TCM & Essential Oils

Both TCM and essential oils are regarded as "alternative treatments" that many people turn to, in addition to their main treatment of chemotherapy/radiotherapy. 

I started TCM right after I ended radiotherapy at a charity-run clinic. It was very affordable, but after a month's worth of treatment, we realized that perhaps this clinic wasn't meant for me. Firstly, I didn't know what was going into my Chinese medicine (e.g. the ingredients of the herbs being used were not listed). Also, because of the lower cost, the herbs being used may not suited for my complex condition (lymphoma, heart...). I'm not saying that this clinic is dodgy- I'm sure it may be useful for more physical conditions such as backaches and sprains- but just not for me. 

Almost two weeks ago I started another TCM treatment at Bao Zhong Tang. It used to be at SGH, but is now located at Novena Medical Suites. My physician is Dr Sun, and she specializes in cancer treatment. I read that her patients come in during chemotherapy itself- such that TCM helps to reduce the negative side effects. I guess I was too focused on getting through chemotherapy... but better late than never! I must say they are very professional, and promise that the herbs they use are of premium quality. 

After my consultation, I'll have to wait a few hours for the medicine to be ready. You can either choose for it to be pre-cooked and packed in plastic satchets, or cook the herbs on your own at home. I actually considered this but after they explained the very tedious process of cooking it over two hours with loads of steps in between, I chose the convenient option for an extra $15/week's worth of herbs.

The medicine I'm on now has the primary purpose of detoxing my body. I heard that chemotherapy drugs can linger on for MONTHS. I have to drink it twice a day. This entire treatment will be long term (like all other TCM), and Dr Sun expects this to last for 1-2 years. Over the course of treatment it'll slowly drop to once a day, and the herbs used will be adjusted as well.

Separately, I've been using Young Living essential oils for almost everything. Minor ailments such as sore throat, to help aid digestion, hair growth... It is all natural and free from steroids/chemicals so that's always good. But the best part is that it is of therapeutic grade- it is safe enough to put directly on my skin and even into my water to drink.

Overall, my parents were hoping for a holistic treatment for me. Sometimes we'll have to look into various sources for healing. Everyone is different, so hopefully these alternative ways of treatment will help make up, boost and strengthen what has been lost (from both chemotherapy and radiotherapy). Results are not instantaneous, but we are patient and I'll continue to have faith, hope and strength.

Get that body movin'!

Hello! These two months after my radiotherapy treatment have been a great period of recuperation for me. I've been coping well and trying to get back my normal pace of life- going out to eat and meeting friends... My stamina has improved tremendously too (from 2 rounds around the pool after my first chemotherapy to the up and down orchard road now wahhaha)! 

Will be sharing about exercise today. Sorry boring topic... But a very important part of my recuperation nonetheless.

The other day on TV I saw that the optimum amount is 30 mins/day to keep the heart pumping well and the rest of the body healthy. 

Since chemotherapy began, I've been doing really light exercises to try to boost my stamina. It is more emotionally draining than it is physically, when I couldn't walk for long without resting and feeling exhausted. Yes, of course it's alright and normal for a cancer patient (or anyone ill for that matter) to be this way. But with my pride (haha), I just don't like to feel weak! I refuse to let my body succumb to the effects of being ill!! *inserts muscle emoji* But of course I know my limits and I will rest if I get too tired. 

However, the amazing thing of the human body is its adaptability. The body will fight for you, but you gotta help it along. The best way will be to... EXERCISE. It gets the blood and oxygen going, the heart pumping, which in turn pushes your other important organs to continue working through the recovery. 

During my rest days after chemotherapy at home, I started off with stairs- walking, running, and the skip-a-step climb x10. After chemotherapy, I started on these really fun and useful fitness videos on YouTube. And the best part? ONLY 10 MINS! You may wanna check the video out here, the host Keaira LaShae is hilarious!

On one of the days after radiotherapy ended, Joel suggested, "why don't you try swimming?" I was apprehensive at first because, "hello?? My hair how?" And then my problem was solved because... thank you swim caps!! Lo and behold, when I was in the pool I realize 5 other women were wearing swim caps too! I jokingly told Joel, "WAH, I started a fashion trend." Ok side-tracking here, but my hair has grown alot!!!! It actually gets messy now and I need to comb it lol

Anyway, these couple of weeks I swim 10 laps straight. Do I get a whoopwhoop? Feels great to get the body moving and active again. This is very important because I'll be starting work next month in June! Has it been 8 months already? Wish me luck!

"What do you do in your free time?"

I hardly leave the house nowadays because it's important that I stay away from crowded places as my immune system is down and I don't wanna get sick. Anyway I'm the kind that normally loves staying home all day long so it doesn't really matter... I know some people feel 'trapped' in their own home but not me!! I love my home! To get fresh air, I'll stand at the balcony for some sunlight (vitamin D!) and enjoy the pool view. Lol when I typed that out it sounds quite sad... But it really isn't!

I used to take walks downstairs by the pool but I'm trying to avoid any activity that will make my heart pump faster. I don't want it to start racing again because I don't wanna head back to the hospital anytime soon! My 3rd cycle of chemo starts this coming Monday, and I'll be in hospital till the next weekend so it's best that I don't check myself in any earlier. (Sidetrack: my heart rate decided to go up to 160 one day after I returned home from hospital on Tuesday. Thank god it went down after I took the medication!)

