Chemo Session 2 - Day 2

Probably got to the hospital around 8.45am, so was only there for about half an hour before we left. Afterwards, went to the supermarket with my mom and nephew, then went to my uncle's place in Sengkurong to drop off a wedding invite. Picked up my young cousins there and took them home to play with my nephew.

Mom then decided to take them out to The Mall, so they all went berserk when they saw KFC, so had to stop by and have some fried chicken (I didn't touch nothing though!). 6 hyperactive noisy, messy kids were enough to put me off eating anything, if the grease wasn't an adequate deterrent already!

We left the kids at home, whilst mom, dad and I went off at 3.45pm for our workouts. Oh yeah, dad decided to join the bandwagon yesterday and signed up for a couple membership with mom.
After 15 minutes on the treadmill (Pia upped the incline to 6.0 and a speed of 5.5), she introduced me to more of her torture repertoire, although we focussed more on the upper body this time, so I didn't really feel it was such a tough workout. However, Pia made me do 1,500m on the rowing machine, so that shut me up! Heheheh!

Then, got ready to attend this wedding function of some obscure relative who grew up in the States (her mom remarried an American, after her failed 1st marriage to a Malaysian, and now lives in Texas, lecturing in the university). And this girl (her daughter) now is marrying an American Russian guy. Yeah, whatever, it's just another evening of ruining my diet. Well, I enjoyed the food anyway. In keeping with the theme of the evening (ie. breaking with tradition), we were served with Indian fare. Yay! Yummy tandoori!

Chemotherapy Session 2 - Day 1

Managed to wake up before 8am and got my arse to the hospital by 9am. My mom in law says I've lost weight since she last saw me about 10 days ago. Heeehoooo!! Heheheh! Yes! Honestly, I don't think I've lost a significant amount of weight, but things are beginning to be less flabby, hahah!!

Anyway, made me all the more determined during this afternoon's workout. I spent half an hour on the treadmill, then the rowing machine, and finished off with 20 minutes on the cycling machine. I was really flushed by the time I finished.

Besides, we went out for dinner tonight to celebrate my brother in law's birthday, at one of our favourite restaurant, Nyonya. We had our usual favourite dishes of fried calamari, buttermilk chicken, butter prawns, assam fish, japanese tofu with crabmeat and baby kailan with beef. Ok, definitely overindulged there, but didn't feel so guilty about it after the afternoon's workout. However, when we were home opening presents, I had TWO slices of the ROCKY ROAD CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM CAKE!! Never mind, I'll make up for it tomorrow!

The reason for my downfall

Isnin.

Started the day off late, since I didn't really have anything to do in the morning.... aaahhhh... this is the life eh??

Personal fitness session at 3 pm. Had to drive myself since mom was still across the border somewhere buying her flower pots. Pia introduced a couple more of her weight/strength training thingymajigs. Omigawd! I didn't realise there were so many implements of torture out there! And she makes it look so easy!

After a quick snack of a few grapes, got ready for the ARH Hari Raya function at the Rizqun Hotel. By 7pm I was already starving, but dinner only started at 8.45pm after the obligatory doa selamat (prayers) and speech hoo haa. I did manage to control myself, and not overindulge, but I must admit, I cracked a bit when they placed the dessert plate in front of me. Had a little taste of all the tasty morsels of cakes, (naughty!), then had to ask my husband to take it away from me before I finished it all off!!

Unfortunately, we none of us got lucky with the raffle tickets. Went home around 11.30pm, stuffed, but empty handed, whilst everyone else were lugging around their winning hampers, and home theatres, TVs!, Nokia mobile phones and flight tickets! Yech!

Our not so lucky tickets

Been A Lazy Bugger!

Yes, yes.... haven't been bothered to write anything for the past couple of days, not only because there isn't much to note, but I've just been plain lazy.

Friday - Went to Hua Ho Muara to get a couple of things. Got pissed off at this lady who tried to cut the queue in front of me!

Saturday - Early morning workout at the gym @10am. Then mom and I drove to Tutong to pick up mom in law's blouses. Hope she likes it. Then rushed back to shower and get ready for an open house lunch invite in Jerudong. Starving!

