Chris & Luan's Updates

In the sweet by and by...

2007-02-01T20:56:00.000+08:00

I lost someone on 31 Dec 2006. Although I know she has gone 'to a better place where there are no tears or pain', I am still processing my grief.

At Keep Fit Class I 'see' you at your regular position...
I am reminded of your lip-sticked smile...
I recall the times we shared - all girls' nite-out, bridal showers (the intimate things we chatted about)...

The pot-lucks (or should I say, pot-bless as you term it) & hospitality at your home - roast duck with bitter gourd, roast chic, macaroni, fried spaghetti, mee siam... (Thanks for the lodeh rempah which I still have not used)

MMT makan & meetings ...
Prayer meetings with the Intercessors...
Sharing with you in ministry - Children (SS at the old premises), Management Team, MMT, Prayer, at one time the Ladies' Meeting...

Thank you, Luan, for your fellowship - I remember your visit on the day I was admitted to UH (end 2004)...
the time I spent in your (old) home in SS4D when I was also hit by the 'German "misiles" (measles)'...
of course not forgetting your wedding (first time I did the decor impromptu!!)...
and the numerous chats, things we did together at church-related events (camps, retreats, Bible study group, BTCP, etc)...

Indeed you had an infectious zest for life, an inspiring spiritual walk with the Lord and an exemplary commitment to good discipline.

I couldn't imagine life without you... and now... I still think very much of you...

I recall the last time I saw you (the night of Thu 28 Dec) when the Intercessors went to pray (& I couldn't pray - I wasn't sure whether I should pray for your healing or your going any more...)
I said, Thank you, Luan, for your love and fellowship... You are a sister endowed with much wisdom and discernment... & I have been impacted by your life.

As I wrote in your Updates you have displayed an exemplary faith and faithfulness. How appropriately we sang that song, Approved in every way at your Funeral Service.
Praise the Lord for all the services - they attested to God's greatness, faithfulness and your life of excellence! Well, when we meet again...we can exchange notes!

Till then... let us continue to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... Heb 12: 1-2

dolly
18 Jan 2007

A Collection Of Eulogies

2007-02-01T20:51:00.000+08:00

Aunty Luan was a remarkable lady. It was how she lived, everyday, which made her so remarkable. Aunty Luan was generous and her thoughtfulness was beyond words. This generosity and thoughtfulness was often seen and attested to by none other than her family, growth group members, Chris’ and her marriage counselees, ministry leaders and members of BUC themselves.

This was how she viewed her home: a place where not only knowledge could be taught, but a place where love could be sown as well, through her hospitality. We shared many meals and meetings in her home.

Aunty Luan, you see, did her good deeds in stealth. She never advertised the fact that she helped so many people in so many different ways. She never talked about her numerous acts of kindness. Yet I believe that almost everyone here today has been on the receiving end of that kindness.

For Aunty Luan, being a wife was not at all a role but a mission. On the rare and precious moments that she has invited me for a cup of tea or meal, Aunty Luan would often recount to me how important respect in a marriage is. This was a cause she sincerely believed in and untiringly fought for.

And in the world the she moved in, in the simple daily tasks that she did everyday as a church member, Aunty Luan made sure that no member, no ministry leader, went uncared for nor unloved.

Aunty Luan believed that sometimes all it takes is a simple greeting that she conveys to her fellow members despite her busy schedule. A moment’s greeting goes a long way for the other person.

Aunty Luan definitely had a big heart. And she made sure that everyone got a chance to share it with her.

Aunty Luan will surely be missed by her growth group members, her fellow ministry leaders, her marriage counselees and most of all, by her family. What consoles us now is the knowledge that she is back in her Heavenly Father’s embrace, to enjoy the same love she so generously gave and showed to the world through her life.

Her memory lives on in our memories and hearts.

By Wan Yi

Aunty Luan says...
What would Aunty Luan say to us at the Memorial Service?
1. Keep on Serving
2. Honour my going
(From Brother Soo-Inn's message on 31 December 2006)
Thank you, Aunty Luan. We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blest,
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessings of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer a tribute of praise,
For the glorious gift of His love,
And the blessings that hallow our days.

Aunty Luan

2007-02-01T20:42:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Aunty Luan was called to the Lord on the 31st of December 2006, after celebrating her daughter's birthday (Hui En) one day before.

Aunty Luan was one of my Sunday School teachers in the old premises. I remember very well how I became such good friends with Hui En, Ming Han, etc.
When I first joined the BUC sunday school, I didn't know anyone, so I had no friends :( yes, I was once lonely. So one lesson, Aunty Luan asked me quietly, before our Sunday School class whether I have made any friends in our Sunday School Class. I replied with a no (I was the youngest in the class). So when everyone was settled, she introduced me and told the class to be friends with me. Ever since then, I have made very close friends in BUC, all whom I treasure very much. I think that if it weren't for Aunty Luan, I wouldn't have made such wonderful friends.

