MM- Support Group #1

A few weeks ago we had our very own patient organised MM support group held at the premise of SGH - Singapore General Hospital. This is different from the IMF Patient Forums where we have a more substantive program with talks by Susan Novis and Dr. Brian Durie; as well as leading MM haematologists of SGH, NUH.

Back to our Support Group meeting - we had a great turnout. At this meeting there was more interaction with patients and caregivers, a large part of the time was devoted to having patients introducing themselves and sharing their personal experiences. There were a number of new faces and I could see they were very enthusiastic and felt that the session provided them an opportunity to learn from real lives. One patient was very fervent and convinced that his myeloma was caused by stress (at work) and strongly persuade us to re-order our lives and remove any existing triggers of stress. After 5 years (?) he had a relapse and he accrued to stress (at home?). Now he paints to remain and be peace with his surroundings.
Another patient insisted he had no stress.... although I cannot remember what he shared.

MM Support Group#1

On the whole, it was a fruitful and beneficial time for all. At each of these MM gatherings, I try to meet and talk to newcomers. With the familiar faces, we pat each other on the back, figuratively speaking - still alive and kicking!

NDP - National Day Parade

We are celebrating 47 years of nationhood - indeed a young country compared to the long history of many countries. During the NDP there were recollections of our short years of independence.  We did go through a traumatic time of Japanese Occupation, and earlier years of racial conflicts. Those memories of unrest and poverty remain deeply the hearts of our elderly statesmen-leaders. A large part of our present population did not witness the suffering years. We may take for granted our stable peace and prosperity. Thus it is good to recollect the early years of hardship amidst the annual celebration. And celebrate we did, with much ceremony as well as superbly outstanding performances and massive fireworks!

NDP fireworks

NDP at the Bay

NDP more fireworks

I remember going to a NDP once and being there in the crowd, was an indescribable experience, there is tremendous sense of patriotism that wells up from the hearts as we sing the various national days songs, clap and do the "Singapore wave". Subsequent years, I watched the NDPs on TV.
I think I would like to go a NDP one more time....

another Vidaza cycle complerted

Yep, another Vidaza cycle completed, all 7 days with total of 28 sub-q jabs of 100mg per day in 4 ml of solution. Most times, I just sit and wait eagerly for the jabs be quickly administered but this time I paid some attention to what I was getting. And presto, on last day, I got a "bonus" jab!! The fourth jab could not be administered, the content refused to get in.... ever happened before. So there... a fifth jab to round up the day. Nurse L was so apologetic but I assured her it was ok. Any explanation? was the needle defective? Don't know.

I have a big bruise but it is subsiding. It was caused by the endocrine doc. I went to see him about my low Vit D level and he was checking neck, ankles, leg and abdomen. But before I could stop him, he already pressed on an injected patch. Anyway such bruises are not uncommon. Even the waistband of my pants, if worn even a tiny bit too tight can cause them. I have forgotten several times and paid the price of having ugly looking bruises.  Well, these should disappear in a week or two.

I am glad to say that I am not too tired or fatigued in this cycle. Usually by 5th day, I do feel the effect. But it is the last day and I am quite alright! Maybe it is the energy-giving chicken soup? Maybe it is the increased dose of Vit D3 supplement prescribed last week by endocrine doc? Who knows? After all theses years I am still learning about my body's responses. But I certainly know that some of you are praying! and prayers work wonders!
I do hope that the increased dose of Vit D3 is helpful. I am not getting enough sunlight.

Anyway, "nadir" is 10 days' time, so I will still be careful. Never ever take for granted the potency and toxicity of these medications. In the meantime, I am enjoying the broadcasts of the Olympic games!