Feel Good Feeling Good

Of cell protection and antioxidants

2012-01-18T23:20:00.000+08:00

Antioxidants

The Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) score is the standardbiomarker post medical treatments for prostrate cancer. My PSA dropped down to0.02 from a high of 27 after my radiotherapy and hormonal treatment. The scorehad leveled out at 0.02 for the whole year 2011. My Oncologist and I arepleased and comfortable with the score which is monitored every three months.It would not go lower nor do we expect it to go any lower. I was technicallycancer free after two years.

I still had residuals of radiation in my body. It has takena toll on my muscle intensity and I had hot flashes for side effect. It was allright as I was able to manage the damage. But then radiation would still remainin my body for some time to come and it would continuously cause free radicals.And this may cause my prostrate cancer to relapse.

The best way to combat free radicals is to have a strongimmune system and to consume plenty of antioxidants. I need a cell protectionpackage to block further damages to my cells by the free radicals and also tobuild up my first line body defence with potent antioxidants. The fight is nowusing my own body combat power.

I put my strategy in place by consuming Chinesemushroom called Linzhi and green tea for cell protection and drink a potent fruitblend for antioxidants. I took double dosages daily for sixweeks prior to my last PSA check up on 17 January 2012.

My Oncologist and I were delighted by the PSA result. It scored0.01. It had remained at 0.02 for the whole of last year. What apleasant surprise for my Oncologist who expected no changes to the score of0.02, but I was more than 100% confident of my cell protection package andfruit blend. I banked on product confidence and testimonies to these products.I am happy and I know my score will go down further for my next test in May2012, with my happy cells well protected and adequate antioxidants beingsteadily built up.

Please feel free to call me to discuss my strategy and buildups of my body defence.

Happy Chinese New Year and take care.

Allen Lai

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-12-30T14:30:00.001+08:00

Hi all,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. What a wonderful year 2011. Time does fly and my body is responding very well to my treatments and supplements. I am looking forward for the new year 2012 with more confidence and better health.

Thank you all for visiting my blog site and I wish you all a blessed new year. May you all find joy and health and all your problems be in the past. Let us share our blessings with others and lead them down the right path to good health and quality life.

God bless you all and take care always.

Allen Lai

KL Prostrate Cancer Support Group Annual Lunch 2011

2011-12-11T12:21:00.001+08:00

Mr Das with Master Yap

Planning for the coming year ?

Chit chats

Mr Rama, new member

Miss Filial Daughter with Mr Das's contagious smile

Hi all,

The Kuala Lumpur Prostrate Cancer Support Group held its annual get-together at a buffet lunch at the CitiTel Hotel KL on 10 December 2011. This is the annual tradition for members to end the year on a high note. Another year survived, another year cancer free.

About 35 members with their wives and caregivers from the Kuala Lumpur and Subang Medical Centre groups, attended the sumptuous buffet lunch spread. The food and variety of dishes offered was something we old folks and diabetes alike would die for. And eat all we did, with all cautions thrown into the wind. After all it was only a "once only affair" with the sin foods. It was after all celebration time.

We wish to thank Mr Das and most filial daughter who had initiated all these group meetings and get-together for us. We had a successful year 2011 and look forward to another year to come. Thank you Mr Das, you are our inspiration for your relentless efforts to bring information, knowledge and good practices for all of us. You made the difference for us and we will continue to look forward to your leadership and smiles. We are all glad that Mr Das's confidence and smiles are contagious.

We also wish to thank Master Yap our QiGong Sifu and Mr Choo from Subang Medical Centre for gracing the function.

We wished everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The function finished past 3 pm that afternoon.
Take care

Allen Lai

Barefoot College

2011-12-11T12:08:00.001+08:00

Hi all.
Thanks to Mr Bunker Roy. He has made a difference to millions of lives by establishing the BareFoot College in India and Africa. What a legacy and leadership model to emulate.

Please watch his amazing video below.

http://www.sadroo.com/0089.php

I hope out Leadership for Health and Caring Malaysia will learn some ideas from Mr Roy. Lets start to make small steps in his honour.

Take care
Allen

Leadership for Health and Caring Malaysia

2011-12-08T20:17:00.001+08:00

Last month I had two posts namely, I am now Cancer Free and Leaders Needed. My new year's resolution for 2012 is to set up a team of leaders in Leadership for Health and Caring Malaysia (LHCM)

LHCM is organised to promote good health and to provide caring to all Malaysians who are in need of assistance and care, irrespective of race, religion or political inclinations. We have no boundaries.
Leaders are expected to create purpose and values in every LHCM programmes.

Tasks for leaders may include:
Volunteering to health and caring projects in their communities.
Identifying organisations and people in needs for assistance and caring in their communities.
To form and mobilise their own team members.
To source for contributions and donations for LHCM projects.
To share ideas and projects in the advancement of LHCM.

Join me to take some small but sure steps to grow into our new noble roles. If you are likeminded or knows anybody who are likeminded, you can contact me at 013 3948839. Or Email to laikimhinn@gmail.com.

We already have some tentative projects in the pipeline. Help us to realise them. Thank you.

Take care.
Allen Lai

Leaders Needed

2011-11-11T13:00:00.001+08:00

I am now more focused. I went through an experience fightingcancer. I won. Everything happens for a reason. I believe I had cancer so thatI can share my fight with it with others who need to know how I won.

I believe now that I am cancer free I should also share myfight to be cancer free for the rest of my life. I intend to set the directionof this blog for health and wellness.

I intend to lead others to be leaders themselves with mylong journey from disaster to good health. This is the purpose given to me, acalling I should share now. I will form a new team from my peer group of cancersurvivors and good friends and well wishers. Stay with me. Trust my leadershipand together we shall give others a better chance to be healthy and well.

Take care

Allen Lai

I am Cancer Free

2011-11-11T12:42:00.001+08:00

Me, I beat the cancer in my body

I have two best news to share with you.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, my Oncologist said to me“IT IS CURABLE” Last week after two years of medical treatment, I was given thebest news of my life. My Oncologist said “YOU ARE CANCER FREE”

Please rejoice with me. Share my joy.

So what do I do now ? My next line of action will have to betaking care of my battered body. I must recuperate and build up my antioxidantlevel. I intend to start afresh.Join me in my new directions in the coming posts.

Thank you for reading this blog and for your sharing in my time of needs.

God bless and take care.

Allen Lai

Happy birthday Mr Das

2011-11-11T12:28:00.001+08:00

Yesterday we had our usual bimonthly Prostrate CancerSupport Group meeting at the Subang Medical Center. We were pleasantlysurprised when the birthday cake was brought out at the end of the session.

Happy Birthday and many happy returns of the day Mr Das.

We all have a third eye. Yes, close both your eyes and youcan still see.

When I was diagnosed with cancer I saw darkness, death, andall things bleak. Unbelievable but very real and scary. Then I saw my familyand relatives. I saw love with sadness. Then I saw my close friends. I saw pityand helplessness.

Then I met and saw Mr Das. I saw a light. I sawencouragement. I saw my mentor. Thank you Mr Das, you are a beaconextraordinary. Your leadership, dedication and passion to help others are worthour emulation. We are surviving cancer, post treatments with your guidance andknowledge. New members saw hope, focus and direction from you.

God bless you and take care.

Allen Lai

Relay For Life 2011

2011-07-18T10:50:00.002+08:00

Having fun

Young supporter

Smiles

Luminaria

Volunteers all

Hi all,

A big thank you again to the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for organising another Relay for Life event. This year the annual event was held in the UKM Stadium, Bangi on 16 July 2011.

The event kicked off at 5 pm with blaring Boy Rock bands setting the mood for a fun and festival evening. I estimate several thousands came and participated in the programmes. Cancer survivors wore pupple Tees and supporters all wore yellow Tees. Fancy dressed participants were also spotted in the stadium.

I arrived just before 5 pm amongst the busy volunteers and eating stalls setting up. Mics And speakers systems were tested. Tentages for the nights were already setup much earlier and their sponsors started to arrived.
Suvivors came in organised groups from as far as Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, taiping and Ipoh.

The organsisers drew up very comprehensive and lively programmes for the 16 hours event.

I participated in the survivors lap which was joined by throngs of volunteers starting the Relay for Life around the stadiun track for the next 16 hours.
A very deserving tribute was read for Cik Lisa who passed away in May this year. Lisa was a very strong supporter of NCSM. Everybody knew Lisa and would miss her presence in all NCSM activities.

There were fun games, line dancing, taekwondo and musicians as part of the fun activities.
I managed to take about 250 photos for the event and have uploaded for your viewing.

Unfortunately I had to leave the event just after the luminaria were lighted.

I will let my pictures speak for the event.
Thank you again NCSM and all volunteers who had lent a hand to make this year's Relay For Life another successul event.

Visit https://picasaweb.google.com/laikimhinn/RELAYFORLIFE

Take care
Allen Lai

Standard Chartered KL 2011

2011-06-29T16:05:00.000+08:00

SMILING ME

I had Registered for the SCKLM fairly early as a commitment to continue running as a health cum recreational requirement. I had been off the road for quite a fair bit of last year. Could I still do the Half Marathon ?
Fear I had not, other mind issues aplenty. This year's SCKLM will be my Waterloo if anything. It is to do or die. I chose the former.
For the whole week just before the event I had more that the normal anxieties. I had more than butterflies in my stomach. I had literally panic fears. I had cold sweats and hot flashes, compounded by my quarterly Zoladex injections. Just the thought of the SCKLM will trigger horrible moments with hot flashes. Do I abort the race? Can I do it? My heart said YES but my mind said firmly NO ! Talk about delimas.
Sunday came too soon.
I finally said yes to participate, one final run if any. Shouldn't we all deserve one final run? There were also other family and relatives factors that made me participate. Done. I am in.
I had collected my gear at Bukit Jalil on Friday. Thankfully it was very well organised and no queues. What, with 22,000 participants, I was actually anticipating a mad collection queue. Pinned my blib number and fixed the tab to my oldest pair of shoes on the same day. Got my grabs together on Saturday night, water, bites, emergency sugars, iphone, a cap, head sweat band and my pair of knee shock absorbers. I am all ready.
Left the house at 3.30 am for want of a nearby parking space and more importantly see off the full marathoners. Parked at Pardang Merbok and walked slowly to the Dataran. Too early to warm up. The Dataran was already picking up with the early birds like me. The anouncer tested the mics, the stalls were preparing for their sales and promotions. Met a couple of old friends and meekly exchanged hellos as I was missing out most of the runs in the past 9 months or so. Nice to be back. Familiar faces and friendly smiles in the brightly lighted Start area.
I had also a particular mission that morning. I wanted to meet a virtual online friend from JB. I had, but had not met June Malek aka Anak Mami, an angel and mentor to a group of passionate runners who styled themselves as FMVs. It wasn't hard to spot her. She had a beakon, a halo which reflected a distinct charm of leadership and grace. Nobody would missed her and nobody needs a GPS to find her. I just waited quitely at a chokepoint in the spectators area and there she was. It was a hello and goodbye fleeting moment. If our meeting was any longer I gladly would have aborted my run to join her at her Kedai Runcit at 37 km.
The half marathon event flagged off at 6.15 am. I had lined up at the rear of the crowd early, but was pushed up to the front area unconciously. I finally found myself three quarters upfront instead of being in the rear group. It is OK, as I would be falling back after a few hundred metres after the startline. I walked briskly to warm up usually for the first 3 km or so. I know my pace and had set my target to 3.30 hours, it being cutoff time for veterans. I had managed 3.40 minutes twice over two Pacesetters LSDs. So my target would be quite realistic. It is a doable.
I had made an assurance to myself and that is to listen to my body. No matter what. I must run SAFE. My heart is my archiles heels. I can compromise the pain in my knees but I should not push my heartbeat beyond 160 hb for my age and hypertension. My heartbeat rate will be my critical throughout the run. For the first three km my hb was ranging 150 - 160. A slightly faster pace or a slight up slope would bring my hb up to and pass 170.I would slow down for a minute or so to 160. I was maintaining my pace like that for the whole run. I had no choice. A group of elderly singaporeans wearing SAFRA ( Singapore Armed Forces Retiree Association) vests 'pushed' me to increase my pace. I actuall felt kiasu. But my mind said stop it. Run safe, it is OK to su. The leader of the SAFRA said that my pace was 9 mins per km and I would be finishing about 3.30 to 3.45 hours. So he was pacing me and squaring me up. I did not get Batu Api-ed. Let him go. I need to run safe.
I was doing all right for all the 20 km until the home run. I backed off each time peak at 170 hb. I had no pains, no cramps and thankfully there was plenty of water every 2 km on the route. I was safe and I felt good, no need foe any finishing medal. Just come in in style and comfort.
But that was not to be. On the final approach along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the crowd cheered me on. A few more minutes to cut off. You can do it. I CAN? Go Allen Go. All hell let loose. My heart beat went 175 - 180. Slow down? No way my ego said. Die die my have the finishing medal. I foolishly decided to hold at 170 hb max. It is dangerously high for me. BUT the finishing line was already in sight. My heart was pounding as I crossed the line at exactly 3.30 hours my watch time. I think I am going to die. I felt like a bloody fool to die like this. I had failed myself. I had failed my family and friends. I rested a full five minutes to stable my hb to 140 before I headed to the finisher's tent and got my finisher's medal together with a few more just behind me. I made it just in time. Happy?yes. Sad? yes, Cried? Won't tell.
Will I run another Half? You tell me.
Take care
Allen Lai

Subang Medical Centre Prostrate Cancer Support Group

2011-06-07T21:06:00.005+08:00

Session in progress

Notes sharing

Ms Adeline from NCSM

Happy Birthday Mr Wong

I attended the Prostrate Support Group Subang Medical Centre today. The meeting session was chaired by it founder member Mr Das. About a dozen of us attended including two new members. The main key points highlighted were the Tomotheraphy which was presented by Mr Chu, Subang Medical Center Radiotherapist, an up coming full day seminar on Holistic approaches for cancer treatments and a new drug called Abitrone just approved by the FDA.