Everytime we had youth in the Leong's house and I see Aunty Luan, she would always wear a BIG smile and ask me how I am or how my family is doing.

And everytime I had a piano exam, Aunty Luan would always assure me that I would pass. And after, she would always ask me how it went.
And how can I forget the numerous times Aunty Luan told me to pull up my trousers? Haha. And always telling me to act like a lady, "A lady must never do this, a lady must be like this.."

During the memorial service, there was a phrase that really caught my attention.
"Aunty Luan would tell us not to focus on her, but on God." and "Stay faithful"
I really admire Aunty Luan's relationship with the Lord. She always wants to be closer to the Lord. Indeed, she is a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are so many things that I could say about Aunty Luan but I need to stop now. I must study as my IGCSE mocks are starting this coming Monday.

Aunty Luan, we will meet on that beautiful shore...

Michelle Wong (youth)

A Tribute to my Spiritual Mentor

2007-02-01T20:18:00.000+08:00

My Spiritual Mentor Madam Lim Luan Keow aka Aunty Luan was called home to the Lord at 8:30 am on Sunday, 31 December 2006. It was a sad day for us all at Bandar Utama Chapel. Luan was my Spiritual Mentor, Prayer Partner, Discipleship Group Leader, Marriage Counsellor and a good friend. During the first year of her mentoring, she did bible study with me almost every week at my house. I would always make a cup of tea for her. I still remember how she liked her tea to be prepared – a bag of tea with a teaspoonful of condensed milk. What she has impacted me most during the bible study is reminding me to put my identity in Christ as the first priority. She has taught me to say that “I’m a Christian who is a lecturer”. Luan did not just guide me in my spiritual growth, but she has also ministered to my physical needs:
She cooked for me when I had miscarriage. I will always miss her cooking.

She took my mum and me for marketing at Section 17. She introduced me to her favourite chicken and vegetables stalls.

Last December 2005, she accompanied me to the hospital for my checkup after the birth of my son.

She has even given me a parental advice during her illness – “Always speak positive words to Jordan.”

I have many fond memories of Luan. We were in the same mission trip to China in 2004. She was an excellent team leader, constantly keeping the team in the right focus. She taught us to be FAT – Flexible, Available and Teachable. I will miss the weekly prayer meeting at her home. We have always had a good time of sharing and praying for one another and our respective ministries. To me, Luan was a woman of wisdom, understanding and discernment. She has always been a royal priesthood. As what brother Soo-Inn said, I can imagine her serving actively in Heaven now. All her words of advice are so precious to me that I will forever cherish them in my heart. Because of this, she will always be my Spiritual Mentor. I miss you, Luan.

Christine Lee

Tribute to Luan

2007-02-01T20:14:00.000+08:00

Life was simple
Yet you were generous.

A committed wife
Devoted mother.

Faithful to God
Till the end.

You leave us too soon
Our loss, our pain.

For you, no more pain
Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Thank you for your life and love.

Anthony Yeo & Soo Lan

A New Beginning

2007-01-05T10:35:00.000+08:00

On Sunday 31 Dec 2006, Chris was by Luan’s bedside reading to her Ps 20 when she drew her last earthly breath.

A Big Thank You to those who received the news and came to render support and help. Indeed we were so encouraged by the overwhelming attendance at all the Memorial Services (Sun at home & Mon in Jalan Imbi Chapel) and the Funeral & Committal Services. They were beautiful services befitting a woman of excellence, a faithful handmaid of the Lord and praiseworthy of our great and loving God. We are assured that the Lord has welcomed her home-coming with His loving hands and wiped away all her tears.

Many also smsed, emailed, called, visited, gave wreaths, gifts, etc. Thank you for all your condolences and encouragement.

Whilst we dearly miss her (many couples especially have been blessed by Chris' & her counsel and example), we celebrate a life well-lived and are inspired to carry the baton she has passed on to us. Her commitment to her Lord and consistency in her walk is a challenge to us while her zest for life and sacrificial service inspire us to give off our best to the Master.

She was cremated at the City Council (Dewan Bandaraya) Crematorium in Cheras at about 1 pm on 2 Jan. The family left for Singapore yesterday (4 Jan) where her ashes will be laid to rest (which is Luan's wish).

Thank you once again for every prayer you have uttered - the Father heard and in His sovereign perfect plan He has called His loved one home. Though her earthly life has ended, His purpose for her has not.

