the bag of blood has been completed, She is finally heading home for Christmas.

Had a good meal at parents' place... Home at last.

I will be attending to her as she is home and may not be able to update promptly.

Please pray with me for a suitable donor to be found...

Have A Very Merry Christmas

Back To Almost Normal

On 20th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 6.8 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 4.26 (4-11) Platelet 61,000 (150,000-440,000)

Thank God for bringing her senses back again. Need a little time to recover, like her handwriting is back but tend to skip a line either by reading or writing.

She is eating, talked normal. Her haemoglobin is low thus, a bag of blood is needed.

Home here we come soon....

Counts Update

On 19th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.0 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 4.84 (4-11) Platelet 12,000 (150,000-440,000)

Complication Started On Monday

On 18th December 2009,

It all begin on 14th December 2009 Monday, she realised that she was speaking to herself. Thought it was not a big deal, we kinda brush it away.

Tuesday morning, she begin to feel trembling when holding both hands forward. Her communication skills slows substantially, requires prompting. Am I loosing her. What is happening. All seems well and suddenly....

Evening came, This was the most frightening time I ever encountered, apart from what has been described earlier, this time it was worse than before. She almost could not tell her right from left. She almost totally lost her senses. I was devastated, broke down in tears. She tried very hard to recall what had happened, but was in vain. Doctors ordered MRI, called in the Rheumatology Doctors, Neurology Doctors, and the Psychiatrist the next day.

She had this trembling experience when she was on very high dose of steroid during her Lupus days in 1997. Apart from this, she had numbness in her lips area, that leads to Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, i.e Stroke) in her earlier days with Lupus.

Doctors could not conclude what was the cause. It could be Lupus, TIA, Drug overdose or allergy.

Thank you all for praying with me for Debbie that the MRI results came and it shows that all is clear.

A great relief. She is much better today. She is beginning to gain back her usual self.

Please pray with me, that nothing was damage during this episode. Swelling in her legs will subside, gain back her complete self again and will be home for Christmas....

Counts Update

On 18th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.4 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 2.72 (4-11) Platelet 12,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 17th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.1 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 1.73 (4-11) Platelet 17,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 16th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.0 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.94 (4-11) Platelet 28,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 15th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.8 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.72 (4-11) Platelet 6,000 (150,000-440,000)

Extra Extra... Read All About It

On 14th December 2009

Preliminary bone marrow match FOUND!! Further in-depth match required.

An initial match was found under the bone marrow donor's international registry. We were informed that this match was found in USA. A little far and more costly, but there is hope...

Pray with me that this will be a full match for Debbie and that this person is willing to go through the donation procedure during this festive season....

Due To Too Much Diarrhea

On 14th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.8 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.62 (4-11) Platelet 13,000(150,000-440,000)

There were pain and abrasion in her bum due to excessive diarrhea. Doctors suspected that this may be the cause of her having fever. She may require minor surgery to remove the pus once it is form as right now there is no presence of pus due to low counts.

As she is schedule for MRI in her pelvic area, pray for good results so that she do not need to go for this minor procedure.

Counts Update

On 13th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 10.5 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.38 (4-11) Platelet 21,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 12th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.4 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.28 (4-11) Platelet 41,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 11th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 7.7 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.19 (4-11) Platelet 18,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 10th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.4 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.17 (4-11) Platelet 13,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 9th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.7 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.16 (4-11) Platelet 26,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 8th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 7.7 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.14 (4-11) Platelet 49,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 7th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.1 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.17 (4-11) Platelet 14,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 6th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.1 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.17 (4-11) Platelet 25,000 (150,000-440,000)

Bottoming Out

On 5th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 7.2 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.20 (4-11) Platelet 8,000 (150,000-440,000)

Still having diarrhea, fever is back again, coughing.

Counts are low, prayerfully it will pick up soon.

Counts Update

On 4th December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.7 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.20 (4-11) Platelet 18,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 3rd December 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.3 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.30 (4-11) Platelet 28,000 (150,000-440,000)

Absence Makes The Heart Grows...

On 2nd Dec 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.8 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.35 (4-11) Platelet 32,000 (150,000-440,000)

Her condition is much better this time round. Know what to expect, kind of ease the tension. Still having diarrhea, cough now and then, but rashes has subsided.

The Lord has brought us this far, holding to His promises that He will never forsake or desert us, both in happy and sad times.

We appreciate your prayers, emotional, physical and financial support.

Till this day, the doctors have yet to find a bone marrow donor. Please continue to uphold her in prayer to find a donor soon.

Those lonely nights will be over soon, the yearn for her being with me grows... Home coming in about 9 days time.

