Merry Christmas 2008

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

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

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

Would like to wish everyone a Selamat Hari Raya Haji.

Cheers.

Cancer Survivor

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

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

Wishing you all

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

Best wishes to everyone.

Cheers.

Michael Gan

Follow up checkup on 29th September 2008

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

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

HAPPY MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

Wishing everyone a happy mooncake festival.

Cheers.

Happy 51st National Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing everybody a Happy Thaipusam.

Cheers.
Michael Gan

Cancer survival

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

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

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