Tomotheraphy is basically radiotheraphy using the latest equipment, which is more accurate, flexible and dynamic in delivering radiation concentrations onto its targets. Only two hospitals in Kuala Lumpur have this facility namely Subang Medical Centre and the Prince Court Medical Centre in Ampang.

Abitrone is the latest drug available, giving hope to survivors who are into the hormone resistance stage, when hormonal drugs are no longer effective. However it is quite expensive as the new drug would cost USD5,000.00 per month. A full course treatment would require 8 months. Mr Das will be trying to bring in the drug for one of our members in collaboration with the Subang Medical Centre.

The session had a ladies team from the National Cancer Society Malaysia giving us a presentation on the Relay For Life event to be held on 16 - 17 July 2011. We also celebrated Mr Allan Wong’s birthday today and wished him many happy returns of the day.

Relay For Life 2011

2011-03-30T22:04:00.002+08:00

I am back. I mean we are back. The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) will be back with their annual Relay for Life(RFL) event. This year will see Melaka and Penang having their own relays as well. Keep our dates free.
RFL Kuala Lumpur is scheduled for 16 - 17 July 2011, Melaka on 4-5 June 2011 and Penang on 1 and 2 October 2011. All venues will be announced shortly. Get your teams ready and celebrate life with us. See you all wearing our delightful Ts.

Light a luminance for your love ones or a friend lost.

Take care

Allen Lai

Prostrate cancer

2011-03-29T11:57:00.000+08:00

Dr Murali Sundram

I attended Dr Murali Sundram’s talk on 26 March 2011 at the National Cancer Society on Treatments for prostrate cancer and its complications. About 30 participants attended this frank and informative talk about the men’s only disease.

Prostrate cancer is luckily a slow growing disease, but unfortunately there are no obvious symptoms whilst it is growing inside us. It is very prominent with the Afro-blacks in the USA. And Japanese are apparently are the lowest with Prostrate cancer. The main causes for prostrate cancer are the genes in us and the environment.

Prostrate cancer also has an excellent tumour marker in the PSA (Prostrate Specific Antigen) readings. Whilst the PSA is not an absolute marker for the disease, it is significantly important to indicate the possibility of prostrate cancer, hence a biopsy is normally followed up to confirm malignancy or otherwise.

Good PSA readings vary from under 2.5 in the USA to under 5 in Europe to under 4 in Malaysia.

The three important indicators and status of the disease are the PSA reading, the stage of the cancer tumour and the Gleason’s grading. The combination of the three matrix will determine the prognosis of the patient. Generally PSA readings under 4 are good, Cancer stages under T2 are good and the Gleason grades under 4 are good. Life expectancy for majority of men with prostrate cancer is about 13.5 years. Life expectancy and prognosis are generally dependant on the patient’s age, health, fitness and lifestyle.

There are 4 type of conventional medical treatments, namely surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. An active watching/surveillance (Do nothing yet) may be good for the patients in certain cases. There are also many adjunct therapies in support of the main therapies. Hormone and chemo therapies are used mostly in stage 4 cancers to control metastasis. Prostrate cancer cells generally spread to the bones if not treated early. Radiotherapy is an end game treatment whereby the patient cannot do surgery as follow up treatment.

There is always a chance of PSA recurrence in 27 to 53% of prostrate cancer patients. PSA recurrence will lead to prostrate cancer spreading within the time span of about 8 years. PSA recurrence normally starts about 2 years after surgery. And life expectancy after cancer spreading is about 5 until imminent death of the patient. We are also to note there are more prostrate cancer patients dying from other causes other that cancer, particularly from heart diseases.

There are also several new drugs for prostrate cancer namely Ketoconozole plus hydrocortisone, Provenge and Abiraterone. However these new drugs can only prolong life expectancy for very short periods only, some for only 4 months or so.

PSA doubling time is also an important indicator to recurrence of cancer and it’s spreading. PSA doubling time in more than a year is good. Prostrate cancer patients can google for the prostrate cancer prediction tool to know their possibilities of cancer recurrence and also for secondary treatments post castrate resistance disease.

As for diets for prostrate cancer patients, it is best to look for evidence based foods, nutrients and supplements. Unfortunately there are no such diets today. However eating anything well for the heart should be good for the prostrate.

A final advice for patient’s whose PSA is on the recurrence, is not to do anything hastily, as there is adequate time for the correct type of treatments.

Stay healthy and take care.

Dr Murali Sundran is the present Consultant Urologist and Head of department Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Allen Lai

Afiq

2011-03-25T12:49:00.000+08:00

Me and Afiq

I visited Afiq in HUKM yesterday. He was during his scheduled chemo cycle. I am pleased that Afiq has responded very well to his treatments in HUKM. Most importantly Afiq is eating well throughout his treatment session. He has also gained some weight.

Afiq had checked into the ward the previous night for his day care treatment. He was sleeping soundly when I visited him at 10.00am yesterday. I managed to speak to Afiq’s parents for awhile. When Afiq woke up he was immediately cheerful when he saw me. We high- fived and exchanged tons of smiles. Inspite of his cheerfulness Afiq was initially somewhat shy. I am not sure of the reason but with a bit of cheering he soon warmed up and responded well to my queries about his health and activities. We had nasi lemak banana leaf for mid morning breakfast.

Treatment for Leukemia is a long haul task. I am pleased that the Oncology Pediatric Ward HUKM is almost empty. This hopefully means that most of the kids warded before have been discharged and are happily on the road to full recovery. Thanks for the dedicated doctors and staff of HUKM.

Take care

Allen Lai

Insurance for critical illness

2011-03-09T14:46:00.000+08:00

I had actually wanted to write this post for some time. Insurance cover is indeed very important and essential, particularly in the escalation of costs, and cost of living. Typical medical / health cover in insurance may not be sufficient now, in times when a person is down with some form of critical illness.

Whilst medical and health covers pays most of your hospitalization and treatments per hospital billings, insurance for critical illness actually pays you directly the full sum insured. This is all fine, but then there is a real downside to insurance for critical illness. The policy is very specific and well defined in the small prints. The cue now is that who reads the small print?

I have being reading into insurance for critical illness and also had spoken to several insurance agents about it. My conclusion is that whilst it is good and essential we must always take time to read the small prints and clauses therein.

I quote Malaysia Insurance Portal giving ten reasons for taking up insurance for critical illness:

1 A lump sum CASH payment will be payable.

2 Able to seek immediate treatment in any hospital of your choice.

3 Pay for prescription drugs or treatment not covered by government or private plans.

4 Family able to maintain current standard of living

(care for your aging parents, children education and your love ones)

5 Protect your mortgages or settle all your loans.

(Most MRTA policies do not cover critical illnesses)

6 Extra home nursing care during recovery stage.

(minimise the burden on your family members)

7 Premium starts from RM 100 a month for a RM 240,000 protection.

(depending on your age, gender and health condition)

8 Cash back .

(total cash back value is subject to age and insurer's performance)

9 Many people are diagnosed with Critical Illnesses each year.

(thanks to medical advances, many survive). But don't let the medical cost be a burden.

10 Peace of mind.

First and foremost we must know and understand the definitions of the standard critical illnesses. They include: (and I specifically highlight definitions into cancers)

1. Heart Attack.

2. Stroke.

3. Coronary Artery Disease Requiring Surgery.

4. Cancer.

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth and spread of malignant cells and the invasion and destruction of normal tissue for which major interventionist treatment or surgery (excluding endoscopic procedures alone) is considered necessary. The cancer must be confirmed by histological evidence of malignancy. 

The following conditions are excluded:- (a) Carcinoma in situ including of the cervix (b) Ductal Carcinoma in situ of the breast (c) Papillary Carcinoma of the bladder and Stage 1 Prostate Cancer (d) All skin cancers except malignant melanoma (e) Stage I Hodgkinâ’s disease (f) Tumors manifesting as complications of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

5. Kidney Failure.

6. Fulminant Viral Hepatitis.

7. Major Organ Transplant.

8. Paralysis / Paraplegia.

9. Multiple Sclerosis.

10. Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

11. Blindness.

12. Heart Valve Replacement.

13. Loss Of Hearing / Deafness.

14. Surgery To Aorta.

15. Loss of Speech.

16. Alzheimerâ’s Disease / Irreversible Organic Degenerative Brain Disorders.

17. Major Burns.

18. Coma.

19. Terminal Illness.

The Life Assured must be suffering from a condition, which in the opinion of an appropriate Medical Practitioner is highly likely to lead to death within 12 months. The Life Assured must no longer be receiving active treatment other than that for pain relief.

20. Motor Neurone Disease.

21. AIDS Due To Blood Transfusion.

22. Parkinsona’s Disease.

23. Chronic Liver Disease.

24. Chronic Lung Disease.

25. Major Head Trauma.

26. Aplastic Anaemia

27. Muscular Dystrophy.

28. Benign Brain Tumor.

A life-threatening, non-cancerous tumor in the brain giving rise to characteristic signs of increased intra-cranial pressure such as papilloedema, mental symptoms, seizures and sensory impairment. The presence of the underlying tumor must be confirmed by imaging studies such as CT Scan or MRI. Cysts, granulomas, malformations in or of the arteries or veins of the brain, haematomas, tumors in the pituitary gland or spine and tumors of the acoustic nerve are excluded.

29. Encephalitis.

30. Poliomyelitis.

31. Brain Surgery.

32. Bacterial Meningitis.

33. Other Serious Coronary Artery Disease.

34. Apallic Syndrome.

35. AIDS Cover of Medical Staff.

36. Full Blown AIDS.

I herewith include extracts of some typical small prints.

A. There will be no coverage for:

2. Critical Illness

i) disease (s) resulting from acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), AIDS – related complex or infection by Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) unless the condition of the disease or infection arose as a result of blood transfusion in accordance with the critical illness definitions of the policy.

ii) Pre – existing Illness which existed before the Policy Date of Reinstatement of the policy, where pre – existed Illness shall mean disabilities that the Life Insured has reasonable knowledge of. A Life Insured may be considered to have reasonable knowledge of a pre – existing condition where the condition is one for which:-

1. The Life Insured had received or is receiving treatment; or

2. Medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment has been recommended; or

3. Clear and distinct symptoms are or were evident; or

4. Its existence would have been apparent to a reasonable person in the circumstances.

iii)Angioplasty, cancer, coronary artherectomy, heart attack, other serious coronary artery disease and/or surgery for coronary arterial disease occurring within sixty (60) days after the Policy Date or Date of Reinstatement of the Policy.

iv) Diseases other than those specified in 2 (iii) above occurring within thirty (30) days after the Policy Date of Reinstatement of the Policy.

v) Critical Illness claim/s resulting directly or indirectly from any Congenital Conditions for lives with age of entry of two (2) years or less where such disorder is known to the Policy Owner. Congenital Conditions shall mean any medical or physical abnormalities existing at the time of birth as well as neo – natal physical abnormalities developing within 6 months from the time of birth. They will include hernias of all types and epilepsy except when caused by a trauma which occurred after the date that the insured was continuously covered under this Policy.

vi) Critical Illness resulting from all or any self – inflicted injury while sane or insane.

C. Sum Insured for child below the age of four (4) years is reduced upon death, TPD or diagnosis of any of the Critical Illness or actual undergoing of Surgery covered by this policy of the child. The sum insured payable will be according to a scheduled table.

Take care

Allen Lai

Prostrate Cancer treatments and its complications

2011-03-04T09:41:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

NCSM’s Empowerment Programme has organized a talk on prostrate cancer treatments and its complications, by Dr Murali Sundram, Head of the Urulogy Department HKL on Saturday 26 March 2011from 12.00 to 2 pm in NCSM’s premise. All cancer patients and care givers are cordially invited. Light lunch will be served.

I would personally recommend all gentlemen above 45 years old, irrespective of whether they are cancer patients or not, to attend this important talk. Prostrate cancer strikes silently and without any direct symptoms to the disease. I was perfectly healthy, fit and normal except for symptoms of a normal enlarged prostrate, that I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer at stage three local advanced. I was lucky that I was just in time, as early treatment is the key to good prognosis. Be wiser than me, know your prostrate as early as possible.

Do call up for a reservation for the limited seats. Call Adeline at 0326987300.

Thank you NCSM for the talk.

