Halfway

Earlier this week, Fiona underwent a CT scan to check on her progress and determine if she should continue with her Chemotherapy. (She has had 3 of 6 cycles, so this is effectively a halfway checkpoint.) Prof Yip, who was so good to take time off from her hectic schedule to personally review the scans, said that the consolidation in the right lung looks to be "much improved", and she has no doubts that Fiona should continue with the Chemotherapy.

We rejoice and are in awe before our God at this news, and say Thank You, our mighty and loving Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals!

While the CT scans also showed that the bone damage from before is still there, Prof Yip said that this is only to be expected as bones take a long time to heal. There is no way to know if there are still cancerous cells in the bone without a bone biopsy, but the fact that there is no increased damaged is already a good sign.

Apart from the results of the CT scan, Fiona is also showing visible improvements in many ways. Her bone pains and leg cramps seldom happen, although she does get back aches when tired. The Chemotherapy tires her, and she typically feels exhaustion for a few days after each cycle, but there are no other side effects. For all these mercies, we thank our loving and gracious heavenly Father.

For all of you who have journeyed this far with us, thank you, thank you too. We know that our God has been moving in response to your heartfelt prayers, some of which are coming from around the world. We have been recently reminded that many are praying, and we are so touched and encouraged. We ask you to please continue, and pray too that our God will bless you even as you rely on Him for Fiona`s healing.

Amazed at the Glory of You

As a family, we continue to testify about God`s goodness and faithfulness as Fiona grows in strength and health. We are especially thankful for a smooth Chemo session last thursday. Fiona`s blood test results, while not as good as the last time (no doubt due to the flu she was fighting), were good enough for her to proceed. She experienced some pain during the 3-hour Chemo infusion, but everything else went fine.

Before the infusion started, the nurses questioned Fiona about her post-Chemo side effects, and were thoroughly confused and amazed at the lack of anything significant. "What? No fever? No nausea? Sure or not??" We can only lift our hands and hearts again heavenward and give thanks.

"And I stand here, before you

In wide-opened wonder,

Amazed at the Glory of You."

Looking ahead, the doctors have scheduled a CT scan for December 4 to visually check the progress of the Chemo.

Please pray:

• for quick healing from the flu that still lingers
• against any side effects from now until the next session
• for increase in strength and health for continued complete healing, and for the scan on the 4th to show no signs of the cancer.

God bless you, and thank you for your prayers!

Coming to 3

Thank you all for your prayers! Fiona continues to be generally well in between Chemo sessions. We praise God for his mercies, they are indeed new every morning!
The next chemo session (#3 of 6) will take place tomorrow. Later this morning, we will be taking the usual pre-Chemo trip to the hospital for a blood test which will determine Fiona`s fitness to proceed with tomorrow`s session.

As previously reported, the pain in the back has largely receded, unless brought on by "excessive exuberance" :-). The cramps in the legs still occur occasionally, but less than before.
Above all of this, Fiona`s strength is gradually but surely returning. She is much more mobile now, and even does a few half-days at work each week (as much to keep busy than anything else). Through this, we know that God continues to do His healing work in her and we Give Thanks.

However, there is a cause for some concern with the recent development of flu symptoms. If carried over to after the Chemo session when Fiona`s immunity is low, the bug could cause problems. Please pray for very quick healing.

Pray too for the blood test later today, that it will show that Fiona is ready for tomorrow. By the grace of God, her last blood test results were very good, and we pray for the same results today. For those keeping a close watch, I will post an update tomorrow after the Chemo session. God bless!

A Vast Improvement

"Vast Improvement" and "Great Difference" were the wonderful words we heard from Prof. Liam, the chest specialist, when we visited him last friday. He uttered these words while he compared the x-rays taken 4 weeks ago and the one taken on the day of the visit.