Sunday - Everybody seems to be busy doing their own thing today, so I'm pretty much bored here on my own. Pretty crappy day!

Listening to Foo Fighters - DOA (Kinda fitting rite now as I'm feeling pissed off at the mo' - does it being my time of the month have anything to do with it? Or the fact that I've been starving myself and not losing any weight be the cause? Hmmmm..... much to ponder in this world.....)

Pass The Mash!

Oh yes.... me aching muscles. Definitely feeling something in my shoulder blade area. Strangely enough, I don't really mind the aches and pains so much now. I guess it tells me that the workouts are effective (I hope!).

Pretty uneventful day. Worked out at 3pm doing cardiovascular exercises; treadmill, rowing and cycling for about an hour.

In the evening had a small function at home, which of course involved dinner, which of course I could not resist. Makes me think twice about going to the wedding function tomorrow, all the fooood... I know Saturday's gonna be bad, as there's a raya open house invite for lunch! Uh-oh...

Another Lazy Morning

I must say, after I began this exercising shit, I've been sleeping relatively early (around midnight as opposed to my usual 2 or 3am bedtime), and waking up at a decent hour (9am instead of 10 or 11am or later!). And the best thing is, even if I wake up to go to the loo, I usually go right back to sleep! Sweet!

Had a pretty heavy breakfast, cos I was feeling kinda hungry after last night's dinner of yoghurt and orange. I made myself a Cheese Ploughman's sandwich (one of my favourite sandwiches when I was a skint student in med school), although I made a healthy(ish) version this time, with my low fat cheese and lite mayo, but the Branston Pickle was the hero. Yum!

Another personal workout session with Pia at 3.30pm. Another mix of cardio and strength training, although at a more intense pace I think. I was shaking by the time I finished with the multi-gym. I shouldn't have told Pia that I didn't feel so sore after the last session, she really tortured me this time! She also asked if I'd lost any weight this last week, unfortunately no. Uh-oh! I have a feeling things are gonna get much tougher! I think I'll definitely feel something after today's workout! Oooowwwww... staying home tonight.......

Tuesdays With Me....

Easy morning today. Just lazed around having breakfast and watching TV, nursing some minor aches and pains and waiting for lunch.

It was mom's turn for personal training at 3pm. I went to do my own workout on the treadmill and cycle. Dad decided to tag along as well to get a feel of the place and decide if he wants to join as a member.

My hubby decided to take his younger sisters to watch "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" in the evening. It was better than the last installment I suppose, albeit a tad too long for me. I think I would've enjoyed it better if I was 15 years younger! Definitely something for the kids.

I Have Muscles?!

*Yawn* It's barely 10pm and I can hardly keep my eyes open so I'll try to make this brief.

8am - Blood test (FBC, FK506, RP1, RP2, Fasting Lipids)
10.30am - Breakfast. 2 pieces of toast with strawberry jam. Orange. Glass of Milo.
12pm - Lunch @KNY Kitchen Thai Cuisine. Had Glass Noodle Shrimp Salad. Chicken, Peanut and Chili Salad. Tom Yum Seafood Soup. Japanese Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms. Mango Fish. Hot! Yummy!
3pm - 1st personal training session with Pia. Ouch! My muscles hurts!
5.30pm - Shower. Then Asar, then Maghrib prayers.
6.30pm - Dinner. Tandoori Chicken with rice and mango chutney, plus tomato and cucumber salad.

Me bed beckons..........

Down The Drain....

Yup! There goes my diet. Hehehhe! Ok... it's not the end of the world. It's just that we had a raya invite at my hubby's aunt for lunch, and there was this awesome spread! I just could not resist! I'll get back on track again tomorrow. Yes, yes, I will! I must!

Anyways, my hubby couldn't get enough of the fruit cocktail and suggest I make some. So, after sending him off to his softball game, went driving aimlessly for a bit, then got the necessary ingredients at the supermarket.

It's such a doddle to make.

