Chronicle of Michael Gan

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2012

2012-02-04T16:40:00.001+08:00

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2012.

MAY THIS YEAR WATER DRAGON BRINGS ALL A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS YEAR.

CHEERS.

Latest update 08 November 2010

2010-11-08T19:43:00.003+08:00

I had my followup checkup at Sime Darby Medical Center, Dr Matin Mellor attended to me around 11.15am and everything is fine and I adjourn to Sunway Medical Center and had my lunch at their cafeteria (wow very costly mixed rice with 3 dishes comprise 2 vegetable and 1 potato and it RM5.70 plus a glass of plain water). Dr Koay (ENT) attended to me around1pm and did a scope on both my inner nose and the result is good. Next checkup for both is on 9th May 2011 (6 months).

Till then will update you all accordingly.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Latest Update on UMMC checkup

2010-10-15T13:57:00.003+08:00

I had my followup checkup at Universiti Malaysia Medical Centre on 13th October 2010. My result on diabetes and hypertension is very good ie. 4.6 for sugar level and 110-80 for my blood pressure. Bad news is on my cholesterol part ..... need to do exercise more and eat more grain (eg. oats) and cut down on oily stuff, fried and no more curry at the moment.

Well, it has been a long long long period since I started blogging on my site. What am I doing now .... so busy ..... for most of my friends I believe you know that I am a Life Insurance Agent .... I am busy getting all the people I know being protected and then I will had a peace of mind.

I also had my eye followup checkup at ISEC and it does not turn out good as I might have glaucoma ..... will be going back for another test in 4 weeks time.

Overall, I am living my life to the fullest and enjoying every seconds that passed by. My wish is to meet up with all of you asap.

Cheers and have a great day.
Michael Gan

Latest followup checkup result

2010-05-24T16:53:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had great news to share with you all, I went for my follow checkup for ONCOLOGY (Dr Matin Mellor at Sime Darby Medical), ENT (Dr Koay at Sunway Medical) and HYPERTENSION/DIABETES (Doctor at University Medical) and all the results is positive, next followup checkup will be next 6 months from now for Oncology & ENT, Hypertension/Diabetes will be next 5 months (my blood pressure and diabetes had went down respectively).

I had been busy lately improving on my knowledges and skills. Of course I am also taking great care of my health on the same time, health is my number ONE priority now. I also keep fit and my weight is now at 84kgs, targeting to achieve 76kgs by end of this year.

Occasionally, I received call or emails for my advise and I feel proud and very happy cos I had touch some people life and I had achieved my goals for this blog. Hopefully the information that I posted will provide a better visualization to everyone whom is the "CHOSEN ONE".

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Chinese New Year 2010

2010-02-13T12:04:00.003+08:00

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY,

HEALTHY

AND

PROSPEROUS

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2010

MAY THE YEAR OF THE TIGER BE

HARMONIOUS,

PROSPERITY,

WISDOM

AND

GREAT HEALTH

FOR EVERYONE.

CHEERS.

MICHAEL GAN

2010 1st followup checkup

2010-01-11T17:33:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wow HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

9.30am I took a taxi and went for my followup checkup at Sime Darby Medical Center, reach at 9.40am, my oncology doctor see me at 10.20am (appointment is at 10.30am), Dr. Matin Mellor told me everything is under control. As for the gum bleeding, Dr advises that I go and check it out with a Dentist. Basically I was there for about an 1 hour and the charges is RM77 - which I will claim from my medical card.

10.35am I adjourn to Sunway Medical Center and reach there at 10.45am (appointment is at 1.30pm) .... lucky for me Dr Koay clinic open early today - will start seeing patients from 11am onward. I was the 1st in, my ENT Dr Koay perform all the normal procedure and results is everything under control. In this case, I am there less than 30 minutes and the charges is RM91 - which I will claim from my medical card.

Next followup checkup for both is on 10th May 2010 (4 months from now).

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Countdown to 2010

2009-12-31T18:53:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year

WISHING EVERYONE

PROSPEROUS

HEALTHY 2010

Cheers

Michael Gan

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T16:36:00.003+08:00

,*, Not all gifts
,*,*, are under
,*,*,*, the Tree.
,*,*,*,*, Some are
*,*,*,*,* in the
* heart. *
Blessed ChristmAs& have a healthy, fruitful &
fabulous New Year! :-)

Selamat Deepavali

2009-10-17T18:27:00.003+08:00

Wishing all Malaysian

Happy Deepavali 2009

and best health and prosperity.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Positive thinking

2009-10-16T11:35:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Good day to everyone. I am back with re-energize strength. For your info, it is confirm on 14th October 2009 that I am down with hypertension and diabetes. I had been hiding and ignoring everyone lately but all this is flush off my toilet bowl at this moment now.

Anyway, I started on the medication already and my next appointment will be next January after some tests that I need to do in December 2009 (Ultrasound) and January 2010 (Endoscopy).

Well, the cost of the medicines is about RM50 a month and I got to know that medical card does not cover medicine (pils for hypertension and diabetes).

I will also be controlling my diet and will be cooking on my own again (my maid stop working for me as she demand for more).

That's all for the time being.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survivor

2009-10-08T20:56:00.003+08:00

Today I went to ISEC (Mid Valley) for my eye followup checkup (wow it is already 6 months), results turn out very good - everything is normal and there is some improvement on my left eye. Only one minor problem ie. both my eyes power had increased to 850 R and 900 L. Dr Michael Law said that my next appointment will be next year ie. 7th October 2010 2.30pm.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 2009

2009-09-20T22:40:00.004+08:00

Wishing all Malaysian Selamat Hari Raya

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2009-09-17T12:37:00.004+08:00

I had my oncology and ENT checkup on 14th September 2009 and both my results is stable and normal (recuperating well), next appointment is on 11th January 2010.

I ask the following questions:-
1) Gum bleeding - is it a side effect. Both Drs say no and could be due to something else.
2) Experiencing stiffness on my neck, cramped on both legs - yes this is part of the side effect.
3) Power of both eye sights had increased by 200 each (formerly 700+) - yes this is also part of the side effect.

Good to know that everything is normal.

On 16th September 2009 3pm, I had my followup checkup for my hypertension and my blood pressure had gone down by around 5% ie. 136-98, Dr ask me to continue the medication. Prior to that I also done a blood test and the result is not so good - sugar level very high and fats level also very high. Therefore to reconfirm the result, request that I did another round of test before further action can be done. If this is confirm then I might be down with diabetes or even hepatitis. Next appointment is 14th October 2009 3pm.

So for the time being , my focus is more on my health rather than educating on insurance. For those that I had closed and contacted, I will still be following up with you all.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY 2009

2009-08-31T17:56:00.003+08:00

HAPPY 52ND MERDEKA DAY TO MALAYSIA

AND

WISHING EVERYONE GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERITY.

MERDEKA

CHEERS

MICHAEL GAN

Speed is essential

2009-08-27T13:34:00.006+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my followup checkup for my hypertension at UMMC with Prof Dr Khoo on 19th August 2009. My blood pressure reading is at 148-96 and 148-100, lower than the earlier results. Ask me to reduce my hypertension pills to Amlodipine Norvasc 5mg and to prescribe Perindopril 4mg tablets (half tablet a day - for cleansing my kidney or liver). Next appointment on 16th August 3pm. For your info, I was there at 1.35pm and there is a long queue and my number was number 18, by the time I completed my checkup and collected my medicine, wow the time is almost 4.15pm. Well it cost me RM15 to be there for almost 3 hours, if I go to a private hospital I believe the charges plus medicine should be around RM80 to RM120+ and the whole process will take 1 hour-the most (of course I can utilise my medical card) ..... just to remind you of the importance of medical card.

My taxi fares to and fro cost me RM20 - more costly than the above, of course I can opt for bus but again time will be the factor again. Sometime it is worth the money spent.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

I LOVE YOU ALL

2009-08-17T16:42:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I LOVE YOU ALL. Read yesterday News Sunday Times 16th August 2009 and agreed with the writer Marc Lourdes title "Why hide love when you can show it every day" in page 21.

Life had been a total difference for me since recovering from my "BIG C". I see things very much difference from a normal person (for eg. I am always happy :-) now).

I still remember very clearly I am totally two different person back then (I am a very happy person at work O:-) - with the happy "mask" but back home I am totally lost >:-( because I lack the love from my parents - I am not blaming my parents for that). This is the fact of life, the way I chose to live my life previously due to some bad experiences.

Who don't have bad experiences or good experiences?

BUT now everything is PAST, I learn to live now and enjoy every seconds of my life. I am contended with what I have. I don't need a big house; I just need a comfortable house that can give me shelter. I don't need a big car; I just need a decent car that can bring me safely from point A to point B.

A lot of time we only think about materials things (land, houses, vehicles, jewels, luxuries and etc.) and justify our appetite by telling ourselves that it's for security, safety, a rainy day, etc. - extract from the newspaper

Oh yes I am going to write on "WHY INSURANCE?".

What I am sharing is not because I am an insurance agent but I as a "reborn" person.

You all receive my earlier emails about "PRIORITIES of Life Insurance", "Life Insurance is an ASSET" and "How much coverage is enough".

I went thru and now I realised my life insurance priorities was at number 28, the policies I bought is a liabilities to me (because I pay and I only get a set of document which I hardly touch or sometime not sure where I place it) and my previous agent never share with me how much I need to be cover (cos we were friends and I support them, I don't know what to ask them, I only know I go bust then it will benefit my next of kin, so I bought from them).

With my reborn VISION (educate all my friends and whomever I get to know the importance of Life Insurance) and MISSION (to educate everyone to think out of their box in how they view Life Insurance as one of their Top priorities).

I believe many of you think that I want to earn your money (with all this vision and mission - nonsense). Well, I will say YES, I earn your money but when nothing happen at maturity date then you will say "Why I didn't ask him/her to buy more?" or if something happen then you will also say "Why I didn't ask him/her to buy more?". This is because you will be the one getting the benefits ($$$) and not me (not even a cents from your benefits). What I get is the mere commission which throughout my entire life being I will be servicing you.

So the sooner you make appointment to see me, the sooner I can advise you accordingly. I will still be calling you all, look forward to share with you soon.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
019-3333632

Comment from my earlier post

2009-08-13T11:02:00.003+08:00

Anonymous said...
Well, not to say the calculation is wrong, but once anyone gets struck by 36Ci, a big portion of the 36CI claims should have been utilized to pay off your hospitalization & medical bills, it leaves you not much to invest. So, what is your view on this.
August 10, 2009 7:05 PM

Above is a comment I received.
Sorry for the late reply, anyway better late than never ... right.

The claim received from the 36CI is meant for your daily expenses and not for hospitalization & medical bills(H&M). To cover this H&M bill, one must have a card call HOSPITAL MEMBERCARD, I bought this card and had utilized RM100K for my medical bills.

To know more about this card, please call, sms or email me.

Cheers
Michael Gan
019-3333632
mganil2000@yahoo.com

How much Life insurance is Enough

2009-08-08T17:28:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

This is base on my view about how much Life Insurance is enough ?

Take me as an example, I bought my Life Insurance with 36 Critical Illness as rider
Year 1998 age = 33 years old (the year I bought my policy)
Year 1998 monthly salary = RM2,800
Sum assurred = RM150,000 for Death or Disability (TPD) +RM50,000 for 36 CI

From age 33 till my retirement age at 55, what's the minimum income (Human Economic Values) I will earn over the next 22 years ? (assuming no increments or bonuses)

2,800/mth x 12 months x 22 years = RM739,200

I guarantee that I will earn this minimum RM739,200 on one condition, that from age 33 to 55, nothing happen to me.

CAN I GUARANTEE THAT ?

! If something does happen to me here, my minimum RM739,200 value become RM 0 almost overnight!
Something really happen to me in year 2005 and I make a 36 CI claims of RM54,000 and used up around RM100,000 on my medical card.

So how much insurance do I really need?

Logic will tell me that I will need RM739,200 of life insurance. However, not many people can afford that. I can't afford it for sure. So, what's the minimum sum assured that I need to aim for?

Minimum insurance amount recommended:

At least 10 years of INCOME

Salary x 12 months x 10 years
RM2,800 x 12 x 10 = RM336,000

WHY?

