All Is Well

Since his last consultation with the oncologist at NCC last Friday, I have been in a covert operation, monitoring Dad's condition when he started on his Chemotherapy treatment the following morning.

With my second eldest Sis staying over at our parents' place overnight, my trusted spy has been feeding status to me from day to day.

It has been five days today, and word from the horse's mouth himself is saying he is well...

"I don't have diarrhea like you said." Dad quipped happily, "Everything is pretty much normal the way I'm feeling right now." He said over the phone on the fourth day when I called to check.

That is good news... very good news!

I am so relieved that Dad is not experiencing any of the expected side effects from the medication. The oncologist had asked to look out for these few symptoms even though she said the dosage that Dad is getting is a mild one, considering his age.

Nevertheless, Dad is a strong man, as he has always been physically and spiritually. Attributes that are most admirable about him.

All weekend and week long, my siblings and in-laws have been flocking to their home, bring all kinds of delicious homemade food pampering to satisfy our parents' palates and feeding their soul with good, and cheery company. Got to love them all.

My Niece had planned so many outdoor activities with her grandparents... but with some reluctance lately since the treatment started.

"He refused to go out because he doesn't want to get exposed to the sun," Mom somewhat complained to me over the phone, "he doesn't want to get sun burns."

An avid fan of outings, Mom was upset when Dad turned down his granddaughter's invitations to take them out to the zoo last Tuesday. The doctor was cautioning against too long an exposure to the harsh sun that is from 9AM to 3PM when it is at its strongest.


I had to console Dad that it was definitely good to be cautious, but it should not affect their normal way of life and having fun outside. All he needed to do to have fun and feel safe at the same time was to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt and a cap. Use sun block even... and enjoy The Almighty's creations outdoors as much...

"We'll be taking her car to the parks..." was Dad's much welcomed reply from our last telephone conversation. Phew! No more Dracula syndrome.

With that all cleared-up, my parents are looking at an outing to the Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park and even the Duck Tours these few weekends. They will surely have lots fun out there... beats being cooped-up in the house all week long.

My Niece however, should get an award for being the "Fun Ambassador" of the family.

She has been taking them out often to practically everywhere on this island conveniently in her new 7-seater car she just bought.


They just went out to the Underwater World at Sentosa Island Resort two weekends ago. They had even drove around Orchard Road feasting on the bright and festive Christmas Light-up along road of the infamous uptown shopping belt.

Mom and Dad are so blessed to have such wonderful children and grandchildren who love them so much. We cannot stay away from these lovely old folks even if we tried.

Happy Holidays everyone!