Bloodtest results 2007 -2010

This is an overview of the bloodtest and bone marrow aspirate results since diagnosis May 2007 with brief description of treatment with targetted drugs, no harvest of stem cells nor SCT done. (sorry, a bit technical for non-mm readers, but helpful for mm-ers).

	2007	2008	2009	2010	21/9/10
	L - H	L – H	L – H	L - H	cycle 1
M-band g/L	3.4 – 20.7	4 – 10.4	4 – 9	7.5 – 14	6.2
IgG	10.4 – 37.8	9.1 – 15.4	9.5 – 16.6	13.1 – 18	11.1
(6.5 – 16)
B2M	1040– 2961	1276-2679	1254-1634	1241-1682	1628
607-2454
Albumin	29 – 46	37 – 45	39 -42	40 -52	37
(37 – 51)
WBC	1.8 – 8.9	2.8 – 5.4	2.3 – 6.2	2.7 – 7.4	4.6
(4 – 11)
ANC Neutr	1.0 – 8.0	1.4 – 4.3	1.1 – 3.4	1.2 – 5.0	2.9
K/uL
RBC	3.1 – 5.5	4.2 – 4.8	3.8 – 4.6	4.2 – 4.8	4.5
(3.8 – 5.4)
HGB	9.5 – 16.1	12.7 – 14.4	11.9 – 13.8	12.9 – 14.3	13.3
(11.5 -16)
PLT	57 – 614	183 – 466	125 – 512	166 – 399	166
140 – 460
Plasma cell	44%	4%	3-5%	4-6%
Cellularity	80%	60-80%	60-80%	40%
Red cells		20%*	20%*	normal
Myeloid	normal	~10%*	~10%*	<5%*
Platelets	normal	~50%*	~10%*	~10%*
BMD-hip	T -0.1	T -0.5	T -0.1
BMD-lumbar	T -0.5	T -0.6	T -0.0

L - lowest for the year

H- highest for the year

* dysplastic cells

First M-band 20.7 was taken after 3 weeks of treatment therefore pre-treatment reading was not available, it could be in region of 31 or 32g/L, deduced from IgG which is a composition of good and bad monoclonal proteins.

Commenced induction treatment for MM with Dexa, Thalidomid/Revlimid, Zometa, Velcade.

Vertebroplasty to T6 and T9 Jun 2007.

Mild wedge compression fractures on T6, T7, T9, T11, mild disc degeneration C6/7, hyperintensity at C2 and T11.

Radiotherapy to spinal and cervical columns Dec 2007.

Re-commenced treatment for MM with Velcade 6 cycles Aug 2008.

Commenced treatment for MDS with Vidaza 5-Azacytidine 5 cycles May 2009.

Re-commenced treatment for MM with Revlimid, Dexa, Zometa Sep 2010.

Diagnosis Apr 2008 - MM not in remission, likely VGPR, very good partial response. Myelodysplastic Syndrome MDS - IPSS Stage Intermediate-1.

Diagnosis Apr 2009 - MM at VGPR, MDS - IPSS Intermediate-1 del(7), there is obvious interval improvement, however there is significant plasma cell aggregates.

Diagnosis Apr 2010 - MM at VGPR, MDS - Unclassified, there is significant interval improvement, clearance of plasma cell aggregates, no del(7).

Bone Mineral Density showed improvement over 2007 and 2008.

Changi Ferry Point 10.8km

Yesterday, we went all the way to Changi Ferry Point, parked at Ferry Point Road carpark and cycled through the beautiful tree-lined Coconut Grove - where there are more tall coniferous Firs rather than coconut trees. We went past the SAF Ferry Terminal where all our young men transit to Pulau Tekong for military training. Across the road on the left we cycled past the Airline and Cargo Complex but that stretch was busy with vehicles and more exhaust pollution. The cycle path was in quite close proximity to the main road. Towards the end, it was quieter at the Changi Point with a few bumboats taking visitors to Ubin Island. We stopped at Changi foodcourt to refuel with some nasi lemak and mee pok. Paul still find the nasi lemak at Binjai Park, the best, in his opinion. Re-energised we cycled the return, making a total of 10.8km, again a reasonably good performance for me!