Be Thou My Vision

2006-12-31T18:02:00.000+08:00

Luan returned to the Lord's bosom at 8:30am this morning.

Sunday Memorial Service
Venue: Home of the Leongs @ 45, Jalan BU 1/1, Bandar Utama
Time: 8:00pm

Monday Memorial Service
Venue: Jalan Imbi Chapel (map)
Time: 8:00pm

Tuesday Funeral Service
Venue: Jalan Imbi Chapel, thereafter a procession to the Cheras Crematorium
Time : 10:00am

Be Still

2006-12-29T12:19:00.000+08:00

It has been just over a week now that Luan has been home. The medical team from Hospice visits every day to administer palliative care and monitor the situation. More fistulas have appeared. Due to her excruciating pain, a high dosage of morphine has to be given. Her stomach has not been able to absorb the nutrients the last two days.

We thank the Lord for a good night nurse and nurse friend who have helped relieve the family. Many relatives and friends from far and near have visited and prayed. Chris is thankful for all your support.

Yet at this time Chris reminded the church that whatever the outcome, to remember that “God is sovereign. He is still good and He knows what is best and nothing can separate us from His love. Let us continue to be faithful to the Lord Who will work all things together for good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Should the Lord choose to take Luan home, it is not death but will be that the Lord has taken her. I want the church to celebrate His goodness. For me to live is Christ.”

When Chris asked her what she wanted to tell Jesus, she replied, (that I will) stay faithful. Indeed the last few days she expressed that her desire was to be a woman of faith. We indeed praise the Lord for this dear faithful sister in the Lord. What a testimony to Him!

In the words of brother Chris, “It has been a journey of growth for each of us as much as for Luan. You have walked with me but it’s also a journey I have to walk with Luan and then for her to walk by herself. The Lord has prepared me. Thank you for your concern.”

Ps 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Submitted to His Sovereign Will

2006-12-21T12:40:00.000+08:00

Luan was discharged yesterday (20 Dec 2006) and is now resting at home. Hospice has lent them a bed and private nursing services have been engaged to relieve the family in their care of Luan.

She is weak in body but when she is awake, her mind is still very alert. Due to the urge to go on the commode her rest is much interrupted.

Please continue to uphold Chris, Chung En & Hui En, also two of Luan’s sisters who have come up to assist in looking after Luan which entails dispensing her medication, pain management, helping her on the commode, cleaning the colostomy bags as well as feeding her (through the tube) and seeing to adequate supplies of the various things. There are also much adjustments that have to be made (sleeping arrangements, marketing, meals, different nurses, etc).

It was good that last Sunday, Chris and the children could join with the church to worship the Lord. Chris even ministered in prayer to the members. As a church we prayed for them and cried to the Lord for His help, submitting to His perfect plan whilst appealing for His divine intervention. Together with you as His body we have been much impacted by Luan’s situation, each one growing in our experience of our God in our respective journeys with Him.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed, visited, called, smsed, given love gifts and helped in one way or another. During this painful and difficult time the family really appreciates all your love and encouragement. We continue to look to His grace and mercy and submit ourselves to His Sovereign will.

From Luan Update 17

We rest on Thee

2006-12-11T14:17:00.000+08:00

Luan was discharged from the hospital on Friday, 24 Nov. Hui En came back from her mission trip to the Philippines on Sunday, 26 Nov.

But on Fri 1 Dec Luan had a fall (at home while getting up to go on the commode) & had a one inch cut on her head. Her blood count was also low and was admitted to the Sg Buloh Hospital where she was given 2 pts of blood transfusion. She was discharged the following day.

Last week Luan hardly ate and both her legs were swollen. Thus, on Thursday (7 Dec), Chris decided to admit her (to Pantai Medical Centre). She was placed on drip and fed nutrition intravenously.

On Sat according to hospital procedures Chris was informed that they had put Luan in the dangerously ill list.

On Sat also, they put in a feeding tube for her in order for the nutrition to be pumped directly into the stomach. On Sunday morning she had a sore on her back and also a slight fever.

But she still has the urge to go on the commode (every 10 mins or so) and the hospital nurses are finding it hard to cope. Chris engaged a night nurse. Various sisters (from different churches) are also now helping in relieving Chris.

Chris has been very tired as he is the primary care-giver, changing the 2 colostomy bags which sometimes leak and peel off due to Luan’s movements and their position. He has been administering her morphine dosage as well as other medications besides helping Luan who has been having this very frequent urge to go to the toilet due to the urinary tract infection. Luan too has been in great pain these couple of weeks and it is heart-breaking for him to see his loved one in this painful struggle. So do remember Chris very much in your prayers.