Take care

Allen Lai

Robotic Surgery

2011-02-25T12:21:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Hurray robotic surgery is now available in Kuala Lumpur. With this system, your surgeon may not necessarily be in the OT room. He may be doing the surgery from abroad.
View video below

Take care

Allen Lai

CyberKnife

2011-02-25T12:12:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

CyberKnife is now available in Beacon Hospital Petaling Jaya. Cancer patients are now spoilt for choice for radiotherapy/surgery treatments. Perhaps now is the time to buy medical coverage as cost may not come down in the near future.
See video below

Take care

Allen Lai

TomoTherapy

2011-02-25T11:56:00.003+08:00

Hi all,

During our last Support Group meeting in NCSM, we discussed TomoTherapy Treatment. We were informed that there are two medical centers that have this equipment already. Namely Prince Court in KL and Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya. TomoTherapy treatment is the latest generation in Radiotherapy treatment. It is very dynamic, precise, accurate and versatile. It has the most uptodate imaging software’s. Its only downside is cost. We hope TomoTherapywill be made more affordable in the years to come. Below is a video to demonstrate TomoTherapy.

Take care

Allen Lai

Links to websites on cancer information

2011-02-23T23:10:00.001+08:00

I have being browsing the internet for information and remedies for all types of cancers for the past year. There are really many ready websites popping up as cancer is the rage disease today. Professional, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and good souls all had put up these websites. Some are really good and informative, whilst others promote their remedies. For what it is worth, it is a good read but we must be totally aware of the complexity of cancer and that each patient respond differently to each type of remedy. Hence read each information with absolute caution and always consult with your Oncologist its effects and implications. Be very sure whatever remedies you take it is consistent with your current treatments.

I wish to append some of the sites that I use with confidence and hope that you will be able to rely on them too.

Read the links in the tab Useful Links above.

Take care and get well soon.

Allen Lai

http://www.cancer.net/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/DiseasesIndex/DiseasesIndex

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

http://nutritiondata.self.com/

http://www.webmd.com/

http://www.cochrane.org/

http://www.merckmanuals.com/

http://www.oncologychannel.com/

A New day in the New year in the New me

2011-02-19T17:50:00.001+08:00

Peggy and me

Where do I start? It is all brand new. A new me, I feel good and feeling good. A refreshed me with my PSA level at 0.03. I am fixed and I am doing well enough to begin taking long walks. My QiGong practices are coming along as well; with smoother movements and fuller breathings. Chinese New Year 2011 is over leaving me heavier by 3kg. My waistline is now a proud round belly and an inch wider. My trousers has become a wee bit too tight.

This is where I start for my new year.

I suppose what my new day starts with depends on what I did the previous day. What time did I go to sleep to be precise. If I sleep late like 4 am or so, I will wake up late and miss the morning altogether. If I sleep early, usually not earlier that 2 am in the morning, I will be up and about by 8 am latest. But who cares If I sleep early or late. I have time the next day unless I have scheduled for plan A in my mind and my wife has plan B in her mind. But she won’t tell me what is in her mind any earlier; until when she wants to do it. Not much of a plan isn’t it.

I start my new day by doing my business and cleaning up. I will have 2 cups of just plain water followed by an orange/papaya/kiwi fruit. I will then offer my daily morning prayers at my family altar in the house. After prayers I will then take my daily morning medications followed by breakfast of cereals.

After breakfast I will alternate between my morning long walks in the neighbourhood and QiGong practice in my garden which is usually 1.5 to 2 hours. I will then have a light lunch at home. A quick nap follows, sometimes not so quick. Nap is followed by an afternoon/ evening TV session of Korean dramas.

After evening prayers at home, my wife and I will go to my mother in law’s place in PJ for dinner throughout the weekdays. We will spend the whole evening there until 9 pm when we come home to sleep. Our night TV session starts from 10 pm each night until we finish all the cliff hangers in the Korean TV dramas. Hence we do not sleep until 4 am each day.

Unless we have plan A or plan B for the day, my day is quite routine as described. Am I having a good day? Am I living well? I am not too sure for now, but I am surely enjoying my new year of life doing what I like doing.

Allen Lai

Happy Chinese New Year 2011

2011-01-27T15:22:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Here is wishing you all a Happy Chinese New Year 2011. It is the year of the rabbit. It is a good and prosperous year. I wish you good health always and God's blessing to you and your family.

Take care and enjoy life as we should.

Allen Lai

Think before you pink

2011-01-12T13:44:00.000+08:00

Hi all,
I have many new lady friends who unfortunately are already pink :(
I append a website called "Think before you pink" for my many wonderful lady friends who are still very healthy and vibrant. To them I advice that they do the needful and checkups necessary to remain pink free. I have the male version of pink. I am purple :( and I know what it is like going through the ordeals.

Precaution and knowledge are the best cure for all illness. Awareness programmes and pink support groups will always show the ways ahead.

Visit the website here:
http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/

If you have any doubts and need more information you can contact our local National Cancer Society Malaysia.

Take care
Allen Lai

Mr. Hongchi Xiao

2011-01-12T13:22:00.003+08:00

Hi All,
I append Mr Hongchi Xiao's recent interview for your attention.Please watch until the end to comprehend. His work is awesome. He advocates self healing and there is a lot of truth in what he is practicing. My sifu Master Yap teaches the same techniques. It works and its free.
I have seen many fellow patients giving up medical treatment because it is just too expensive. Most sell off their houses and expand their life's savings, not to mention draining off children and caregivers economically. Prevention is the best cure for all illness.
Thank you Mr Hongchi Xiao, you are an angel in passing by our lives.

Visit his website here:
http://yixingtianxia.com/newpage/en/xiao_1.html
Take care
Allen Lai

Happy Birthday Master Yap

2011-01-09T17:36:00.001+08:00

Master Yap turning 60

QiQong Cake

Yummy

Congratulations

Always encouraging

Master Yap turns 60 tomorrow. But he certainly does not look the age he is. Thanks to Zhineng Gigong.

Master Yap is a cancer survivor several times over and more. He had survived more than 15 years despite the doctor giving him only several months to live. He turned to QiGong and the rest was history.

We are very fortunate to have Master Yap, when he fully understands our predicament and our needs to survive like him? He walks the talk. He passes on his learning’s, experience with cancer and other illness. He has cured himself. What a wonderful mentor.

We get together every Sunday morning for our QiGong Lessons. The two hours or so is worth the whole weeks own practicing at home. He is professional, compassionate and good teacher. All of us always look forward to his class every Sunday.

Happy Birthday Master Yap. Thank you for sharing with us QiGong. Many happy returns for the day.

Visit here for more photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/paceputrajaya0/HappyBirthdayMasterYap#

The Infantry

2011-01-07T15:42:00.000+08:00

The Infantry is the foot soldier. I had discussed combat power in my previous post and I had deliberately left out the basic foot soldier as an element of combat power. The Infantry foot soldiers are awesome fighting troops. They are always organized into sections, platoons, battalions, brigades and divisions. The Infantry Division is the most complete and self- sustaining formation in any army. It is always battle ready and is organized to advance, attack, defence, or tactically redeploy at will. Most importantly, the Infantry is the only combat power capable to hold ground. I know, as I was the Ketua Staff (Chief of Staff) of the Malaysia Fourth Infantry Division.

Our body cells are our Infantry foot soldiers. They live and fight to destroy our body enemies daily in all parts of our bodies. Every second and every minute of the day and night. Every terrain, every ground of tactical importance and every vital ground is held by our good body cells, particularly the cells known as T cells. Our body combat troops cannot sleep nor rest. And our good body cells need bullets, food and protection to perform it vital role to destroy the enemies within our bodies. Our good body cells need to be immune to the counter attacks by our body enemies, It must be particularly immunized to withstand the proliferation of cancer cells.

We cannot overlook the importance of getting our good body cells to be strong and vitalized at all times. It needs all the proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to be strong and vigilant. A sick person has poorly nourished body cells. He will succumb to the enemy in time. The sick person’s body gives up the battle easily. We cannot compromise a healthy body. A person with cancer cells is not unhealthy and need not be unhealthy. He has cancer to be dealt with. A problem to be solved. He needs his good body cells to attack and destroy the cancer cells. Our body cells are the best fighting troops against cancer.

My earlier posts have described various approach to make our bodies strong and healthy. We must have a plan to provide good food, nutrition, minerals, antioxidants and rest for our body. I basically eat 80% fruits and vegetables and 20% of meats. I also particularly eat my fruits before meals, as digestion of vitamins are better on an empty stomach. I take my medication and supplements on a regular scheduled basis. I make sure to have regular rest time at night for my body cells to reorganise and recuperate. I am a good commander. I know my troops better than their mothers do.

Allen Lai

Combat Power

2011-01-04T13:41:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year 2011.

It has been a full year since the detection and my treatments for the prostrate cancer in me. I survived a year to say the least. Thanks to my Oncologist, staff of HUKM, Friends in NCSM, my family and all my friends who had cared and helped me along in my fight against Cancer. We won the battle together. It wasn’t an easy year, particularly in the first 4 months or so. But we are ahead and maintaining full momentum towards full recovery.

Along the way I had met many wonderful new friends, learnt a lot more about cancer, our immune system, diet, nutrition, QiGong and God, and a bit of everything else. Looking back I am convinced that my career in the army had played a very significant role towards achieving this success. I may have left the army, but the army have not left me. My fight against cancer is very much the same as fighting the war against our enemies. It needs strategy, combat power, decisive actions, momentum, speed and discipline.

The hype word in combating cancer today is to take a holistic approach. But this means many things to the Oncologist, advocators and patients, but by and large, the holistic approach is a singular approach to most practitioners. I am of the opinion that it is not so. The holistic approach is very much a multiple approach for synergy and effectiveness.

In my fight against cancer, I had employed everything and anything. It is an all out war and there is no runners up, only the victor. Perhaps most unfamiliar to all people, except to soldiers, is combat power. What is combat power in the military?

Combat power is essentially firepower. It means troops, guns, tanks, aircrafts, ships etc etc. Combat power should be used to its fullest at the most opportune time. Combat power has been the core doctrine throughout my military training. I have to employ all the combat power available to me to combat cancer. What do I have? Military hardwares are no good for my fight against cancer. But I have more. I would like to table out my combat powers available for me to fight cancer in the list below. I will also assign a weighted combat power value to each power. The value of ten being highest strength and power. They are awesome.

Ser	Combat Power	Value	Remarks
1.	God	10	Prayers and blessings daily
2.	QiGong	9	Zhineng Qigong at least 1 hr per day
3.	Radiotherapy	9	Prescribed by Oncologist
4.	Hormone Therapy	9	Prescribed by Oncologist
5.	Exercises	8	At least 40 mins per day
6.	Care givers	8	Spouses / Children / Immediate family
7.	Diet	7	As 80% fruits and Vege, 20% meats
8.	Friends	6	Not sympathizers
9.	Internet	6	Dedicated sites and blogs
10.	Books	6	Relevant books on cancer
11.	Chinese Herbs	5	As recommended
12.	Nutrition / Supplements	5	Inadequate as shown in blood tests
13.	Sunlight	4	At least 20 mins per day

I have been blessed to acknowledge the strength of the above combat powers. I employ these combat powers daily to great satisfaction and good health. Employing all the Combat powers daily gives me a strong force multiplier throughout the day. Cancer cannot sustain my daily bombardments. It will die.

Let’s fight cancer. We will certainly win, with all the combat powers available to us.

I was, and still am a soldier. I can amass my combat powers to full force with discipline.

Allen Lai

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T12:43:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011.
Good health and blessings always.

Enjoy the festive seasons.

Allen Lai

NCSM QiGong Class of 2010

2010-12-21T15:27:00.000+08:00

Dr Borhan

Master Yap

Last session

Group photo

Full stretch

QiGong food

Hi all,

QiGong Class of 2010 ended its last session for the year with simple ceremony and buffet. We had enjoyed ourselves learning new QiGong movements under Master Yap.

Happy practicing QiGong, See you all next year. Class starts on Sunday 02 January 2011.

View more photos here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/paceputrajaya0

Allen Lai

QiGong Testimony

2010-12-16T12:05:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

I am both surprised and pleased that Mr Bob Ellal had responded promptly to my last post on Zhineng QiGong. Mr Ellals’ respond is a classic testimony that QiGong works miracles for us. However he is correct to advice that QiGong should only be used as an Adjunct Therapy to professional medical treatments. It is also to be noted that QiGong is a not a onetime session. QiGong should be practiced daily and mindfully.

Thank you Mr Ellal for sharing your success with us. God bless you.

I quote his response below:

Qigong—Chinese mind/body exercises--helped me immensely in my successful battles with four bouts of supposedly terminal bone lymphoma cancer in the early nineties. I practiced standing post meditation, one of the most powerful forms of qigong--as an adjunct to chemotherapy, which is how it should always be used. Qigong kept me strong in many ways: it calmed my mind--taking me out of the fight-or-flight syndrome, which pumps adrenal hormones into the system that could interfere with healing. The deep abdominal breathing pumped my lymphatic system—a vital component of the immune system. In addition, qigong energized and strengthened my body at a time when I couldn't do Western exercise such as weight-lifting or jogging--the chemo was too fatiguing. And it empowered my will and reinforced it every day with regular practice. In other words, I contributed to the healing process, instead of just depending solely on the chemo and the doctors. Clear 14 years and still practicing!

Bob Ellal Author, ‘Confronting Cancer with the Qigong Edge’

Read Mr Ellal’s full post here:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Standing_Post_Meditation.html

Allen Lai

Zhineng QiGong

2010-12-14T14:57:00.000+08:00

Hi all

I have being practicing QiGong for the past three months under Master Yap with the National Cancer Society Malaysia. Now almost on practically a daily basis. The form of Qigong I practice is Zhineng QiGong.