According to Prof Liam, the fluid level in the right lung, while not entirely gone, is now minimal, even after a period of 4 weeks after the last lung tap. In comparison, the fluid had previously accumulated to as much as 1.45 litres only after 10 days between the first and second lung taps. Breathing is also sounding completely normal, evidenced by the trouble-free sleep that Fiona now enjoys every night.

Prof Liam attributed this to the Chemo, but the Oncologist, Dr. Masthura, said that the Chemo only works after 3 to 4 cycles. Again, medical science cannot explain what has happened.
Looking through the eyes of faith, we can only say that our God continues to work miracles in response to all your prayers. Thank you.

The pain in the back and legs which had previously disappeared is back, albeit sporadically. We suspect that the Chemo has something to do with it, but am thankful that it has gone down in intensity and frequency.

Visibly, for those whom we have not seen in a while, Fiona looks so much better.

Please continue to pray, dear friends, brothers and sisters. Please pray for the Chemo to work with no side-effects, for the pain to disappear. In particular, pray for the lungs and bones to be completely healed, and the complete eradication of the cancer. We place our faith in God that the next x-ray in 2 months will show a complete healing in the lungs and bones. We give thanks and praise.

New Mercies

"Morning by morning, New mercies I see;
All I have needed, Your hands have provided;
Great is Your faithfulness, Father to me."

For those who have been looking out for news of Chemo #2, and especially for those who have been praying hard for Fiona, please know that it went very well.

Fiona started the day, even with the Chemo ahead of her, in very good spirits. The back and leg pains which had been plaguing her constantly had mostly vanished overnight for no naturally explicable reason.

The pre-requisite consultation with the Oncologist revealed that Fiona`s blood test results were very good. Blood counts, kidney and liver function, etc, all within norms and maybe better than the average person. Amazing.

Moving on to the chemo, the drug was administered again with no problems. Fiona`s veins held up fine and there was little discomfort. After the Taxotere had gone in, the nurses followed up with the bone-strengthening drug called Zometa (required every 4 weeks).

Even more amazing: After a long day in the hospital, 3 hours of that in a chair with a needle in her vein, Fiona said "I feel great, almost euphoric".

We have no way to explain this, except to give thanks to Him who is so very faithful and so amazing. Thank you, thank you for your prayers. They are causing miracles to take place.
Sleep last night wasn`t so great as she felt quite warm, no doubt because of the two doses of potent drugs running through her, but she was not troubled by pain or breathing problems.
However, she awoke this morning to proclaim again that she felt very good and wanted to go shopping. We are, of course, restraining her to ward off the risk of infection, but you can imagine how good she must be feeling.

And so, the hymn "Great is Your Faithfulness" comes to mind again and again. Quite literally, morning by morning, new mercies we see. His faithfulness is truly amazing! All praise, glory, and honour unto Him!

In Anticipation

To all those who have been faithfully praying with us, many thanks and God bless you. Fiona continues to be well except for the pain, which comes and goes. Her breathing remains clear which is amazing considering the initial symptoms some weeks ago.

The next hurdle is Chemo session #2, which takes place next tuesday (October 31). Fiona will have to go in for blood tests (to check cell counts etc) on Monday and take her dose of steroids in preparation for the Chemo infusion.

Please continue to pray:

• against the pain in the back and legs, and healing and strengthening of the bones and nerves
• that the doctor will find no fluid in her lungs, and her lungs and breathing to be perfectly normal
• that her blood counts will be tested to be normal so that she can proceed with the Chemo
• for complete healing and strengthening of the vein which received the Chemo I.V. before the next Chemo session \that she will have no adverse reactions and side effects during and after the next Chemo session
• for the chemo to work perfectly, destroying all traces of the cancer
• for a complete and lasting healing in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
• for continued and increasing reliance and faith on the healing power and unfailing love of our wonderful God.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound! This morning, we want to acknowledge God`s amazing goodness, and prayers answered in a mighty way.