Back to tennis

Truly it is by GOD's grace and enabling that I was able to go to the court for tennis with Trixie. I am very thankful. And if I can resume it on a weekly basis, it will be wonderful! Our Lord is the Giver of life and if He grants me extra days, praise Him. Each day that we receive, we can be thankful and rejoice in it.

We started out with just half an hour and that was enough. We spent the next half an hour remembering some kiddie songs in Scriptures. Trix was saying something about "complaining" and not having a complaining attitude. I shared and sang for her our Kindergarten Sunday School song that goes - "Do everything without complaining, do everything without arguing, so that you might become blameless and pure, children of GOD" Philippians 2:14,15
Then I couldn't resist singing another one - "Be joyful always, pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonian 5:16,17,18
After that, it led on with more Scripture-based tunes from Trix. What a delightful way to spend the rest of the morning!

visit to Stantley

A couple of us drove up to KL to look at venues for next year church camp. Paul and I stayed one night at PutraJaya and drove into KL city and stayed another night at Hotel Maya, a boutique hotel with award for its architectural design. On Saturday night we called Stantley, we heard he had relocated from Tokyo with his family. On the phone he told us that his boxes and crates of furniture had just arrived and he was unpacking. We asked to drop by, if possible, and then we learned his new home is at PutraJaya. So we decided to visit on our drive back to Singapore, as it would be along the way down south. We called the rest to let them know our plans and they also came along. It was good to catch with Stantley and Jasmine, the three children were at S's brother's home, so that S & J could be free to do the unpacking without interruption from the children. We would have loved to see them, they would have grown much. For those of you who know S & J, we must continue to uplift them in prayers as they settle and set up a new home, that they may find a suitable church community to be a part of, be warmly welcomed and for the children to settle into the schools and make new friends.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain;

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."

Psalm 127:1

A masterpiece

What is masterpiece! A work of art! This is the handiwork of Paul. It does not only look good but it tasted fabulous! For someone who doesn't know how to fry an egg a week ago, this is quite an achievement. He can now flip a decent mushroom/tomato omelette.
A simple steamed tomato in dashi. He made everything from scratch, including the dashi stock - boiling the kelp with bonito flakes.

I am looking forward to more exciting creations! I know he has already told many friends of this new activity. There is a long waiting list of "to be invited" friends.
Be patient, my friends.

Let's reflect on GOD's word.
"Then I realised that it is good for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labour under the sun during the few days of life GOD has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when GOD gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of GOD. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because GOD keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

M-band down

After one cycle, Revlimid and Dexa, M spike went down from 10.6 to 6.2g/L. This is really very good news and we thank the Lord. I will continue with the same regiment with a small decrease of Dexa to 16mg for 3 days in a week for 3 weeks in the next cycle starting Monday. Infusion of Zometa at 3 monthly interval. 
I will continue to be vigilant and stay clear from crowds, so that I don't pick up an infection and interrupt the cycle. 
I am thankful that I can function normally and am not too tired.  



 

mid-Autumn festival

Our grandkid, Thadd with his best friend Ally, at their first mid-Autumn festival, each carrying a lantern. They seemed to be growing up so fast!

The other picture was taken of a tree-carrying lanterns at the East Coast cycle path. We did 10.2km this morning, receiving a good dose of Vit. D from the sun! Vit D is needed for healthy bones.