There are as many forms of QiGong as there are masters of the practice. In the book The complete idiot’s guide to Tai Chi and QiGong, master Bill Douglas (Founder of World Tai Chi and QiGong Day) explained that Tai Chi is a form of QiGong, and they are essentially the same. They stem from the same roots for concepts and movements. However whilst Tai Chi is totally QiGong, All QiGong is Not Tai Chi.

Huh? Whatever.

Do not be confused and disturbed by the mysteries and myths of these ancient sciences of healings and wellness regimes. Just practice QiGong or Tai Chi.

Just practice.

I do not wish to dwell on the benefits and cures by practicing QiGong. Suffice to say it cannot do you any bad. There are just too many benefits to pen and too many explanations to explain. I’ll let you go to the QiGong Institute to find the answers you are looking for. The institute has loads of studies and clinical trial’s reports for your answers.

Enjoy QiGong. You will love it like me, and all others.

Visit the QiGong Institute at:

www.qigonginstitute.org

Allen Lai

Happy Afiq

2010-12-14T11:29:00.000+08:00

Afiq

The occasion

Me and Afiq

Games

Having a blast

I was very happy to have received an email from Afiq's mother last week. Afiq is well and is on his last leg of treatments for Consolidation. It means Afiq's prognosis is good and that he has responded well to the chemos administered over several months in HUKM. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff who had help to get Afiq to get better.

Afiq can now go home, but needs to be on day care treatments in the hospital for maintenance of medications and observations.

I was with Afiq, his 2 siblings, Nenek and his parents last Sunday in a Telematch party organised for cancer kids in three major hospitals in KL. The party was held in the closed stadium in Titiwansa, KL.

Afiq was beaming and very happy to see me. We high fived and hugged. Afiq looks very good in his T shirt and jeans with a red bandana scaf on his head. How cool and handsome.

I am glad to note all the participating kids were having a bast in games organised. This is what all kids should be doing all the time. Thank you to CARES for all your care.

I am glad Afiq and I bonded well,We we look forward to more gatherings together when he is more recovered. I promised to see him next at the Putrajaya Night Run in mid January 2011.

Welcome home Afiq. You made all of us proud seeing, you so happy and courageous.

Allen Lai

High Tea

2010-12-14T11:06:00.000+08:00

An occasion for high tea was held by two prostrate cancer support groups on 5 December 2010. It was a first time joint get- together held at the Lake Club Subang Jaya. In previous years, our prostrate support group from the National Cancer Society Malaysia has held their annual party in a member's home.

About 60 participants from both groups attended the sumptuous lunch/high tea. There was lots of chatter, laughter and good food to eat for the whole afternoon.

Thanks to Mr Das and Mr Liew and all those who had made this occasion possible and enjoyable.

Hope this will be an annual affair.

Allen Lai

The China Study

2010-11-15T14:07:00.000+08:00

The China Study is not about China. It is about you and me and what goes on inside our bodies after we have eaten. There are books on nutrition’s and there are books on nutrition’s. In fact too many in the bookshops to confuse us.

The China Study is a medical scientific study undertaken by the US for the past 40 years. The title of this book is taken from the China-Oxford-Cornell Study on dietary, Lifestyle and disease Mortality Characteristics in 65 Rural Chinese Counties.

The project covered 12 kinds of cancer in over 2400 countries and 800 million people. This report should be worth your while to read and to have a basic understanding of the relationships between diseases and the foods/nutrition we eat. The China Study is the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted.

I do not wish to write a review about this book. Suffice to say that is had been the best seller in its category. The book is written by D Colin Campbell, and it is available in all major book stores and libraries.

Read it as it may save your life later on.

Allen Lai

The Antioxidant Miracle

2010-11-10T14:44:00.000+08:00

I take antioxidants too to fight the free radicals in my body. Just like everybody else I am perplex as to what are the best antioxidants to take, its true effectiveness and cost of course.

We all know antioxidants comprise the vitamins, minerals, acids, akalines, flavonoids and including the whole works in biochemistry.

Dr Lester Packer is the foremost scientist in antioxidants, having spent his whole working life in the Packer Lab in Berkeley. He wrote the book The Antioxidant Miracle in 1999 and today this book remains relevant in the studies in antioxidants. This book is a must for every home as it is very comprehensive and detail in telling us the functions and roles of antioxidants.

The two very important things highlighted in his book are one, our cells are either water based or fat based as such antioxidants can only work in either type of cells, but not both. And two, There are antioxidants that networks. Dr Packer had discovered that some antioxidants actually network to achieve synergic levels.

These networking antioxidants can actually overcome the water/fat barrier by being able to work in either types of cells. They are also able to recycle each other when expanded in our bodies.

These networking antioxidants are Vitamins C and E, Lipoic acid, Glutathione, and CoQ10 enzyme. They are the antioxidant micrale.

Read more yourselves. The book is available in any major bookshop or library. This knowledge is worthy and may enhance your life in many ways.

Allen Lai

High Fives

2010-10-31T14:50:00.000+08:00

Afiq receiving the TNF medal

I visited the Pediatric Ward HUKM again on Friday 29 October. Almost all the children were still in the ward. The only signs left of our event were some kids had actually hung their medals on the beds and on the wall behind them. Only one purple balloon was still on one of the bed albeit about the size of a tennis ball. Kids do love balloons.

Visiting the rooms

Karen giving the medals

Kooky and Afiq

As I entered the ward, Afiq cheerfully waived to me. He was actually happy and glad to see me. We high fived. I also met Afiq's parents and had a long chat with them. Afiq was the kid who had received Kooky's TNF medal. I am very pleased to hear from the parents that Afiq had responded well to his treatments and would be discharged soon.

Little things mean a lot, even High Fives. I append below Afiq's mother's note to me the next day. Afiq's happiness had made my day.

Hi uncle,

sorry dah lama i tak buka email. thanks uncle atas info yg u berikan.We all memang mengharapkan bantuan dan bimbingan from u. terima kasih sebab uncle sudi datang pagi tadi.Afiq sangat gembira dengan kedatangan uncle.Last time uncle datang pun dia asyik cerita pasal uncle "give me 5 ". keep in touch yea...

Remember to High Fives kids when you see them.

Allen Lai

Video on visit to HUKM

2010-10-23T17:18:00.000+08:00

Hi all

Below is the video on our visit to HUKM. Curtesy and thanks to Pueh Tian.

Enjoy.

Allen Lai

Follow up visit

2010-10-23T13:23:00.000+08:00

Afiq all smiles like a champ

Happy father Encik Fairul

I made a followup visit to the Pediatric Ward in HUKM yesterday to see that everything is all right after our activity last Sunday. I had met the sister incharged, Puan Siti and all the nursing staff. They were really pleased to see me and conveyed their heartfelt thank you to all of us.

I also made my "round' to visit all the wonderful kids in their beds and cribs. All of them remembered our party and their parents were by their sides giving their thanks to us.

I met young Afiq Danial who had received Kooky's TNF medal. He is now much better and have moved into the main ward from his restricted room. I talked with his father Encik Fairul and he was very grateful to all of us. We had made the difference.

So it was a very successful event and we had really touched their hearts. We should all now be feel good feeling good. Ala mak! even one parent asked me Bila esok ada satu party lagi ? I just smiled.

Let's do it again. Jom?

Allen Lai

A visit to the Pediatric Ward HUKM

2010-10-19T01:17:00.000+08:00

Partytime

Kooky Kash is one kool Kooky. On the trails, in her races and in taking up the most challenging projects. Her eye for concepts, details and creativity are unbelievably spot on. You got to meet or work with her to actually see all her traits. Just believe me.

Kooky had cued to me that she would like to do an event with unfortunate kids. She would like to present them with race medals so that they would be encouraged and be one day able to pick up the sport. I agreed but with some apprehension. I really foresaw a lot of problems and obstacles ahead. Who would want to help us to do the event at the Pediatric Ward in HUKM? Did we have the time frame?

We would have to start dealing with the kids who are frail and fighting for their lives. This is no normal kids party. That would be chicken’s feed. Our target participants are located in the hospital’s ICU, bedriden in individual rooms and in a ward highly restricted to visitation. Can we get enough runners to donate their medals for the kids? Admittedly I did not offer to part with my medals too, but parted with two.

A basketful of medals

It takes Kooky to get things moving. She quickly rounded up a great team to get things done. All amazingly through her blog, emails, sms, telephones calls and Facebook. Soon I had emails coming from strangers in respond to Kooky’s call. I’ll do this and I’ll do that. My friend can do this and my friend can do that. Wow. Soon enough even Kooky got help, contribution and donations from total strangers. Help and precious medals poured in. Unbelievable, in about 10 days our email thread was so long and deep that if it was yarn we could have weaved a running vest. We had only one brief meeting at my house two days before the event.

Who says there must be a team leader in teamwork? Our team did not have a leader per se. We were all peers; all of us took on our responsibilities and tasks without much of a fuss, question or doubt. Critical decisions were made by each team member. Our teamwork was slick like clockwork, all cogs moving smoothly forward. We had over come all the obstacles in time management, resources, floor space management and event management.

Happy birthday all

We hosted 25 kids from age just over 1 year old to about 12 years old. All were with Leukemia or Lymphoma. Some were in wheel chairs and some still had IV/ drip tubes still attached. All were accompanied by their parents. Five were confined in their own rooms.

Our programme included interactive singing, a magician, a clown, board games, face painting, sand art, balloon sculpture, a birthday celebration and a big feast. The event finished with medal and gift presentations to the kids. All cramped into 2 hours and done within a floor space of about 20 X12feet. Whew, do we have a tight ship. We also had to do a side activity to visit the kids who were confined to their individual rooms. They were also not left out as we were determined to bring cheer to them by giving them medals and gifts as well.

Kooky's team

Kooky was accepted as our Ketua, I was as usual SiTua and I took on as floor manager and troubleshooter. Julie was MC, Karen Loh took care of the visit to the kids in their rooms. Tina was Music Director, Nita was in charged of the cakes and Rais and all others were crew and deck hands. Our own spouses and kids contributed just as much in organizing the space and more importantly cleaning up the place after the event. A big thank to you guys. Soon more of the gang came to help out. Ijam came in time to clown around. He said to me that he did not have any training as a clown. He was just himself. No need to play act. Pueh Tian and Yim took all our photographs. Gerald and two lovely ladies from the Sacred Heart Church Peel Road came with a guitar for our sing-a-long. The Church also kindly donated biscuits, food and goodies to the Hospital. Thank you Gerald.

Young Danial volunteered to perform amazing magic tricks and card tricks. We salute and thank Danial’s father Dato Bala for allowing him to perform despite young Danial was to sit for his school Assessment Test the next day. We had Chai working with the balloons, Anne did the pretty faces with colours and stickers, Wai Wan brought some interesting board games for the kids and Kelvin and June provided the sand art. Khairul Anuar, Azza and Syah and their families were also with us for the event.

Everybody enjoyed themselves, kids, parents and of course we had a blast. Julie and Maymun were born frogs, having demonstrated their skills in Lompat Si Katak Lompat. They will win hopping races hands down. Ijam obliged me with a short stint of Joget; and boy, was Tina a singing sansation. So much hidden talent in her. Watchout Academy Fantasi wannabes.

I must add that everybody had held their composures well. Well almost everybody. Presentation of the medals was a hyper emotional itinerary. Both in the games room and in the individual rooms. A handicapped boy was brought to center stage to participate with the magician. He had refused any assistance by Julie to return to his wheel chair. He struggled back all by himself. I am not a very tough guy either and had shed a tear discretely. It was unbelievably touching.

Only poor Junebaby had to miss the event as she was scheduled to visit Taiping on Sunday. Junebaby was in the original team. Thanks for all your help and encouragements; and for keeping yourself in the loop throughout. There will always be a next time.

The PRO and hospital staff on duty were great hosts to the event. They were most helpful to all our requests, including Baca Doa by the resident Ustaz. HUKM staff did not believe that we are a bunch of good friends, quickly assembled by Kooky and gang; of which most had not even met before until at the event. I still don’t believe it myself, why should they. They thought that we belonged to some slick NGO. Ha Ha. We became instant event consultants for HUKM’s future projects.

I wish to thank everyone who had contributed to the success of this wonderful event. We couldn’t have done it but for Kooky. We had achieved our aim to bring hope and cheer to some unfortunate kids and had touched many hearts. Most of all the event was fun, like participating in a race.

A medal for you

I’ll direct you to Pueh Tian and Yim’s the FB and photo galleries for more photos of the event. (Thanks for the above photos PT.)

Take care

Allen Lai

Wellness Classes and Support Groups

2010-08-17T13:55:00.000+08:00

The NCSM is housed in a fairly large building in Jalan Raja Muda Aziz,Kuala Lumpur. One of its key facility is the Resource and Wellness Centre. The resource centre conduct classes and workshops for those diagnosed with cancer, their families and caregivers. All activities are free of charge, but donations and volunteers are welcomed.

The following classes are conducted:

Qi Gong. Every Sunday morning 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Yoga with Relaxation. Saturday morning 8.00am to 10.00am.

Massage And Aromatherapy. Wednesdays and Thurdays. By appointment.

Post Mastectomy Exercise Classes. Tuesdays. 11.00am to 1.00pm. By appointment.