For the last few nights, Fiona`s sleep has been deteriorating due to a gradually worsening cough. Tuesday night was particularly difficult as she was constantly woken by coughing spasms. In her own words, "I spent hours coughing up phlegm."

Last night, we prayed earnestly for our God to show his grace and mercy, and to grant her a good night`s rest. I was amazed that even while I prayed that her breathing eased. Even more amazing, this morning, I awoke to her testimony that she slept "like a baby".

Praise God! He is amazing and so gracious! Thank you LORD, for prayer answered in a mighty way!

A Brief Update

Just a quick update for today. Coming up to 2 weeks after Chemo session #1, not much has changed. We continue to be thankful that Fiona is still not experiencing any strong side-effects. However, the pain in the back and cramps in the legs are still there. The pain effectively limits her movement and so she is mostly housebound. Her coughing has also worsened, caused by an increase in phlegm, and this affects her sleep at night. Please do pray for a relief from the pain and the coughing.

Tick Tock

Time flies. It`s been 4 days since our last post. Fiona`s breathing is normal, except for a little coughing. She is resting well at night. Still no sign of the normal side effects from last week`s Chemo.

However, the pain in her back and legs still seem pretty intense. She has difficulty standing and sitting, and even walking short distances can take 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes, the pain flares up when she sits or lies in certain positions. The pain also seems to move about a bit, which is strange. The painkillers don`t do much good other than to dull the pain a bit. Please do pray for pain relief.

The next Chemo session is in 3 weeks` time. In the interim, do pray for what has been administered to work.

Having to rest at home all the time is also getting quite tedious, so simple things like an evening drive are good to break the monotony. Other suggestions for non-physical excitement would be appreciated. :-)

Something at Work

Just back from the doctor`s. Firstly, the pathologists failed to find any cancer cells in the fluid taken from Fiona`s lung (from the peural effusion).

Secondly. a saline wash was also done during the Bronchioscopy, focusing on the middle and lower lobes in the right lung, which are said to have consolidation, based on the last CT scan. The test results from the analysis of the saline wash shows cells which are "suspicious", which the doctor is interpreting to mean likely cancerous. No matter, the chemo will address that.

What is truly significant is that the doctor said that there is no way that yesterday`s chemo session could have caused Fiona`s lungs to clear up so quickly (they cleared up last night!), and that chemo works over a few weeks or months, not overnight. We can only think that this was a result of God`s hand at work and give thanks. Keep praying!

Good Morning!

And it is indeed a Good Morning! Fiona slept well last night and is testifying that her lungs feel much clearer. Although the pain in the back and legs is still bad, the significantly lessened coughing has much improved her disposition.

And side-effects? There is no nausea, vomitting, fever, or any other side-effects. More importantly, there is no sign of infection, which is a real danger. This is all very unusual for a first-timer on Taxotere, and there can be only one explanation. Praise God for prayers answered! And thank you all for getting on your knees!

This afternoon, we head back to UH to get the results of the tests done on the liquid extracted during the Bronchioscopy. Please pray that the report will say that nothing was found in the liquid.

A Good Start

Prayer Works! For all those who prayed for a smooth first Chemo session, thank you! The Chemo session went very smoothly. The nurses were looking out for any problem, which is apparently common when someone takes Taxotere (the Chemo drug) for the first time. They were thankfully left almost jobless because the infusions went perfectly. And even though the drug this time is more toxic, Fiona felt less discomfort in her vein during the infusion. Our God is indeed very gracious and merciful. Thanks be to God!

But please do continue praying. Despite a good Chemo session, the pain in the back and legs came back in the evening. The prayer items from our last posting still hold true, except for the additional item of thanks for today.

God bless all of you. - The Thams.

Back to the Present

With this posting, this weblog is essentially up to date and we will endeavour to keep it this way. Please continue to check back here on Fiona`s progress.
Praise God, Fiona is resting well now after Monday`s lung tap. The back pain is still ever present but at least she is able to sleep. This is essential so that she can build up her strength before tomorrow`s first Chemo session.

