Papa will be turning 65 on the 12th August. As usual, we brought him to East Coast Seafood Centre, for his favourite Chilli and Pepper crabs on National Day, just so we can catch a glimpse of the flypass, and basked in the festivity of Nation's birthday.
Papa was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure in 2003, a couple of months before my own cancer diagnosis. He has been on dialysis three times a week since. As they say bad thing happen in threes. My grandpa passed away at the start of the year in 2003 to kickstart the string of bad luck that year.
Papa was a huge man, standing at a towering 1.8m in height. He never fail to give me a sense of security when i stand beside him. He loved his food, and has a fantastic appetitie, and it shows with his girth. That was in 2003 when he first started dialysis. He goes for dialysis on his own 3 times a week, and bible study classes once a week by the public bus. He enjoys his independence, and relish in it.
Today, 5 years on, he is hunched over. He walks with a walking stick, and has difficulty getting up from his sitting position. He suffers extreme back pain walking short distances, despite taking painkillers. His appetite has shrank, though he still enjoy his crabs. And poor Mum has to accompany him on his trips to the dialysis centre.
He is unable to travel long distance, as he cannot afford to miss his treatment. Receiving treatment overseas while on holiday is a viable option, abeit an expensive one. A short 4D3N trip to Melborne 3 years back, ended with a trip to the hospital, upon arrival to Singapore as Papa became breathless during the flight back, causing some panic among the stewards an stewardess on board the SQ flight.
He was a stark contrast to the man we knew 5 years ago. It seems that 5 years of dialysis treatment has taken a toll on his health.
Between the 2 of us, I guess I have the better end of the deal. I do not need to suffer giant needle pricks and the inconvenience of getting treatment 3 times a week. I still get to travel, i get pricked only once a month, and anxiety attacks only when I need to go for my quarterly scans. As they say, you will only know how blessed you truely are when you are aware of the misfortunes of others. I am sadden by his condition, and the little I could do for him.
Here's wishing him health, and happiness, and lots and lots of love from your daughter.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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1 comment:
Happy Birthday to your papa..:)
He is indeed a strong man, and i guess we know where your strength comes from *hugs*
You are right, there is this Book called "Why me God?" its truly inspirational, talking about this man who also suffered kidney failure and how his wife stood by him. His pain, his prayers to God, and how at the end of it all, his faith never failed him.
It made me realise, cancer is not that scary, only probably our ending is more painful? But at least we do have good days and bad days. Most of us are still able to live pretty normally, with little inconvenience.
Please tell you papa, I have utmost respect for his strength and courage.
Love fleur
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