Dump whole can of fruit cocktail....into bowl. (I didn't use all the preserving syrup as I didn't want it too sweet)

Add cheese of your choice....

cut into desired size.

Add milk (or cream or ice cream! I used Full Cream Evaporated Milk, as you need it to be a creamy consistency which you don't get with just plain 'ol milk. If using ice cream don't add the fruit syrup unless you want it really sweet).

Chill, then TA-DA! I'm glad the hubby likes it.

After dinner, we decided to catch the 7.40pm showing of "Just Like Heaven" at The Mall Cineplex. My hubby kept teasing me cos I cried at the soppy bits. Men! So emotionally detached. I mean David said he loved Elizabeth! And then when she woke up she couldn't.... Oh! I hope I'm not spoiling this for anybody.

Anyhow... maybe a good date movie for you young 'uns out there. God knows guys are only willing to be dragged to a chick flick when they're in love. I mean once you get married, it's going to be, what? "Chronicles of Riddick" or "The Matrix Reloaded" or "Alien vs. Predator"! The only reason my hubby agreed was because I told him I really wanted to watch it. Besides, it was this or "Harry Potter & The Robot Dragon" or "Chicken Little"! Heheh! I'm kidding, we pretty much enjoy the same kind of movies. Don't we hunny!! Mwah!!!

Working Out!

Mom and I started our workout around 10.45am on the treadmill, then started our Induction with the personal trainer, Pia at 11am. She made us fill out a questionnaire detailing our health condition and fitness (do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems etc.) and also our preferred workout programme (ie. cardiovascular/weight & strength training/stretching etc). I also took the opportunity to tell Pia about my transplant and previous kidney failure, so she doesn't start me on too intense a programme.

Then she took our height and weight (to measure our Body Mass Index, B.M.I.) and also our body fat content... eeek! Hehhehe! Obviously my BMI is higher than the recommended range, so Pia suggested a weight loss of 7-11kg for me to reach my ideal BMI. Blimey! Wonder if I can do that in 3 months! Pia proposed a mix of cardiovascular workouts (treadmill, cycling) with alternate weight/strength training and the "Body Balance" classes (a mix of Yoga, Tai Chi & Pilates), and maybe also some dance classes "Body Jam" as well so I don't get bored.

She also gave us some advise on healthy eating habits and nutrition. HAHA! That's the difficult bit.... so much to eat! Why do yummy foods have to be fattening! Anyhoo, Pia says I can eat whatever I like, but to limit myself (ya-ha!) and be sensible (oookaaayy...)

Alright, alright, I'll give it a go... I mean what's the point of paying $500 if I don't see results right?! Ok... next session, Monday!

TGIF!

Was planning to have a lie in today, but since I slept real early last night, got up before 8am anyway. Basically just went to the supermarket to get some supplies, (no, not food supplies!). Ok... maybe some rice crackers, but they're for my husband. Ok, ok! Maybe also a packet of cuttlefish snack thingy. Heheheh!

Hrmmm.. new yellow gold packaging. Hopefully still tastes just as yummy.

Ye Olde packaging in white....

Chemo Session 1 - Day 2 / Fitness Zone

A quick chemo session today, mil had already started her drip when I arrived at the Oncology Department around 8.15am. We finished around 9.45am, and mom picked us up. Decided to take mil to Tutong to have her fitted for a blouse, so it'll be easier to access her Porta-Cath on her chest. They'll be taking out her pump thingy tomorrow at the ward. 2nd chemo session set for the 29th.

Mom in law's Chemo Pump, in a nifty bag.
After Zuhur, got ready to go to Fitness Zone for the 1st trial session with my mom. Felt kinda weird going around The Mall in my full gym get-up, didn't realise there was a closer lift. Anyways, the instructor Mario got us started on cardio work-outs, first on the treadmill for 15 minutes on the lowest setting! Heheh! Then another instructor Pia got us started on cycling for 20 minutes. Whoah! Can really feel the strain on my thighs!