We will also head into the Oncology clinic this afternoon to get her steroid shot, which will also boost her immunity and strength in preparation for tomorrow.

Please pray:

• for continued good rest and strength to take Chemo shot
• that side effects will be minimal, and a quick recovery to strength
• for protection from infection while Fiona`s immune system is weakened by the Chemo
• for a complete destruction of all cancer cells throughout the body.

Above all, we continue to believe that our God can heal completely in His mighty power and love, and continue to lean on Him for strength. All glory to Him!

Chronology - Part 3 of 3

Monday, Sep 26, 2006 - The pain in Fiona`s back is very bad. A doctor friend recommends we start Bisphosphonates to counter the bone degeneration.

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2006 - Prof agrees to administer Zometa, a bisphosphonate, immediately. Fiona will need this every 4 weeks. Prof also thinks that we should start Chemo as Fiona`s symptoms seem to be rapidly increasing. The first session is scheduled for Oct 17.

Saturday, Sep 30, 2006 - Fiona experiences a lot of discomfort from a bloated abdomen and back pain. Her breathing is also quite labored and she has problems sleeping. The painkillers don`t seem to work. We call Prof, who offers to see us tomorrow.

Sunday, Oct 1, 2006 - We have a wonderful worshipping God at church today. However, the pain and breathing difficulties continue so we take Prof up on her offer to see us. She is a real angel to see us on a Sunday afternoon. She recommends that we admit Fiona for an X-Ray, blood tests, and a potential lung tap. We do so. Praise God, the blood tests indicate that her Liver and Kidneys are clear! However, the X-Ray shows that the water has accumulated significantly again in the right lung. The X-Ray also shows that her intestines are congested and some drugs are prescribed to clear this. The drugs start working almost immediately. Prof also pushes the Chemo date forward to Oct 5 because the 17th is so far away.

Monday, Oct 2, 2006 - Prof Liam does a lung tap, and take out 1.45 litres of water. It is a staggering amount considering that so much was taken out a mere two weeks ago. However, Fiona is feeling noticeably better after this and her breathing. We discharge and go home.

End of the Chronology series.

Chronology - Part 2 of 3

Monday, Sep 18, 2006 - Fiona checks-in to UH. She settles in and mentally prepares herself for surgery. Any sort of surgery scares her, so this is a traumatic time for her.

However ... at 4.30pm, a mere 30 minutes before she is to be wheeled into the OT, the Anaesthetist comes into the room. Apparently, she knows very little about Fiona`s case. We get a little bit annoyed because surely she should have done her homework earlier. Hearing the details of Fiona`s condition and seeing the medical reports for the first time, she decides to have a conference with the surgeons. 10 minutes later, all 3 of them come in and declare that the surgery is risky and recommend that it be called off. We are suitably annoyed and confused at this point, having steeled ourselves for the surgery. Eventually, we agree. In lieu of the surgical Oopherectomy, they administer Zoladex instead to induce menopause. This needs to be repeated every 4 weeks or the effects will wear off.

Tuesday, Sep 19, 2006 - Prof Liam, a respiratory specialist comes in to check on Fiona. He decides that it is wise to do a lung tap to remove the fluid in Fiona`s lungs. Instead of the small amount of fluid visible in the X-Ray taken 2 weeks ago, about 1.3 litres is drained in the procedure. Prof then tells us that Fiona might not have survived the surgery scheduled for the previous day if it had gone ahead. We are shocked and then very thankful to God for stopping the surgery. It is only now that we understand why He permitted the surgery to be aborted. It is times like this that we are reminded that we don`t always know what God is doing, but have to believe that He has things under control for our good. (Rom 8:28)

Moving forward, the plan is to continue with the Hormone Therapy which will entail taking Zolodex to induce and maintain a menopausal state, and to add some Aromatase Inhibitors to fully shut down hormone production in the rest of the body. And to add to this, a class of drugs called Bisphosphonates will be also taken to counter the bone-degrading effect of the cancer and the Hormone Therapy.

