Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Dad has received the first shot of Oxalplatin (3rd level chemotherapy drug) on 9 May after Dr Chan confirmed that this is another recurrence.
As mentioned in the previous prayer letters, dad cannot use the chemo drug he used to have because there has to be a recess of 6 months before it is effective again. Since this is the 3rd recurrence, doctor has to switch to level 3 drugs to treat dad. However, dad has decided long time ago that he will not receive the 3 days 2 nights injection module for level 3 treatment like his late friends who didn't manage to complete the whole course; in fear of the same fate. Also, we do not have that money power neither: as each injection like that costs more than $40000 and it has to been done biweekly!
Dr Chan modified the treatment plan by substituting only the key drug from level 2 to level 3, so that the serious side effects of level 3 should be reduced, and cost came down to around $16000 every 3 weeks. The key drug now in use is “Oxalplatin”, with side effects similar to the previous ones, except that touching, eating or drinking cold food or stuff will cause a electrifying sensation to dad.
To soothe the pain dad has for these few months, so serious that even the 24 hour painkiller could only work for less than 12 hours, Dr Chan prescribed a pain control patch (containing morphine), supplemented by the 24 hour painkiller so that dad feels much less pain. However, dad still feels discomfort in the abdomen, probably due to his upset stomach, overburdened by the painkillers.
Dad will receive another shot on 30 May at Baptist Hospital again. After that, Dr Chan will write to QM Hospital and hopefully dad can receive the chemo there. If this is going to work, the financial burden will be very much lighter, as dad is a pensioner and the charges at QMH would be very low.
Let's shake our Heavenly Father's hands and pray:
Dad:
Positive response to the new drugs and minimal pain and side effects
Courage and strength to solely rely on God and to go forward and witness His mercy
Happy and peaceful mind: the best medicine
Mom:
May God take away the tremendous stress and worries, giving mom peace and joy in heart
Spiritual, mental and physical strength to carry on taking care of dad and herself
Heart pain and cyst in liver: may God heal her and protect her from harm
May God's Name be glorified and His Will fulfilled.
Thank you our brothers and sisters, for your continual support in prayers, actions and caring words that bring us comfort and strength. May God reward your work as you do good things on your smallest brother.
Emmanuel.
Love,
Winnie
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