Then Miki, the guy that spoke to us on Tuesday, put us through some stretching exercises. Then back to more cardio workouts, just to build stamina. At first he put us on this striding thingy called the Natural Runner, and OMIGOD! It was too much for me, I could only manage like 2 minutes on it! Heheh! So mom and I went back to the treadmill, but Miki made me walk on a higher intensity for 20 minutes. I really got the hang of it after awhile, I actually wanted to go for longer, but mom wanted to go already.

So, before we left we decided to register to join for 3 months. Total per person B$460 (Registration fee - $100, Admin. Fee - $10, 3 months membership - $330). We've set the next work-out for this Saturday morning, with an Induction session with Pia to find out our fitness levels, goals and stuff, so we can work out a personalised program. Should be interesting!

Chemotherapy Session 1 - Day 1

At the hospital around 8.30am to accompany my mom in law for her first chemo session. It's a good thing she had the Porta-Cath in already, saves her from being poked again for an IV line, cos the nurses were still struggling to gain iv access for this lady on the next bed even when I'd left at 11.30am.

She started her drip around 9.15am, to run for about 2 hours, then a bolus injection of something, then she's supposed to have another 48 hour infusion of god knows what, which will be in this nifty small pump thingy in a bag thing, so she can carry it around with her for the next 2 days. (I'll remember to take a photo tomorrow).

Her Chemotherapy Schedule. Her dual Chemo drip.........up close.Had to leave m.i.l. with the girls before she finished, since mom and dad had already arrived to pick me up after dad's check-up at JPMC.

Drove around for a bit before picking up my nephew at JIS. We had lunch at Kura Japanese Restaurant. I had Yaki Soba, and the special salmon miso soup, (it was huge!). I tried a bit of dad's Salmon Garlic Fried Rice, not bad. He also wanted to try the Manila Maki. Mom ordered Tempura Moriawase with a side order of rice and miso soup. I was stuffed, so I only managed one California Maki, and I had to have the Unagi Cream Cheese Sushi to take away. Total bill came to about B$72. Next time I must remember to try the Japanese Style Pizza thingy (Okonomiyaki?). I had one donkey years ago when my sis and I were in Osaka with our Japanese schoolmate.... that was fun!

Tonight's dinner.... Stir fried cabbage with garlic and shallots, Unagi Cream Cheese Sushi and an orange!

Sleep Deprivation

Ok, this has to beat the record. I probably slept around 5am, cos when I was finally drifting off to sleep I heard the Subuh prayer alarm (4.47am). Then was up around 7.15am for my early morning blood test.

Probably spent half the day in hospital, what with all the queues and the problem with my prescription card, had to drive back home, then had to have my medicines sent to the hospital, then had to wait to see the doctor, have him redo the prescription, then one of the meds not available in Brunei... Aaaahh! Time out!

Since I had to fast for the blood test, both mom & I were starving by 9.45am, so we left the hospital for a bit to have Dim Sum at Dynasty. Yum!! I ordered way too much too! I ordered beancurd skin, sweet and sour crabstick, fishballs, siew mai, prawn har gow, plain cheung fan, chicken cheung fan, yam dumplings and 2 portions of shrimp pockets!! Couldn't finish 'em all though... too bad! Total bill about B$33. Then back to hospital to pick up my prescription, then went to The Mall to check out Fitness Zone. I must start losing weight! (Maybe shouldn't have had all those dim sum huh?!). Had a free consultation to discuss membership options, facilities and classes. Mom and I are trying out the 1 week free trial this Thursday... heheheh!

Picked up my nephew from school at 12.30pm, then home, then back to hospital at 1.45pm for my post meal blood test, then accompanied mom to the florist. Then finally back home at 2.30pm. Phew! Not bad for someone who's only had 2 hours sleep!!

Monday Blues?

Slept around 3am last night, since I spent most of Sunday in bed, so I woke up really early today, NOT!

Received a call from the nurse around 3pm, to tell me my test results have come in. My Hb is still holding up at 11.5g/dl, however, I have glucose in my urine (must be all the hari raya sugar binge) and my white cell count is up (due to the infection, of course, I hope). So need to do a fasting glucose blood test tomorrow at 8am, then a post meal one around 2pm.
I think I'll skip dinner tonight. Feel like catching a movie somehow. My sister says "Just Like Heaven" is one of Reese Witherspoon's better flicks, however, it's only showing at 9.30pm at The Mall. Kinda late. Should I?

