31 July 2006

Doc confirmed that the tumor is growing bigger in the pelvic region. We can actually feel it (towards the left pelvic side) and it is protruding out when Luan lies down. Not a good prognosis--doc is very concerned. Giving her another drug on top of the 3 drugs she received in the first round. This will have more side effects and cause the blood count to go down even lower. She is given medicine to counter the possibility of the kidney bleeding. Doc said surgery to remove tumor is "cosmetic"--not really contributing to the controlling of the cancer spread. The good thing is that the blood and urine tests show that her blood count has improved, and the kidney is still functioning normally. She has begun to experience some pain at the lower back and also some discomfort at her lower abdomen--the tumor is pressing against these spots. Luan's hair has dropped significantly and so she put on a scarf today when we went for the chemo.

The Lord is taking Luan deeper into the valley of cancer--so that when God's answer comes--it will be so much more glorious. God has shown Himself to be our Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides for us through the giving of many churches and individuals). For both of us, our Sovereign Lord is stretching our faith in Him as the Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who Heals). We are hanging on to the words of Jesus to Jarius--only believe, she will be healed even though the Healer seems to be delayed in coming to the help of Jarius' daughter (Luke 8.50).

30 July 2006

This weekend, Chris and our two children are here in Singapore with me. We celebrated the Lord's Supper this morning. The last time I saw the children was more than 3 weeks ago here. Thankful for this reunion with them, though a short one. Both of them will return to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow morning. Chris will be with me till 7 August as I undergo my 2nd cycle of chemotherapy, starting tomorrow.

As of today, most of my hair is gone. I am wearing a scarf. In fact, have an assortment of scarves and a wig loaned to me by my sister's friend!

Please do continue to intercede for me. For these past few days, I feel the tumour and have been having quite some discomfort in my abdominal/pelvic region and in my bowel movements. Please pray for wisdom for my doctor, Dr Ang Peng Tiam, to administer the most suitable treatment for me in this 2nd cycle of chemo. He is a Christian and he said I must pray for the Lord to heal. Again, please pray for very minimal side effects of this 2nd chemo treatment.

Thank you for your persevering prayers and support. We appreciate you.

"Only believe; and do not be afraid."

Luan

Update from Chris & Luan

Many heartfelt thanks to one and all, dear ones, for your persevering prayers and support. It definitely has encouraged me and the family in so many ways as we press on trusting the Lord wholeheartedly.

From Luan:
"I completed my 1st cycle of 3 consecutive days of 3-hourly intensive chemotherapy on 12 July. Praise the Lord I had minimal side-effects (except a 24-hour period of stomach upset and diarrhea), taking the chemo well. This is now my 3rd week in Singapore. I am staying with my sisters in their HDB flat in Simei. Been resting and eating as well as I should to strengthen my body. The Lord has been so gracious in providing me with much daily spiritual nourishment for the soul, spirit and mind too. We find comfort in the words of Jesus to Jairus, “Fear not, believe only, for she shall be made whole” (Luke 8.50)

My 2nd cycle of chemotherapy will be from 31 July (Mon) to 2 August (Wed), followed by a 3-week break again. Please continue to uphold me in your prayers for minimal side-effects this second round. Chris will come down to be with me from the 29th July till 7th August. Thank you once again."

Chris Leong
El's Eagle
Bandar Utama

14 July Update

Dear brothers & sisters

Thank you so much for your love, concern and prayers for Luan.

Yes, she took the first two days of chemo very well, no side effects. However, after the third day of treatment, she was feeling not so good and weak. Yesterday, she felt nauseous and her appetite was not so good also.

Pray that the drugs in her body will do the 'rightful thing' and that she will not catch an infection and fever. The doctor told Chris to watch for fever as this will mean an infection in her body. Pray also that she will not feel any side effects and able to eat as she needs nourishment for her body.

As regards calls and visits, we try to minimise these. Most of the time, Chris or us sisters will answer any queries from concerned callers. Luan does not take the calls.

This coming Monday, we will be connected by internet. If you are keen to connect, please write emails to tk_lc@singnet.com.sg As to visits, Luan decides whether she is up to it day by day. So it is hard for us to say if people can come.