On a positive note, his mum has been recuperating well – the wound has healed and although unable to walk, is in good spirits and is very much her normal self and with a big smile and lightened heart. Praise the Lord!

Thank the Lord, Chung En has managed to change his flight and will be joining the family this afternoon.

The church has come round to worship, break bread & pray with Chris & Luan. Whilst it has been a roller-coaster ride, many positive things have also resulted for which we are all thankful to the Lord.

We ask God in His sovereign mercy to release His healing, to still the storm… His ways are higher than ours… we submit to His perfect plan.

I hope that this update will be useful to guide you in your prayers. Thank you once again for your fellowship.

dolly foo
bandar utama chapel

Luan in Hospital

2006-11-22T07:18:00.000+08:00

We praised God that Luan’s health generally had improved from the time she was in hosp in Oct.

However, early Sunday morning, she woke up to notice some discharge in her lower abdomen and washed it and discovered she has a hole (close to an inch) in her lower abdomen where the discharge came through. Doc was to tell us that this was probably caused by the aggressive cancer cells. The opening was along part of the operation wound that had healed in August. We admitted her on Sunday early morning. There is no visible bleeding so we thank God for that. Blood test then revealed very low hemoglobin reading of 4! Half of what her reading was after the third chemo (then it was 6—the normal reading about 11)—so she might had been having slow bleeding somewhere where the tumor is at work. That might be the reason why she had had sudden burst of fever the last several weeks—but each time the fever came only for a short period (an hour or the longest was 6 hours) and then back to normal after prayers. She was given 2 pints of blood and her reading gone up to 8.9 yesterday.

Pray for wisdom for doc as they discern what to do with the almost 1 inch puncture/wound in the abdomen—they did some test yesterday. Pray for wisdom for us too as we respond to doc’s suggestion for course of action. Pray for God to heal and close up the wound. Meanwhile continue to pray that Luan will have appetite to eat her meals. She seems to eat better since she was admitted on Sunday! Praise God. God’s peace still reign in our hearts as we discern the way forward as He guides us.

Pray for our children too—Chung En studying in England and Hui En away at a missions trip to Philippines—in fact, mum was admitted one day after she left. We were able to get some short messages to her so far.

Be Thou Our Vision

2006-11-03T11:08:00.000+08:00

Luan is getting stronger physically and is now able to go downstairs for her lunch--a big improvement from two weeks ago when she had to be helped to sit up in bed. The doc who seen her 2 days ago was satisfied with her steady recovery from her near fatal infection last month. My load for caring for her has eased considerably and I am able to leave her alone for a short period of time. We thank God for the sisters from our church and few others from several other churches who have been provided meals (lunch and dinner) on wheel since her discharge two weeks ago.
Our ever grateful thanks for standing with us in prayers--it is uplifting to us to be reassured--no matter how many times people had told us. From another source we hear of a dear Malaysian friend of ours who had requested prayers for us in a Vancouver’s church he preached in. We thank God for those of you whom we have never met but are upholding us in prayers. We are sorry as we are unable to reply to all of you who write personally.

A dear Christian couple sent us the words of this song of prayer:

"I feel Your peace
You’re here with me
You bring me all I need
Lord breathe on me
And as I wait
Draw near to me
My soul it longs for You to breathe on me"

Indeed, through the darkest night, our Lord has never leave or forsake us—He is always there and as we reach out for His hands—we experienced deep peace. And as we wait for God to heal Luan of cancer, we trust in His perfect timing. Surrounded by many witnesses of faith who cheer us on, I fix my eyes on Jesus as I walk on waters—though like Peter there were times of doubt (when this walk is taking much longer than I expected!) and I started to sink but He is always gracious to lift me up and keep me walking towards Him.

God is Good & He is Mighty to Save

2006-10-12T10:14:00.000+08:00

Two days ago, (Wed) Luan was discharged from the hospital after being warded since last Sunday (10days).

2 weeks ago, Luan developed a life-threatening infection that landed her in the hospital for 10 days.

Let us retraced our steps: After the second operation, Luan recovered quickly and the blood test result showed that she is up to another round of chemo. She went back to Singapore for her third round of chemo.

Without us knowing, this third chemo had hit her really hard--her white blood counts dropped to 0.7 (normal is 4 and above) and the bone marrow had stopped producing the haemoglobin (which had dropped to 5.9). We were not warned of the serious consequences should she developed an infection. In this very weakened state, a serious infection set in because of the tumour neucrosis causing her body to turn septic--the infection then spread rapidly to the lungs. The doc forwarned us that she might quickly slipped into coma should the infection continued to spread--even though she had received 2 pints of blood transfusion and 4 bags of plasma. She was given the strongest type of antibiotics to fight the infection. The Elders and intercessors gathered to pray and worship (and as many as we could informed prayed along )--amazingly when the times of worship and prayers ended, Luan's temp returned to normal! God indeed is good and He is mighty to save. Her condition stablized within days. Then the fever threatened to return and another round of intense and united prayers were offered to God--again her temperature returned to normal. Praise God!

