On my mind

Apologize again for the slow responses and posts.

Its one of those things that is weighing at the back of my mind daily but suppressing the hard cold facts and truth.

Very recently, a close friend has been diagnosed with cancer. More specifically colon cancer in the advance state.

One day we are having our usual gossip lunches, out of the blue severe stomach cramps and then suddenly ending up in the hospital.

Even though it has been more than 3 weeks, I'm still in the state of shock with the news. Perhaps still in denial.

Its so SAD that my friend was looking forward to retirement - less than 2 years away - to do some 'fun' things that my friend's been putting off all this time as my friend has always been busy looking after the family and having to deal with other household responsibilities and commitments.

What's SURPRISING is that my friend is one of those who is always conscious of the right food to eat, exercises regularly, take vitamins & supplements diligently and on top of that, goes for regular check up. You could say that my friend could be a model health conscious person so for the longest time, I wondered......W-H-Y??

I still do not have an answer - just a lot of guess work! Daily stress could be the main contributing factor.

My friend will be undergoing chemo therapy soon. Ironically the chemo starts on my friend's birthday. We are all counting down to the day when well enough so that we can have a big celebratory bash before the treatment starts. When I suggested shopping for wigs and head wraps, was pleasantly surprised and happy to learnt that not all chemo will lead to hair loss.

So far, while I'm in a puddle of goo and at most times loss at what to say or comfort or encourage and feeling totally helpless as to how to behave, its good to know that my friend is very positive and strong. You can guess who's comforting who huh!!?

All I can do is pray.

I haven't been of much help....other than boiling some barley weekly (as per my friend's request). Apparently it will help to cool down the body as chemo can be very 'heaty' and its normal to get mouth ulcers.

Hope to share more in next post of a supposedly 'miracle' plant, so stay tuned.