Dietary Advice. Online. Email to contact@cancer.org.my

Lifestyle changes workshops. Every 2^nd and 3^rd Tuesdays of each month. 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Prostrate cancer support group. Every 3^rd Thursday of the month, session conducted bi-monthly. 2.00pm to 4 pm.

Pink Unity. Last Saturday of each month. 11.00am to 1.00pm.

For more information or registration for the above activities. Please call 03-2698 7300 or email to contact@cancer.org.my

I attend the Qi Gong class and attend the Prostrate Cancer Support Group session. You may catch up with me there.

Discipline, Self-discipline is the real key to fighting cancer

2010-08-14T14:23:00.000+08:00

I had posted earlier, the ABCDs of fighting cancer. Attitude, Believe, Change and Discipline. Whilst all ABCD are indeed important factors, discipline is in truth, the single most important and critical factor in fighting cancer. ABCD is written in this order because of basic alphabetical convention. Not that attitude is more important than the rest of the other factors.

Allow me to elaborate a bit more in detail, my experience with discipline. Such a simple word but so hard to apply, particularly self-discipline. Perhaps it was poor knowledge and no self-discipline that had got us into trouble in the first place.

We were disciplined as young children by our parents. We were disciplined by our teachers when in school. We were disciplined when we joined the army and other uniformed organisations. In fact we expect some form of discipline in our place of work, on the roads with other users and of course we have to queue and things like that. It implies requirements for general good behaviour. Basically we are to follow a set of established rules, conventions, rules of engagements, standing orders, operating procedures and what not; for fear of punishment. So punishment is the stick behind discipline. It is the sole motivator for us to be disciplined. But self discipline? How do we punish ourselves? Whilst the stick is behind discipline, a carrot is usually behind self- discipline. We get rewarded with good self-discipline.

Who would want to discipline a 67 years old man? Who would indeed have the heart to punish a cancer patient? Any age. Thus we would have to look at self-discipline. Be good, take our medications; be good, exercise more; be good, change your life style and eating habits. It needs self-discipline to make changes by ourselves and for ourselves. We must be focused on the carrots it brings for self-discipline.

In my case I try to impose self-punishments whenever I loose myself in self-discipline. For example, I have set myself to do regular Qi Gong exercises. In doing Qi Gong, I would have to do a lot of repeats. I would have to count the number of counts in the set of exercises. But I would loose count, as I get distracted easily. Was it 59 counts or 69 counts? My self-punishment would be to take the less count, regardless. So I would have to do 10 more counts. Cool ya?

I told myself that coffee is not good for me. So I had stopped taking coffee like I used to; sometimes 6 cups a day. I feel lousy being deprived of coffee. Sometimes I take a sip or two from my wife’s cup. Just cannot tahan. For self-punishment, I’ll have drink 3 cups of water to dilute the tiny sips of coffee taken.

In times when we ran out of my fresh vegetables and fruits in the house. I would not eat anything else. I’ll have to just drink my green tea and to take a nap or watch the TV. No lunch or dinner. That is my imposed self-discipline to eat healthy foods only. Eat healthy foods or nothing. But once in a while I treat myself to a grand indulgence of wicked foods.

Self-discipline should be self-imposed for rewards. It needs a lot of self-confidence and dedication to the end results. Try it. Do not punish yourself. Give yourself a treat once in a while.

When life pushes you down

2010-08-13T16:32:00.000+08:00

Here is another truth to be told.

When life pushes you down, push back!
That’s what you’re here for.
You’re capable, you’re creative, you’re full of life and energy.
You have what it takes to move yourself forward around any obstacle.
Don’t let anything stop you.

Take strength from meeting the challenges, and move ahead.
The struggles you face are just what you need to fulfill your potential for greatness.

A year from now, when you look back at today,
you’ll see that the problem you’re so concerned with right now,
was another valuable lesson waiting to be learned.

Visit here for more inspirations.

http://www.pravsworld.com/content/inspiration/335/when-life-pushes-you-down

The truth of life

2010-08-13T16:20:00.000+08:00

I came upon a beautiful quote from pravsword.com

We make them cry who care for us

We cry for those who never care for us

And we cry for those who will never cry for us

This is the truth of life; it is strange but true

Once you realise this, it is not too late to change

Please help to save a young Life

2010-08-10T16:02:00.000+08:00

Hi everybody,

I received the following appeal in my mail. I pray that God will grant her a bit more time so that a bone marrow match is found for her. Please help to save a life.

Thank you
Allen Lai

A simple forward this mail to others will be a meritorious deed, and it doesn't waste much of your time.

Thank you for doing that in advance. Please act as soon as possible.

Chen Siew Cheng : Tel : (02)23708099, Fax : (02)25507098. Please forward to the person who has AB blood type of bone marrow and hope everybody will forward the mail to your friends so that they can have the opportunity to find the 'right person' to help.

The success rate maybe very slim, that's why we used the e-mail method hope to find the right person. It may not be the smart method, but to us, this is final chance.

To the family member of the leukaemia (blood cancer) patient, every second count. We anxiously need a AB blood type of person to donate his/her bone marrow, and although it only have very little chance to match, but we still have hope for it. Because of your loving kindness to pass the mail along, she may stand a chance to recover.

So, please put a little effort, the little girl may have chance to live because of you.
Thank you very much and a thousand words cannot express our appreciation.

Lim Seong Boon
Seremban

Hope for our children

2010-08-10T14:54:00.000+08:00

Hope for our children

Presentation of family portrait

MOU Signed

Mr Skelchy and Mr Chris Yong

You cannot be happier than this

Me trying a new T

Smile, you matter

Mr Chris Yong and Staff of CM

Mr Anthony Skelchy, President NCSM

Group photo

Thank you Court Malaysia

I was invited to participate in the official launch for the Hope for our Children Campaign on 10 August 2010 by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). The launch included a mini walkathon before the official addresses, MOU signing ceremony and press release.

It would be appropriate that I surmised the visions, objectives and purpose of our sponsors for the event. Hope for our Children Campaign is a joint campaign by NCSM and Courts Malaysia (CM). NCSM had been incorporated in 1966 as a registered charity body to provide education, care and support services for people affected by cancer. Courts Malaysia, formally known as Courts Mammoth Sdn Bhd, was incorporated in 1986. CM is a leading retailer of consumer electronics and furniture in the country. CM carries two very successful marketing strategies by providing a lowest price guarantee and with an affordable and flexible installment repayment plan to boot.

Despite both NCSM and CM were incorporated 20 years apart, they had shared a far sighted vision in launching the Hope for our Children Campaign. The campaign is very apt, timely and spot-on for today’s corporation’s desire to contribute back to society in their CSR programmes. CM had previously successfully supported Rumah Ceriaku Campaign since 1999 in their long history in community projects. This particular project adopted 50 orphanages in the country and had benefitted 2,491 children todate.

Today CM wanted to do more for children. Nothing would be more magnanimous and humbling than saving the lives of young cancer patients. I know because I have been there and done that. CM will achieve the Feel good feeling good euphoria and jubilation derived only from saving lives. Charity is also good in that it would make life easier for the recipients, but saving lives, even one life, we would have met God’s requirement for us. Saving lives touches the heart of the unfortunate person and their loved ones and caregivers. I must congratulate NCSM and CM for their initiative and objectives in this well thought out campaign.

Prevention is the best cure for cancer. The campaign’s tagline and slogan is very appropriate. Cancer Prevention Begins With A Healthy Lifestyle. It is the truth of the matter, and it should be inculcated into our children. We should empower our children with the knowledge that healthy lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of cancer later in life.

I wish to thank Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, Chief Executive and Medical Director NCSM for enlightening us about cancer in her welcoming address.

On behalf of all future direct recipients in this campaign and their loved ones and caregivers, I wish to thank Mr Chris Yong, Country Director CM, for the corporation’s commitment and pledge to this programme which carries a target contribution of RM1 million for this cause. So please do your part in giving something when you pass and see donation boxes in any of CM’s 50 outlets nationwide. You matter and this is a worthy cause.

About 200 people from cancer survivors, caregivers, supporters and staff from CM participated in this morning’s walkathon in Mutiaria Damansara. We were flagged off at 8.30 am in front of CM’s outlet. It was a nice and early walk around the office and shopping blocks. As I had noticed the morning’s traffic had picked up, I offered to help as a safety warden and assisted the police in traffic control in the many junctions and ingresses into the office blocks. We arrived safely back to our start point in less than 45 minutes to the delights of a good morning breakfast.

Thank you NCSM and Courts Malaysia.

You may view and download more photos here :

http://picasaweb.google.com/paceputrajaya0/

For more information about NCSM and CM please visit their websites below:

http://www.cancer.org.my/

http://www.courts.com.my/html/index.html

Back to the Warfront Again

2010-08-08T23:30:00.000+08:00

I am back for awhile. I was drafted into a personal war late last year. The warfront is ablaze and horrible, unlike conventional warfare. Took a quick break from the front to post this.

I am glad I had learnt my lessons well in our tactics courses, in MTAT and in MPAT. I am more glad to have been DS and Instructor whilst in service. I understand Strategy, I understand the importance of terrain and most of all, fire and movement. I know I must fight on grounds of my own choosing. I must identify my GTI. I need all the fire power available and fire at will. I must maintain my momentum. I must.

I must do my appreciation. It must be a Full appreciation with my own pink DS answers and all. A quick appreciation on Aim, Ground and Plan is inadequate. I don’t know nor understand the enemy well, and now the enemy has an upper hand.

As of today I have a better understanding of the enemy. The enemy is ferocious, brutal and intense. The enemy grows from strength to strength every second, every minute, 24/7. The enemy’s combat power is almost unmatchable. The enemy employs blitzkrieg movements with onslaughts far exceeding the pace used by the Germans in WW2. The enemy employs guerrilla tactics and techniques to entrench itself in our weakest area. It establishes a very strong base before breaking out. Once it breaks out, the enemy is almost unstoppable until it is too late for us. The enemy’s strategy has 4 stages. Its operations in the first two stages are almost impossible to detect, unless we do deliberate surveillance over our sensitive terrain.

I was alerted by friendly forces, of possible enemy within my mist late last year. Intelligence units confirmed the presence of the enemy. I was caught sleeping with my pants literally down. The enemy had firmly dug in and entrenched into it’s stage 3 and is in its local advanced stage. I was in total shock when the intel was presented to me. I couldn’t believe it, what, with me nicely retired and starting to look forward to a good life. The Intel was F1 intelligence and confirmed by several sources. I must be drafted into the war. It is my war. My defense pact with several friendly forces is inadequate. There is only so much that they can do and assist. I cannot let them do all the fighting. I am fighting fit and I will fight. I am a Gunner.

I have Cancer.

Allen Lai

The Battle Plans

2010-08-08T23:27:00.001+08:00

I am back at the frontline again. Glad to be back to take personal charge of the battle. We are halfway through our Fire Plan. We had agreed to 30 fire missions and we had fired 13 missions todate. Target analysis had just come in and we are pleased that we are on time and on targets. Target analysis under the PSA format and score line came down from 20 plus points to 2.34 points to finally 1.44 points. These results showed that our fireplans are effective and on track.

I am glad to have concrete alliance with the best elite forces in the country. HUKM have tremendous expertise and experience in destroying the enemy. HUKM have very specialized and seasoned personnel and fire units. HUKM had proposed a dual approach to eliminate the enemy. Firstly we need to contain the enemy and stabilize the situation. HUKM proposed to do this by using the Hormone Line as the first line of attack to force the enemy to dig in, and to stop a blitzkrieg. The Hormone attack plan had paid off nicely despite some minor setbacks and side effects in our terrain. The Hormone attack plan had completely caught the enemy by surprise. The enemy retreated and had dug in and moved into their defence phase. We had successfully contained the enemy for destruction.

Having contained the enemy, HUKM proposed a NBC attack, particularly a Radiological attack. Standard NATO High Explosive shells are not effective. We will fire 30 fire missions at 10 seconds intervals, at selected High Value Targets. We had selected 7 HVTs in the enemy’s Vital ground. The Fire Plan scheduled 4 fire missions on each HVT. We had agreed to accept a calculated loss of own troops as casualties in the vicinity of the target areas. This is most unfortunate and we pray that our frontline troops recover, reorg, and regroup quickly to continue to maintain the momentum on the ground attacks.

Whilst HUKM’s main twin attack plans were in place, I had taken additional steps to cut off the enemy’s supplies and food and also to reinforce our own forces resources. I had been too aggressive in the support plan that had resulted some setbacks in the admin areas, particularly with shortages of toilets in the field. HUKM quickly addressed the situation and had advised me to delay my support plans to poison the enemy’s supplies and to enhance our troops fighting capabilities. I agreed and had put my support plans on hold for the time being.

The battle continues.

Lesson learnt No.1

Spend time to be fit or spend time to be sick.

Review of the Situation

2010-08-08T23:26:00.000+08:00

The battle is still raging as I start to ponder.

What is happening ? WHY me ? There MUST be a mistake somewhere. People makes mistakes. Right? Intreps have shown how the enemy had advanced to Stage Three. Steady I said to myself. I must remain calm. I must remain calm at all cost because I must display leadership and control.

I thought about the basics. It must start with the basics. We have always been told to go back to the basics. Do an appreciation or do a SWOT appraisal, but what ever do not panic. I started to look at my terrain.