Counts Update

On 1st Dec 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.9 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.28 (4-11) Platelet 46,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 30th Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 7.4 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.22 (4-11) Platelet 10,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 29th Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.1 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.25 (4-11) Platelet 19,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Update

On 28th Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.4 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.32 (4-11) Platelet 30,000 (150,000-440,000)

Counts Starting To Drop

On 27th Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.6 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.42 (4-11) Platelet 98,000 (150,000-440,000)

Results seems ok, but will begin to drop soon.

This is the week that the counts will drop to very low. Pray that infection free, fever free, diarrhea free( still having it at the moment).

As both the induction & consolidation phase of chemo have finally been behind her, the greatest hurdle now is to find a matching donor.

May the Lord send just one donor for her...

Completed 2nd Round Of Chemo

On 25th Nov 2009,

She has finally completed the consolidation phase of chemo.

This means that she should be receiving the white cells injection, and platelets transfusion(If you have graciously offered your time and platelets, this is the time that the nurses will call).

This time round, her fever has gone done, rashes seems to be reducing, but diarrhea is still as frequent as ever.

Her mood is much better already. Counting down the days to be home again.

Still no news about the bone marrow match from the doctors.

Pray for a match soon, if not she would have to continue to receive chemo treatment till a match is found...

Bad But Better This Time Round

On 22nd Nov 2009,

5th bag of chemo already. Infection seems to come earlier than the last round.

Here we go again...diarrhea, fever, rashes... cocktail of anti-biotics

Rashes has subsided. Fever just stopped. Diarrhea still having 16 too many times, almost broke the last record of 18 times per day.

Still waiting for matching search. Doctors mentioned that if there is a match, she would need to go through one last round of chemo which is 3 to 4 times more potent. Kind of total change of blood in the bone marrow. Analogy of an emptying the glass of water first than pour in new clean water into the glass.

Doctors will start taking the blood counts once completing the 7th bag.

Pray for strength and the spirit to go through...

2nd Cycle of Chemo (Consolidation Phase)

On 18th Nov 2009,

Chemo has been administered again today at about 5pm. This is the 2nd cycle known as the consolidation phase.

Same 7+3 chemo as the first, 7 bags of chemo that runs 24hrs, 3 anthracycline dose through IV.

Still searching for bone marrow matching.

Pray for strength to go through this round, and quickly find a match soon.

Coming Home Today....YEAAAAAA

On 12th Nov 2009,

She is coming home today.... YEAAAAA

Sorry, I was not able to update any news recently, as I was rather down.

Buttttt, when news of her coming home caught me off guard(its a good thing). I have to thoroughly clean the house for her home coming even though it is only for 6 days... before her next consolidation phase of chemo.

Yeaaaaa. Will update you soon... I'll be back

Reasons For Fever, Diarrhea

On 6th Nov 2009,

Results for the CT scan are out!!

The scan shows that her small intestine were inflammed.

The doctors suspected that this was the cause of fever, diarrhea and bloated stomach.

They will administer a different type of anti-biotics.

Pray for wisdom that the doctors is right this time.

Test Againnnn

On 5th Nov 2009,

She reluctantly went for CT scan, because of the requirement to fast. Based on the past, she cannot go without food. When that happens, her tummy will bloat, will have 'wind' and the very uncomfortable feeling that leads to gastric.

The wait can be long, as one of the CT scan machine has broken down.

Finally, it was done. She felt relieved.

Still bloated, but the trauma of tests are over for the day

Results will be out tomorrow...

When Are You Coming Home?

On 4th Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.1 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.09 (4-11) Platelet 19,000 (150,000-440,000)

Still having fever, 'wind' in the stomach. Pray for strength and healing...

It has been almost a month, missed her habits, home cook meals, keeping the home clean but most of all her presence.

Many tells us, it was a good thing that we did not have kids. They maybe right, but this means that our love for each other becomes undivided. When the scripture say that two shall become one, I fully understand now that her agony truly becomes mine. It makes my heart bleeds while seeing her going through the chemo, sponging, and the intense pain.

I have been and will be strong for her, like a knight in shining armour to the rescue. But all I can do now is to pray and standby her really!! Wish I could do more...

Cause Of Fever

On 3rd Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.1 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.17 (4-11) Platelet 19,000 (150,000-440,000)

Had high fever, nurse did sponging on her

4 bags of platelets and continued anti-biotics on her.

Everything she consume, passes out as it is(i.e. food is not digested)

Doctors suspected that the cause of her fever is from her stomach.

She needs lots of rest. Still no visitors as yet.

Thank you for continued prayers...

Hi Everyone

Thank you everybody for your prayers, well wishes and those whom are so forthcoming with donating of platelets.

The past 14 days has been very trying especially the 7 days of concurrent chemo which runs for 24 hours.