We really appreciate all the kindnesses shown to Luan and pray that the Lord will bless all of you in a special way and reward your prayers for her. We are all trusting God to heal Luan completely as she goes through her chemo treatment. We are praying and trusting God that she will not need too long a treatment and healing will be hers soon. God has His best timing and plans for everything, we know.

Thanks. God bless you!

Tar Kian.

Contents From Email Update 3

Luan went to see the Dr. Ang last Friday, 7 July 06.

The result of some tests seemed to indicate that the tumor was of a slow growth type.

But on Monday, 10 July 06 when he did an MRI, he found that the 2 pelvic tumors had grown and thus commenced the chemotherapy immediately.

Luan would have finished the third dose by today Wednesday, 12 July. Dr. Ang was amazed (so are we) that Luan seem to suffer no side effects after two doses (of 3.5 hours each) of chemotherapy treatment.

Praise the Lord indeed! Let us continue to pray that every cancer cell will be destroyed never to return!

Let us not forget to worship our loving & Almighty God Who can do the impossible!

Financial Assistance

Dear Members and Friends

On behalf of Chris & Luan, we would like to thank you for your prayers and concern over our sister Luan. We have received many queries from concerned individuals as to how to provide practical support in terms of financial assistance for both Chris & Luan. In fact, the love gifts have started coming in.

Financial assistance is needed to help Chris & Luan to settle medical bills and other incidental expenses.

If you would like to provide financial assistance, please click here for more information.

Thank You.

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
Wong Wing Cheong ; Ho Hok Seng
Elders

Contents From Email Update 2

Dear brothers & sisters

Thank you for praying. We really praise the Lord for all of you.

For your info, the doc didn't start chemo yesterday. Praise the Lord the pathological blocks (tissue samples) from Malaysia arrived safely & in good time. The doc ran some tests which gave encouraging results and did not commence chemotherapy. He wants to review the situation. Luan will be going to see him again tomorrow (Fri).

Meanwhile the children too have come back to PJ safely yesterday.

Let's continue to pray and press in on our Heavenly Father who gives us good & perfect gifts.

Contents From Email Update 1

Since the last good news of Luan's successful operation and no need for any radiotherapy, we regret to inform that last week, two new malignant tumors were found - found pressing against one of the kidneys causing it to be enlarged.

A CT scan of the chest further revealed metastasis to one of the lungs.

This turn of events has greatly shocked many of us.

On Sun, Chris & Luan and the whole family decided to see a doc in Singapore.

In Singapore, they met with Prof. Teh, a gynae-oncologist and Dr. Ang, an oncologist (founder of the Oncology Dept, Singapore GH). After much prayer, consultation & consideration, they have decided to go with Dr. Ang.

Luan will be seeing him tomorrow at 11.30 am and if all goes well, will start the chemotherapy immediately.

Luan will be staying with her sisters. The brother has offered his maid to help in her care. Friends from Luan's church and also other churches are offering support, prayer & practical help to both Luan & Chris for which they are thankful.

Thank you for all your encouragement & prayers which they appreciate very much.

Let us continue to uphold the family:

• That Luan's strength will be built up to stand the toll chemotherapy will take on her body. She is especially allergic to many drugs - do pray that side-effects will be minimal and the treatment successful
• That peace will reign in their hearts and minds and they will have the strength to face each day
• That the doc will be guided by God's wisdom
• For God's hand of healing

Appreciation

Thank you for praying and for all your love and concern ... many of you have phoned, emailed, and offered help. The Leong family and we as a church (Bandar Utama Chapel) are so touched. We really praise the Lord for all of you!

Chris and elders think that it's a good idea to set up this blog to update both friends and BUC members on Luan's progress. We will continue to update this blog with content as and when it is available.

The immediate intention for this blog is as follows:

• New updates
• Prayer pointers
• Listing of practical help
• Visitation and arrangements in Singapore
• Other expressions of support required

Chris has requested that you do not contact him on his handphone but to channel your communications through Dolly (012-6797856) and if you need to, Hok Seng (019-2101599) a BUC church elder.

Thank you once again.