Got The Sniffles...

Urrrgghhh....good thing went to see the doctor yesterday. Could hardly get out of bed this morning, felt kinda sore.

So on top of my daily dose of 23 pills, I have one more antibiotic pill to add this week.
I'm gonna get back into bed. Now where's my tissue box........

Hospital Today.

Uh-oh... I think I'm coming down with something. Had a sore throat last night, which became worse this morning. Took a couple of Panadol Extras and Strepsils.

Had to be at the hospital early cos my m.i.l. is having a minor operation to insert a "Porta-Cath" into her chest, in preparation for her first scheduled Chemotherapy session this Wednesday. I only arrived at the hospital at 9.30am, so I didn't get to see her before they wheeled her in at 8.45am.

Since I was already in hospital, decided to call the transplant nurse to see a doctor, cos I think I might need antibiotics before I get worse. Left for lunch around 12pm, then off to Rimba Dialysis centre at 1.30pm, for a consultation, a week's prescription of Augmentin and a few tests (blood test - FBC/RP1/RP2, Urine test & throat swab).

Went back to the hospital to see my mil, who was already at the public ward. She seems ok, so she was moved to a more private room, they might discharge her tomorrow.

Starting to feel ill... my nose is beginning to run. At least Mom cheered me up with some homemade dried agar-agar candy from my brother in law's mom they brought back from Lumut today. Yum....

Another Late Night?

Ok, it wasn't so bad.

PN and entourage arrived around 9pm after her first house visit. We talked a bit in the living room then led her over to the massive spread mom prepared. After the obligatory picture taking session, she had my hubby and I join her for the next house visit.

Then back to her place around 11.30pm.

We hung out in the TV/entertainment room. She apologised for the mess (there were hampers and containers of food everywhere, magazines and a huge TV dominating one wall). It was pretty much a relaxing setting, except PAW was there with wife who is due next month, so I couldn't wind down as much as I wanted to if we'd been alone. But we just chilled and talked and gossiped about "handbag"(?), looked up her pics on the internet and stuff.

Then there was more food to eat. I would've turned down the offer since it was past 12 midnight, but then she showed me a real Italian Provolone burrino (string-like cheese, light golden yellow with a light ivory interior. Provolone is made in various shapes and sizes and it is bound with a cord. There is a lump of butter buried in the center of this provolone cheese, so that when cut it resembles a hard-cooked egg yolk). The Italian guy J. brought it with him, so I just had to have some with bread. (Too bad we couldn't take pictures).

We finally had to excuse ourselves around 1am and was sent home soon after. Aaaahhh.. glad to be home....

Royal Visitor.

Woke up relatively early, wasn't planning on doing anything much today. Raya mood is beginning to wear off, maybe there'll be a couple of visits tomorrow since it's Friday. Then my hubby called while I was having lunch to say that PN is coming tonight.... eeekkk...

Mom started cooking soon after Asar, making her signature Nasi Ayam Briyani, Mi Goreng, Mee Hoon Goreng. There were also spring rolls, curry puffs, beef rendang, chicken korma and mixed veggie. (Damn! I forgot to take pictures).

Showered, then got ready after Maghrib and Isya'.

Whoah! Time Out!

What a week! Not even a whole week, what was it? Like 5 days of intense celebrating, eating, playing hostess, visiting and meeting friends and relatives. Phew! It was really fun though.... the first time I was really able to enjoy whole days without having to worry about my dialysis and all that. The first time in 6 six years I've really, really been able to have a worry free Raya. Wow! I can't believe it's been that long.... popping pills is waaaay better than having to keep checks every few hours for my dialysis break.

Except now I've totally messed up my diet, and I have a blood test in less than 2 weeks. I think that's enough time to purge my body of all the fat and sugar huh? *I wish*

Spent the first day of Raya at my parents in law's in the morning, then at home for the rest of the day until late. Thankfully we spent the 2nd and 3rd day of Raya out of the house, so it was nice to be the guest for a change.