She is very weak presently and needs help even to sit up in bed or move around. Many of those who had seen her over the last week when she was having fever and infection said she is definitely much better now and has shown improvement in her recovery. This is all due to the prayers of brothers and sisters for her. Her spirit is better and she desires to be healed by God. Please continue to pray for her that the Lord will touch and heal her completely of her cancer. We have to contnue to fight this war and be victorious. We must continue to believe, trust in Jehovah to heal Luan of her cancer.

In case some of you are not aware, Chris mother is also in hospital in the high dependency ward, after an operation more than one week ago. She is slowly recovering as well.

Prayer Requests:

1. Luan is slowly trying to eat more in order to gain more strength. She needs more high protein and high energy diet. Pray for a growing appetite for food.

2. The doc himself had actually told us that he did not think the third round of chemo will work but we asked him to carry on the third chemo any way. The latest CT scan still shows that the tumor at the left pelic region is still growing. We are led to no longer continue with the chemo treatment--Pray with us as we look to the Lord to guide us. God is faithful and He is good--he will make a way when there seems to be no way.

LUAN UPDATE 12

2006-10-04T13:43:00.000+08:00

Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement & gifts as well as practical help.

Please do intensify your prayers for Luan:

Luan was admitted to hospital on Sunday (1 Oct) morning after a bout of vomiting and diarrhea. She was immediately placed on drip. Her haemoglobin was down to 5.9 (normal: 11-15) and platelet count was also very low… so low that it was probably causing some internal bleeding – trace of which was found in the stools.

So the Doc ordered 2 pints of blood and 200 mls (4 bags) of platelets transfusion. A course of anti-biotics was also prescribed for her infection.

After the transfusion Luan looked better. She was alert though still weak in body but was able to converse with us quite normally (though softer & slower in speech) … even testifying to God’s goodness & provision for Chung En.

However on Tuesday her condition deteriorated … she was sleepy and sleeping most of the time. The doctors ran more tests. They found that they needed to prescribe a stronger (in fact, the strongest that can be for her condition) course of anti-biotics. If the infection did not respond to it, the doc warned that she would slip into a coma.

The X-ray also showed that she had developed pneumonia. At the same time whenever she needed to be moved on the bed (Thank the Lord for a ripple mattress) she felt great pain.

Please continue to remember our sister in your prayers and carry her before Him for His mercy and healing power.

We Remain Thankful

2006-09-25T21:05:00.000+08:00

Luan completed her 3rd cycle of 3 days of chemotherapy treatment in Singapore on Thursday (21 Sept). We thank God that she is strong enough this time to travel back to KL one day after her completion of the chemo. Chris and Luan will need to travel back to Singapore to meet up with the Oncologist on 9 Oct to review and chart the next course of action. For these next 2 weeks, both of us are glad that we can be together with Hui En when Chung En has just left to continue his 2nd year Engineering studies in Nottingham University, UK (19 Sept '06 - June '07). We are thankful for the use of the web-cam as all four of us communicate regularly on Internet. God provided someone from Malaysia who brought him to church on Sunday.

While Luan had the usual bouts of nausea (slight), loss of appetite, and low blood pressure, she is now steadily getting over the side effects of this round of chemo.

Different church members and concerned sisters-in-Christ are bringing food for Luan twice a day! A sister from another church comes to give Luan the booster jab daily (for 5 days). We are very thankful to be surrounded by such a loving community in an increasingly impersonal, urban world.

We are also thankful for the love gifts that are being received. We are also able to pay off the costs for the third round of chemo (S$3200) and other needed tests (CT scan, blood test, etc).

We are continuously being strengthened by the prayers of many of God's people. Please pray with us using Eph 1.19-22--that Luan will continue to experience God's incomparable great power (the power that raised Jesus from the dead) to heal her of the leiomyosarcoma cancer. May God's resurrection power be at work mightily in Luan to restore the rectum and other parts of her body that are affected by the tumors, and to replenish healthy cells destroyed by the chemo. With God nothing is impossible--David will slay Goliath! Praise the Lord!