Rickshaw noodle

After sending Tutik to the airport, it was still too early to head to Gleneagles for blood test. We had time to walk at East Coast. We took the Fort exit and walked briskly in the cool morning air for about 3 km and worked up a sweat.
We needed breakfast and didn't want to be caught in the morning peak jam so we headed out to the city. We decided to try Maxwell Market Food court and was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of food. We ventured through the aisles and glanced at the food some people were eating and one clue for good food is to look at stalls with a queue. Stall 87 had a number of people waiting. We went closer for a look - quite unusual, we have never tried this before - Rickshaw noodle. There were two large pots, one with meesua and another yellow noodle. The noodles were stewing in hot soup with bits of mushroom and chicken. We ordered both to try and at a unbelievable price of 70 cents a small bowl. It came piping hot. It was delicious! What an authentic experience. I think its name, rickshaw noodle, alludes to it being a staple meal of the poor rickshaw pullers of the early years - possibly it was a meal concocted from leftovers stewed in a big pot and ladled out in bowls from which the rickshaw pullers would slurped up as they sit on wooden benches in the back alleys of Chinatown.

tutik to Solo

Early this morning we took Tutik to the airport. She has diligently served our household for over 8 years and we are sad that she had to leave. But it is timely for this young woman to start a new phase in her life. She is going back to get married. She has matured and learned many skills. She is confident, intelligent and communicates well. We wish her God's blessings for a good future and for her to remain steadfast in her Christian faith.

songwriter Daniel

Finally after 3 years, we met Daniel the writer of this song Carry You, which is appended to this blog. He wrote and dedicated this song to me and a young man who also has cancer. We met Daniel at the wedding of G&A, he is the church-mate of Adele. Amazingly, he is also the son of ex-BKC members from Sunday School time!
After talking to Daniel, I sensed a quiet and gentle young man, who has thoughtfully decided to spend time with OM to work in the book ministry of MV Duolos/Logos. Both his parents also spent their early years in service with MV Logos. He speaks of this little struggle to not conform with what other young people are doing with their lives, busy with establishing a career, earning a livilihood or even getting married. It takes some boldness and courage to walk a different path and be willing to devote one or two years to "give and serve". It is very heartwarming to see a young man desiring to give the best years of his life in service. May our LORD guide his inner compass and direct his steps.

Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do your will, for you are my GOD; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

cleaning frenzy

It must be the dexa, after three weeks of dexa, I have been supercharged into a cleaning frenzy. We have gone through the kitchen and living room, lots of things have been junked. Old files, the kids's school notes, university books, old toys etc all were cleared!
This is definitely a big POSITIVE effect from dexa... it really gave me so much energy! Practically every room in the house has been cleared up. I feel very happy and satisfied.

Look at the number of posts I made this September, my mind is superspiked by the dexa!

Written by Sandy

This was written by Sandy, a fellow blogger some 2 months ago and it has been kept in my folder because it is meaningful and thoughtful and I felt I must share it with my friends and readers.

"And it brought home to me, in yet another way, that we are interconnected. That each smile, each touch, each effort made on behalf of another does have value.
So if you are reading this and you know someone who is facing a difficult time, perhaps you will be led to offer up some of your time to do something to ease their challenge. Not because someday you might be facing your own mountain, but because today is all we have... and what we give is our presentness... our being... and letting another living man or woman or child know that they have been seen or heard."

I like the part on "interconnectedness" -there is no distance in this world wide web - we are quite like nextdoor neighbours in this vast cyberspace.
She talks about giving our "presentness" and today is all we have to touch the lives of people in need.
This attitude of giving, loving, reaching out, sharing through the written word or a photo of a scenery from another side of the world that I would not have experience or can enjoy. A little story or encounter that gives cheer and lift one's spirit. This desire to ease the pain and suffering of another is a praiseworthy trait.

Let us help each other to live every day a little happier. Today is all we have.
Thanks, Sandy.

A right time, An affirmation

On Sunday, I was asked if I could spend some time to talk someone who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer stage four with metastasis in the brain. To share on how to cope physically, mentally and spiritually. How did I cope with the physical onslaught of radiotherapy, chemo drugs etc.
Monday night, I sat down to list my thoughts- Physical, Mental and Spiritual. When I got to the last part on spiritual, I remembered I wrote in my blog, some 6 months ago, on the webarticle from John Piper - "Don't waste your cancer" The article helped me and I wondered if it would be helpful for this person. What is good for me, may not be good for him, is it the right time to share this. I prayed and asked the Lord.
On Tuesday afternoon, Paul and I have confirmed to visit at 3pm.
In the morning, I went for my weekly Bible Study. After the study, we had fellowship lunch, one of the ladies came to stand next to me. She turned to me and say, "Some time ago I read your blog entry on - Don't waste your cancer- I made a copy of it for my friend.", we talked briefly.....
Wow, quietly, I was stunned. Just at the right time, this is an affirmation, an answer to my prayer to share or not. I am just totally astounded how God works silently in my life and in such astonishing ways. I am truly humbled to know that my God is interested in every little thing that I do, to share this or that, to speak what words. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my life, my journey. I am willing to tell my story of God's faithfulness and goodness to me. I will speak of the peace and hope and joy.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.

