Coping with the Side Effects of Chemotherapy as at December 2009.

Referrence:
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org
www.Breastcancer.org
People Living With Cancer @ www.plwc.org
www.medicinet.com

ALOPECIA (Hair Loss)
What is alocepia?
Alopecia (a-lo-PEE-shee-ah) is another word for hair loss or thinning of the hair. It is common, yet temporary, side effect of some cancer medicine. Alopecia can occur anywhere on the body and may happen after a few treatments. Currently there are no medicines that can prevent hair loss during treatment.

How can I prepare for the changes that may occur?
1~Before treatment starts, have your hair cut short. It will help you prepare mentally for the change in your appearance.

2~Talk to your family & friends about how you feel, or join a support group with people who are going through or have gone through the same experience.

What are some steps I can take to care for my scalp?
1~Keep your scalp clean with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
2~Use gentle lotions or creams on your scalp when needed; and use sunscreen, hat, scarf, or wig (for muslimah: wear tudung is perfect)

Will my hair grow back?
1~If you do lose your hair, it will usually grow back after the treatments are over.
It may grow back while you are still having treatments
Your hair may grow back a different colour or texture.

When my hair grows back, how should I take care of it?
1~If you usually wash your hair daily, limit the number of times to twice a week.
2~If you usually blow-dry your hair at a high temperature, use a lower heat-setting
Gently style your hair with soft brushes and wide-tooth combs.

CHANGES TO YOUR NAILS
How will my treatment affect my nails?
During your treatment you may notice certain changes to your nails. For instance, they may become darkened or yellow. They may also become cracked and brittle, growing less and breaking more easily. Your nails may also develop lines related to cycles of chemotherapy. These lines are not permanent and will grow out with the nail, generally in about 6 months. The area around the nail bed may also become dry, cuticles may fray, and it is possible for the nail to lift off the nail bed.

Fortunately, most of these changes are not permanent and there are steps you can take to prevent or ease some of these problems.

What can I do if my nails began to change?
1~Do not bite your nails or cuticles. If you find this habit difficult to break, consider wearing thin white cotton gloves around the house to help you.

2~Clip nails short and don?t rip or peel off loose cuticles. Cut them carefully with a clean pair of nail scissors, or use cuticle remover cream or gels and push your cuticles back gently. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticle area daily to prevent dryness, splitting, and hangnails.

3~Do not use fake nails as they can trap bacteria. Also, do not use acrylics or other nails wraps.

4~If you have a professional manicure, bring your own tools to help protect against infections.

5~Protect your nails by wearing gloves while doing chores around the house such as washing dishes or gardening.

6~You should know that your nail may lift away from the nail bed. In time, it will return to normal, but you should still be very careful as this will make the nail vulnerable to falling off. Because the nail is not tightly attached, it can also become a site for bacteria to enter. Be sure to maintain good hygiene to avoid infection.

ANAEMIA
What is anaemia?
Anaemia (ah-NEE- mee-ah) is another word for too few red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. When there are too few blood cells, your muscles and organs cannot get enough oxygen to work properly, leading to symptoms that affect your quality of life.

Anaemia is common side effect experiences by 70% to 90% of patients during the course of their cancer treatments.

Why does cancer treatment cause anaemia?
Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells. It may also damage healthy cells, including red blood cells, and can reduce the bone marrows ability to make enough red blood cells.

Other side effects that can also affect your body?s ability to make red blood cells. Such as decreased in appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Anaemia due to chemotherapy is usually temporary.

What effect can anaemia have on me?
1~Besides feeling very weak and tired, you may experience the following symptoms:
2~Heartbeats rapidly or irregular
3~Breath shortness
4~Headaches or dizziness
5~Sleeping difficulty or staying warm
6~Concentrating difficulty

How will I know I have anaemia due to my treatments?
Your doctor or nurse will test your blood often during treatment to determine if you have anaemia. If the number of red blood cells is considered low, your doctor may suggest different treatment options. He or she may prescribe a medicine that can boost the production of your red blood cells.

What can I do if I have anaemia?
1~Get plenty of rest. Take naps during the day if you can
2~Limit your daily activities. Do what is most important to you
3~Do light exercises. Take short walks, whenever you can
4~Eat a well-balanced diet that contains all the nutrients your body needs.
5~Drink plenty of fluids
6~When sitting or lying down, get up slowly to prevent dizziness.

NEUTROPENIA/FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA
Most chemotherapy reduces your number of germ-fighting white blood cells (WBCs) which increases your chance of getting an infection. When the number of a particular type WBC, called a neutrophil (NEW-tro-fil), falls below normal, it is call neutropenia . If you have neutropenia and a fever above 100.5?F (38?C) you have a condition called febrile neutropenia, and it may mean you have an infection. If this occurs, you should alert your doctor or nurse right away.

How do I know if I have neutropenia?
Ask your doctor or nurse to check your latest blood test. If it includes a test called a ?differential?, they will be able to calculate your neutrophil count and tell you if it is normal.

How do I know my risk of getting an infection?
1~After the results from each blood test, ask your doctor or nurse to calculate your ?absolute neutrophil count? ANC .

2~There are medications that increase the number of neutrophils and decrease your risk of infection. Ask your doctor if these might be appropriate for you.

3~Inform your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection, such as:
Fever above 38?C. Too chill or too sweat. Do not take any medication to lower your fever without your doctor approval.

4~Lose your bowel movements.

