Friday's Fine, Father.

Dad has completed his first cycle of Chemo since he started 3 weeks ago.

Today, Dr. Lo looked at the blood test Dad took about one and a half hour before we were called into her consultation room.

"All is good Uncle!" She announced brightly to Dad.

Dad replied with a bright smile as he nodded and said "Terima Kasih." which means thank you.

All that after she asked me about Dad's condition since he started taking the chemo pills and vitamins she prescribed him the last time we were there.

"Nope." I replied to her question, "No diarrhea, vomiting or dried... blackened palms." Dad has not experienced any of the side effects she cautioned us during the first consultation.

"He has stopped coughing into the second week of medication." I updated her further with gleam in my heart.

Dad has in fact stopped taking his cough syrup totally. His incessant coughing that triggered the check-up which led to the discovery of his lung cancer, has finally stopped. Even Dad was amazed and so happy about it.

He has even become alert and lively. No bouts of cough during the day, no irritating coughs at night to disturb his sleep.

Dad is himself again. Lots of jokes and those "flaring" nostrils he does every time he makes jokes and trying to contain his laughter.

Dr. Lo gave the second cycle of chemo pills at the same dosage. Like the first, it should last for two weeks, with another week of lull period. His cancer marker has lowered by 0.2. Though not significantly from 47.5 three weeks ago, it has not increased like before the chemo started.

It really is good news to take in... no extra injections or heavier dosages were necessary. Thank you Almighty...

"I want to go into JB with you all..." Dad requested, when we were talking about the new leisure activity Singaporeans are now able to conveniently do starting next week, "I have lots of Malaysian money I've accumulated over these past months."

Over the causeway, the Malaysian government has allowed its KTM trains to stop at its newly opened shopping mall in Danga Bay. The convenience is with both sides immigration checkpoints being under one roof at the old Tanjong Pagar Keretapi Tanah Melayu or KTM Station.

Once past the immigration, board the train for a 90 minute journey and alight directly at the mall. There, lots of shopping and eateries overlooking the Johore Straits and our island's northern shores.

It is set, Dad. Wifey is also all excited to go there together with Mom and Dad to check out the place one of these weekends... excitingly soon!