Pressing On After 2 Operations & 2 Rounds of Chemo

2006-09-15T17:04:00.000+08:00

Today Luan saw the doc and received the CT scan report and blood test results.
We give much thanks to the Lord for:
* blood test results ok--she is able to continue with chemo
* both kidneys functioning well with a stent in each ureter
* both lungs very clear
* all other organs (liver, gall-bladder, lymph nodes, etc) are normal

The left pelvic mass has decreased significantly in size. The right tumor does not seem to have grown bigger, but both are mainly cystic. However, they could not be totally removed during the recent surgery because of the surrounding blood vessels. Doc managed to 'de-bulk' them. The recommendation now is for Luan to return to Dr Ang in Singapore for a possible 3rd chemotherapy and, or radiotherapy, to shrink the masses further.

In view of all these, our family will be going to Singapore this Sunday, 17 Sept. Luan will see Dr Ang on Monday, 18 Sept, when he will analyse the reports and give his recommendations.

At the same time, our son, Chung En, will fly off from Singapore on Monday night, 18 Sept, to begin his 2nd year of Electrical and Electronic Engineering course at Nottingham University, UK, under the university's mobility programme (Sept '06 - June '07).

Please pray:
* quick and easy adjustments for the whole family as Luan remains in Singapore (with her siblings); Chung En in UK; Chris and Hui En go back to KL on Tuesday, Sept 19
* God-given wisdom to the docs and us as we decide on the next best course of treatment for Luan
* daily strength for Luan as she is still recovering from her 29 August major operation in KL

We have much to thank God for the continued strong prayer supports from many churches and individuals, good wishes received, words of encouragement, visits, love gifts and practical helps rendered. We are unable to personally reply to all of you but we are definitely very grateful for all that you have done. May God richly bless you too.

Keep on keeping on.

2006-09-07T20:07:00.000+08:00

We thank God for the steady progress of Luan's post-operation condition so that she was able to be discharged yesterday (Wed, 6 Sept) from Pantai Hospital in KL. It has been a busy time for Chris and the children of commuting between home, office, college and hospital those 9 days.

Luan is now home with a temporary colostomy attached (to rest her rectum). It is indeed a new lifestyle, with the needed daily cleaning. She is scheduled for a thoracic/pelvic/abdominal CT Scan on 15 Sept before seeing Dr Wong Sum Keong of Pantai Hosp. We would then be collecting all the needed reports and results.

We are again grateful for your prayer support, words of encouragement, calls and visits through this time of Luan's operation and post-operation recovery.

Different members from our church as well as other individuals have been providing "meals-on-wheels" for Luan since she is able to take in soft diets after her operation. Three individuals had also donated blood to replace the 3 pints of blood given to Luan (pre and during operation). We are again much touched by these practical gesture of love.

We thank Jehovah Jireh who provided for all our needs. Givings from different individuals and churches had enabled us to pay off the hefty operation bill which come to almost RM20k. We also thanked the Christian oncologist who only charged us RM1 for operating on Luan to remove the tumors from her pelvic region! God is good!

On Sunday, 17 Sept, we will be going down to Singapore for Luan's scheduled 3rd cycle of chemotherapy which may start on the 18th (Monday). Dr Ang Peng Tiam will advise accordingly after studying the latest referral reports from KL.

On the 18th, our son, Chung En, will also be flying off to UK from Singapore for his 2nd year Electrical and Electronic Engineering Course at Nottingham University (19 Sept 2006 - June 2007).

Please pray with us:
* healthy family adjustments and safety with all the mobility for the four of us. Journey mercy and strength esp for Luan to travel back to Singapore on Sunday 18th Sep
* God-given wisdom for us and the docs as decisions are made to get rid of the remaining sarcoma cancer. (Much of the tumors had turned cystic and died--Chris' sister told us that the docs in England said it is a miracle that the huge sarcoma cancer tumors (both were over 10 cm long) had suffered massive tumor neucrosis and the 2cm tumor in the lung had disappeared--Praise the Lord!)
*Speedy healing of Luan's internal body organs (e.g. the rectum) that were affected by the operation. Her external operation wounds had healed well.

Operation

2006-08-29T22:36:00.000+08:00

Praise the Lord the stent in the ureter was placed successfully. The colostomy was done without a resection of the rectum! Luan’s condition is stable and she is in ICU under observation.
A substantial part of the left tumour was removed. The right tumour could not be removed due to its location near too many blood vessels. But both tumours are dying.
Thank you for praying. The Lord has heard our prayers. We believe the hand of the Lord has been on Luan – the doctors are surprised that the sarcoma tumours have responded to only just 2 rounds of chemo! Let us continue to intercede so that the healing that is going to come will truly glorify our God Almighty alone!

From Luan Update 7

2006-08-29T12:00:00.000+08:00

Chris & Luan came back to KL on Sat 26 Aug. She checked into Pantai Medical Centre yesterday, 28 Aug. She will be going in for her operation at 1 pm this afternoon.