I should insured myself for at least RM336,000 because:
for eg. I was strike with 36 CI in 2005 at age 39, I should get RM336,000 critical illness coverage.
Invest the money - 10% annual return (assumption)

Therefore

RM336,000 x 10% = RM33,600/year = RM2,800/month

which is equivalent to my current salary

Therefore, in the event of a claim, I can withdraw a regular monthly income without touching my capital.

For Peace of Mind and everything that matters.

I'll always be here for you.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
019-3333632
PS this is the end of my initial education process on Life insurance, will update you all accordingly whenever I gain new experience

Basic principle of Life Insurance

2009-08-06T15:17:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Understanding A Traditional Policy (most common product).

There are 4 basic type of Life Insurance :
1) Whole Life - Balanced
2) Endowment - Most expensive
3) Term - Cheapest
4) Investment Link - combination of unit trust and term

Basic principle of Life Insurance

Life Insurance => Would you agree that a Life Insurance Policy is an ASSET (similar to a house)? YES or NO

Answer is YES, it is an asset but an asset that would only be given to you on certain conditions. They are "Death" and "Total Permanent Disability".

To me it is just a piece of document, not like a property that it provide me shelter or car that provide me transport. When I bought my insurance from my friend, I did not really understand what I bought (that's me .... hee hee), I bought it because I trust her and support her. All I can think of is that when I die it will benefit my next of kin. Is this what you all are thinking when you buy insurance ?

In addition to this Life Insurance asset, you have the option to add riders or supplementary benefits, such as
accident (similar to a chair),
Hospitalisation & Surgery (similar to a table)
and 36 Critical Illnesses (similar to a closet).

They are likened to the furnishing in a property.

However these riders/supplementary benefits have 3 disadvantages :-
1) Age Limit - because as you get older are you getting healthier ? What is your risk of getting one of the 36 Critical Illnesses after the age of 55 ?

2) No returns - The nature of riders are similar to general Insurance products (ag. car insurance). You pay a premium, but at the end of the insured period, if no claim is made, the premium is forfeited. There are no bonuses whatsoever.

3) Redundancy
Scenario A (Year 2009)
In year 2009, if you were diagnosed with one of the 36 CI, how much will you be able to claim ?
Note: A critical illness claim is a one time claim event only.

Scenario B (Year 2029)
Assume nothing happens to you in year 2009. However, if u were diagnosed with one of the 36 CI 20 years later (year 2029), how much would you be able to claim? What is the value of claim in year 2029?

Have you ever heard of people complaining that the return from their policies are very low?

It could be because : They bought a small house (asset) but big furniture (riders).
As 36 CI strike me, the rider amount I bought was RM50K, and I get RM54K as part of my INCOME.

Similar to the traditional policies, the products also consists of an asset and its riders.
The good news is 36 Critical Illnesses are already included in the "HOUSE" (Life Insurance asset).

These differences will give you 3 advantages:
1) No Age Limit (87 years)
This means that the policy will mature at age 87, In other words, when you reach age 87, the whole house (sum assured) at its current value, will be payable regardless of your state of health.

2) RETURNS - Double Bonus
The first bonus you earn is from the house (asset) and the second bonus will come from the fact that you no longer have to pay for the 36 critical illnesses furniture, because it is included in the house.

3) HEALTH down HOUSE up
As the years progress and your health deteriorates, the value of the house (asset) will increase in value.

Summary of traditional and 2009 products

Traditional policies were originally designed to benefit your next of kin after you are gone - You will only get the money when it's too late!

This new type of policy is designed to benefit you while you are alive! - Wow Just in Time, you will get money when you need it most!

Therefore purchasing this policy is natural upgrade to complete your protection.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
PS Happy reading.

My latest photos

2009-08-01T13:46:00.004+08:00

Wow clean shave, what do you all think ?

Not bad huh

Can lah, look younger and handsome loh hee hee

Cheers.

Why life insurance - priorities

2009-07-31T10:57:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

My intention is to educate all of you and whomever I come across.

This is the beginning of what I had learnt and beside the experience that I went thru. Hopefully it will give you all a better understanding of WHY LIFE INSURANCE? rather then WHY ME? (as being the CHOSEN ONE).

Basically you all are at work and have INCOME which provide the following :-
1) Food
2) Shelter
3) Clothing
4) Transportation
5) Family obligations
6) Education Funds
7) Entertainment
8) Self respect
9) Peace of mind
10) Vacation
...
...
...
28) Insurance
...
...

Above is just a simple way to tell me what's my main PRIORITIES in my life earlier, for me "Insurance" was place at number 28. Because when I die I will leave something behind for my next of kin. It never cross my mind that 36 critical illness will struck me and I manage to pull through.

If I had place it among the top 5 priorities then I will not have to worry about me suddenly losing MY INCOME.

It doesn't or ever cross my mind or all of a sudden that my ability to generate INCOME suddenly come to a STOP. Lucky for me, I managed to get my life back and am now still able to share with you all. Just imagine if I am not able to get back to work, you will see me begging for donation (eg. get DAP/MCA assistance or The Star or NST to publish for donation). Do I sound like I am begging for sales from you all ? WRONG I AM NOT BEGGING FOR SALES. As I mention earlier, you buy from me is because I had make you realize the importance of life insurance and the type of coverage you have or do not have.

I treasure my life so much now that HEALTH is my 1st priorities in life; wealth only come second, as it will provide me the other priorities.

This is what I am requesting from you all, put on your thinking cap and list down your priorities (what is the most important things in your life).

Nobody know when things will HAPPEN, unless you are GOD or can foresee the future.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
019-3333632

Why life insurance - continue

2009-07-30T21:31:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I am SORRY if I had mislead you all into thinking that I am pressing you all to buy insurance from me. My intention is not to make money from you.

My intention is to educate you all and by looking into your existing policies then I will be able to let each individual know what you have bought (how long since you bought your 1st policy?, do you know how long your medical card is cover up to?, what is it that you are cover on?)

All I am asking from you is to give me a chance to look into your existing policies and as you all know I don't have any transport now, I would appreciate that you could come and visit me on the same time.

It is solely your DECISION to buy or not because I will not press you to buy.

By doing above, I will also gain valuable experience.

Thanking you in advance.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
019-3333632
PS Hope to meet you all soon.

Voices of Hospis 2009

2009-07-29T12:46:00.005+08:00

She look so gorgeous, hope to dine with her one day.

He's so handsome, don't get me wrong I am straight.

Group photo comprise of Hospis honourable, volunteers and the CHOSEN ONES. We are such a "BIG family"

Yesterday, instead of my weekly daycare at Hospis Malaysia, we were invited to the launch of Voices of Hospis 2009 at JW Marriot Hotel. For more info about this event, please visit the following site http://www.hospismalaysia.org/ or call them at 603-91333936.

All of a sudden I also feel like celebrities ... hee hee

IF I remember correctly this event will be held on 24th October 2009 at JW Marriot and we will get to hear 2 celebrities lending their voices to make this event a meaningful and successful event ie. Michelle and Tony (sorry if I got ur name wrongly spell).

Wow enjoying my lunch

Two handsome guy

Telling her that I blog

Oh my gosh, I am so so so lucky

Cheers.

Why life insurance

2009-07-24T11:13:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Lately, some of you have been receiving call from me about my new career.

I just want to share about how I had gone thru. Basically, you all know I was down with NPC and I ask myself the following questions :-

How to handle it ?
Where to go for treatment ?
How am I going to finance my treatment ?
How to carry on with my daily life ?

Answer to the above is as below :

Accept it and go to private hospital
I was insured and got a claim for RM54,000
Medical card to take care of the medical expenses (use up RM100K, left with RM50K).
Donations from you all (if my record is correct I had received close to RM18K)
Support from a close buddy (I regard it as a loan from him which is RM50K)
Since Oct06 till now, I am receiving RM1,248/month from SOCSO (Perkeso).

Wow, look like I had collected quite a big fund. Next question is , how do I use it ?

Frankly speaking I had overused on my so call "Future Money" ie. credit card - had a debts of RM60K (I had 8 cards and all of them is to the limit already). Thank GOD, I am now DEBT FREE. I had also use up around RM28K for chinese medicine

The fund that I received is all use up for my daily expenses (estimated around RM1,800/month - comprise of housing loan, house maintenance, utilities bills, supplementary product and a big sum on food) - Inflation rate goes up (I still remember in 1990's I can enjoy a mixed rice at the cost of RM1.20 plus ice chinese tea, but now it cost RM4 and 50 cents for ice chinese tea).

My 2 sisters hire a daycare maid (RM600/month) for me. I feel such a burden and yet is very fortunate to had the support from my closed ones.

Basically I need to start earning money to support myself and my future family.

Why I choose life insurance as my new career ?

1st is because of all the support that I had received from you all.

2nd is after going thru the process of educating myself on life insurance that I realise if I bought enough than I am able to support myself now and I won't have to rely on other source of income (support from sisters and brother, buddies and friends).

Lastly, I want to touch each and everyone of you, by making sure that you are insure base on your income and should anything happen, you still have your income. Not like me, still have to rely on your support.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

2009 Family Gathering - 3rd day Cameron Highland

2009-07-05T15:04:00.004+08:00

We check out from Pulau Pangkor around 12.30pm and by the time we reach Lumut it is almost 1.30pm already and we search around looking for a food, we manage to find a restaurant somewhere around Setiawan. The food is good and reasonable and we started our journey towards Cameron Highland. Well, I drove and we follow the direction leading us to Simpang Pulai (as we called all our friends to get some directions - thank you my friends).

Actually it is quite exciting as we all are not too sure about the directions and we need to search high and low for the direction (I hope the government will look into upgrading all the directions in Malaysia - to assist the traveller to have better direction - as we are not into "Treasure Hunt".

At last we reach Simpang Pulai exit and we continue our journey using the new Cameron Highland highway. Well by the time we reach Brinchang, there is a bit of jam there due to the Pasar Malam (I think it took us about an hour to reach our destination).

We visit the Butterfly farm and stop at some nursery farm as well. We missed the Boh Plantation and Strawberry Park, never mind , next trip.

Cheers.

My New Beginning

2009-06-29T10:20:00.006+08:00

Dearest buddies,

First of all, I would like to express my greatest appreciation to all of you for your support (since 2005 till now), without you all I will not be here writing to you all .... A BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU.

Secondly, as I had been telling you all about what is my next action plan. Beside sharing my chronicle which is helping to enlighten those CHOSEN ONES, I intend to extend my sharing by providing a peace of mind and be independent and a better person. I am happy to inform you all that I am now a Qualified Agent (Licensed To Insured) for Great Eastern Life Assurance and I am looking forward to provide you possible service in my new career.

Last but not leasts, why I choose this line? Based on my own experience, I considered myself lucky as I bought critical illnesses and medical card policy (before I was down with NPC, I reduced my policy by half). As for my medical card I am now only left with a penny for the rest of my life and I am not allowed to purchase any more policy.

I also found out that beside covering the 36 critical illnesses it is actually a savings for your retirement fund (2nd EPF). I want to repay back to you all by serving you all.

I believe all of you have insurance coverage but whether is it enough for the current inflation rate (medical fees is shooting up year after year). That's why I am here to share and to provide a free analysis to you. WHY? I am also insured but it was not enough and I wish that I had a higher protection if given the second chance.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
019-3333632

Cancer survival

2009-06-22T21:09:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wishing everyone in good health and prosperity.

Today I went to University Malaya Medical Centre for my high blood pressure checkup. Oops still a bit high but is now around 96-148. I was there at 7.45am, for those who's 1st time there, you need to get a queue number and get register first (at last I got my registration done around 8.45am and was guide to the Doctor clinic), next is wait for about 5 minutes then consulted the Doctor. After going from one clinic to another, by the time I am done it is already 1.05pm, then only go for my lunch. Total charges paid today is RM35 (RM6 for registration, RM14 for two Dr consultation, RM15 for X-ray on my heart).

At present now I am 93.7kg, had a bit of swollen on both my legs (especially the right leg), constipation and everything else is normal. There will be follow up at UMMC on 1st July 2009, 3rd July 2009, 15th Jan 2010 and 25th Jan 2010 (will be doing rubber banding on my piles and colonscopy test).

Happy Belated Father Day.