Treatment cycle update

For the two weeks since I resumed the treatment cycle, I am taking it well. I am not as tired and have energy for exercises and eating well (but of course when one is on steroids). I am able to go out for all regular activities and really feel my old self! Drive sometimes on my own. When my friends see me get out from the driver side, they never fail to break out in big smiles! 

The present combo is Revlimid 15mg 21days and Dexa 20mg/3days a week ( rather high dose ) Zometa monthly, maybe once in 2 mths. 
I will be going for blood test and review on 22 Sep. 
Hope and pray that this combo will bring down the m spike 10.6g/L to lower level.
I probably need to get eye checkup, it's 6 months now. When I don't go for regular review, my eye doc gets very upset because she knows the problems steroids can cause - cataract and glaucoma. 

 

proud Grandpas

This photo of Paul and David carrying their grandchildren - Thaddaeus and Allyson - both grandpas are good friends and both babies are good friends too! Here the babies are about 15 months, they are now 18 months and are very active - walking, climbing, running. Both love to join in the singing at the kindergarten sunday school - not really singing the whole songs but able to vocalise some of the words in My GOD is so BIG, Read your Bible, Pray everyday...

They are bringers of joy and laughter to their grandparents!

I knitted these two dolls - one for Thadd and one for Ally. Looks like the dolls are also best of friends!

a Home-cooked meal

Our very first home-cooked meal from Gerald and Adele, two nights ago at their very own home. It was a simple saffron risotto, baked 5 variety of veggies and a size-able beefsteak. Ah... we were pleased to be invited for a meal despite their very busy work week. We brought along a bottle of Margaret River - Leeuwen Art series and 4 wine glasses, which we left for their future use.

We are glad to see them starting out and learning to host a simple meal.

My thoughts turned to this beautiful passage on GOD's provision.

Psalm 36:8

"They feast on the abundance of your house;

You give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

In your light we see light."

and this is my prayer for them....v.10

"Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart."

Dancing Ladies

This wonderful group of ladies has been line dancing for over a year and now they are off to Pulai Spring for a time of fellowship. There will be lots of fun, laughter and exercise from what I hear. Laughter is good medicine for the body, soul and spirit! May our good Lord bless them with overflowing joy in their lives and may this joyous exuberance be a blessing to their families and friends.
Last year they gave a performance at the Mid Autumn festival, which I sadly missed. I hope to get to see a video clip this time round.

It's really great to see such zest and vitality! Living life to the fullest and blessing many along the way with their cheer and Christ-like love.
Praise the Lord!

His and Her lunch

It was gratifying that we were able to enjoy a lovely lunch together at Gattopardo. We were introduced to this chic Italian restaurant by our friends SL and LM. Yesterday we had a "to do" at Orchard Road and decided to drop by Fort Canning for lunch. Gattopardo is located in a building that is undergoing renovation and access is rather messy with workmen around. As the car park was blocked, we parked right in the front without any objection.

No reservation yet we were promptly welcomed, probably not many patrons because on the on-going renovation.

We selected from their very well priced set lunch with an excellent variety. The starter came so lovely and well presented, a piece of art on a plate. It tasted even better than it looked! And the portions are just right for us. The mains and desserts were just as deliciously prepared and tasty, the steamed garoupa fillet had just the right bite and the meal ended with a tiny portion of orangey cream cake baked in a cup.