.... to be continued.

Joyful Ajira

Ajira is a little girl that we had the joy to interact with during our visit to her OA village. During the weekend of Sep 16 and 17, about 44 of us from Agape had a great time sprucing up the old village church building with a new coat of paint, solar-powered lights, and a water tank. More importantly, we had the chance to spend Sunday morning with Ajira and her friends in worship and games and activities.

You know, it really doesn`t matter the language they speak or where they come from ... all children are special and gorgeous, and Ajira and her friends are no exception. We`ll be returning to that little village soon.

Chronology - Part 1 of 3

Of primary concern to all of us is news of Fiona`s relapse. I know that many of you have only heard of the many bits of news in snippets here and there. As you can imagine, it has been very difficult and tiring for us to cope with the situation, let alone repeat the news to the 20 or 30 concerned callers who try to reach us in a day. Thank you for being patient with us during this trying period. Let us try to give you a clearer picture of how things unfolded:

Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - Fiona complains of a shooting pain in her left leg, running from her hip to her feet. A friend recommends that she visit a Physiotherapist.

Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - In the morning, the session with the Physiotherapist doesn`t do much good, and she recommends that we visit an Orthopaedic Surgeon to verify that she doesn`t have anything like a slipped disc.

Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - In the afternoon, we visit the O.S at SJMC. He doesn`t think much of the pain initially, until we tell him of Fiona`s history with cancer. He immediately recommends a X-Rays, a Bone Scan, and MRI, and a CT Scan, to rule out a relapse. Fiona is admitted so that the tests can be done quickly.

Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - Instead of ruling out a relapse, the scans confirm that the cancer has returned and spread to 4-5 sites in Fiona`s bones, mainly in the pelvic bone, the spine, and the sternum. Of even more concern is the detection of fluid in the right lung, which is indicative of a spread to the lining of the lung. Due to the poor visibility caused by the fluid, there can be no certainty that the cancer has not penetrated the right lung. We quickly call Prof. Yip, who asks us to see her the next morning, despite it being the National Day holiday.

Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - Prof. Yip confirms the initial diagnosis offered by the O.S. and outlines 2 possible approaches for treatment: Hormone Therapy (starve the cancer), Chemotherapy (directly attack the cancer, but potentially bad side effects). In addition, if the cancer is HER-2 positive, a new but expensive drug called Herceptin could be used. We decide that a Bone Biopsy would be best to confirm that the cancer would be responsive to Hormone Therapy or Herceptin. Prof also tells us of the options to strengthen Fiona`s bones to counter the weakening caused by Hormone Therapy.

Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - We return to SJMC to do a Bone Biopsy. Despite the assurances of the O.S., it turns out to be a painful procedure for Fiona. Results are only expected by the following week.

Friday, Sep 8, 2006 - The results for the Bone Biopsy finally arrive, and they indicate that Hormone Therapy is still viable, and that the HER-2 amplification status is normal (meaning Herceptin will not work, but also that the cancer is not as aggressive).

Monday, Sep 11, 2006 - We see Prof. Yip at the UH Oncology Clinic where we decide for Fiona to do an Oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) as the best solution to starve the cancer of the Hormones which promote its growth. We later see Prof. Paul Tay to schedule the surgery. He also recommends a Hysterectomy to remove any risk of cervical cancer. And we also decide that Prof. Yip should put in a Chemo Port to facilitate administering of I.V. treatment. The surgery for all 3 procedures is scheduled for the following Monday, Sep 18.

... to be continued.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to our family website, dear friends and relatives! We are truly much blessed to have so many of you care about what is happening with our family, and hope that this site will make it easier for you to get the latest news and information available. We treasure your concern and especially your prayers for us, and thank you for your love and fellowship.

If you like, drop me a quick email and I`ll be sure to update you whenever we post a new news item to this site.