Till then. Cheers.
Michael Gan

2009 Family Gathering - 2nd day Pulau Pangkor

2009-06-19T11:29:00.006+08:00

We got a bit of adventurous on the way from Taiping to Pulau Pangkor, lucky for us as the owner whom rent the house to us in Taiping guide us out to the road leading to Lumut ... a big thank you to him. On the way we look at signboard leading to Lumut and frankly speaking the signboards and directions can be improved further to help traveller. At last we reached Lumut and embark on a ferry journey (30 minutes ride) and reach Pulau Pangkor (oops forgot what time we reach I think around 5+pm). All 13 of us squeeze in into a taxi van and adjourned to Puteri Bayu Beach Resort. The van taxi driver offer us a tour around the island for RM80 for 2 hours (all in including fetching us to the hotel).

After checking in, we adjourned for our tour around Pangkor island, the driver turn out to be a guide as well, introducing us the history and landmark area throughout our journey (bravo to this man). We went to Great Wall of China (smaller version) and we found a drum which had hair growing around the drum, went to a Portuguese site (if I remember correctly), Pangkor rubbish dump site, God of Mercy temple beside a nice beach, manage to see the sunset (so beautiful) and a satay fish factory (not sure if I missed out any) and adjourned straight for dinner at a restaurant.

Eunice, Jo, Wei Han and me at the replica of Great Wall of China

If u know chinese character the background indicate my surname

So tired but yet very happy with my closed ones around

Don't play play ooh, or I will fire my gan

Attention, this is history

Jo, Michael and Eunice at the fort

at the Puteri Bayu resort beachside

wow the sun is settling down

Resting inside the chalet

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Cancer survivor

2009-06-17T21:13:00.003+08:00

As usual on Tuesday 16th June, went to Hospis Day care and had my blood pressure measure ...... ooh ooh not good as the result is 100-150 considered high. Recommend that I seek some professional advise on "Primary Care Medicine".

After my consultation will update you all immediately.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

2009 family gathering - 1st day Taiping

2009-06-15T14:18:00.006+08:00

It is on the 6th June 2009 and I woke up at around 7am, raring to go already .... then only realized had to wait for both my sisters Winnie Gan and Jo Gan families to start their journey from their respective location ie. Johor Bahru and Mentakab. Myself and my brother Dennis and his son, Wei Han already get ourselves ready, Dennis spouse, Penny already start her journey to Pulau Pangkor (company trip).

By noon, we started our journey to Taiping (1 night), I am driving this time (hooray clap clap clap). On the way, we thought of stopping by on Bidor to had the famous noodle but had to make a diversion as it was jammed and ended in a restaurant nearby (can't remember the name). After lunch (around 3+pm) we continue our journey and reach Taiping around 5pm. After resting then we adjourned to Taiping lake for evening walk ..... wow it is humid and a lot of cars and peoples moving around. Dinner time, we went for "Chicken shredded noodles", wow a lot of people.

screen shot at Taiping lake

DJWM .... and not Do Re Mi Fa

At night as the children is growing up , we went to McDonald to had take away. on the way back we almost lost our way but still manage to reach the house that we rent for a night.

Next morning after breakfast we adjourned to Taiping Zoo.

Inside Taiping Zoo

Resting at the centre of the zoo .... so hot

Around 11am we went back to our rented house and clean up ourself. We check out around 12.30pm and adjourned to one of the Top Ten Chicken Rice in Malaysia. Need to wait for about 10 minutes for a table for 13 of us. It is truly mouth watering and value for money. If I remember correctly it is around 1.45pm, we started our journey to our next destination ie. Pulau Pangkor.

Cheers.

Cancer survival

2009-06-02T19:09:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Today, I had my usual day care at Hospis Malaysia. The nurse and Dr. had a thorough check on my blood pressure ..... and the result is 140-100 ..... consider on the high side and treated as hypertension. Well, will be taking "Norvasc" daily and hopefully will help to reduce my hypertension.

Base on the above, I considered it a blessing as I had not started going back to work yet.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Dumpling Day 2009

2009-05-28T21:03:00.004+08:00

Happy Dumpling Day To You !

（五月初五日）端午节快乐！

Cancer survival

2009-05-20T17:40:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my ENT checkup on 18th May 2005 at Sunway Medical Center. As usual Dr Koay will screen through both my nose and press around my neck and the result is everything normal except for some minor flu. Next appointment will be on 14th September 2009 1.30pm.

My normal routine is every Tuesday, I will go to Hospis Day care in Cheras. Well, I had my blood pressure check and "oh my gosh" my reading is at 160-100 (very high). Consider having hypertension, ask me to take cefuroxime 250mg (twice a day).

Today, I go to Klinik Sri Manja to check on my flu and also my blood pressure reading ..... oh oh the reading is 160-110. Advise me to have my blood taken for test.

Hooray, got a call from the Klinik at around 4 pm and was confirmed that my blood test is normal ...... phewwww.

Conclusion, I think it is due to the current heat (well, must blame on something loh ..... hee hee).

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2009-05-18T21:05:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my ENT checkup today at Sunway Medical Center, Dr Koay indicate that everything is normal except for my slight flu. Next appointment will be 14th September 2009.

At this point now I am still experiencing lack of saliva on my mouth, numbness on my hand and feet and feeling tired easily (could be due to the heat). I think it is consider a blessing, asking me not to go back to work full time yet.

Main point is to live my life to the fullest.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Latest update

2009-05-15T13:10:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Good day to all of you. Wow, time flies, already 4 months since my last email. I had my oncology checkup at Sime Darby Medical Center yesterday 3.30pm, as usual Dr Matin Mellor had a followup checkup on me and was informed that everything is normal and next appointment will be on 14th September 2009 11am.

I also met up with a patient who also had NPC and is also in good condition (oops forgot to ask his name). Well, he ask me whether I put on weight, my answer to him is "YES I am back to my actual weight 93.6kg (actually I am over my BMI index by 8+kg), and advise him to eat healthily and eat a little bit of meat (chicken, beef, lamb, etc)"

I also told him that each individual response differently on the food we take, so always ask ourself whether the food that we are taking is it suitable to me or not. Each person body will react differently.

At this moment now I am down with the common flu (due to the unusual current hot weather), therefore my part time activity is all being put on hold till I fully recover.

Will update you all again next week after my ENT checkup on coming Monday.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Mother Day and Wesak Day

2009-05-11T17:22:00.004+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wishing all the mom a Happy Mother Day.

Wishing everyone a Happy Wesak Day.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Labour Day

2009-05-01T12:39:00.003+08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Labour Day.

I am as usual feeling good (even though I am experiencing some bad cough ..... getting better, not enough stamina .... need to built it up, overweight ..... need to walk more, gum bleeding, dry mouth ..... drink more water).

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Hospis Charity Bazaar 2009

2009-04-26T12:35:00.003+08:00

This morning I woke up at 6.50am ..... my soul is already at the charity bazaar (if I remember corretly I had never been to such event - except the one I organize together with my LP11 buddies called the Caring Day 1998).

As usual I had 1 liter of water every morning before whitening my teeth and doing my morning calls. I proceed with my daily reminder ie. I wrote in my dairy " I am very happy that I am now strong and healthy" (been writing this almost close to 4 years) and follow with my morning prayer "Da Bei Cho".

Go down to my condominium cafeteria to had my breakfast and buy newspaper. After that, call my member that I am ready to go and we adjourned at 9 am to Hospis in Cheras and reach there in 20 minutes time ...... wow there were so many cars and quite a huge crowd there already. So walk around all the booths and see look and at last start to purchase some items (of course I need to buy coupons first. Aiyah, for a guy .... going buy things .... very fast .... use up RM214 in less than 1 minutes. The rest of the money buy some drinks and foods. No doubt it is so hot but the atmosphere make the place so cool.

Being on my 25th months remission now, I am not able to withstand the heat, so we make a move at around 10.30am.

A new experience for me.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2009-03-20T15:18:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wow, it had been 4 years now (since I was down with NPC) and I am now in my 24th month remission. Wow wow time really flies.

As per my last update, I am suppossed to make a comeback into the corporate world, well, it looks like I need to put a hold onto this idea. Wait, STOP, don't jump into any conclusions, I am completely in tip top condition (everything under control) at this point.

I will be doing some part time job (the time will come and you will know what I am doing ....... hee hee hee).

As fot this blog I will be continuing and on the same time I will be posting some of the information that is sent to me by some of you (don't worry, your name will not be there) and the information that I posted is merely for sharing purposes. I find it quite informative and it act as a reminder to me. Since it work for me, I also hope it will benefit others as well.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Chinese New Year 2009

2009-02-03T12:58:00.005+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I am back at my home on 29th January 2009 ..... all are welcome to visit me at my home.

Well, I did enjoy all the nice food except shark fin soup ..... eerm wow fingerling good ...... anyone want to bring me out for this dish or prepare this dish and bring to me ..... hee hee.

Currently still enjoying my celebration (till Chap Goh Mei) ...... then only will put on my thinking caps about my next course of action.

Would like to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Harmonious New Year.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Followup checkup on 19th January 2009

2009-01-19T14:05:00.004+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my Oncology and ENT checkup today and the results is very good - everything is normal and next appointment will be 4 months from now ie. 18th May 2009. I managed to control my weigh - currently at around 92 kgs (a bit over my BMI).

Wow time is really counting; tick tick tick ..... every seconds and I am now into my 22nd months remission - thanks GOD (bless by Kuan Yin).

Would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a GONG XI FA CAI 2009. I am going back to my grandma home this Thursday and had not confirmed the actual date back to my home (Petaling Jaya).

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T12:41:00.003+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 !!!!!!!!!

WISHING EVERYONE THAT THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING ABUNDANT OF HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND WEALTH TO EVERYONE.

CHEERS.

MICHAEL GAN

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T12:22:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wishes you all a blessed X'mas plus a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

May lovely and happy times fruitfully decorate your holiday season :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Happy Dong Zhi 2008

2008-12-22T11:12:00.004+08:00

Oops posted one day late but it is better late than never.

HAPPY DONG ZHI TO EVERYONE

This is chinese winter festival and it is also when I get older and wiser by a year.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Last followup checkup for 2008

2008-12-12T19:18:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my last checkup for the year ie. at ISEC (eye specialist). Result is the same as the last visit except that now I got long and short sighted (getting old ..... oops but still look young hee hee). Next appointment will be 8th October 2009.

As per my previous blog, I will only decide on my next action plan after my 1st checkup next year ie. 19th January 2009 (will decide whether to look for job after Chinese New Year).

I wish to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Selamat Hari Raya Haji 2008

2008-12-08T11:42:00.004+08:00

Would like to wish everyone a Selamat Hari Raya Haji.

Cheers.

Cancer Survivor

2008-12-04T19:20:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies, I am back ..... had not been blogging for some time.

My PC was sick (almost 3 weeks) ..... not me .... hee hee.

Some update about myself - so far so good - GOD BLESS.

Well, my study plan is put on hold and I will see how's my condition when I had my followup checkup on 19th January 2009. If everything is fine, I might consider joining you all in the corporate world.

Recently I just resigned from my condominium Joint Management Body - a bit hectic for me and health is the main reason.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Accept the fact

2008-10-16T11:24:00.003+08:00

I recall back when I was diagnosed with NPC, I was shock and was numb and my brain is like completely shut off for about 3 weeks. During this time, the word "WHY" always in the picture and I considered myself lucky as I was able to ACCEPT THE FACT and started sharing with all my friends and even anyone that I met. I tell myself to be positive all the times and fight for my own survival.

Hence, I am still here sharing with everyone.

Well, from my own observation, I had put on weight, lately experiencing stiffness on my neck, shoulder, thigh and leg cramps. Had check with Doctors and was told it is the side effect from my chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-10-02T11:07:00.002+08:00

Wishing you all

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

Best wishes to everyone.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Follow up checkup on 29th September 2008

2008-09-29T20:25:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Today I had my ENT follow up checkup at Sunway Medical Centre. Dr Koay informed me everything is very good. I ask a few questions as below:-

1) Is it normal to experience humming sound on my ear?
Yes, it is normal after radiation

2) Is it normal to experience cramp on my neck?
Yes, is a side effect cause by radiation.

Next appointment fix on 19th January 2009.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Follow up checkup on 27th September 2008

2008-09-27T13:14:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had a follow up with Dr Matin Mellor at Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Well, the result was very good, oops I gain weight again (now 93kgs). Next appointment will be 19th January 2009.