I am male and 66 years old. I should have about 6 trillion troops under command. Our troops are organized as cells, nodes and organs. I would have about 2 trillion combat troops and the remainder combat support and logistics troops. Combat troops seek and destroys enemy troops wherever there is a a contact. They fight 24 /7 hours without taking any annual leave.

My troops recruit and retrench on a daily basis. They are fairly organized and regulated. They form designated defense lines with self immunizer units. However they need high value supplies and food. But immunizer units degrade over time and age. At my age I admit some combat troops do loose their firefights sometimes. I maintain regular PULHEEMS checkups and ARTEP tests to ensure that my troops are FE always and fairly fit for battle. But alas I admit to being complacent for quite some time. I had taken things for granted. My troops soon became inferior to the enemy. This is the truth of the matter.

I then considered the enemy. I must respect the enemy. Sun Tzu had advised us to know our enemy.

The enemy comprised mainly from Free Radicals, they had mutinied and are running amok. The enemy is sustained in anaerobic conditions in the terrain. It avoids an alkaline situation and strives with happy hours in acidic conditions in the terrain. The enemy cohorts quickly with other radicals known as carcinogens.

When the enemy gathers enough strength, it will metastasis into our main stream lifelines and limp nodes. The enemy’s thrust and push will be almost impossible to contain. They form strong colonies called Tumours.

We also know the enemy does kamikaze style apoptosis when given certain type of food. It actually commits suicide. The enemy is very vulnerable to deception. Big idiots, if I must say.

I conclude that I must fight on grounds of my own choosing. I must fight an unconventional warfare. I must first contain the enemy and then blast the enemy with Chemical and Radiological arsenals. I must create an alkali and oxygenated environment in my terrain, by consuming good nutrients and exercising.

Last but not least I must call up my Higher Reserves. I must open up my communication channels to GOD. I cannot communicate with HIM if I am not calm, if I remain angry and frustrated. I am blessed that I have received great calmness and strength from HIM and my signals to him are always answered, even when my messages are relayed to HIM by my family members and friends. GOD bless all of them.

I am glad to be a fighter, a Gunner fighter at that.

So much for now. Lets adjourn to the officers’ mess in the field for a drink. Cheers.

Allen Lai

Lesson learnt No 2.

Don’t ever take your life for granted. It is vulnerable.

Visit to the gun position

2010-08-08T23:24:00.000+08:00

As the battle fiercely rages on, I visited the gun position of the In Direct Support Regiment. (Radiology Unit).

As at today my ORBAT have increased with the following units:

In Direct Support and at priority call for Fireplan HUKM

1. Oncology Regiment HUKM

2. Radiology Regiment HUKM

In support

1. GS (Urology) Regiment HUKM

2. GS (Medical)Regiment Putrajaya

3. GS (Ophthalmology) Regiment Putrajaya

4. GS (Orthopedic) Regiment Putrajaya

All the batteries in the Radiology Regiment are equipped with the high powered Siemens Mevatron Linear accelerators. (See picture above). This radiation linear accelerator equipment is very versatile and can fire up to 15 Megavolts. It fires Photons and Electrons measured in Greys (GY).

Fireplan HUKM was planned by the CO of the Oncology Regiment. The CO had ordered 7 targets to be fired with at least 4 missions per target. Each target is fired upon for 10 seconds.

The target list was then circulated to all fire units. The Radiology Regiment having received the target list will then use the data as predicted targets. The predicted target list is then placed over scanned images of the terrain. I was then called into a simulation room to confirm the targets in my terrain. A full survey and mapping exercise will be conducted by the survey and BDP personnel. The targets are then registered and sent to the fire units. Survey data will be circulated to all units. And all units will be upgraded Divisional Grid.

In the gun position I was met by the Bty Comd, a survey officer, a BDP personnel and one gun number. The BDP personnel and gun number are lady personnel. A full survey and marking of the targets in the terrain will be conducted and lines passed to the guns. Center of arcs will be marked in the terrain. Four registered will be fired on a daily basis. My fireplan have always been on time and on target. We have successfully finished 20 fire missions todate. Target analysis have just come in and my PSA reading has fallen further to 1.44. We are on track to victory. Thank you all.

The CO is now planning a Phase 2 to the Fireplan.

Allen Lai

Lessons No 3.

Prevention is the only and best cure for Cancer. Take care always.

Radiological Fallout

2010-08-08T23:22:00.000+08:00

At the close of Fireplan HUKM, my terrain is badly burnt and scorched, particularly in the target areas. There is no real NBC warfare gears or personnel wears for protection against radiological beams. Only lead material can block radiological beams, and that is very heavy to suit up.

Radiological fallout is far more severe and devastating than NBC fallout. There are some prescribed remedies for personnel affected by NBC fallouts, but not radiological fallouts. Radiological beams are essentially photons or electrons elements that will ‘fry’ you from inside out. It goes through anything save lead. Traumas and side-effects derived from radiological threats are very difficult to stabilize. You wouldn’t want to come to the frontline to see for yourselves, the many casualties in the battlefield. I see them every day. I am glad to have been a soldier. I am trained and is more capable to manage battle stress and battle fatigue. I have leadership talents and skills carved into me for the whole period of my service. I am glad to be a Gunner. I can see the big picture. I must lead by example, I must teach survival skills to the less knowledgeable. I must not display my fears and worries. I had been a CO and BC. I am decisive. I must remain strong to bring everybody home safe.

I had agreed with the CO of the Radiological Regiment to go ahead with his fireplan. It would mean agreeing to what we call a Scorch Earth Policy. Burn everything, leave nothing for the enemy. If we the enemy with radiological fire, then we must be prepared to sacrifice our front line troops nearest the targets as well. I have no option. I must be strong. The CO had also explained that he would tailor his fireplan to my terrain. I am strong and fit enough to withstand 30 fire missions.

Today the CO had ordered Check firing on the 20^th fire mission. Stop by Safety!! My terrain is badly scorched and marred. The whole terrain had dried up and dehydrated. I itch in most parts and my terrain had become very brittle. A normal minor scratch would bring out blood. My terrain is literally hot throughout the day and night, inspite air-conditioning. I am beginning to suffer hypothermia. The state of dehydration had caused diarrhea. My blood pressure is now around 90/55 and dropping.

The CO needs to modify the fireplan for the safety of my surviving troops.

Allen Lai

Lessons learnt No 4

Cancer does not choose its victims. We allow cancer cells to grow in our bodies.

War Game

2010-08-08T23:21:00.000+08:00

War games are played by military formations, units and personnel to visualize a potential outcome of a strategy or tactics employed. Scenarios are set and tokens are placed and played, with resolutions generated by computers or umpires. It is very much a mind game of sorts.

I also played war games daily in the frontline. I create positive scenarios and positive resolutions all the time when our guns are firing. Positive thinking is a very powerful tool. It brings out the best in us. It harnesses and release all the good hormones in our terrain and maneuvers them to the right direction. We become winners all the time and that is good. Mind imageries are also taught in meditations,Yoga, Pilates, and most cultural/religious cultures.

Each day as I visit the gun position, I see our gunners preparing for the fireplan. Bearings and Elevations and Angle of Sights are set to the assigned targets. Bearings are still measured in degrees and elevations measured in millimeters. Munitions are loaded. A Safety Officer would check the center of arcs, survey data and gridlines in the good old ARTY board. I will then ask the GPO permission to order the fire orders. I still remember the elements of fireorders necessary to fire the guns.

I have a built- in TANOY speaker system and I would shout the fire orders into it.

Fire Mission Bty

ZU1001

Radiation, Photon

Charge .....30 Gy.

10 MegaVolts

10 seconds

Enemy dug in.

At my command…..

I wait until the safety officer clears me and I shout TEMBAK.

The guns fire with a whirling sound for ten seconds. And I would order Check Firing before I order for the next target ZU1002. We fire 4 targets for 10 seconds each per day. Ten seconds is a long time when I am lying motionless on my terrain. I would bring out my binoculars and observe the target areas. I actually can visualize the fall of shots. The crumps (sometimes a late gun ?) and smoke and dust kicked up. It is a joy to visualize the enemy being hit with a direct full barrage of radiation beam. I can vividly recollect the tight crump when all the guns are calibrated and compensated for bearings and elevations. I am actually most happy to be able to visualize the effects of a bombardment. It makes my day. And I long for my next fire mission. I am glad I am a Gunner, trained in the ASAHAN ranges.

Targets destroyed. End of mission. Hurray……another successful fire mission.

I can smell the fresh aroma of cordite. Just like when we were in the gun position in Asahan. Can you smell it too?

Allen Lai

Lessons learnt No 5

Know your terrain and fight on grounds of your own choosing.

Fireplan Phase 2

2010-08-08T23:19:00.000+08:00

The CO Radiological Regiment called me to his Tac HQ to discuss and plan for phase 2 to Fireplan HUKM. The collateral damage caused by the radiation fallout is unacceptable. I am BBQed, ready to eat.

Whilst I am barely OK, I had witnessed that others were worst off than me. This week’s gory lost films from WWII, currently shown in ASTRO’s History Channel pales by comparison to my daily visits to the frontline.

I am sorry for a Form 3 girl with enemies in her brain area, causing her to loose her sights. I am just as sorry to see a Standard 5 boy suffering with enemy in his blood stream. He is just down and out, thin as a scarecrow, in a wheelchair looking real bad. Another man in his fifties is fighting his last fight. He sits in his wheelchair, lifeless, confused and hopeless. Everyday I see more and more new casualties. Unfortunately most others would have taken the Chemo path in addition to radiation. The former has the most trauma and fallout effects.

I stayed strong and I talk to them, trying not to look into their eyes. I melt when I look into their eyes. It is always in the eyes that we see their true feelings and fears. The blind girl would only stare blankly, back at me. A CO does not cry in front of his men. Sometimes I “minta diri” for a couple of minutes. I am proud that I have tried and had brought comfort to each and every one of my new friends. I am glad to have acquired EQ and other soft skills whilst as a Gunner officer in the army. It has been seeing to my men first and last always… Always. I share my knowledge of the enemy with them, I share my personal combat strategy and most of all I bring them hope. I am glad they have accepted my leadership, a role I know I can and must play. It makes me stronger too. I am a Gunner.

The CO Radiological Regiment is pleased to see me taking my beatings well. With 20 fire missions successfully conducted, I start to feel a bit lethargic. Notwithstanding being scorched and badly burnt, my strong leg muzzles weaken, I feel dizzy, tired and purge at night. This drains my energy. I park my rover in the wagon line area , 27 steps below the Tac HQ. I climbed the steps everyday and I wished it had been 26 steps. Seriously.

The officers, staff in the gun position, BDP staff and survey team worked efficiently as a team. I salute them as they remain strong and dedicated to their duties and roles despite seeing miseries and sufferings on a daily basis. They go about doing their job without complaining. However I hope they would enhance their service level a bit more with better soft skills. They should be given a High Morale allowance for this line of occupation.

I reported to the simulation room. A quick request brought in more aerial photos and scans. Overlays and tracings are made. The CO then analyzed the overall picture and selected another 4 targets to be fired 3 times at 10 seconds each. Phase 2 would have a total of 12 more fire missions. The survey team quickly surveyed and registered the targets ZU1008 through ZU1012.The target lists and records were circulated to all gun positions.

I thanked the CO and made my way directly back to the frontline.

Allen Lai

Lessons learnt No 6.

Do a full medical checkup. It will save your life.

Enemy Attack Plan

2010-08-08T23:18:00.000+08:00

The enemy’s attack plan and tactics are quite complex but reasonably straightforward. The CO of the Oncology Regiment is responsible to study the enemy’s organization, growth, maneuver and attack plans. He is responsible to prepare damage control and counter attack plans.

By and large the enemy comes from our own troops which had mutinied and changed their uniforms. There are as many as 150 different types of enemy, each type depending on where they prefer to lodge in. Big Charlie is the common name given to them. But we know each type is very individual and has different levels of aggressiveness. The enemy quietly digs in and hide inside our terrain for up to five years sometimes. They greet new agents known as carcinogens and form alliances with them. They then grow from strength to strength in a standard drill called inflammation and the enemy will very quickly form a firm base in our weakest areas. These bases are both soft gel like lumps or hard benign tumors. Sometimes some bases are false alarms, these are malignant tumours. The enemy’s preparation stage are stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3. They then start to maneuver and metastasesthroughout our terrain at stage 4, via strategic junctions and routes. Some aggressive enemies breakout even at stage two.

The enemy in stage 1 is cleverly camouflaged and lie below radar sights and other modern monitoring sensors. It is almost impossible to detect them. They are sometimes detected only by accident by a GD regimental officer investigating and probing other threats. The enemy in stage two is still very careful in not revealing itself. Generally it does not leave any telltale signs nor any symptoms suspecting of its existence. Our infantry patrols and Koris reports do sometime pick up their clandestine activities. The enemy in stage three is fairly bold and aggressive. They are fairly detectable and arrogantly attack our weak points. There will be frequent contacts and firefights with own troops. The enemy breaks out in a blitzkrieg in stage 4. This is their home run so to speak. They are almost unstoppable. The Chemo approach is the only known counter attack, normally after radiological and surgical counter attacks. Kill the enemy or be killed.

