21 DAYS TO IMPACT CHALLENGE - day 3

 

Challenge Day 3 - think about whether you might hold some assumptions or misconceptions when it comes to cancer. 

 

I have always heard that the stigma from individuals and society in those who suffer from cancer will die from cancer. Yes, I thought about it too before. But I am wrong, because everyone will die even without cancer. 

 

Today, our medical technology is very good and there are many treatment methods and drugs that can cure cancer or prolong the life of cancer patients. In my case with Acute Promyeloctic Leukemia was the most malignant become to the most curable form of acute leukemia. All this thank to all the doctors who conducted research on Acute Promyeloctic Leukemia.

 

There are many stories about cancer fighters who have been cancer free and live happily like other human beings who do not have cancer. Please do not die before you actually dying.

 

The first description of APL by Leif K. Hillestad. From: Hillestad, L.K. (1957) Acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Acta Medica Scandinavica, 159, 189–194; copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The first production of all‐trans retinoic acid for clinical use, as 10 mg tablets, made by the Shanghai Pharmaceutical Unit. Courtesy of L. Degos.

Huang Meng Er (first author of the first report on ATRA in APL), Wang Zhen Yi, Degos Laurent and Dr Chang in Shanghai in 1987 when the first APL patients were treated with all‐trans retinoic acid. Courtesy of L. Degos.

21 DAYS TO IMPACT CHALLENGE - day 2

 

Challenge Day 2 - Choose one question and take 21 minutes today to get informed about the issue you most care about.

 

What are the symptoms of APML?

The main symptoms of APML are caused by a lack of normal blood cells. Because APML develops quickly, people usually report feeling unwell for only a short period of time (days or weeks) before they are diagnosed. Common symptoms include:

 

🔹 persistent tiredness, dizziness, paleness, or shortness of breath when physically active due to a lack of red blood cells or anaemia

 

🔸frequent or repeated infections and slow healing, due to a lack of normal white cells, especially neutrophils

 

🔹 increased or unexplained bleeding or bruising, due to a very low platelet count, or problems with the clotting system.

 

Serious bleeding abnormalities due to the low platelet count and clotting factors are much more frequent in patients with APML compared with ‘standard’ AML.  Patients often present with increased bruising and bleeding from gums or their bowels, and are at an increased risk of bleeding in their brain.

 

Occasionally people have no symptoms at all and APML is diagnosed during a routine blood test. Some of the symptoms described may also be seen in other illnesses, including viral infections, so it is important to see your doctor so that you can be examined and treated properly.

 

Do you know what is my Symptoms ? 

🔹Fever;
🔸Fatigue;
🔹Weakness; and
🔸heavy menstrual bleeding

21 DAYS TO IMPACT CHALLENGE - day 1

This year, I would like to challenge myself with: 21 DAYS TO IMPACT CHALLENGE with ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. 

 

Challenge Day 1 – is to make a list of questions that you’re particularly curious to explore when it comes to how cancer affects you, your school, workplace or wider community.  

 

This is my list of questions that I particularly curious to explore when it comes to how cancer affects me! 

 

🔹 What is my Symptoms?;
🔸 Can i survive? ;
🔹 Can my kids get the same diagnosis? ; and
🔸Where is the best hospital for my Leukaemia treatment? 

  

BREATHE - I Am and I Will

 BREATHE

The World Cancer Day theme “I Am and I Will” encapsulates the extraordinary spirit and the strength of the people working in the cancer community. Must Thanks to all my Doctors, nurses and my caretaker  (Family & friend)

 

This coming World Cancer Day on 4th February 2021, I would like to take action how I’m going to spread my wings... this year is going to be my 4th years celebration WORLD CANCER DAY 

 

 

This years I would like to says there is so much to be grateful for, even after cancer… surviving cancer has led me to be more grateful. At the beginning, when cancer treatment ends (just follow up with RBC), I started a new chapter in my life. I think I could be happy and bring hope to other cancer fighter but I’m also worries and fear; what if the cancer might come back and this is really giving big impact to my emotions.

 

Is not easy Going back to “normal”

 

Sebelum ini, Yana kerap berjumpa dengan Doktor di hospital Ampang. Cek darah, tambah darah, sesi kimo, buat bone marrow biopsy, cek fungsi hati dll… dan setelah biasa dengan norma baru dan bila Yana pun sudah anggap Hospital Ampang as my 2nd home, suddenly there is no more jadual yang padat untuk berjumpa doctor. Hanya cek darah untuk pemantauan dan perasaaan itu rasa PELIK. When treatment is done, Yana rasa like they’re no longer fighting the cancer. Mula la rasa bimbang dan ada kala rasa alone and lost without the support of doctor & nurse di Hospital Ampang. Doktor & nurse antara insa-insan penting dalam journey to become SIHAT. Not seeing them make me anxious and sad. But I’m so lucky, masih aktif dengan group surviving APML.

 

Learning to live with uncertainty

 

Yana notice that I’m paying a lot of attention to aches and pains in my body. Dr. Ong kata no signs of cancer now, but can you be sure? I’m still wondering…

 

Will it come back?

What are the chances it will come back?

How will I know if it has come back?

What will I do if it comes back?

When will it come back?

 

This fear grips me, and I really have trouble sleeping, selalu kena panic attack and kalau nak making simple decisionspun boleh rasa menyusahkan hidup.

 

And this year… Yana dah buat keputusan untuk ke next step to deal with uncertainty and fear and feel more hopeful:

 

 

BREATHE ya, Yana mesti bernafas…

 

"First and foremost, i'am ALIVE"

I don't hate cancer but I've decided it time to take a deep breath to let it go and move forward...

"Calling myself a SURVIVOR was hard at first, but here I'am

I'll open the window of my mind, allow the fresh air, new light and new truth to enter

That's life: starting over, one breath at a time.

 

 

Wish me luck