It is just so wonderful to be able to eat and enjoy food while we are able to because there were times I could not. So be thankful when all our body functions are working well! Smell, taste, touch, see, hear. "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do." Ecclessiates 9:7

man on a horse

Along the Old Holland Road, can be found "man on a horse". It is really quite a charming, statuesque pose. Don't go look for him on the grassy plain of Blackmore. Ah.... he is a half-life size figurine, prominently displayed at the bay window of this house along the Old Holland Road. I never fail to look appreciatively at it every time we drive pass. It is a very beautiful piece of art! And to share it with passers-by, it is really the generosity of the owners.

Plain @ Blackmore

This morning we wanted to go to Kent Ridge for a walk. We made the turn to Old Holland Road to avoid the Clementi crawl. At this juntion the new Blackmore MRT will be constructed. Immediately, we changed our mind and decided to walk around this grassy plain with one side of it being the KTM rail. The rail may not be around for long when the Keppel station cease to operate come July 2011. Take every opportunity to visit these sights.

I can imagine when the MRT is completed in 2014 and the surroundings get redeveloped, it may become too modernized. I will be able to say that I had walked this grassy plain at the back of the Blackmore MRT before it became hard concrete. Somehow Singapore often wants to maximize the economic return on every square feet of land! How sad.

As we made the last turn, we spied a RC aircraft hobbyist preparing his plane to fly around this open field. On

the weekends, he says the place is crowded. Today he has this airspace all to himself what a grand privilege!
A dad with his 2 year old son cycled by, stopped to say that the little boy is happy to see the flying plane and the passing train. His two favourites- plane and train. It doesn't take much to make a child happy, the simple pleasure of the outdoor.

It's a beautiful day.

5.8km West Coast Park

Ah...woke up to another excellent night of sleep, praise the LORD! When one gets a good night sleep, one wakes up energetic and ready to start the day. (of course it could still be the positive "uppity" effect of Dexa, anyway enjoy it while it lasts). At 7 am, Paul and I decided to bike at West Coast Park, unlike the east, the coastline is very short and the cycle track is just circulatory round the Park with some greenery and a bit of the sea (not as pretty, with lots of large container vessels). But nevertheless it serves the purpose of providing good exercise for us - breezy and sunny - plenty of fresh air to open up the lungs as we pedaled and lots of Vitamin D from the shafts of sunlight through the trees that lined the park. Twice round the park and we managed to cover 5.8 km, not bad, enough to get good blood circulation and loosened up the joints!

But for a mountain-biker (Paul), cycling on these bicycle paths, is a piece of pastry.... he used to be spending 3 hours in the Bukit Timah Reserve, going up and down steep 30 degree incline! sometimes making his way to the zoo at Mandai, that's some distance. And he had his numerous tumbles, once quite bad that he needed me to drive and pick him up from the Dairy Farm exit, with bleeding on his shins and a dent to his helmet, which thankfully did its job to protect his head! All this has stopped, and for my sake, he is staying clear from any activities that are injurious!

So now, he cycles with me, around the safe and subdued bicycle tracks but in rather lovely parks with those humongous cannonball trees and its shed leaves on the ground . It makes a charming picture!

5.3km cycle

This morning I woke up to a great night of sleep. I am thankful. At 7 am , Paul was up and we decided to go exercise, we put our 2 bikes on the rack and headed off to East Coast Park. It was still cool and breezy by the time we arrived 8 am at the Fort Road entrance. As we were about to set off, we spotted President Nathan on his usual morning walk, we gave a quick wave and morning greeting, as he was just finishing off chatting with another couple. We find our President a warm and friendly person, always smiling and greeting citizens along his walking route.
We steadily rode all the way to the MacDonald junction, had a short rest by the beach and a drink of water, and made the return ride soon after, as we had a busy morning ahead. Half way back we saw our Mandarin congregation elder, Eugene and we stopped to have a chat with him and his wife. It is really lovely that often on the East Coast cycle and walking path, we meet many familiar faces. Before our destination, we saw the President again and this time he waved and paused to talk to us, he recognised Paul in his bright blue top. What a nice and kind gesture!
All in we cycled 5.3 km, that is rather good. Our last biking was along the Clementi canal, it was just a straight route which ended at a major cross road, no scenery and no pit stop for drinks or little "makan" unlike the East Coast. So it looks like we prefer heading to the beachside.