I apply for KDU for a Degree course but was turn down as I do not qualify. Therefore my studies is currently put on hold. In fact I am asking myself constantly what do I want to do or where do I want to be or how I want to position myself or when do I want to join back the corporate world or do I want to be my own boss and etc.. Not to worry, I am not putting pressure on myself, I am enjoying myself.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Mooncake Festival

2008-09-12T21:04:00.002+08:00

HAPPY MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

Wishing everyone a happy mooncake festival.

Cheers.

Happy 51st National Day

2008-08-30T11:23:00.003+08:00

HAPPY MERDEKA DAY

Another month had past ..... whew ..... times really is ticking every seconds and I am glad that I am still around posting my blog ..... yeap yeap hooray !!!

So far, everything is in good order except for being overweight. Well, everything had gone up eg. fuel, food, electricity and etc. except for our salary (in my case - my invalidity pension from SOCSO).

Wishing everyone in best of health and prosperous.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Chronicle of Michael Gan

2008-08-06T13:53:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddy,

Time flies. I am now into my 17th month of my remission. I am now back to my original size ie. 92.8kg (oh my gosh). Will start my swinmming exercise (once my sunburn is fully recover), any swimming instructor out there (cos I only know how to float .... hee hee hee).

By the way, I really miss you all.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Reply to Daryl

2008-07-16T10:59:00.007+08:00

Hello Daryl,

Appreciate you could email me @ mganil2000@yahoo.com or call me on 019-3333632, I would be happy to response to your question personally and privately (as it take into consideration my personal view), hope you understand.

A few tips for you to consider:-

1) Talk to people like BCWA (Breast Cancer Welfare Association) - 603-79540133 or HOSPIS Malaysia - 603-91333936

2) If you had read thru my whole blog, ONE important point is "Had the cancer patient accepted the fact that he/she got cancer? and is he/she sharing out to everyone about his/her cancer?"

3) Eat healthily, I change my lifestyle, I use to be a meat lover but I change to 90% vegetables, fruits and fish, 10% meat.

Below is based on my own experience and view:-
- 50% depend on myself
- 10% support from families and friends
- 10% treatment from Doctor
- 10% prayer to GOD
- 20% others eg. drinking at least 8 glass of water per day, eat healthily, sleep early, wake up early, exercise everyday, breathing exercise and etc.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survivor

2008-07-14T10:48:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Good morning.

Today I want to share my experience on how I cope with my eating habit.

Way back on June 2006, I remember, my Haadyai sinsei ask me to take the following:

A) Boil soup 2 times per week
- 1 pair of front Lamb Leg
- 150 gramme of Black Bean
- 1 "tahil" of Black Wood Fungus

B) Porridge everyday with
- 15 gramme of Broad Bean
- 15 gramme of Dry Longan
- 10 pieces of Red Date
- 20 gramme of Groundnut
- 15 gramme of Gingko Nut
- 10 gramme of Wolfberry ("Kei Chi")
- 20 gramme of Dry Taro ("Wai Shan")
- 30 gramme of Red Bean
- 80 gramme of Black Glutinuos Rice

I took the above soup and porridge for about 1.5 months time, just imagine having the same porridge everyday for close to 45 days.

My secret of achieving the above is I am not a choosy eater, I think differently and I consider myself lucky because I still had food to take.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survivor

2008-06-28T12:59:00.003+08:00

Dear buddies,

Latest update, went to see ISEC (eye specialist) on 20th June 2008 and perform some test, result is the same, still had double vision. Getting use to my prism glass. Next checkup will be 16th December 2008.

As per my future plan, I will not be rushing back to corporate world at this moment (was advise to rest for 5 years after my last treatment ie. 11th March 2007). I am planning to go back to study (had not decided where and when to start, currently gathering the information), and get myself a degree. On ths same time will be looking into getting a freelance job.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Family gathering on 30th May08 till 2nd June08

2008-06-18T11:45:00.004+08:00

Me and my two sisters families and their friends families had an outing at Chamang Waterfall at Bentong, then we adjourned for lunch at Bentong town at one of the restaurant (can't remember the restaurant name, but the food is good and reasonable price).

Above photo taken at Kuala Gandah Elephant sanctuary at Lanchang, Pahang.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

3rd PET Scan Result

2008-05-29T21:51:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my followup checkup at SJMC on 28th May 2008, Dr Matin Mellor said that my scan result is very good, next followup will be on 29th September 2008.

Please find below the PET Scan Report:-

Indication

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, has had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and conventional chemo-RT. Now on follow-up.

Report

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, coupled with a correlative non-contrast CT scan was performed from the vertex of the skull to the thighs after intravenous administration of 11 mCi of F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose. CT data was used for attenuation correction and anatomical localisation. Oral valium and intra-venous lasix were given. Fasting blood glucose 0 5.2 mmol/l.

Findings

There is normal physiologic localisation of FDG in the brain, heart, tonsils, kidneys and bladder.
The right voval shows mild increase (overuse), as does the nasal alae (post-treatment).
The left lateral nasopharyngeal wall is slightly thickened on CT scan, but with no FDG increase.
Normal neck anatomy. Normal thyroid gland. No lymphadenopathy seen.
Normal lung parenchyma. Normal mediastinum. No evidence of FDG-avid lymphadenopathy.
Normal liver parenchyma. No hypermetabolic lesion noted. Physiological uptake is seen in the bowel.
There is no focus of abnormal FDG uptake in the bones.
No abnormal FDG focus is seen in the brain.

CONCLUSION

1. No definite residual FDG-avid disease in nasopharynx or neck.
2. No scan evidence of hypermetabolic distant metastases.

I also had my ENT followup at Sunway Medical Centre with Dr Koay, Dr said my inner nose is very healthy. Next appointment will be 29th Spetember 2008.

So, what's next ? e mm ......?!?! ABC#123 ... let me put on my thinking cap and will let you know what is my next move.

Cheers.

Cancer survival

2008-05-22T19:04:00.006+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my PET Scan today at Subang Jaya Medical Centre. My close friend, Jet Lee gave me a ride and I reach there sharp at 9am. Well, this is my 3rd PET Scan and I will know what is the outcome next week on 28th May 2008 when I go see my oncology doctor, Dr Matin Mellor.

Oops, I put on weight again, my goodness I am touching 90.2kg already, whew ..... need to cut down and do more exercise.

Will let you all know the result next week after my appointment.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Mother Day 2008

2008-05-11T21:11:00.003+08:00

HAPPY MOTHER DAY

OH HOW I MISS MY MOM

WISHING ALL MOM IN THE WORLD A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS MOTHER DAY.

CHEERS.

Participate in 7th Hospis Malaysia Charity Treasure Hunt

2008-04-28T16:04:00.003+08:00

I kicked off my 2nd hunt at 5.15am 26th April 2008, Dr Gan came to fetch me on time and we move on to fetch another participant, Belinda at Sentul. We reach Bukit Jalil Stadium as the 2nd earliest car at 6.25am.

The hunt started off at 7.50am.

This time I participate in the treasure hunt as a "navigator". A whole new experience for me. It is not simple to navigate, you know, hee hee, I lead my team to a few wrong directions. To be a good navigator, one must be able to intepret the directions correctly and distance is very important (must know how to judge how far is 100 metre, 200 metre and etc.)

Another pointer is we need to have time master, otherwise we tend to not give up easily and thus would spent as much time as we one till we solve the question. My advise is to limit each question to 5 to 8 minutes per question.

For those who's thinking of joining some treasure hunt in the future, please prepare some food so that your team can have something to eat (well, we had sandwishes and fruits).

This round my team known as "Double Barrel" did not manage to finish on time and we were disqualified. Another pointer will be if your team is running out of time, forget about completing all the hunt questions and proceed straight to the closing point and submit whatever hunt that your team had.

Anyway, it is fun and I enjoy it very much, wow I am feeling really tired but not too worry, I got myself a good rest.

Cheers.

Health Screening

2008-04-14T11:23:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Good morning. Wow, I am into my 3rd year now since being down with NPC and thank GOD, I am into my 1st year remission now.

During this period, I learnt a lot and I wished to share with you all that I received the most LOVE and CARE from you all that I had never experience before in my entire life.

I had a five pointers to share with you all about living my life to the fullest:-
1) HEALTH is by far my 1st priority in my life now.
2) HAPPY is the choice I make each morning (even though I am till at home, not working yet ... hee hee).
3) Be INSURED, lucky for me I am insured with critical illnesses policy (estimated cost of treatment RM100K, left RM50K for my entire life).
4) SHARE my experience as this is one way of GIVING.
5) Go for yearly CHECKUP as we aged.

Based on the pointers above, I believed you can easily accomplished 1 to 4. Before I was diagnosed with NPC, I ignore my yearly checkup (pointer no 5) and thus endup with a late stage diagnosis of NPC. Just imagine, if I had done it earlier I would be able to tackle it much earlier or even prevent NPC from happening. PREVENTION is the magic word.

So, the following questions arise:
a) Is there a place where I can go and do my yearly checkup ?
b) To what extent that the checkup cover, eg. Blood test, Hepatitis Tests, ENT examination, PAP's smear, Abdominal Sonography Examination and etc.
c) How much will it cost for all this tests?
d) Is all this cover in our insurance policy?

Answers:-
a) YES
b) It cover 22 Screening Stations providing 34 Major and 103 Minor screening items
c) Base on (b) the test will cost you RM3,462
d) NO unless you are down with the illnesses (touch wood).

Oh yes, I am selling or promoting here (to earn some extra money).

My friends, if you only had to pay RM680 per trip for item (b), would you be interested?

Hey, bingo, you guess right, 1st you need to sign up as a member, and how much would it cost you? Well, if you sign up as an individual it will cost you RM2,988 (life membership) or RM1,988 (need to pay RM150 for yearly renewal).

There are a total of 10 packages to choose from and I can even group all my friends into group of 3, 6 10 or 18 persons per group. The so call membership price can go down to as low as RM938.80 per person (life membership) for a group of 10 persons.

The next thing, you will ask me is, sure or not? how professional is this place? who's backing them? are they certified? Well, I'll be glad to bring you personally to the center and you can witness it yourself. After you had seen the place, there is no obligation that you must sign up as a member, please think it over and hopefully you will make a wise choice by doing a budget for it.

Maybe some of you may have heard of it through your friends, the company I am representing is called MJ Health Screening Center/Kuala Lumpur. It's an international company with ISO9001 certification.

I know some of you may think "maybe I'll do it later because I should be OK since I am still young.".

REMINDER: We had been taking good care of our car (sending at least 2 times a year for servicing) ... but we forgot to service our own body.

Remember, disease doesn't happen overnight. it accummulates over the years. your loved ones cannot afford not to have you around.....just yet. News Straits Times dated 13th April 2008 publish "One in four Malaysian adults may develop diabetes in their lifetime."

Should you need any further information, please feel free to call or reply to me.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
019-3333632
mganil2000@yahoo.com

Cancer survival

2008-04-02T13:01:00.001+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Happy belated April Fool Day !!!

I had been wearing the "prism" glass (close to a month already), YES, I am adapting comfortably with it so far.

Well, there is a change of plan about me joining back the corporate world - move to June08, after I complete my PET-Scan schedule on 22nd May 2008. I am also sourcing for some part time job which I could work from home ..... any recommendation ???

For your info, Hospis Malaysia is having their 7th Hospis Charity Treasure Hunt on 26th and 27th April 2008, this time the hunt will lead us to Penang Holiday Inn, for signing up and to give your support to charity please visit their website www.hospismalaysia.org

Dear buddies, it has been quite some times that I met up with all of you, and I see this as a good opportunity to get together and on the same time doing charity ... wow ..... one stone kill two bird.
Oops before that I will need someone to sponsor me for this treasure hunt (because I am not sure whether I will be invited by Hospis to attend as their guest this year - must give other people chance).

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2008-03-24T20:34:00.003+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wow, I am beginning to get use to my "prism" glass and I also drove my friend Toyota Hilux (looking for parking at Mid Valley). Not easy but it is a matter of time that I get use to it.

My plan to be back to corporate world is push to June 2008 (after I did my PET-SCAN) and I will be asking the doctors when will I be discharge and consider cancer free.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2008-03-10T13:57:00.001+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Whew election fever is over and wow looks like people are looking for a change. I wish those selected will serve and fulfill their promises and lead us to a better future.