The enemy is quite clever and does not kill us directly. They are great eaters and consume all our supplies and our troops will start to suffer and die from malnutrition’s. We will be wasted away, literally. I cannot describe the enemy’s activities in my terrain as I did not detect them until stage three. The enemy, thankfully is quite docile and did not create any symptoms or fuss. I detected my enemy through a late PSA investigation because I had difficulty in peeing. But then it is a natural phenomena for the aged, hence I had neglected my regular PULHEEMS.

Allen Lai

Lesson No 6.

An old lesson but never learnt. Prevention is better than cure.

A minor hich

2010-08-08T23:16:00.000+08:00

It is true that you can't think when your A- hole clogs up. Mine did at the tail end of my battles.

Hold on, will you ? I'll get myself a plumber.

Allen Lai

Counter attack

2010-08-08T23:15:00.000+08:00

The counter attack has always been a commander’s nightmare. When do we counter attack? When is our position really, really untenable ? Untenable is always our keyword. So hard to define. Yes, we have our local counter attacks plans in place. But when should we trigger our main counter attack ?

The enemy is well contained and successfully bombarded with my Fireplan HUKM. Phase 2 was even more intense. I am at the tail end of my fireplan phase 2. I have suffered heavy casualties. I am fully exhausted and just barely coping with my collateral damages. My troops are in their last stage of grouping. Latest sitreps are very encouraging and intreps have been reporting that the enemy is in complete disarray. I am ready to launch my main counter attack.

I had done my appreciation . I conclude that there are 3 main options with several approaches in each of the option. I have listed them below:

Options.

1. Classical approach.

a. Hormone therapy.

b. Radiotherapy internal, external administered.

c. Surgical.

d. Chemotherapy.

e. Immunotherapy – Provenge.

2. Traditional or alternative approach.

a. Diet plan.

b. Change lifestyle plan.

c. Exercise plan.

d. Need for enzymes.

e. Need for good metabolism.

3. Spiritual approach.

a. Prayers.

b. Meditation.

c. Hypnotism.

d. Imagery.

I have applied some of the above approaches as follows:

Options 1a, 1b, 2c, 3a and 3d.

These counter attack approaches have been successful todate. I will now begin with options 2a, 2b, 2 d and 2e. These approaches will complete my main counter attack plan.

Allen Lai

Lesson learnt No 7

We should adopt elements of approaches 2 and 3 above to avoid approach 1.

Enemy Profiling

2010-08-08T23:13:00.000+08:00

We know more and more of the enemy each day. Thanks to many heroes, dedicated doctors and researchers worldwide. Thanks to GOD for granting our needs. I surmise the enemy’s profile below:

The enemy is afraid of GOD.

The enemy is defeatable.

Cannot live in oxygenated terrain.

Cannot live in alkaline terrain.

Can be poisoned.

Can commit suicide.

Can be easily tricked.

Gluttonous, hence easily starved.

The enemy is now being defeated with new medical technology breakthroughs.

The enemy is defeatable by alternative approaches.

Allen Lai

Lesson learnt No 8

Act upon the profiles above. The enemy is defeatable.

War rumours

2010-08-08T23:12:00.000+08:00

In the midst of my campaign I am bombarded with war rumours. This is bound to happen with the ease of access to the highways, broadbands, emails and internet. There are as many war rumours as there are victims of the war and survivors and caregivers. And there are even more war rumours coming from unscrupulous war scavengers, always ever ready to make money from casualties victims and survivors. These war scavengers will even sell junk technologies, nutrition’s and new magic cures. There is NO ONE MAGIC CURE. There will always be more disinformation than information.

All war rumours from victims and survivors from the war, are generally genuine and sincere, we should not discard them totally as they mean well. However they are always not necessary workable solutions. Unscrupulous corporations will use the vulnerability of victims’ want to survive. Victims want Hope. Any Hope. Unscrupulous corporations act like angels, but they are disguised in clever psychological and marketing techniques. Values in their products are hyped up stuff.

I am in part, a war rumour myself. I will continue to dig up war rumours in search of a genuine remedy for myself and other victims. But how do I separate the chaff from the stalk? I apply my own rules of engagement as follows:

1. Successful war rumours from survivors are generally genuine. They are worth a second thought.

2. War rumors supported by medical researchers are fairly good. However they need more independent researches and confirmation.

3. A good rule of engagement is not to take it in totality. Look for the caveats and motives of the rumour. Bad rumours will stand out like a sore thumb.

4. Always listen and read the fine prints and also in-between the lines.

5. I will be very cautious if it is a free trail as they are always filled with hidden costs. They say that there is no free lunch.

6. I am also apprehensive of some testimonials supporting the products.

7. I always test the products using the ‘truth of the matter test’.

8. If a person says it is 100% good, it is 100% junk.

9. I always visit regulated sources for information. My guiding foundation will always be based from Dr David Servans-Schreiber’s book ‘Anti cancer: A new way of life’

10. There is no one cure for all. If the product does not pinpoint t a specific type of cancer, it is to be discarded.

We should never allow our fears and hopelessness distort the truth of the matter. We do not have fears and hopelessness as help is always at hand.

Allen Lai

Lesson learnt No 9

GOD won’t grant us our wants, HE will always grant us our needs. We will have to work it out to get our wants from HIS grants.

End of Mission

2010-08-08T23:10:00.000+08:00

“The guns, thank GOD, the guns...” I borrow this Rudyard Kipling’s quote from the Gunners Club. I am really thankful to GOD and the guns. Today is the end of my fireplan HUKM Phase 2. I took the last fire mission personally. ZU1011. All guns firing with their barrels blazing hot. I observed full impacts on the target. I did not see any enemy surrender. The enemy will not surrender, they will try to hide to fight another day. I will not take prisoners. The rules of engagement in this front is unlike any conventional warfare. Kill or be killed. My enemy engaged me at the wrong front. The enemy underestimated me and he will pay for his mistake. I will not spare any quarters.

Phase 2 comprising 12 more fire missions took its toll on me and almost did me in. I could barely sustain Phase 1 with 20 fire missions. A total of 32 fire missions are a lot to take. I am glad that I am graded FE at my last PULHEEMS test. I am fairly fit before the fireplan. Others fighting in the same front with me, were in a worser shape than me. One had to do a modification and was stopped in the middle of her fireplan and she was evacuated to the base hospital. My whole terrain is drenched dry and the most sensitive point was closed for operation. I literally could not do my daily business in the morning and night. The pain I endure in each trip to the field toilet is indescribable. The torn and cut areas in between my legs caused by the rubbers of my running shorts would not heal as quickly as I would like them. I will have to continue to walk like a pregnant penguin for the next two weeks. I also have prickly heat pin pokes all over my terrain. I cannot apply any soap, lotions, creams or medications, as the radiation retained in my terrain will not subside for the next two weeks. My body radiates out heat and aches, I have short stressed spells of head spins and nauseas. Otherwise I am fine.

I was given medical leave for 6 weeks before I report to HUKM again. The CO of Oncology Regiment told me that all was well with my fireplan. However it will take up to 6 weeks before full intelligence and operational reports can be collected and collated.

I thank the HUKM personnel for standing by me daily. They had stood by me, and others with full dedication to duty and professionalism. They had no fear of the hazards in the frontline, nor were they affected physiologically by the daily interactions with combatants like me. And I admit that most others are really non- combatants and they had fear and despair in their eyes. Most untrained and unprofessional personnel will need constant counseling when facing such traumas on a daily basis. I salute the present HUKM staff doing their job. I will be glad to share each and every one of my medals with them. They had earned it as well. I brought a nice cake and some biscuits to celebrate my victory with them and my fellow frontliners. They appreciated my camaraderie.

I must thank my wife Peggy, for standing by me and my family. She deserves the KPK medal, a medal my brother John Lai received whilst in service many years ago. He described the KPK medal as 'just short of the PGB medal' as his bravery was not in the face of the enemy.

Finally I wish to thank you, my family members, friends and everybody else who had offered prayers and thoughts for me. A big thank you.

LESSON 10

ALWAYS THANK GOD.

Combat Rations

2010-08-08T23:08:00.000+08:00

Having been in the front line for almost a year now, I am now convinced that our conventional combat ration is unsuitable to sustain current operations against Big Charlie. Conventional supplies in fresh ration and combat ration are adequately nutritious, but not necessary sustainable in new combat environments. This is now so with higher toxicity and pollution levels in every form of food, water, air and environment. New Carcinogens are being discovered almost on a yearly basis. Food scientists, Nutritionist and Dieticians worldwide are coming up with new studies to prove and encourage eating food that are specific to combating Big Charlie. In the wake of increasing numbers of new casualties to Big Charlie, there is a spurt of new findings in the properties of plant and animal foods. There are as many confirmed researches and findings as there are scientist interested in this field of research. So much so that there seems to be a lack of control and coordination of researches and findings by any central body. Most of the time I find studies contradict themselves and are inadequately and unsatisfactorily concluded.

My personal understanding is that, there is no one magic food or mineral that will be good for every person. What is good for some people may not necessary be good for you. My understanding is actually quite simple, as no two person has the same DNA, body chemistry level, body energy level, body toxicity level and oxygen level. For example the proverbial Jack Sprat who could eat no Fat and his wife could eat no Thin. And also there are more than 150 types of Big Charlie. Dr David Servan-Schreiber, who wrote Anti Cancer: A new way of life, Dr Patrick Quillin, author of Beating Cancer with Nutrition and Dr Colin Campbell of The China Study are some of the leading doctors in food research. Not to mention also of Dr Lai Chui Nam founder of Lapis Lazuli Light Resource Centers.

I find Dr David Servan- Schreiber’s work to be adequate enough as all other works concur with his. The following combat ration is good in fighting most types of Big Charlie (Not in any particular order of food values):

Green Tea for its Polyphenols and Catechins.

Turmeric (Kunyit) for anti inflammatory properties.

Ginger for anti inflammatory properties and being a powerful antioxidant.

Cruciform Vegetables for its sulforaphan and indo-3-carbinols.

Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots and Chives being ancient medicinal herbals and has anti bacterial properties.

Vegetables and fruits rich in Carotenoids for its Lycopene and Vitamin A.

Tomatoes for its Lycopene, excellent for prostate cancer.

Soy for its blocking angiogenesis properties.

Mushrooms for its Polysaccharides and Lentinian.

Seaweeds for Fucoxanthin and Fucodian causing apoptosis in cancer cells.

Food rich in Selenium for boosting effects of antioxidant mechanism.

Flaxseed oil rich in short-chain vegetal Omega-3.

Sunshine for Vitamin D.

Fish rich in Omega-3 for its fish oils.

Probiotics for its friendly bacteria.

Berries for its Ellagic acid and Polyphenols.

Citrus Fruits for its Vitamin C.

Pomegranate Juice for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Red wine for its Resveratrol and Polyphenols.

Dark Chocolate for its antioxidants, Proanthocyanidines and Polyphenols.

The above list is extracted from Dr David’s book. Take sometime to understand and digest them. Boy, do I like dark Chocolates.

Allen Lai

Lesson Learnt No.11

Knowing what you eat is not as important as knowing what is eating you.

Learning the Enemy Language

2010-08-08T23:06:00.000+08:00

We are familiar with anti-aircraft, anti-tank, anti-personnel but anti-angiogenesis? What about apoptasis, metatasis, proanthocyanidines, and Coenzymes? Wow, I hope I had spelt them right. I still cannot pronounce them though.

I did a crash language course just to understand the enemy. Big Charlie generally uses Greek and Latin languages, syntax and nuances. But I wouldn’t be surprise if the language used also contain some Sanskrit. It is highly recommended that we learn a word a day to be abreast with Big Charlie.

To keep this post as brief as possible, I link you directly to the US National Cancer Institute’s reference dictionary:

http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary/

Allen Lai

Lesson Learnt No.12

Nah, You already know this lesson.

Reorganisation Phase

2010-08-08T23:04:00.000+08:00

It is now more than 3 weeks after my final assault on the enemy position. The fight had been decisive. We went in under full artillery cover, captured and held the objective. The enemy was very well entrenched. Thankfully even enemy trenches with strong OHP could not withstand our Photons bombardments. The enemy suffered maximum casualties and also most of our forward assault troops. All fire missions were danger close missions. Acceptable safety distances and precisions were ensured. Battle wounds and scars were everywhere. And battle fatigue is taking its toll. I don’t think I can withstand another intense assault like this. This was as much as I could take. No more. No more, I cried in my mind. But I must press home. I must maintain the momentum. Enemy defenses were beginning to break up. We broke in and fought deep into the objective. Deep penetrations into the enemy lines were achieved, thanks to the fire support. I took a look around the battlefield at others who were fighting their own battles. Many had suffered more than me. Most had suffered unbearable pain and nausea. Many cried and begged to be relieved. One combatant could not finish her fight and was pulled out of the battlefield. She must live to fight another day, another time. I could only encourage them to hold on, often reminding them that we have a bit more to go. Only a bit more to go. Come on Go! Go! Go! I could not let them down. I must bite the bullet. I must finish my assault. I would relate to our ARTEP physical tests. It is home run. I can do it. They saw my courage and thankfully held their ground.