The Lord has been very good in watching over me. I would like to share a little of His Glory on what happened during the insertion of the hickman line

God knows that I am very fearful of LA procedures because by hearing the sound of the instruments that will make me aware of the surrounding other that the numbing site.

When I entered the room, usually nothing can be brought in. Anyway, I brought along my mini mp3 which Winston has bought for me. They were so fascinated with the small cube and could store more than 100 songs in it.

The team of doctors seems to be hilarious and somehow they touch on the fact that I am a believer. The doctor actually prayed for smooth and successful the insertion of the hickman line.

I was listening to other songs before it came to the song  "Thank you for the cross Lord". Somehow, it was replayed over again throughout the porcedure.

The Lord reminded me of His crucifixion. Before you know it, I could feel that they are already stitching up and told me its over.

This is one of the many amazing things that God has brought me through these weeks.

While writing this, I had a high fever of 40.7 degrees. Winston stayed with me till early hours as the nurse was sponging to lower the temperature.

Please pray with me for the fever to subside. Whenever having such a temperature, it feels terrible with the chills.

Thank you for your love,

Blessings

Debbie

How To Post..."Letters Of..."(Comments)

Thank you for your "letters of..." which is your well wishes and prayers...

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Results Out

On 3rd Nov 2009,

Report came, Blasts(cancer) cells present about 4% and some are "dying off" that looks like of weird shape.

Unable to give further chemo now due to her fever. Doctors are concern as she had many doses of anti-biotics but do not seems to work.

Apart from the above, doctors aim is to find a match soonest possible so as to proceed with the bone marrow transplant.

Another Bone Marrow Aspiration(BMA) will be done on day 30, so as to determine whether it has gone into remission.

Pray for bone marrow match and she need not have to go for another round of chemo anymore...

There is hope... in Christ Jesus

Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA)

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 7.7 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.16 (4-11) Platelet 16,000 (150,000-440,000)

Still having fever, doctors continue find the cause of her fever.

1 Bag of Blood, 2 Bags of Platelets and anti-biotics for her fever.

Thanks be to God for her swift bone marrow procedure. Handled by good skillful doctor.

Waiting for results...

Long Term Help Needed (B+ Platelets)

On 1st Nov 2009,

Now and then, Debbie requires transfusion of platelets. Nurses did advice that a core group of about 10 donors will be good for her. We do not know how long this treatment is going to last, but your generous commitment will be life saving to her.

I appeal to those who are willing and of blood type group B+ to contact me, so that I can co-ordinated the screening.

Please read further for more details...

Precaution To Be Taken

On 1st Nov 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.8 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.16 (4-11) Platelet 29,000 (150,000-440,000)

Yeaaaa, better results compared to yesterday. Thank you for those who have prayed for Debbie.

Doctors wanted to make sure of her condition, ordered a CT scan today.

Had to fast 4 hours before the scan.

Test completed at about 3.00 pm. Having very bad gastric since.

Ohhh lots of things to pray for...

1. Pray that the gastric will stop
2. Pray for fever to subside
3. Pray for Monday's Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA) to be done by a skillful Doctor
4. Pray for her result of the BMA to be good (i.e. without blast(cancer) cells present)

Sister Did Not Match

On 31st Oct 2009,

The cross match results from her sister failed as only 4 out of 6 test were cleared. Therefore Debbie has to look for new bone marrow donor from the international registry, which means she has to wait a little longer for the bone marrow transplant.

We certainly pray for God's timing...

The doctors have started looking for a match under the system which is more stringent. Instead of 6 tests, they have to look for 8 to 10 tests.

The last resort will be the blood cord bank.

Sigh!!

I Think This Is It

On 31st Oct 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.2 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.07 (4-11) Platelet 12,000 (150,000-440,000)

Dangerously low on white cells and platelets.

Still having high fever. On anti-biotics and 4 bags of platelets.

We pray that this is it, time to recover of her condition.

We pray again for Monday's test...

High Fever

On 30th Oct 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 9.0 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.23 (4-11) Platelet 21,000 (150,000-440,000)

Had high fever of 39.5 degrees. Doctors suspect that presence of bactria or virus infection

Still on anti-biotics drip. Rashes subsiding, occasional diarrhea.

The bee hoon was good.

Pray for Monday's Bone Marrow Aspiration(BMA) that it will be done skillfully, and the results will be good.

The Beginning Of New Life Soon

On 29th Oct 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 7.7 (11.5-16.5), White Cells 0.23 (4-11) Platelet 26,000 (150,000-440,000)

She has been transfused with 1 bag of blood and twice daily of anti-biotics.

Her condition has improved, but itchiness that cause by rashes still present.

She is beginning to crave for her favorite fried bee hoon.