A Warrior

From the MM listserv, someone signs off at the end of her every reply in the forum and I like it.... 

"I am brave, I am strong, I will not quit... I am a warrior."
 
Yes, I echo the same sentiment and for me I'll add "because Jesus is in the boat with me in this MM storm (Matt 8:23-27); and He is A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat;" (Isaiah25:4)  
 

Dexa Night

My first Dexa Night after almost 2 months! And of course one cannot be on Dexa without the infamous Dexa nights. I have read enough from MMers on what strange things we do on Dexa nights! 
I will be on Dexa (20mg) for Three times a week for Sept- Mon, Tues, Wed- so I know I will be "hyped" for a couple of days and then "down" for the next days... Yeah...the Dexa Roller Coaster!

I am writing this at 3am on my first Dexa night this season! For some strange reason I woke up thinking of a train ride from Singapore to Penang. And what does one do, eyes all wide open with a fully-functioning Iphone within reach?  I found this incredible blog - the Man on Seat61- a blogger's hobby on travel by train. Residing in UK, he has travelled on many rails. He has a most comprehensive guide on how to travel from Singapore to Penang, and if I want to, northward to Bangkok. (there is even a 4 week overland itinerary from London to Singapore! - not for me) 
Go to and check out this exciting blog
www. seat61.com

I seriously think Paul and I should try the Singapore-Penang route out of the historic, Moorish Keppel station, before it closes in July 2011.   
It is a 6 hr dayride to KL or 8 hr in a 2 berth deluxe aircon compartment. Stopover for a half day and then get on train to Butterworth for another 6 hr, cross by ferry and Stay the night at the historic E&O in Penang. 

I will tell Paul all about this in the morning!

gladdens the heart

Last night we celebrated my father's 80th birthday. Not every year do we get all family members at the celebration, with two siblings living overseas, most time it is a quiet affair. This year, Benno and Lilian, plus Denise and Cor came for the wedding, at the same Denise was interning with NUS nanotech for 2 months, and Cor joined her for a short summer hol.

The newest family member, Thaddaeus got to meet his grandaunt/uncle. Paul's side of the family is even smaller, he has only one brother, who has only one daughter. So the family gathering at his end is even quieter, although he does have numerous cousins. Thankfully, at the wedding we did catch up with some.

Back to the birthday, we had the dinner at Lao Beijing and the food was wonderfully good, especially the Peking duck and dishes were slightly different from the conventional Chinese restaurants which tend to offer Cantonese cuisine.

Father is now walking with a slight limp, his legs are weakening. But our tall and strong Russ offered his arm to grandpa when he needed to go the washroom; and our newest and latest addition to the family, Adele also helped to hold the hand of grandma and brought her to the wash. Melissa, despite her busyness with Thadd, was the one who organised the dinner and made calls to the restaurant and selected the menu! And Gerald, all grown-up and married, still showers them with hugs and kisses!

It gladdens our hearts to see our children (Adele included) stepping up to take responsibilities for such event and to care and show love for their grandparents!

tea ceremony

The Chinese customary tea ceremony must be separately held at both homes, first at the groom's and then at the bride's. All therespected elders - grandparents, grandaunts, granduncles and uncles and aunts from both sides of our families came promptly before the scheduled time at 3.30pm. My sister, Lilian, despite living in Netherlands for the past 28 years, and not familiar with the proceedings, did a marvelous job with the help of my sister-in-law, Emilyn, guided the newly-wed to serve sweet dates tea to the respective elders in the right order of hierarchy. First, t

he parents, that's Paul and I, then the grandparents, Paul's aunt and uncle before my family side of aunts and uncles, in order of seniority. And finally, the newly-wed themselves will be served tea by their younger siblings... Russell, gladly bowed on one knee and served tea to G and addressed A as sister-in-law and in return received an ang-pow from them! It was really a beautiful and thoughtful custom to honour and recognise the newly-wed's elders.