So far I am in tip top condition, I do not experience thigh pain on my left leg anymore since 1st March 2008 (thank GOD), my mouth still experience dryness - so need to drink a lot of water and double vision on my eye - not much improvement. For your information, I am currently taking Prune Extract, Miki Protein, 4Life Vitamin C and Mangosteen as my daily supplements - all sponsored. Thank you for the sponsored as I believed this is the final round of sponsored. Oops .... don't get the wrong message, I am not asking for sponsorship.

As for me, in my last email, I told you all about the "prism" glass, well, I got it last Friday 7th March 2008 at approximately 3.15pm ....... WOW WOW WOW HURRAY !!! at last I am seeing NORMAL vision with both my eyes (eventhough it is not 100% as I still experienced double vision if I see to the left or right without moving my head). Not bad, now is to get use to the "prism" glass before I decide the next course of my action. I will built up my stamina and well being 1st before I join back the corporate world - because I still feel tired after lunch (around 2+ pm) and I will normally take a nap.

Will update you all accordingly and well, you could see me driving and popping up in your office and surprise.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2008-02-29T11:36:00.002+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Wishing everyone in good health and prosperity.

I had my ENT followup checkup at Sunway Hospital seeking Dr Koay expertise. Well, the result is thumbs up, very good, no sign of tumour. I also ask Dr Koay some questions concerning my double vision:-

1) Can my double vision fully recover and what is the chances of recovery?
Ans: 0% of recovery

2) Am I fit to work under this condition base on my nature of work - need to be on the road most of the time?
Ans: Difficult to judge, an eye specialist will be able to provide a clearer picture.

3) Should I go and seek an eye specialist to improve my double vision?
Ans: Yes, maybe they had a solution.

Dr Koay recommended Dr Michael Law at 6th Floor, Sunway Hospital. I immediately fix appointment and see Dr and seek his advise. Was told that there is a "prism" glass that might help improve my vision, ask me to go to ISEC (International Specialist Eye Centre) on 28/2. Well, they did some test and confirm that some portion of my nerve on the eye portion is not functioning normal and I also see thru the "prism" glass and unbelievable, I can see single vision. So, I place an order for the glass which they need to order from Singapore (will receive in a week time). Then I plan to wear it for a week before I decide my next move ie. going for interview.

For your info, my next appointments will be in May where I will do a PET Scan on 22/5/08, see Dr Matin Mellor on 24/5/08 and see Dr Koay on 28/5/08.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-11T13:44:00.000+08:00

GONG XI FA CAI

GONG XI GONG XI

___
(_)--(_)
"I_#_I"
Rrriinngg!!
()"""() *
(I( -.- ) Hello *
I.') j (,,) *
$$J *

WISHING EVERYONE A GOOD HEALTH, A PROPEROUS AND HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR ! ! !

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Follow up checkup on 28th January 2008

2008-01-28T13:32:00.000+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I had my oncology followup checkup today at Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Dr Matin Mellor said my condition is so far so good and ask me to do a PET/CT scan on 22nd May 2008, 9.30am and see Dr with the scan result on 24th May 2008, 11am.

Oops, I gained an additional 4kg, based on their weighing machine, I am now at 88.1kgs ..... oh my ..... must go to gym to work out.

I will be going back to my grandma home on 5th February 2008 to celebrate Chinese New Year, therefore would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, may all your wishes come true. "GONG XI GONG XI, GONG XI FATT CHAI".

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy Thaipusam

2008-01-23T13:49:00.000+08:00

Wishing everybody a Happy Thaipusam.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

2008-01-20T11:10:00.000+08:00

I am doing "ok" even though I begin to feel the boreness and loneliness being at home most of the times (definitely this negative signs will popped out from my mind and I just need to get hold of my positive eraser to erase it off).

Well, I can say that I am proud of myself to be able to handle it cautiously and taking things one at a time. Thus I make myself busy with my responsibility as one of the committee member for my condo Joint Management Body (organizing the management of the condo to its best on security and improving the standard of living for the condo). The scope of the work is not much as there will be at least one meeting each month (sometime 2 times) and will discuss and suggest the ideas to improve the current situation.

As you all know, I also go to Hospis Day Care (every Tuesday, except for public holiday). It seems like a recharge for me, where I mingle with all the others Chosen Ones and the volunteers is extremely marvellous in providing the care , support and love.

As for my industrial court case, the judge had make the verdict and my case had been dismissed (reason given is there is redundancy). If I wish to apply for judicial review, it will cost me more money. Well, life goes on even I lose the case.

For your information, I am currently taking a product called Xango (mangosteen juice), it is supposed to help improve my double vision. I took it since 7th December 2007 till now. I will know the outcome after finishing consuming 12 bottles, will let you all know the outcome and am crossing my fingers that my vision will be back to normal by then. Currently, I feel there is slight improvement on my vision.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Change my lifestyle

2008-01-05T11:26:00.000+08:00

Dearest buddies,

Since my last treatment of radiotherapy on 4th March 2007, I had been on remission till now and I had change my lifestyle completely. Everyday I am a jovial and happy person and to me each day is consider a bonus day for me (if you get what I meant). I see things in a very difference manner and much much wider than before. I would not say that I am a smarter guy now but I will definitely admit that I am a much loving and caring guy now.

One thing I gain is communication, I share and accept view gracefully. Would you all agreed with me that if a person who's under a bad emotion means that the person is actually communicating base on his/her emotions. I was during my chemotherapy and radiotherapy session.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-01T13:04:00.000+08:00

Wow it is the 1st day of 2008, a new beginning with renew resolutions.

Before that, I wish to wish everyone a *** HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008 ***

Well, I celebrate my new year eve count down in a church, a new experience for me (even though I am a Buddhist), I was able to watch from the church the fireworks that took place at the Sungai Wang side and part of KLCC.

My 1st wish is to wish for my double vision to be fully recover by 29th February 2008.

My 2nd wish is to be back to the corporate world on 1st March 2008.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T20:12:00.000+08:00

HO HO HO

MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHEERS

My latest update

2007-12-10T13:03:00.000+08:00

Dearest buddies,

I am doing great. My vision had improved (able to see newspaper as normal vision but if see further like TV then still got double vision).

My last Doctor appointment was on 5th December 2007 seeing ENT specialist Dr Koay - result was very good, next appointment for Oncology Dr Matin Mellor is 26th January 2008 and ENT Dr Koay is on 27th February 2008.

In certain day, I will feel gloomy for a while (normally for about 5 minutes) then I will switch back to being happy. It is not easy but I can live with it (cos I position myself on the positive side).

I am still targeting myself back to work in January 2008, hopefully I will achieve my goals.

Lately I had not been going out regularly and I also did not ask you all out for lunch or dinner (you know when you are back to normal then you tend to feel obliged to ask ..... that's how I feel). Don't worry, by next year 2008, you all will see a different Michael Gan.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

How am I doing since I finish my treatment?

2007-11-27T08:10:00.000+08:00

Well, things had been improving slowly and thank God, everything is fine for me. Every 2 months I will go for my ENT checkup at Sunway Hospital seeking Dr Koay expertise – so far so good. Every 3 months I also go for my Oncology checkup at Subang Jaya Medical Centre seeking Dr Matin Mellor expertise – same result, so far so good.

I am still experiencing double vision (so driving is an issue for me at the moment), pimples (as my body is still very heaty), constipation (on and off, under control), my left thigh pain (seems to reduce after sleepig on the B-Ion mattress), dry mouth (still need to drink a lot of water) and last but not least still getting sponsorship from MPlan for their Miki Prune Extract and Miki Protein as supplement.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Which treatment to choose

2007-11-22T13:34:00.000+08:00

I went thru numerous type of Chinese medication and spiritual healing but it does not cure me..... maybe I'm not fated with these types of treatments (because it cures other).

Sometime around July06, I had not make up my mind about going for chemotherapy and radiotherapy yet, because I'm scared and do not had the confident of going thru as I had bad experience (my mom had cervix cancer and she suffers from it).

Luckily my friend introduces me to "Abang" again and I went to seek his help (this time). By talking to him, it provide me the courage and meaning of fighting spirit which I had all this while.

This is my turning point and I never look back, with "Abang" guidance.

Before I went for my final scan in May07, I went to see "Abang" 1st and he had declared that I'm already cancer free and it does not spread to any other location.

True enough, the PET-scan result show that there is no active cancer cell anymore.

On 17th June 2007, I went to look for a young banana tree as requested by "Abang". It is meant for final ritual that's to chop off the banana and throw into the river - this is to avoid recurrence of the cancer. I done it and there won’t be a recurrence for my nose cancer.

GOD BLESSES EVERYONE.
My comment: Whichever treatment that you chose, you must have the confidence and for my case I had the guidance from "Abang"

Interview myself

2007-11-15T20:22:00.000+08:00

Interview Michael Gan (yes you are right, I interview myself)
When I know I got cancer, I’m stun, my mind was blank, the question like why me? If I remember correctly I was down for about a week whereby I was not able to sleep properly throughout the night, will wake up occasionally.
I told myself that since GOD had chosen me to have cancer, so I accepted the FACT.
Friends and close one start to share about products and Chinese medicine, how do I feel? Sure or not this product or Chinese medicine can cure me, must go and see personally.
Throughout my treatment, I realized that I was very conscious about the treatment I choose and I had confident for each treatment I chose.
Of course, I’m scared myself. All my life I had never seen so much blood coming out from me. The burn around my neck (during my radiotherapy treatment).
The pain on my head is so unbearable until I knock my head against the wall.
I know that I was very emotional and sensitive and I believe this make my close one in a difficult situation to communicate with me.
When I choose to go for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I was very down and very frightened whereby I had this feeling that I will not make it. It is like the end of the world for me.
After seeking “Abang” help, I was reenergize to full confident and ready for the final battle against my cancer.
I am now cancer free because I have the support from my family, close one and friends, my prayer to GOD is received, “Abang” blessing and advise, my fighting spirit and chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

How to care and support a cancer patient

2007-11-01T11:41:00.000+08:00

Today I want to share about how you can provide the care and support to cancer person. What I am about to write is based on my experience:-

I'll put it in point form:-
1) When I was diagnose with cancer.
My mind was blank, stun, depress, why me? "devil" begining to whisper in my mind.
Go for 2nd opinion, share with your friends, I get a lot of advice from my friends. By doing so, some friend can even provide their experience on what's best for us, how their friend had went thru the treatment, how to overcome the side effect.
2) Accept the fact that I am the chosen one.
I share openly with you all and that make the different. If the cancer patient is willing to share then he/she had accepted the fact, meaning he/she is ready for the battle to overcome cancer.
3) How to show care and support to a cancer patient?
Do not separate the cutlery, this will show sign that he/she is unwanted or feel isolated.
For me, as a bachelor, I'm use to eating alone but for a family, it is best that we eat together. Eat healthily together using olive oil, organic food, steam fish and less meat. Exercise together, by going for morning walk at the park, feeling the fresh air and practice some gi gong together. Talk or chit chat more with cancer patient, by doing so they will start sharing and maybe will let us know how he/she feels and he/she will never feel loneliness. I experience this myself but for me it is different because I'm damn positive so I overcome it myself by calling, emailing and sharing with you all.
4) Talk to people like Hospis Malaysia or any other charitable organization - they had the experience to advise us what to do next.
When I was down, I don't know who to talk to.
5) Monetary term is the 1st thing that a cancer patient is worry about.
Thank you all for all the donations that you all had shower to me (this help on my daily expenses), I'm lucky to know you all. Luckily I had bought critical illnesses insurance policy (this help on my medical bills). I had use about RM20k for chinese medicine, RM90k for western medicine and RM40k for travelling and food. This is a lot of money and I consider myself very lucky as I do not have to worry about the money.