The operating team will comprise Dr Lam, (urologist) who will be inserting a stent in the ureter which has been pressed in by the tumour; Dr Wong (gynae oncologist) who will remove the tumour mass and Dr Lee (gen. surgeon) who will do the colostomy. Dr Das is the anaesthesiologist.

Luan was given blood transfusion last night to raise her haemogoblin level and placed on a fluid diet.

Let us pray
· for God’s hand to guide each member of the team
· for a clean and complete removal of the tumour mass (no rupture)
· that the colostomy will be temporary & there will be no need for a resection of the colon (which will mean a permanent colostomy)
· no complications
· no allergic reactions
· quick recovery

that the ureter and kidney which has been swollen (because of the tumour pressing against it) will return to normal
that the colon will heal and return to functioning normally

· Luan will be strengthened in her body
· God’s peace on Chris, Chung En and Hui En
Can we also pray that there will be no need for further chemotherapy?

Thank you.

dolly
bandar utama chapel

God is at work!

2006-08-23T20:42:00.000+08:00

23 August 2006

This morning, Luan did her CT scan. We only managed to see Dr Ang about the CT scan results this evening. You should have been there to see Dr Ang's expressions when he was reading the Radiologist's report in front of us! He admitted that, yesterday, he was prepared to "call it quits" as he was of the opinion that the chemo was not working and that Luan should consider discontinuing further treatment. However, on review of the CT scan films today, it appears that Luan may have had indeed a good response to treatment. THE LEFT LUNG LESION HAS DISAPPEARED! THE MASS IN THE PELVIS HAS TURNED INTO A LARGER BUT MORE CYSTIC LESION CONSISTENT WITH TUMOUR NECROSIS.

Doc explained that the pelvic mass is bigger but softer, being filled with fluid. He is rather concerned that this cystic mass may rupture and feels it justifiable for us to proceed with surgery to debulk this mass before continuing with further chemo. Therefore Doc has advised Luan to have this surgery as soon as possible as this is a fast growing malignancy.

After prayers and some consultation, we have been led to book Dr Wong Sum Keong of Pantai Hospital in KL to do the operation on Tuesday, 29 August. Luan will be warded on Monday, 28 August. Dr Wong is the Christian Gynaecological Oncologist who first operated on Luan in early May.

Prayer Requests:
* the tumour will not rupture, before and during the operation
* Luan will keep well, especially the journey home to KL
* God will guide Dr Wong and his team as the tumour has to be removed very carefully and well
* Wisdom for Dr Ang to decide when to recommence chemo

22 Aug Chemo Not Effective

2006-08-22T13:18:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Luan went for her blood test and today, we saw Dr. Ang. Upon examining Luan, Doc is very clear that the chemo is not working as the tumor in the pelvic region is still growing. This is in spite of the fact that he had ordered 4 potent drugs for the second chemo, causing her haemoglobin to drop to 8.6 (from 10.2 after the first chemo). The chemo is not doing any good but more harm to Luan and so Doc has decided to call off the third chemo scheduled to start today.

Doc is advising a thoracic/abdominal/pelvic CT scan tomorrow morning. Then we see him again in the afternoon to discuss the results of the CT scan and any other possible palliative course of action. Doc is interested to know whether the chemo has been effective on the tumour in the left lung, even though it has not been on the growing pelvic/abdominal tumour.

Both of us left the clinic, feeling the Lord's peace and knowing He is still in sovereign control with His awesome healing grace and power. God is our Healer and He chooses the means where healing might come.

The past several months, we have seen God at work in various ways. The prayers and cries of many around the world have opened a floodgate of practical support, finance and words of encouragement. We are in no doubt that our Heavenly Father has heard these cries or else where do these help come from. Our dear Lord has provided one of the best medical oncologists in Singapore to attend to Luan; accompanied by warm practical support from close relatives and friends; minimal side effects and no major infections; high white blood cell count; liver and kidney still functioning ok; strengthening of our inner spirit and so on.

What remains now is the total demise of the sarcoma cancer cells in Luan's body. Please do pray also for the speedy healing of an urinary tract infection that Luan has just contracted. Doc has prescribed antibiotics for her today.

19 August 2006

2006-08-19T12:56:00.000+08:00

Our children, Chung En and Hui En, left Singapore this morning to return to Kuala Lumpur as Hui En starts college again on the 21st after a week's break. Chung En is still having his end-of-1st-year University hols.

