C'est la vie!

As much as we yearn and love to hear the words "Cancer In Remission" especially after all that he had gone through, the cancer is still not completely beaten as the tumor markers have started to climb after being lowered to 37 after the transplant (normal range is below 10).

It was the beginning of March when the doctors concluded from the marker trends that the cancer is not in remission and suggested surgery/radiation to battle the disease. A special PET scan was done to better view the cell activity in the body for assessment if any surgery or radiation were to be carried out. As the scans showed active tumor growth around the heart, the surgeon and radiation oncologist gave us their fair views on the treatments and their risks.

Looking back on how he was previously, his hopes were raised and dashed several times over the last 9 months, I was very worried this news would devastate him. Instead, he picked himself up within the day and looked forward to whatever come what may. Later did he tell me that it was the peace in his heart which he drew strength from the Lord and prayers that boosted him out of devastation. We prayed for guidance and strength in decision to go ahead with surgery/radiation or to opt out as he needed to make a decision relatively soon in apprehension that the tumor starts doubling in size again.

It was an extremely difficult decision to make the call to opt out as living a peaceful and fulfilling life is very much more important. We have taken on traditional chinese medicine as an alternative and is currently seeking treatment by a chief physician who specializes in cancer. He also chose a holistic approach instead to improve his quality of life and hope to battle or if not, control the tumors. We consider the stem cell transplant a success as it managed to beat the markers to an all time low as that translates to more time and opportunity to take on alternative treatments.

Through our entire experience, we strengthen a stronger relations with our extended family members and casual friends, made more good friends and bask in the warmth of sincerity and helpfulness in the ordinary people around our ordinary estate on an ordinary day.

Given this new lease of life, we are thankful for The Lord's grace for another opportunity, however short or long, to fully and truly cherish each other, spend quality time with our families and friends.

Cheers to life and the joy it brings to all around us! C'est la vie!