What I had written above is based on how I had experienced it and it work for me; I hope it will come handy to other cancer patient.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Part 50

2007-10-26T14:10:00.000+08:00

Date: Sat, 19 May 2007 23:03:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 50
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Sherynn Ong", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Alvin Soo", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Guruprasad", "Henry Foo", "Jee Lan Foo", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah" <, "Karen Voon", "Lau Mun", "Pastor Mark", "Yeap Chong Boon", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", inania, "Tan Yap Khim", "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Agnes Rajamanny A/P Mariampill", "Ngo Kwai Meng", mtanch, "Nancy Peng", "Angie Ng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", pek-mei.yoon, phingwc, "Joyce Tham", wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I'm alive and now a new born person. It's a hell of experience for me and I would like to share with you all. I would like to say thank you to "Abang" whom convinced me to go for western treatment and tell me to had faith in me and my God - Kuan Yin. "Abang" told me that if I go thru the western treatment, I can be cured and ask me to pray to my God and drink his prayer holy water, he will also pray to his God for my recovery. "Abang" had the ability to see thru me (like x-ray) that my cancer cell is at my nose portion. Prior to me going for the PET-SCAN, "Abang" had done a scan on me and said I'm cancer free after my western treatment. There's no miracle here or magic here, what "Abang" did was to give me the will power and courage to battle against my cancer cell. Without the will power, one will lose the battle before the battle begins. During this period, he asked me to drink a lot of water and his holy water, eat the banana skin (pisang emas) and eat healthily. I follow all his advice and I'm now on my remission, a new journey for me.

Next will be how much I paid “Abang”? How many times I see him? Do I pay him everytime I see him? Well, the answer is I only donated RM600 (USD157) to his mosque, bought some cigarrettes for him (less than 10 packs), ice-cream for his kids and a hamper worth RM150 (USD39) for Hari Raya. I see him more than 15 times and collected holy water bless by him many times.

This is all about a person belief, one must believe on their own God and ownself otherwise "Abang" also cannot give further advice. Cancer patient must accept that he/she is the CHOSEN one (my favourite phrase).

I'm fortunate that I was also introduce to Miki Prune Extract and Miki Protein as my supplement (it works well for me - it might not work well for other people - please take note). With this supplement, I don't lose much weight and appetite, in fact I gain weight during my chemotherapy, and I only lose 8 kg during my radiotherapy. It's not cheap, it will cost me about RM600/month (USD157) but I consider myself fortunate, I got six month sponsorship from their company.

Thank you all and cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Faith, will power, courage, accepts the fact, sharing, support from close one and friends are the way to my recovery.

Part 49

2007-10-24T11:32:00.000+08:00

Date: Sat, 5 May 2007 20:23:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 49
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Sherynn Ong", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Alvin Soo", "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Guru", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Lau Mun", "Pastor Mark", "Reno baskoro", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", inania, "Tan Yap Khim", "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Agnes Rajamanny A/P Mariampill", "Ngo Kwai Meng", mtanch, "Nancy Peng", "Angie Ng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", pek-mei.yoon, phingwc, "Joyce Tham", wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I'm in a very happy and jovial mood since yesterday morning after collecting my scan report and seeing Dr Matin Mellor at 11am yesterday. I did my PET-SCAN on 4/5/07 at Wijaya International Medical Centre and collected the report - below is the extract of my report:-

Date : 4 May 2007

PET CT WHOLE BODY SCAN

Dear Dr Matin Mellor Adullah
Thank you for referring Mr Gan Ing Leong

INDICATION

Locally advance NPC.

REPORT

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, coupled with a correlative non-contrast CT scan was performed from the base of the skull to the upper thighs at 60 minutes after intravenous administration of 14.4 mCi of F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose. CT data was used for attenuation correction and anatomical localization. Oral gastrograffin, oral valium and intra-venous lasix were given. Fasting blood glucose = 5.2 mmol/l.

FINDINGS

There is normal phsiologic localization of FDG in the brain, neck, heart, tonsils, kidneys and bladder.
Normal neck anatomy. Normal thyroid gland. No lymphadenopathy seen.
There is a fibrosis in the left apex of the lung. No hypermetabolic lesion in the lung to suggest any lung metastasis.
Normal mediastinum. No signs of lymphadenopathy.
Nornal liver parenchyma. No hypermetabolic lesion noted. There is a small G.B calculus.
There is no focus of abnornal FDG uptake in the bones to suggest the presence of tumour.

CONCLUSION

No hypermetabolic FDG avid lesion in the post-nasal space to suggest any residual or recurrence.
No evidence of FDG avid metastatic lymphadenopathy.
No abnormal distant metastasis.
Small G.B calculus.

Based on the above report and the PET scan result, Dr Mellor said that the result is extremely good and ask me to consult him in the next 3 month (ie 4th August 07). Dr Mellor also asks me to go and consult my ENT specialist (anytime next week) to check on my left side hearing and my double vision.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone for your support and care, without you all, I would not had recovered so fast - A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU. Now, I need to strengthen my body (especially my hand and leg - which I occasionally feel numb) - by doing walking exercise and start back my Xi Gong exercise.

As you all know, I had been joining Hospis Malaysia Cheras daycare program lately - every Tuesday (except Public Holiday), to mingle with other “chosen one” and providing each other supports. As for the treasure hunt, wow, my team was the top 15 and we got ourself some prizes (not bad leh, for a starter). The experience I gain is the fun and team building of the team member, which is important.

I'm so so so happy and now I'm looking forward to my recovery of my double vision and also looking forward to join you all back in the corporate world.

See you all soon, cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: I am a reborn new baby.

Part 48

2007-10-22T12:59:00.000+08:00

Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:47:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicles of Michael Gan Part 48
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Sherynn Ong", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Alvin Soo", "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Jesvinderjit", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", “Lau Mun", "Pastor Mark", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", inania, "Tan Yap Khim", "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Agnes Rajamanny A/P Mariampill" <, "Ngo Kwai Meng", mtanch, "Nancy Peng", "Angie Ng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", pek-mei.yoon, phingwc, "Joyce Tham", wlchan Dearest buddies, My appointment for PET scan is set on 4th May 07 9.30am and should be seeing Dr Mellor on 5th May07. Lately I had started taking rice (most of the times, still on porridge) because still lack of saliva. A bit of correction from my earlier mail - my taste is not 100% back to normal - certain taste I cannot taste the different. One taste for sure I did not lose it is spicy, which I still cannot take at the moment cos it feels like volcano errupt in my mouth.

I had joined Hospis Malaysia day care program where we went for a movie on 4th April - Mr Bean - there was around 20+ of us and about 15+ volunteers. My 2nd visit was on 10th April where Ms Irene (volunteer) comes and picks me and 2 others up at 9am and reach Hospis at about 10am and we had our breakfast. Ms Irene prepare "california roll" especially for me as a welcome meal, I feel so touch. Then we had some exercise, self introduction and on that day Hospis was launching their 6th Charity Treasure Hunt 21/22 April07. Their respective sponsors were there (ie. Spansion, MixFM, GulfAir, Hotel Equatorial Melaka - not sure if I missed out any or got the wrong sponsor name). After that was lunch time (1pm), take a short nap then the volunteer will do some foot massage and shoulder massage. At 3.30pm we had our tea break - we had barley, choc cake and kuih, follow with a game of bingo where prizes were given away - so much fun.

I'll be joining them for the hunt (had not done this before in my entire life, so why not). This week day care is on Thursday (which I will join in also), cos I got to mingle with other "CHOSEN ONE".

That is all for the time being.

(This portion was added on 22nd October 2007)
I went to visit Abang 1 week before my PET SCAN and was told that my cancer cell is all clear. Of course, when I heard it myself, I told myself in my heart, sure or not because I remember that Dr Matin Mellor told me after my sixth cycle of chemotherapy that my tumour is very big and I also told Dr Matin Mellor that he must cure me as it is the challenge for him and another reason I did not do my treatment in 2005 is because I want to give him a bigger challenge. That time Dr Matin Mellor told me the chances of recovering is only around 20% and almost 0% that my double vision will be back to normal.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: After joining Hospis Day Care, I feel much happier and livelier and was also touch with the care and support provided by Hospis staff and volunteers. A big thank you.

Part 47

2007-10-19T11:02:00.000+08:00

Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:57:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 47
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Alvin Soo", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan”, "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Sherynn Ong", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Guru", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Pastor Mark", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", inania, "Tan Yap Khim", "jimKow", "Jeffery Lim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Agnes Rajamanny A/P Mariampill", "Ngo Kwai Meng", mtanch, "Nancy Peng", "Angie Ng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", pek-mei.yoon, phingwc, "Joyce Tham", wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I'm in tip top form (meaning I'm beginning to take edible food such as noodles and porridge and I should be consuming rice sometime next week) at the moment as I didn't loss my taste (my mouth is still very dry - less saliva) and I'm maintaining my weight around 74.4kg

Today I had my doctor appointment, Dr Mellor advise me to go for PET-SCAN at Wijaya International Medical Centre (will cost me around RM7K - will be cover under my insurance) sometime around 1st week of May 07 - this will give a better picture of my situation and what will be my next treatment.

I was invited by SJMC to participate in their NPC Support Group discussion on 29/3/07 - to share my experience on how I had went thru the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Too bad, they did not supply transport (to and fro - which will cost around RM25 (USD 6) via taxi), so I had to choose not to go.

Every week, a Hospis volunteer, Irene, will visit me to chat with me about my progress and making sure that I'm positive all the time. She even suggested that I visit their Hospis day care - to mingle with other guests and had fun there.

Time for me to take my afternoon nap, share with you all soon.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: As I am not able to eat, I make sure I drink healthily.

Part 46

2007-10-16T16:49:00.000+08:00

Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 16:49:27 -0800 (PST)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicles of Michael Gan Part 46
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Sherynn Ong", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Alvin Soo", "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Guruprasad", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Lau Mun", "Pastor Mark", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", inania, "Tan Yap Khim", "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Agnes Rajamanny A/P Mariampill", "Ngo Kwai Meng", mtanch, "Nancy Peng", "Angie Ng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", pek-mei.yoon, phingwc, "Joyce Tham", wlchan

Dearest buddies,

Happy belated Chap Goh Mei!!! I had the most unforgettable CNY in my entire life ie. only consuming milk, fruit juice, prune juice, water and morphine liquid - not able to take any solid food at the moment due to the pain on my mouth and throat (I'm still feeling the pain at the moment). My auntie told me to get well soon and she will prepare some of the delicious CNY meals especially for me once I get well (so sweet ... looking forward to that day soon).

I had completed my radiation on 3/3/07 (yip yip hooray) and the burnt I got on my neck had been recuperating very well (no more pain and it's all dried up - changing my skin). No other treatment at the moment until my next appointment with Dr Mellor on 24/3/07. MRI Scan is set 3 month from now.

As for the SOCSO claim, I got it at last - not much as the payment only start from the date I submit my application ie. 19/10/06 till 31/1/07. Total amount is RM4,267.38 – USD 1,123 (just nice to cover the bill for Jan and Feb expenses), from Feb/07 onward I will be getting a cheque for RM1,248 (USD 329) per month as invalidity pension from SOCSO.

That is all for the time being. Wishing you all has a good, prosperous and healthy FIRE PIG year.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Live life to the fullest.

Part 45

2007-10-14T12:24:00.000+08:00

Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2007 22:37:14 -0800 (PST)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicles of Michael Gan Part 45
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", “Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho”, "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Pastor Mark", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Lau Mun", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", inania, "Tan Yap Khim", "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Agnes Rajamanny A/P Mariampill", "Ngo Kwai Meng", mtanch, "Nancy Peng", "Angie Ng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon”, pek-mei.yoon, phingwc, "Joyce Tham", wlchan

Dearest buddies,

Gong Xi Gong Xi Fa Cai to all of u. I'll be going back to my grandma house on 15/02/07 after my 30th radiation. My next treatment will continue on 26/02/07 till 03/03/07 (completion of my radiation), Dr Mellor did not indicate when I will continue the chemotherapy (maybe after the radiation).

I'm a bit weak now as I 'm not able to consume any solid food, can only go for specialised milk powder, and prune extract plus protein, juices, blended porridge with potatoes and water.

I also attached a picture of me prior to the radiation.

Well, come to think of it I had went thru 25th times of radiation and the experience is that I feel nothing during the treatment, the effect is after the treatment ie. lost of saliva, inflammation in the mouth and throat where I will feel the pain even by drinking water. The worst so far is the day that I got hospitalized because of nose bleeding (non-stop), I had to consume morphine liquid to assist me to sleep (I took for about 1 week). Now I don't take as the pain is bearable.

Hopefully I'll be able to consume solid food during CNY.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Even when I am down, I still put on my smiling face.