Anyway... I've been getting this a lot — "What do you do in your free time?"

Well, it's true — I have LOADS of free time on my hands now. Most of the time I'm sleeping, and eating... definitely my kind of recuperation. 

Before I started chemotherapy I was talking to Joel about it, there are so many exciting things that I could do to keep myself busy these few months that I'm off work (and also to keep those brain cells working) — continue learning French, do online courses that will up my PR game, equipping myself with new skills (e.g. art, photoshop, Microsoft excel) etc.

But when I really got home after my first round of chemotherapy... I was feeling so lethargic and simply nua. I decided that these few months I only needed to do one thing — rest well!! But during the past few weeks I realized that "hey, baking is actually quite fun and therapeutic ah". So... that's my new skill. #domesticated

So far my first attempts have been successful - except for flourless peanut butter choc chip cookies. Not sure why the cookie refused to stick together?! Like the peanut butter continued to crumble :( perhaps I was abit too excited and scooped too much peanut butter. 

But yes, for someone who NEVER steps into the kitchen (except to grab food to eat)... I must say I have leveled up!! The recipes I've used are generally fuss-free and do not need a lot of equipment/utensils (post-baking, i.e. cleaning, ughh). I'd be more than glad to share, just let me know :)

Strawberry muffins

Matcha Chia Pudding, topped with cranberries

Cinnamon Sugar Popovers

Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Molten  chocolate lava cake! 
Used the airfryer to make this and it surprisingly turned out great.

Lifestyle changes

My typical kind of breakfast nowadays

I believe that chemotherapy alone will not be able to treat cancer. There's also a need for a change in mindset, and with that, a change in lifestyle — especially in terms of diet. I think it is essential to feed your body the right way so that it remains strong and well-equipped enough to fight these nasty cells. Plus, it doesn't help that chemotherapy kills BOTH good and bad cells. So the more it is important for the body to get as much nutrients and anti-oxidants as possible to cope with the battle!

My parents and I have been reading quite a fair bit online. Cancer cells feed on certain sugars... so I've been staying away from artificially sweet food. It's a big change for me because I have a mega sweet tooth and I love my desserts! Thank god for natural sweeteners like honey and fruits which keep these sugar pangs at bay haha but of course, everything in moderation.

I've also learnt about the importance of organic food! Especially since my immune system is lower than normal, and with chemotherapy, I feel that I should limit the unnecessary chemicals going into my body as much as possible. I used to personally think that there was little need for organic food because we have been eating normal food our whole lives and our bodies should have adapted right? Plus it's so expensive here in Singapore! 

But after everything now... imagining the amount of chemicals and pesticides that go into our everyday food — it just isn't natural for our bodies to take in so much nasty stuff!

Realistically I don't think there is a need to have a 100% organic lifestyle. For me, I just believe that if you're eating something raw/juicing, it'll be good that the fruits and vegetables are organic so that you know that your body is absorbing all the wonderful nutrients without any compromise. 

And it doesn't stop at organic food! I've also switched to organic skincare — using Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr now. Pricey, but I think super worth it! My skin remains less shiny throughout the day and I haven't had pimples in the last 2 months! I read on the Kora Organics blog that an average woman puts at least 200 chemicals on her face everyday?! I think this is pretty accurate because I was looking at my other products and true enough... I did not recognize any ingredient (all chemical names) except for "aqua/water". 

Ok I sound like an organic maniac haha but for my case now I really don't want any more unwanted and unnecessary chemicals to be in my body. Also, chemotherapy has caused my skin to be extra sensitive and dry. Decided to try Kora Organics because y'know... look good to feel good! Hehe

Anyway I've been really blessed to have my dad and his friends flying to organic paradises like USA and Australia to buy organic produce for me. Because it's locally produced it's so much cheaper and easily available! LOOK AT THESE BEAUTIFUL CARROTS AND BEETROOT FROM AUSTRALIA!!!! The carrots look exactly like the kind that Bugs Bunny eats. Like WHUT?! Honestly I haven't seen carrots and beetroots being sold like this with their leaves in Singapore... ever. Felt like a citygal noob when my dad showed them to me. 

There are a couple of organic stores in Singapore that my parents have gone to as well. As an alternative to dairy milk, I've been drinking unsweetened almond milk (prefer it to soy milk). One carton costs $8?! Madness. But my mom bought 4 for me to try anyway. So glad to have found it on iHerb.com at half the price!! I have another 4 cartons on the way to Singapore now. Just bought another bunch of stuff as well — organic pasta, organic granola... It's a great site to buy healthier products. 

They seriously stock everything organic/gluten-free/vegan, and products range from groceries to household items! And the best part — shipping is only SGD4 for max 6kg worth of stuff! Plus there's $10 off for your first order, and an extra 10% if your order's >$40! You may use my referral code BJS904. Good things must share! (Thanks Clare for recommending this site to me!!)

Wow that was a lengthy post — but just thought I'd share on how things have changed for me. There are soooo many articles on how people have changed their lives drastically (e.g. no meat diet, juice-only diet) to cure cancer. So much information and perspectives it was quite overwhelming. But I strongly believe that every individual copes differently. It's good to have all these information on hand, and from there, adjust accordingly to make it work for yourself.