We opened our house again on Monday, the 4th day of Raya. There were guests non stop as soon as we opened the gates to the house. However, had to leave the guests around 8pm, cos my hubby and I had a few invites to go to, plus the annual invite to PJ's place at 9pm. Unfortunately this year my hubby and I had to be in separate guys/gals rooms as they had more guests. I really panicked, cos it meant I had to hold my own, and I'm not really well versed in the royal lingo or whatever. On top of that, she had to single me out from the other guests and had me sitting next to her and invited me first to eat and stuff. I really felt like a fish out of water, the other guests must be wondering who the hell I was to warrant such attention from the PJ??!! Hehheh!! Finally around 10.30pm the other guests stood up to leave, so I thought "Yes! Thank God... time to go...!".

Unfortunately, she wasn't letting me go yet! She insisted that I sat down again next to her, and we talked some more (or rather she talked and I tried not to let my panic show). Before long her sister, PU arrived. Omigod! I couldn't stop thinking what the hell I was doing there.... PJ kept calling her other sisters to come, and by 12-12.30am PA and PN arrived. It was difficult trying to take a discreet look at my watch every now and again, (I didn't want to seem rude in front of 4 royals!!), wishing for my hubby to come and rescue me! When PJ insisted I have some hot drinks, I took up her offer, but only because I needed the loo so bad!

I did start to loosen up a bit though after a while, only because it cracked me up to hear these 4 sisters talking about the goings-on in their lives in front of me, a nobody! I must admit, they are just like us, but then again NOT! I mean here was PN, sitting NEXT to ME talking about how much weight she has lost after dieting since January, that her rings were so loose she had to have them resized. All the time flashing diamonds so huge, the only chance a mere mortal like myself were to ever have a chance in hell of ever owning ice that big was if it slipped from her finger and fell into my handbag! Hehehehe!!!

Finally around 1.30am my hubby managed to excuse himself, I was sooo happy to see him standing there at the door. Wow! I was beginning to wonder how much longer I was going to be there. Not that I wasn't enjoying myself, it was just that I felt soooo out of my league with them, the longer I stayed I'm sure the more chances I'd have of making some sort of faux pas (which I'm sure I'd already did like a 100 times already!!).

Didn't arrive home until before 2am! I was so blurred by then, I wasn't even sleepy anymore. I don't think I got to sleep until 4am.

MINAL AIDIN WAL FAIZIN.....

Last Day Of Ramadhan.

Seems like the whole world is celebrating Raya today, except for Brunei. Well, the house looks nice.
Helped mom prepare for tomorrow's open house, cutting the cakes and sweets.

I'm going off now, I'm stuffed! Selamat Hari Raya!

They Didn't See It.

Nope! Much to the disappointment of some who don't care to starve another day! Hehhe! Apparently Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia will be celebrating tomorrow. At least I'll be able to watch some good programs on TV anyway, I hope.

Just came back from the Millenium Restaurant for a Birthday(?)/Sungkai Buffet courtesy of my hubby's aunt. Good thing I wasn't fasting so could enjoy the food together with the rest of the crowd, not that I really care much for Sungkai buffets... everyone just rushes together at the same time, it's hard to get anything on your plate! Don't care really, I'm supposed to be on a diet if I seem to remember correctly... hehehe! Ohhh... I'm still craving for some Japanese food. Mmmmm.... after Raya....

Will They See It?

They're gonna be sighting the new moon of Syawal today. If they sight it, that means Eid will fall tomorrow, if not, Friday.

When I woke up, it was quite clear and sunny, but now it's raining again! So I say Raya's going to be on Friday. Don't really care much either way. Whenever Raya falls, it's going to be a real busy week for everyone.

November Rain.

Ok, so it's November, and guess what? It's raining here since I've been awake. That's why I decided to listen to this Guns N Roses track.

So appropriate! It reminds me of my student days bumming out in the residence hall with me mates in dreary London. Hahah!! *sigh* Those were real fun days........

(How can a single song last almost 9 minutes??)