Part 44

2007-10-12T11:21:00.000+08:00

Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:20:22 -0800 (PST)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicles of Michael Gan Part 44
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Alvin Soo", "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Kevin Soo", "Lau Mun", "Pastor Mark", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean, "Tan Yap Khim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Nancy Peng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", inania, "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Angie Ng", pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest all,

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year. I had just completed 15 sessions of radiotherapy and 2 cycle of day care chemotherapy. Well, the radiotherapy that I am going thru now is called Varian Smartbeam Integrated High Resolution IMRT Process which is more efficient and had lesser side effect (but not cheap - it cost around RM21k – USD 5,527). Another 20 sessions to go for the radiotherapy and 5 more cycle of chemotherapy. At the moment I'm having problem in consuming food (one of the side effect) - can take this opportunity to reduce weight.

Hopefully the side effect is lesser and main point is to pray for my vision to be back to normal.

(This portion was added on 12th October 2007)
During this treatment, I had nose bleeding after each chemotherapy session. Well, each time the bleeding will stop after 1 or 2 minutes. If I remember correctly, this is when I am beginning to feel the pain in my mouth (a lot of whitish ulcer).

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: I chose to be happy and I make other happy as well.

Part 43

2007-10-10T20:52:00.000+08:00

Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:01:00 -0800 (PST)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 43
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Alvin Soo", "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Pastor Mark", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", "Tan Yap Khim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Nancy Peng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", inania, "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Angie Ng", pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I had done the MRI scan on 14/12 and the result show slight improvement compared to last scan and Dr Mellor said my next treatment will be a combination of "accurate" radiotherapy (35 times) and chemotherapy (7 times). I will be checking in to SJMC on 18/12 to do the necessary preparation and will check out on 19/12. The treatment will start on 26/12 for about 7 week as outpatient.

At the moment, I'm experiencing constipation only.

(This portion was added on 10th October 2007)
As usual, Abang remind me to continue all the treatment suggested by my Doctor and also told me that I am progessing very positively. Ask me to continue drinking his blessing water and I can stop taking the banana inner skin and ask me to walk as much as I can.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Enjoy every moment of my life.

Part 42

2007-10-08T11:27:00.000+08:00

Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2006 04:38:28 -0800 (PST)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 42
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Alvin Soo", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Pastor Mark", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", "Tan Yap Khim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Nancy Peng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham", "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", inania, "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", "Angie Ng", pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest all,

I had just completed my 6th chemotherapy on the 2nd December 2006, oops I put on another 3kg, I will exercise regularly to lose my weight to somewhere aorund 78 kg, now 83kg.

Dr Mellor reconfirmed that the lump on my neck is completely gone and my next action will be on the 14th December 2006 to do a MRI scan and consult Dr Mellor for the followup treatment (appointment confirm at 11.30am).

As for the SOCSO interview, I will only know the outcome probably by end of this month.

I also went to see my regular dentist and had my teeth cleanse thoroughly, was informed that my gum bleeding is due to improper cleansing of my teeth, ask me to wash my teeth after each meals.

Will keep you all update accordingly.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Do what is best for myself.

Part 41

2007-10-05T11:13:00.000+08:00

Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 05:32:52 -0800 (PST)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 41
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Alvin Soo", "Angie Chua", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "Jimmy Lim", "JO GAN", "Kevin Soo", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Guruprasad", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Pastor Mark", "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", "Tan Yap Khim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Nancy Peng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham"

Dearest buddies,

I had completed my 5th chemotherapy (same as the previous treatment) and I feel great. Well this round I maintain my weight at 80 kg and I plan to reduce my weight to 75 kg (slowly by doing more exercise). My next treatment will be on 1st December 06.

I will have an interview with SOCSO on the 28th November 2006 1.30pm at Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (UH)..... Anyone free to accompany me!!!

That is all for the time being.

(This portion was added on 26th September 2007)
As usual, went to see Abang after my immune system is back to normal. Abang remind me to continue all the treatment suggested by my Doctor and also told me that I am progessing very positively.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Be good to yourself.

Part 40

2007-10-03T11:10:00.000+08:00

Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 01:40:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 40
To: "Alicia Yeap", "Alvin Soo", "Angie", "BK", "Dennis Gan", "Emily Wong", "Frank Liang", "Ho Wai Chun", "Iris Ho", "JO GAN", "Leslie Chong", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei"
CC: "Dorothy", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Guru", "Henry Foo", "Jesvinderjit", "Joey Phua Guat Choo", "Julie Gan", "Kah", "Kevin Soo", "Lau Mun", "Tiger", "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", "Tan Yap Khim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Nancy Peng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham", angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", inania, "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest Buddies,

I just got back from SJMC doing my MRI scan and also proceed with my 4th chemotherapy. I check in on 17/10 for my MRI Scan and Dr Matin Mellor was checking my neck and confirms that the lump is completely gone (thank god). I only got to know the scan result on 18/10..... GOOD NEWS is that the tumour is very much smaller than before and the report also indicates that the shrinkage could be due to radiotherapy (in this case I had not started yet). Dr Mellor said I will undergo another 3 more chemotherapy and then see what the outcome of the MRI is after this round.

Oops, I gain another 1kg now 80kg.

My next session is 7/11/06. Will update you all if got any good news or side effect (eg. bald at the moment, skin very dry, got mouth ulcer).

(This portion was added on 23rd September 2007)
As usual, went to see Abang after my immune system is back to normal. Abang told me to continue all the treatment suggested by my Doctor and also told me that I am progessing very well, everything is under control and I should be cancer free by the time I finish all my treatments. Remind me again to drink his blessing water, eat banana inner skin, and walk as much as I can and avoid crowded places at the moment.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Walk my way to a healthy lifestyle.

Part 39

2007-10-01T11:26:00.000+08:00

Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 02:24:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicles of Michael Gan Part 39
To: "Alvin Soo", "Kevin Soo", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei", "Leslie Chong", "Frank Liang", "Emily Wong", "Dennis Gan", "JO GAN", "Iris Ho", "Alicia Yeap", "Angie", "BK", "Ho Wai Chun"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo", chpottery "Pastor Mark", "Lau Mun", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Henry Foo", "Jee Lan Foo", "Julie Gan", "Guruprasad", jesreen, jimmyl, "Kah" , "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", "Tan Yap Khim", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Nancy Peng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham", angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", inania, "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I had just completed my 3rd chemotherapy yesterday and I'm back at home resting. The cycle of the chemotherapy is the same, the only thing is that I had to wait for 5 hours (suprisingly I was cool and do not lose my temper) before I get my bed and started my treatment at 2.30pm. My Doctor was wondering why I had not arrived and was about to call me when the nurse tell Doctor I just got my bed (around 1.30pm). My next appointment will be on 17/10 to do a MRI scan at 10.45am and then Doctor will advise me what the next treatment is.

I'm feeling great after my 3rd chemotherapy, and I gain weight since the 2nd chemotherapy (about 3kg) cos I've been consuming Prune extract (early morning and before sleep), 3 times fruit juices everyday, 2 or 3 times steam kampung chicken soup per week (without the chicken meat), fish, and a lot of vegetables. I drank almost 3 to 3.5 litres of water (Abang blessing water and banana inner skin) everyday and walk around at my house and doing breathing exercise early morning.

I shall update you all accordingly. Be happy and don't worry.

(This portion was added on 12th September 2007)
As usual, went to see Abang after my immune system is back to normal. Told Abang that I gain weight and Abang also notice that my speech had improved and so far so good, everything is under control. Ask me to maintain my weight and cut down on the chicken soup (from 3 to once a week).

Cheers
Michael Gan
My comment: I am not a choosy eater.

Part 38

2007-09-28T15:27:00.000+08:00

Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 07:21:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 38
To: "Alvin Soo", "Kevin Soo", "Lim Kian Soon", "Yee Mei", "Leslie Chong", "Frank Liang", "Dennis Gan", "JO GAN", "Iris Ho", "Alicia Yeap", "Angie", "BK", "Ho Wai Chun", "Julie Gan"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo", chpottery, "Pastor Mark", "Eric Ng", "Florence", "Henry Foo", "Jee Lan Foo", "Guruprasad", jesreen, jimmyl, "Kah", "Yeap Chong Boon", "WJ Chan", "Syven Chee Shok Ching", "Emily Wong", "Wong Fe Lian", "Suzanne Tan Saw Hiean", "Tan Yap Khim", "Nancy Peng Swee Lin", "Lye Pei Ling", "Ngo Kwai Meng", "Josephine Ong", "Owen Ang Heng Oon", phingwc, "Joyce Tham", angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl", inania, "jim_kow", "Jeffery Lim", pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I'm back from my 2nd chemotherapy on 5/9, back home on 6/9. Feel stronger than the 1st time. This time the session is the same as the 1st time with addition of anti-vomitting, anti-gastrik - injected thru the fluid. My 3rd chemotherapy is set on 26/9 then I will do a scan to see whether I can start radiotherapy with chemotherapy or need another round of chemotherapy.

I feel that the lump on my neck is completely shrink and my vision is getting closer and I'm looking forward to the day when I woke up I see a clear vision.

I shall update you all when I had further improvement.

(This portion was added on 7th September 2007)
After 1st chemotherapy, I experience voices whispering and in certain day I am awake and the next thing I find is that I am at my balcony. I quickly switch on my prayer and pray in my heart. This happened after each chemotherapy session (altogether 6th session) when my immune system is at the lowest level. For your information, I experience this after each session and I can’t concentrate on the screen for too long as it seems to be talking to me (if you know what I meant) and that’s why my emails to you all is getting shorter and shorter. Base on my experience the chemotherapy make me feel unconscious and I would like to thanks GOD for waking or bringing my conscious back in time otherwise I will be history.

I went to see “Abang” and he told me I am progressing very well and the cancerous cell did not spread to any other location …. Thanks GOD. Remind me to drink his blessing water, the banana skin, ask me to walk as much as I can and see him after my 3rd chemotherapy.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Must be conscious and positive at all times.

Part 37

2007-09-26T11:02:00.000+08:00

Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 01:33:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 37
To: "Alvin Soo" , "Kevin Soo" , "Lim Kian Soon" , "Yee Mei" , "Leslie Chong" , "Frank Liang" , "Nancy Peng Swee Lin" , "Emily Wong" , "Dennis Gan" , "JO GAN" , "Julie Gan" , "Iris Ho" , "Alicia Yeap" , "Angie" , "BK" , "Ho Wai Chun"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo" , chpottery, "Pastor Mark" , "Eric Ng" , "Florence" , "Henry Foo" , "Jee Lan Foo" , jesreen, "Kah", angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl" , inania, "jim_kow" , "Jeffery Lim" , pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest all,

I feel much stronger now after the chemotherapy ... it really drain up my energy and make me feel wanting to sleep and rest only.

For your info, my 2nd chemotherapy date is on 5/9. Well, I drop all my hair and I'm now bald, my appetite is very good now. Good news is the lump on the neck is 90% shrink.

At the moment can only do very light exercise.

(This portion was added on 2nd September 2007)
My appetite is not very good as I don’t feel like eating. My sister, Jo friend’s, Ms Amy Hoh and her son come to visit me to share about her son chronicle. Well, her son was also down with NPC Stage 3 and he had a very painful encounter (he vomit, not able to eat and having painful times). Thank GOD, he is also in remission now. They introduced me a product from MPLAN www.m-plan.com.my (direct selling company) called MIKI Prune Extract and MIKI Protein. His son said it helps him to gain his appetite and after he takes it, he did not vomit anymore and each time he went for chemotherapy, his blood report is always on the good side. I purchased it (cost me RM 346), after I prescribed it base on her advise on the quantity, it help me to detoxify and I also gain back my appetite. Well, this product works well for me but it might not work well for others (ask yourself this question “Does this product help or assist you in any way?”). For me, after taking it, I need to pass motion almost 5 to 6 times per day for almost a week. Currently, I need to pass motion at least 2 times per day (sometime more, depend on what food I take). My appetite improved and I am able to drink smoothly.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: By SHARING you will get the best information.