Chris will return to Singapore tomorrow night to be with me for my 3rd 3-weekly cycle of chemotherapy.
Monday, 21st: I go in to take a blood test.
Tuesday, 22nd: I see Dr Ang who will assess the blood test results and then decide whether I can start on my 3rd cycle immediately. For the 1st 3-weekly cycle, I was given a cocktail of 3 drugs. For the 2nd cycle, 4 drugs were given. For the 3rd cycle, Dr Ang may give me a strong cocktail of 5 drugs. We will see what happens on the 22nd.

Prayer requests:
* Please pray for God-given wisdom for Dr Ang and us as we discuss options for the next course of treatment on the 22nd.
* Strength, peace and minimal side-effects during the 3-day chemotherapy treatment and after.
* Safety and good health for Chris and the children as they travel about.

Thank you again for being such good friends and for your support to us as a family.

Blessings,
Luan

Family together

2006-08-13T19:38:00.000+08:00

13 August 2006

Chris has just arrived this evening, joining the children and I in Singapore. Chung En and Hui En had arrived a few days ago. Both are having their breaks at the moment. We are thankful to the Lord for giving us as a family these next five days together.

This coming week is my 3rd week of recuperation after the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy. The 3rd cycle of chemo is starting on 22 August when Chris will be back again to support me.

At the moment, I am having some abdominal discomfort, likely due to the pelvic tumour pressing on my bowels and abdominal region. Please pray for me for less discomfort, and especially be able to sleep well enough at night.

As a family, we are again very grateful to you, dear ones, for all the visits, calls, cards (by email and snail mail), gifts (in many and varied ways) that have been coming our way. We are very encouraged to press on for the Lord, knowing He has allowed us to walk this chosen path. It has not been easy for me but we are persevering, remaining CALM, FAITHFUL, AND UNCONFUSED by the turmoil of life.

Chris' Sharing

2006-08-04T21:44:00.000+08:00

I am encouraged to continue to receive sms, e-mails, songs/poems, calls, and/or love gifts from you. Every word of cheers/inspiration is helpful as we are going very rough patches in life-esp
when our loved one is very sick.

On Wednesday, Luan completed her 3 days of chemo pretty smoothly except for an upset stomach on the last day of chemo. After she was given the medicine she was Ok for the day and was able to eat.

This round, the chemo is much stronger (with a cocktail of 4 potent drugs)--in spite of the anti-nausea pill, she is still feeling sick today. Today is tough-mainly porridge and she took only half a bowl for each meal. Pray against the side-efforts of the chemo--there is no permanent side effort esp. on the liver and the bone marrow.

A nos of people called today. A nurse came to give Luan's the booster jab to build up her body's immune system--this will be for the next 5 days. These are the days when the white blood cells are expected to drop significantly and she is most suscep to infections--pray that I stay healthy and not pass on any infection to her!

Last week, I met up with a long-time friend in Singapore. He had served alongside with me in the campus student ministry in the mid 70's and we had not seen one another for more than a quarter of a century! I would not have recognised him on the street. He brought along his wife when we met. His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. She had written of her deep experiences in her book--"Cheers To Life!". Luan and I had found the book helpful--it is honest, at times homorous, real and down to earth. Her subtitle of the book is particularly telling and caught my attention, "A woman's dance with breast cancer".

I quote her: "A dance with breast cancer. I was unprepared. But compelled. I had to adapt my footwork to the dance. Move to its rhythm. Feel it deep in my soul. Like the tango, it can be intense. There are fleeting moments of exhilaration and moments of repose. The partners can be oppressively close"--how true are her words to describe what Luan (and I in much lesser degree) is going through.

She continues, "The pace changes. I lose myself in the swirl as everything becomes a blur. But the Choreographer knows everymove in this dance. Unseen, invisible, He leads, enabling me to make brillant moved I had never thought possible"--yes, "he knows", and we too desire to deepen our experiences of our Choreographer's grand design in this dance with cancer.

Her encouraging words, "A dance is very personal. No one knows what it is feels like except the dancer . . . so do not be afraid to dance. Let the music engulf you and dance with gusto".

We have experienced God as our Jehovah Jireh as love gifts came in from around the world to help offset the costs of treatment in Singapore. We want to know Him as the Jehovah Rapha (God who Heals), and a God who work out all things for good.

I will be in Singapore with her until 7th Aug and will return to KL and then come back down again before she goes in for her scan on 21st August. So I will be commuting between KL and Singapore. She is staying with her sisters in Singapore, who are both single and so we enjoy the quietness of their home, their warm hospitality and practical help.

Chris

31 July 2006

2006-07-31T17:43:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-30T21:55:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-26T22:55:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-17T16:05:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-12T15:20:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-12T12:54:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-06T14:03:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-04T21:41:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-02T14:00:00.000+08:00

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.