The smoke cleared and the dust had settled. Reorg had been in full swing. I brought up more ammo and supplies. Did a full staff check and called up more reserved troops to take up occupied positions. I was told it would take a full two weeks to recuperate from radiation fallouts. Radiation in the objective does not dissipate immediate. It remains there killing everything in its range for the next two weeks. And my troops are still fighting from trench to trench. It now calls for close quarters combat. Hand to hand combat. Bayonets! Fire support cover had ceased. I must improve my immunization system as I can easily catch infections and inflammations. No soap, lotions or creams are allowed. No matter what ailment prevails. My body radiates heat even in air-conditioned environments. My skin is parched and brittle. I have prickly heat spots all over my body and I scratched like hell only to draw blood at each scratch line. And no toilets please. My rectum feels full all time and I suffered each time I did my business. I am drained of all my energy and I feel lethargic all the time.

I took two weeks off, doing nothing. Just eat, drink and slept it off. I went to Port Dickson for a nice and quiet weekend. I participated in the Relay For Life event held at Bukit Jalil NSC stadium. I also spent time to help out several of my fellow combatants who needed help most. I took my mind off the battle by reading heavily into photography. A new hobby for me.

I will know the outcome of my battle in a month’s time. I am fine now. I just know it. My body tells me so. I have been given a second chance at life.

Allen Lai

Lesson learnt No 13.

If maintaining health is expensive, try illness.

Total Victory

2010-08-08T23:01:00.000+08:00

Today, six weeks passed my final assault and fireplan, all surveillance, damage assessments and intelligence reports are in.

The CO Oncology Regiment had called for an O group in his Tac HQ. It has been a total victory for us. Both the tactical approaches of Hormone and Radiotherapy were very effective. Radiation shelling were all on targets. No more signs of active enemy. All dead and gone. Dead and gone without a trace. PSA reports 0.09 down from an all time high of 27. There were collateral damages, but within acceptable levels.

I am glad that I had learnt my target acquisition, target survey and application of fire well. Our fireplan was effective because of the correct weight of fire, concentration, precision and target plan. A big thank you to HUKM personnel's professionalism.

The next course of action for me is to do another appreciation of the situation. I must now secure the objectives, hold all ground and move rapidly into defence phase. I need to send out surveillance patrols to seek out any more enemy lurking around.

Thank you everybody for your morale support and hope you had learnt something from my experiences.

Happy Hour anybody ? A toast to the guns.

Allen Lai

Cancer Update from John Hopkins Hospital

2010-08-08T12:27:00.000+08:00

I cut and paste a circular received from concerned people. This is a fair and informative update on how to understand the underlining factors to cancer and how to avoid it. And for those who were unfortunately down with cancer, it is still not too late to read the article below.

I subscribe to these new insights and I will continue to manage my fight against cancer with the principles described herein.

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

  2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.   3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.   

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.   

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.   

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.   

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

  9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.   

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.     

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

   WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

  a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

  b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved.

  c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

  d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.   To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

  e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water--best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

   12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.     

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.   

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.   

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.   Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.   

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

Ibrahim - Closure

2010-08-08T12:17:00.000+08:00

How do I close this episode in my life? Ibrahim was my first charge. But close I must. It is not easy for I must seek my soul and inner self. Should I feel any guilt; any short comings on my responsibilities? Why? Why wasn’t I given more time? No I did not procrastinate. I did my best. Yes I did. Yes we all did. No, I will not even try to find any excuses. I cannot interfere with Allah’s plan for Ibrahim.

We did everything we possibly could. We had touched Ibrahim’s heart and he did ours.

Ibrahim had shown tremendous progress and he was allowed to be discharged from HKT. His last photos received from his father were very encouraging and even his last video showed that Ibrahim had said “Terima kasih Uncle” very loudly and heartily. “Terima kasih Semua”

Ibrahim had succumbed to leukemia in the morning of 29 July 2010. He was peaceful and free from pain. He was laid to rest next to his grandfather in his kampong family grave plots. Ibrahim is finally with Allah.

I had learnt so much in such a short time that I had known Ibrahim. He had given me an insight to courage, humility and love. I had experience strength and resolve that I had never experienced before. I had known the true feelings of Feel good Feeling good. I had seen no boundaries, no colour, no creed. It had brought out the leadership in me for I had always Served to Lead. Everything has a closure and I close this sad chapter with an open heart.

Thank you Ibrahim. Rest in Peace.

Ibrahim Last and final update - Gone but not forgotten

2010-07-30T13:06:00.000+08:00

It is with great sadness that I wish to inform you all that our Ibrahim had passed away in his kampung in Kuala Trengganu, yesterday Thursday 29 July 2010 at about 9.30 am.

His father had asked me to thank everybody who had cared and loved Ibrahim.

I personally wish to express my gratitude and thanks on behalf of Encik Mazlan's family and our late Ibrahim, to all of you who had offered prayers, thoughts, care and kind contributions for Ibrahim in his hours of need.

Ibrahim had touched our hearts as we did his.

Ibrahim, rest in peace. We won't be in the way of Allah's plan for you. You had left us early but we won't forget you. Thank you for making us humble and collectively stronger in compassion and deeds. Please run or ride with us from heaven above, making us safe for always.

Our deepest condolence to Encik Mazlan and his family.

Uncle Allen

Ibrahim Update 8 - Towards getting better

2010-07-28T12:20:00.000+08:00

Encik Mazlan had SMSed that Ibrahim is getting much better after palliative treatments in HKT. Our additional food and nutrient supplements are working well with him too. He is beginning to eat pizzas and things like that. Ibrahim has gained back some weight in him . However his full blood count is still on the down side despite blood transfusions. Given that there is no signs of remission in his leukemia, it is imperative that his white blood cells would remain high. As it is, all these are excellent progress so far and we feel that Ibrahim would be off palliative treatments soon. If all is well he should be discharged from the hospital sooner than later.

The next treatments would be another full session of chemos to be administered as soon as possible to arrest the growth of the cancerous white blood cells.

On our side we are making Ibrahim as happy and comfortable as possible. May Senn is currently in Kuala Trengganu for office work. She will visit Ibrahim to cheer him up with pizzas and stories of our runs for him. Kooky and Paul Lee participated in the annual Port Dickson International Triathlete Race last weekend. Both had pledged to give their finishing medals to Ibrahim. How nice of them. This should certainly cheer Ibrahim up.

PCM members will ride for Ibrahim this Friday night in Putrajaya starting at the Palace of Justice at 9.00pm. Come and join us for this ride and contribute a small token for Ibrahim. This is the least we could do for the month of Ramadan.

For more information on this ride please call me at 013-3948839 for details.

Ibrahim Update 7- Weekend Therapy

2010-07-25T22:29:00.000+08:00

Friday is weekend in Terengganu and several other states in Malaysia. Mazlan had smsed that it was a full day with visitations from relatives and friends of the family. Ibrahim was really happy and was able to eat a bit of hospital food without vomiting. Ibrahim was actually back to his old self.

We had dispatched the four bottles of Seven + extracts immediately to Ibrahim and he had received them safely. Mazlan had captured a video in his mobile and sent to me. See below. The video above speaks volumes for Ibrahim. He spoke loud and clear “Terimah kasih Uncle”

Terimah Kasih ! everybody.

Ibrahim Update 6 - another angel passed by

2010-07-23T19:30:00.001+08:00

One day several months back as I was cycling round my block one evening I stopped to assist 2 ladies in distressed. Which gentleman wouldn't? Tina and her lady friend was riding when the latter fell down. Now don't you laugh as she was learning how to ride a bike only at a very matured age. She wasn't hurt but the chain came off the rear spocklets. The gentleman stopped and said "Can I help ?" and did. We exchanged hellos, pledged to ride safe and went on our ways.

Fast forward yesterday. I was just starting to do my training run around my block when Tina, whom I had not met since the last time I helped in the episode described, came up from behind and said "Hello Allen, long time no see. I was trying to catch up with you but somehow in wain." we exchained pleasantries and I told her about our Ride for Ibrahim Do with our PCM gang next friday night.
Tina responded immediately and said she will ride PCM next week and would like to give some nutrietious extracts for Ibrahim. She is a reseller for exfuse products. I welcomed her contributions and made arrangements to receive FOUR bottles of SEVEN+ to be couriered imediately to Ibrahim in HKT.

I Googled exfuse.com to learn about SEVEN+ extracts. I won't try to impress you what the extracts are. Please google for it yourself. Suffice to say that it is God sent remedy for what everybody is looking out for. Certainly it is pricy enough to be in the Ivy leaque's choice supplement. Thanks Tina for the four bottles and one for me as well.

Our super logistician Kooky dispatched the extracts to KT at 4 pm today. I went shopping with my care giver today and bought a proper juicer and some glass cups and plates for Ibrahim. Ibrahim should not be using any plastic things from now. We are starting to looking into the smaller details to propel Ibrahim to better health on a fast track.

Ibrahim update 5 - All is well that ends well

2010-07-22T22:35:00.001+08:00

The crisis to get fresh red blood for Ibrahim ended well at 1645 hours. Syabas to HKT. Transfusion was administered immediately and all will be well again. I had just transferred online RM500.00 to Mazlan to used as petty cash in KT. There you are Ibrahim, you are fixed up and we hope there will be no other crisis lurking round the corner. God has sent in the artillery troops. Soldiers in KT had been alerted and they shall be on call. All stand down. Once in a while we should be tested for our competency to crisis management. I would believe I had just passed my test, with God's help of course.

Kooky Kash is one kool Kooky. She had always rose to the occassion under all battle conditions. I must add she is very infantry. She too passed her competency test in this crisis. Kooky had called me to say that she had O+ blood group set and will be ready to donate her blood for Ibrahim. Thanks Kooky. I am glad to have you as my partner in any situation. You rock.

Back on the normal front Kooky and I had planned to dispatch some nutrients and stuff to Ibrahim in HKT. Kooky is really resourceful and can make things happen at the drop of the hat. She will purchase the nutrients from Nestle at staff price. That should give us some super savings as the nutrients I believe, are super expensive. She will also make the arangements to dispatch the package by courier service soonest. Her talents in logistics will make most of us awe. Kooky is a 'solutions person' as she will have solutions in her pocket for any occassion.

Thanks Kooky.

Ibrahim Update 4 - Call up for blood doners

2010-07-22T16:06:00.000+08:00

Ibrahim's photo just came in by MMS. He looks good.

It is 3 days now since Ibrahim was transferred to HKT. He seems to be reasonably stable as he has started to eat piza on his own. He had many visitations and his father is happy.

Ibrahim's blood content is still so unpredictable. Just got a call from Mazlan. Ibrahim's red blood count moved up to 9 points as suppose to a normal range of 4.0 to 5.6. In cases of leukemia where rouge white blood cells grow at a tremendous pace, these bad white cells will soon take up more space in the blood stream. Hence red cells will be curtailed perilously low.Very very dangerously low. It may result to brain damage if the brains does not get enough oxygen via red blood cells. I am not sure why HKT's blood bank may not have enough type AO positive for Ibrahim.

I have told Mazlan to go to the nearest army camp in KT to source for emergency blood. He is to use my name. The duty officer of the regiment will call me up for authentications.

While all this emergency briefing to Mazlan is going on my mobile interrupted me.

God is great. Please, please, believe me for this time only. It cannot be anybody but God getting an army lady officer from MINDEF to call me if I would like to attend any regimental functions during our Corps birthday this weekend. Again I was saved by the bell, as I was also franticly trying to get somebody in MINDEF at the same moment. I instructed the lady officer to contact the Malay Regiment stationed in Kuala Trengannu to round up blood donors. Once contact is made, the rest is SOP. (Standard Operating Procedures.)

Thank you lady officer and I still do not know your name. I'll find out to thank you later. You have just saved our Ibrahim's life. I can sense your confusion. You took your instructions well from and old officer whom you had not met before, but only know my name. God sent you to me.

Ibrahim you hang on. Blood and more Piza is on the way.

Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban

Ibrahim Update 3- Palliative care at its best

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000+08:00

Palliative care work wonders. Received SMSs from Mazlan that Ibrahim is settling down nicely in HKT. He is visibly much better than yesterday. He had plenty of visitations from his relatives and Mazlan is busy assisting the visitations. We will be getting Ibrahim’s kampung address so that we can send essential items / foods to him via courier services. I am in constant touch with Mazlan via SMS. When he comes back to KL for work, he will tell me who to contact in Kuala Terengganu. Thanks to mobile phones, SMS, the internet and the courier services. We are indeed living in a very well linked world.

Palliative care includes the actual medical treatments and administration provided for by the hospitals. Palliative care also include essential human touches and human soft skills. The sum total of medical treatments, care givers attention and other human touches all add up loads of synergy effects to Ibrahim’s prognosis. We had all done our part and Ibrahim should be on his way to full recovery and he should be able to receive his next planned phase of chemo’s shortly. Good planners are always several steps ahead in the game plan. Big C hit the wrong guy. Ibrahim’s friends are one tough group of people who will always belong to the winning team.

Mazlan and I are already planning into the final phase for Ibrahim’s medical treatment; Bone marrow transfer (BMT). Mazlan has agreed to approve the procedure. Ibrahim has a younger sister 8 years old called Kakak and a younger brother 2 years old called Adik. They would have the best and natural source to match Ibrahim’s marrow. Once we know the cost involved in Ibrahim’s BMT, we would be approaching NGOs and the corporate sectors for assistance.

Anybody who is in the Ivy leagues or know somebody, who knows somebody in these leagues, please give us a hand for any leads. Thank you.