Part 36

2007-09-23T12:57:00.000+08:00

Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2006 23:40:44 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 36
To: "Alvin Soo" , "Kevin Soo" , "Lim Kian Soon" , "Yee Mei" , "Leslie Chong" , "Frank Liang" , "Nancy Peng Swee Lin" , "Emily Wong" , "Dennis Gan" , "JO GAN" , "Julie Gan" , "Iris Ho" , "Alicia Yeap" , "Angie" , "BK"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo" , chpottery, "Pastor Mark" , "Lau Mun" , "Eric Ng" , "Florence" , "Henry Foo" , "Jee Lan Foo" , "Guruprasad" , jesreen, jimmyl, "Kah" , angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl" , inania, "jim_kow" , "Jeffery Lim" , pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I'm discharged today and back at home now. Feel a bit weak but still feel strong.

A lot of you must have want to ask why I had a sudden change of plan ... well GOD ask me to go fight for it because if I don't go it will be 50/50 chance for me and if I go I'll live longer.

Well, this is the 1st chemotherapy that I went through and the process is as below:
1) 2pm put dehyderation fluid (about 4hrs)
2) 6+pm put another dehyderation fluid (about 4 hrs)
3) 10+pm put chemotherapy (about 2-3 hrs)
4) 3+am put dehyderation fluid (about 4 hrs)
5) 7+am put chemotherapy (about 2-3 hrs)
6) 10+am put dehyderation fluid (about 4 hrs)
7) 2+pm all done

When it put the 2nd chemotherapy, there is a slight pain on my hand but is bearable.

My next appointment to see Dr Matin is on 24/8/06, and then I will know when my 2nd chemotherapy date is.

(This portion was added on 25th August 2007)
My appetite is not very good as I don’t feel like eating. I was asked to rest in the house during this period, the 1st 4 day after the chemotherapy, I will feel ok, the next 5 days is when the immune system is down and I feel lethargic, sleepy and emotional. After the 10th day then I went to see Abang, he told me that I am progressing and coping well and the cancer cell did not spread to any other place. He reminds me to drink his blessing water and take the banana skin everyday. No extra donation or payment is required and he asked me to thank GOD and not him. I respect him as my mentor, he asked me to see him after my 2nd treatment.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Must feel STRONG at all time.

Part 35

2007-09-20T10:58:00.000+08:00

Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2006 01:29:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicles of Michael Gan Part 35
To: "Alvin Soo" , "Kevin Soo" , "Lim Kian Soon" , "Yee Mei" , "Leslie Chong" , "Frank Liang" , "Nancy Peng Swee Lin" , "Emily Wong" , "Dennis Gan" , "JO GAN" , "Julie Gan" , "Iris Ho" , jimmyl, "Angie" , "BK" , "Ho Wai Chun"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo" , chpottery, "Pastor Mark" , "Lau Mun" , "Eric Ng" , "Florence" , "Henry Foo" , "Jee Lan Foo" , jesreen, "Kah" , angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl" , inania, "jim_kow" , "Jeffery Lim" , pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

There's a change of plan, I and my family decided not to go for chemotherapy since the ratio is so low. Furthermore, I personnaly felt improvement on myself after taking the Chinese medicine. My friend also introduced me to another cancer survivor and she told us about her experience and what I should do (she had urterus cancer final stage and Dr say no point of going for chemotherapy ... ask her to go back and enjoy for the next 3 months). It has been 2 years plus already and she survived and is now cancer free. Her pointer is one had to be positive, eat what's suitable and drink the right water. She's supplying me the water for 1 week and I should know the outcome at the end of the week. To update my condition at the end of the week.

(This portion was added on 19th August 2007)
At this point, if I remember correctly, I am very emotional and am totally demoralize as my condition is getting worse. My close friend shared with my sister, Jo about “Abang” again. My family asked me to go since “Abang” had cured someone who also had NPC. This is when I go and seek “Abang” help to treat me. Two of my close friends and my brother, Dennis brought me to “Abang” house in Subang Jaya and I requested personally from “Abang” to help me.

The replied from “Abang” is “OK”, he will guide me and I will need to donate some money for the charity (eg. orphanage, mosque, old folk home or etc.). At this moment, I took out my wallet and I just donate RM 600 (I had RM 1,000 in my wallet). This amount is from my heart and if you ask me why this amount, I also don’t know why.

“Abang” will ask me to sit up firm and he did a “scan” on me and then told me that I had cancer on my nose only. He asked me to undergo all the treatment that I need to undergo from the Doctor. He also asked me what’s my religious, and I told him I pray to God of Mercy. So he told me to go back and pray to my God and on his side he will pray to Allah. He ask me to bring a few bottle of drinking water for him to perform some blessing on it (will take about 4 or 5 days to perform the blessing). I was asked to finish the blessing water after each chemotherapy (approximately 5 bottles of 5 litres each). I was also asked to eat the inner part of the “Pisang Emas” (Gold banana) and the banana is to be in the mid of getting ripe.

“Abang” told me that I will have 50/50 chance if I undergo the chemotherapy and radiotherapy plus his natural treatment. Somehow, his statement triggered my energy level and confident back to very high (or full power).

“Abang” asked me to see him after the chemotherapy and he will advise me accordingly. What I can say is, “Abang” convinced me to go for chemotherapy and provide me the guidance to fight against my cancer.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Must be POSITIVE at all time.

Part 34

2007-09-17T11:19:00.000+08:00

Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 04:25:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chonicle of Michael Gan Part 34
To: "Alvin Soo" , "Kevin Soo" , "Lim Kian Soon" , "Yee Mei" , "Leslie Chong" , "Frank Liang" , "Nancy Peng Swee Lin" , "Emily Wong" , "Dennis Gan" , "JO GAN" , "Julie Gan" , "Iris Ho" , jesreen, jimmyl, "Kah" , "Alicia Yeap" , "Angie" , "BK" , "Ho Wai Chun"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo" , chpottery, "Pastor Mark" , "Lau Mun" , "Eric Ng" , "Florence" , "Henry Foo" , "Jee Lan Foo" , angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl" , inania, "jim_kow" , "Jeffery Lim" , pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I will start chemotherapy tomorow as I feel very weak now. Hopefully the chemotherapy will make me stronger.

Anyhow I'll be back to continue my Part 35 chronicles after the chemotherapy.

If you need any update about me, please email Dennis Gan (my brother) @ dgik@yahoo.com

(This portion was added on 2nd August 2007)
At this point, I am really very down, feeling very scare, confused, don’t know what to do and already losing my battle before going for chemotherapy (because of my phobia). I don’t know whether I will be able to pull through my treatment.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: By sharing, it gave me the strength to LIVE ON.

Imaging Report

2007-09-16T16:03:00.000+08:00

IMAGING REPORT

Patient : Gan Ing Leong
MRN : 699639
Age/Gender : 40/M
Requesting Doctor : Dr Matin Mellor
Date of Procedure : 7/08/2006

CT CHEST AND ABDOMEN

2 phase axial 8 mm spiral scans were performed from dome of diaphragm down to iliac crest. 8 mm scans were done through the chest during the arterial phase.

Findings:
The lungs are clear.
The vascular mediastinum is unremarkable.
No pleural effusion.

The liver is normal in size and attenuation.
Multiple tiny hypodense foci measuring about 3 to 4 mm are seen in the right lobe.
These are likely to be liver cyst in origin.
No definite focal metastasis.

The gallbladder is well distended.
A small stone measuring 5 mm is seen in the GB neck.
No bile duct dilatation.
The spleen, pancreas, both kidneys and paraaortic areas are unremarkable.
No bowel mass or pleural effusion.

Impression: Small liver cyst.
No obvious evidence of lung and liver metastasis.
Cholelithiasis.

BONE SCAN

Indication:
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Report:
Technetium 99m MDP Whole Body Bone Scan and spot views of the chest reveal only mild tracer increase at the lateral ends of both clavicles. The rest of the skeletal system appears normal.

Impression:
Findings suggest bone changes due to previous trauma rather than metastasis.

Part 33

2007-09-14T11:47:00.000+08:00

Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2006 22:32:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 33
To: "Alvin Soo" , "Kevin Soo" , "Lim Kian Soon" , "Yee Mei" , "Leslie Chong" , "Frank Liang" , "Nancy Peng Swee Lin" , "Emily Wong" , "Dennis Gan" , "JO GAN" , "Iris Ho", "Alicia Yeap" , "Angie" , "BK" , "Ho Wai Chun"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo" , chpottery, "Pastor Mark" , "Lau Mun" , "Eric Ng" , "Florence" , "Henry Foo" , "Jee Lan Foo" , "Julie Gan" , jesreen, jimmyl, "Kah" , angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl" , inania, "jim_kow" , "Jeffery Lim" , pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

I had done the CT Scan on my whole body as well as bone scan and the results was very good (no infection of the cancer to other part of my body).

Below are the facts that I check with Dr Matin Mellor:-
1) What are the chances of curing? Very low (below 10%) and there's a possibility my double vision will remain if the nerve is beyond repair.
2) What is the percentage of controlling my NPC? Approximately 70% to control the growth.
3) How long can I live if I don't go for treatment? Don't dare to say cos it depends on individual.
4) How will my treatment be like? Well, I need to do 3 or 6 chemotherapy (every three week once), after the 3rd chemotherapy, I need to do a scan to see how far it had shrink the tumour then Dr will advise further.

I also went to see another Chinese physician, Dr Wu from Dongya Tumour Specialist Hospital in UE3 complex. Dr Wu ask me to only go for 1 session of chemotherapy to control and with his medicine, he will be able to clear my NPC. I will know in 3 day time frame after I took his medicine. For your info, the medicine cost me RM1,085 (USD 286) for 10 days consumption.

I had decided to for my 1st chemotherapy (maybe this week or early next week) as I need to look for a "maid" or someone to take care of my food and boil my medicine.

Till then I will keep you all update.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Courage is the ability to face your fears.

MRI Scan Report - 2nd August 2006

2007-09-12T10:38:00.000+08:00

MRI Scan Reports

NAME : GAN ING LEONG

MRN : 00102619

AGE / SEX : 39 / MALE

DATE : 2 AUG-06

MRI OF THE NASOPHARYNX

Axial T1, T2 and coronal T2 followed by contrast enhanced axial and corona T1 SPIR.

There is a large heterogeneously enhancing tumor mass in the nasopharynx with extension into the skull base and both cavernous sinuses (Lt > Rt). The widest diameter is about 6 x 7 cm. There is infiltration of the pituitary fossa. The optic chiasma appears intact. Anteriorly there is infiltration into the Lt maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. Posteriorly there is involvement of the clivus. Bilateral mastoiditis. Lt cervical lymphadenopathy measuring 5.6cm x 3.3cm. There are also multiple smaller Rt cervical lymphadebopathy.

IMP. NPC with base of skull infiltration and cervical lymphadenopathy.

Part 32 - Cancer survivor

2007-09-09T13:10:00.000+08:00

Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2006 01:20:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Michael Gan"
Subject: Chronicle of Michael Gan Part 32
To: "Alvin Soo" , "Kevin Soo" , "Lim Kian Soon" , chpottery, "Yee Mei" , "Leslie Chong" , frankliang, "Nancy Peng Swee Lin" , "Pastor Mark" , "Eric Ng" , "Emily Wong" , "Henry Foo" , "Jee Lan Foo" , "Dennis Gan" , "JO GAN" , "Julie Gan" , "Iris Ho" , "Kah" , "Alicia Yeap" , "Angie" , "BK" , "Ho Wai Chun"
CC: "Joey Phua Guat Choo" , "Florence" , jesreen, jimmyl, angiepcng, "Annie Chai/Ikea_kl" , inania, "jim_kow" , "Jeffery Lim”, pek-mei.yoon, wlchan

Dearest buddies,

It has been a while since my last email; things had not been smooth for me. My condition had worsened and I’m beginning to feel weak. At times, my emotion took over and I was emotionally down a few times crying. Well I had done the MRI scan and it turn out not in favour of me. For your information, the tumour had grown bigger and thus is affecting my drinking and eating problem (that's what Dr said). I will be doing another CT Scan and Bone scan on Monday at Subang Jaya Medical Centre then I will have an appointment to see Dr Matin Mellor on 8/8 3pm to know what type of treatment is best for me. Till then I will update you all.

(This portion was added on 22nd July 2007)
At this point, I don’t have the energy to write in details about the pain I went through and I also don’t want all my friends to be worry about my condition therefore you only see a paragraph.

Cheers.
Michael Gan
My comment: Never give up.