A's granny insisted that she must come home in a new outfit and it cannot be in her bridal gown. This change of attire signifies that she now returns to her maternal home as a married woman. A changed into a lovely red cheongsam (I'll have to get a photo of it, to post it here).

G&A wedding dinner

So much said of the church service which was held on the 7th, the wedding dinner at Fullerton was on the 8th. Thankfully, with the long weekend, the celebration could be spread over a couple of days, else it could be quite tiring. Both Alvin and Paul, the fathers, had ample time on stage to thank their guests and Paul additionally took the opportunity to gave the newly-wed some practical tips - the 5 "T"s to keep a marriage strong and healthy - Talk, Trust, Tolerate, Treasure and Track. What is "Track", the other Ts seem straightforward and easy to understand. Ah... track each other... I think Paul has to explain on this.

The evening was splendid and we were delighted with a huge turnout of 450 guests from both sides of the families. This time round, unlike for Melissa's we felt more able to invite more friends, ex-colleagues and Paul's business associates. Thankfully, I am able to make the rounds of photo-taking at almost 25 tables...without my mask...And by GOD's grace I am still ok. Am grateful to have almost 4 weeks of being drug-free.

G&A church service

It was a wedding over 3 days and it was a long weekend, Singapore 45th National Day. A good choice of a day for Gerald and Adele to make their vows and commitment to one another. The church service was held at Hope Presbyterian, home church of Adele's family. Bethesda Katong would not be able to cater to a crowd of 500+ guests! Adele's family has as many friends andfamily members as we have and thankfully, Hope Presb, was large enough for all to congregate and celebrate. The sanctuary was bright and spacious with the wooden pews well placed for all to have a good view of the ceremony. It was delightful to see little Thaddaeus, at 16 months, walking and holding the ring cushion down the aisle; closely followed by Ashley, at 7 years and almost a replicate of Adele when she was young. Gerald's four friends walked down the aisle with four of adeles's charming, young and pretty bridesmaids.

Paul gave the 10-minute sermon on the bible verse 1Corinthian13:7 (chosen by G&A). I hope they will remember what was said...well, if not, I had it videoed on my Iphone....such a useful gadget! I also captured the part when both G&A sang "When GOD made you" All these will make good memories at a later date.

The reception was as whimsical as described in the invitation card, and truly quite original! There were food stations with chefs doling out laksa, warm Sharwarma of pita bread with grilled chicken or lamb and shreds of veg, freshly-made crepes oozing with chocolate and/or slivers of banana, pizza thickly covered with cheese, and bags of popcorn (all the bags personally stamped!). For drinks, we had real glass bottles (the little ones) of Coca cola and Green Spot...wow...these are like non-existent for the last 15 years, glass bottles have been replaced by cans! I think the supplier got them down from Thailand? Remarkable! The efforts and thoughts that went into making it extra-ordinary. It was really an interesting spread and all the credits to A, who wanted it to be different from the usual wedding receptions. All done with the help of her coterie of faithful, hard-working friends!!! yes..I can only exclaimed with !!! marks.

exchange for a suckling pig

It was a joyous and auspicious occasion - the Chinese custom of gift exchange in a marriage. Our son Gerald is getting this weekend and last Saturday we planned a simple but fun-filled gift exchange. My three dear friends B, SK and LY whole-heartedly agreed to be part of this customary practice. And LY's better half, KY tagged along as photographer and driver.

tiongbahruroastedpork.com supplies the suckling pig and delivers it to the doorstep at great convenience to its customers. The photos show it all!

For us, we went through this little custom for goodwill, establishing family ties with new to-be in-laws and of course for the fun of it! And my three friends thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Now they are para-experts and SK is twice trained and have been "choped" to assist with future marriage gift exchanges! I realised that were a couple of "omissions", thankfully the bride's family do not demand strict adherence. They had a great time too. As a special treat to welcome my friends, they prepared popiah and kueh pie tee! (some were brought back for me....was delicious)