Kenny & Zac without hesitation has offered to prepare this dish for her.

We really appreciate their love for us.

Doctors will proceed with the Bone Marrow Aspiration(BMA) on Monday 2nd Nov 2009.

Pray with us that her blast(cancer) cells will all be gone.

With God nothing is Impossible!!

No Flowers, Visitors Please... Till Further Notice

On 28th Oct 2009,

Her counts are as follows(Normal range in brackets):

Haemoglobin 8.4 (11.5 - 16.5), White Cells 0.21 (4-11), Platelet 19,000 (150,000 to 440,000)

We were wondering that the bloodshot eyes was cause by the chemo treatment.

Apparently, it was not!! The eye doctor confirmed that it was conjunctivitis. The doctor asked: " Anyone that visited you has sore eyes?" None of us could answer that.

Her counts will continue to drop in the next few days.

In this ward 72, flowers are not allowed in the room as it may cause unnecessary complications.

As a precaution, she has requested not to have visitors for now.

The Waiting Game

On 27th Oct 2009,

Finally, the first cycle (induction phase) of chemo has completed... Hurray

Doctors mentioned once again that from now till end of 3 weeks, they need to keep a close watch on her.

Her body system will dip to dangerously low. Thereafter, her body system will begin to recover.

The doctors will then perform a Bone Marrow Aspiration(BMA) test again. This is to know whether the dose of chemo given is sufficient to eliminate the blast(cancer) cell present in her.

While we wait for the outcome, we wait upon the Lord for strength to bring us through this trying times...

What's Next?

Next will be critical for her!!

She will be under observation for the next 3 weeks in hospital to see how her body respond to the chemo treatment. The doctors will determine the level of the blast(cancer) cell present.

All functions will begin to 'shut down'. Her blood count, platelets, red blood cells will be very low which will increase risk of infection.

Her body must respond well, else... Please pray with me.

First Cycle (Induction Phase) Completing

On 26th Oct 2009,

Time: 9.30pm, Final bag of chemo administered (7 of 7).

Showered, I am very glad that she is still able to bath and blow her hair. Bloodshot eyes, not because of tears but the effect of chemo.

She has been having diarrhea all too often and nausea now and then. It pains my heart when I see her suffer.

She looked very tired, but I know she is a very strong woman that the Lord has made her.

Pray for continuous strength, protection of her organs especially her kidneys, that will maintain if not better the clearance functions.

Pray also for the diarrhea and nausea to stop.

Need Strength To Carry On

On 26th Oct 2009,

Doctors came and went, mentioned that my blood count has dropped to 0.4. Feeling very very tired for now....

As Cheerful As Ever

On 24th Oct 2009,

Love of my life is as cheerful as ever. Seeing her smiles bring tears and memories of what we have gone through. It reminds us of our vows to each other. ".... for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health..."

We have been together since we were 17 years old. The flame keeps glowing brighter and brighter as the years passes by...

Long Days Ahead

On 21st Oct 2009,

She feels fine, other then being "chained" to the bed by the IV line. Having eggs and bread for breakfast.

Now and then she will occasionally dose off.

When evening came, freedom only for a moment. As all the IV line has been removed, she could take a shower and still able to comb her hair.

It is time for 2nd bag of chemo, freedom was lost, again.... 10.00pm and the 2nd of 3 anthracycline has been administered about the same time as the first day

First Day Of Chemo Treatment

On 20th Oct 2009,

We waited for the hickman line to be done before chemo can be administered. Doctors and Nurses were calling the X-ray department almost every hour to get her the appointment.

Finanlly, they wheeled her down at 7.30pm, and the procedure started about 8.30pm. The hickman line was done skillful fast and almost painless.

By 10.15pm, They finanlly administered the first dose of chemo.

Followed by the injection of anthracycline at 12.30am early next day.

On That Faithful Day

On 12th Oct 2009,

Life goes on as per normal, Debbie kept asking me of sending her to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) for blood test, in preparation to see her renal doctor the next day.

As usual, I would drive her to TTSH and she went about her routine blood test to be taken and shopped around for awhile in Novena before coming home.

Evening came, we were all set to go for dinner at East Coast Hawker Centre. Even before we could step into the car, the renal doctor called.

Time was 7.30pm, doctor requested her to be admitted to TTSH immediately through the Accident & Emergency Department.

Knowing that this is going to be quite sometime, we went ahead with dinner as planned.

Of course we ate the wanton noodles, fried oyster (3 only) omelette with starch. She had her sugar cane drink while I had my chng tng.

It felt like the last supper, eating what we could, for tomorrow we....

After which, we went home. Debbie started packing and did her final laundry wash and mopping of floor till 3.00am next morning