5~Severe cough, sore throat, sinus pain/pressure, earache, headache or stiff neck.

6~Swelling, tenderness or blister/sores on your mouth, lips or skin.

STOMATITIS
What is stomatitis?
Some chemotherapy can caused sores, dryness, irritation and bleeding in the mouth and throat, a condition known as stomatitis. Since many germs live in the mouth, these sores can become infected, which is a serious side effect for some patients with cancer. Therepfore, every precaution should be taken against stomatitus.

How can I protect my mouth, gums and throat?
1~Talk to your doctor about going to the dentist at least a few weeks before starting chemotherapy. Inform the dentist of your cancer diagnosis and treatment, and ask for the following:
i) A check up and cleaning if necessary
ii) A demonstration of the best way to brush and floss during chemotherapy
iii) A recommendation for a special toothbrush or toothpaste if your gums are very sensitive

2~After every meal and bedtime, gently brush your teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm salt water. Then, rinse your toothbrush well and store it in a dry place.

3~Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, but ask your doctor or nurse for medicated or mild mouthwashes, such as those containing baking soda.

What can I do for painful mouth sores?
1~Ask your doctor for medication or for remedies you can put directly on the sore.

2~Eat foods cold or at room temperature

3~Eat soft, soothing food, such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, milkshakes, soft fruit, baby food, porridge etc: you can also puree cooked food with blender.

4~Avoid the following: Acidic or irritating juices and foods, such as tomato and citrus.
Spicy or salty foods
Rough or coarse foods such as raw vegetable, granola, popcorn or toast.

What can I do for mouth dryness?
1~Ask your doctor if the following are appropriate for you; using an artificial saliva product, sucking on ice chips or sugarless hard candy or chewing sugarless gum.
2~Carry a water bottle; drink plenty or sip often.
3~Eat soft puree foods and moisten dry food with butter, margarine, gravy, sauce, soup, broth or porridge.
4~For dry lips, use lip balm.

ASTHENIA/FATIGUE
What is Asthenia/Fatigue?
This is the most complaint by cancer patient. However, this condition may feel different from the fatigue you experience before developing cancer. Some patients may experience physical, mental or emotional fatigue for days, weeks or months that are not relieved by rest.

What causes asthenia/fatigue?
Fatigue may result from cancer treatments or from the disease itself; however the cause is not fully understood. Poor sleep. Pain or pain medications, stress, poor diet, or low blood count (anaemia) may also lead to fatigue.

How can I cope with this?
1~Plan to rest a little each day with breaks or short naps that will not disturb your goodnight sleep.

2~Keep a daily diary and note your energy levels after your cancer treatments. This can help you with scheduling important activities.

3~Allow others to help you with your daily routine and save your energy for the important things.

4~Discuss any sleep problems with your doctor or nurse.

5~Limit your intake of caffeine and alcoholic drinks or stop it right away.

6~Balance your diet and drink plenty of water, unless given other instruction by your doctor or nurse.

7~Exercise lightly or take short walks. If your doctor approves.

8~Consider doing activities you enjoy, but do them more easily or less time.
Activities that may help fatigue include meditation, prayer, yoga etc.

INFECTION
What is an infection?
It occurs when germs (bacteria, virus and fungi) enter your body and multiply. Cancer or chemotherapy can make infections more likely to occurs, and they can make infections more serious than they would have been before you developed cancer.

How do I know if I have an infection?
1~Fever above 38?C. Too chill or too sweat. Do not take any medication to lower your fever without your doctor approval.

2~Loose bowel movements (e.g. diarrhoea). Changes in urination or unusual vaginal discharge or itching.

3~Severe cough, sore throat, sinus pain/pressure, earache, headache or stiff neck.

4~Swelling, tenderness or blister/sores on your mouth, lips or skin.

What are some ways I can lower my risk of getting an infection?
1~Wash your hands often before you eat, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. After bathroom, touching animals or gardening etc.

2~After bowel movements, gently clean your rectal area. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice if you have irritation or haemorrhoids.

3~Avoid peoples with illnesses you can catch (cold, flu, measles, chicken pox etc) or children who were recently vaccinated with ?live virus? (oral polio, chicken pox etc)

4~Avoid crowds when possible. For example, shop when store are not b busy.

5~Take good care of your teeth and gums.

6~Take a warm shower, bath or sponge bath every day. Gently pat yourself dry using a towel that has not been used by others.

6~Use an electric shaver instead of razor to lessen cuts to your skin and do not share with others.

7~Wear gloves that protect your hands while gardening or cleaning up after others, especially small children.

8~Avoid animal cages, litter boxes and fish tanks, let others clean them.

9~Clean cuts everyday with warm water, soap and an antiseptics and cover them with a clean and dry bandage if you get an accident/cut.

10~Do not squeeze or scratch pimples.

11~Moisturize dry or cracked skin with lotion or oil.

12~Do not get manicures or pedicures temporarily.

13~Women should not use tampons, or douches.

14~Avoid standing water, bird bath, pools.

15~Do not eat any of these foods raw or undercooked: fish, meat, chicken, seafood, eggs or tofu.

16~Ask your doctor if you or your family members should get flu shots or other vaccinations.


NOTE TO SELF: Pesanan yang diberikan oleh seorang jururawat di wad harian HKL, Kak Jamaiah (kak Jem):
1~ingat Allah selalu
2~banyak kan minum air
3~jaga kebersihan diri
Terima kasih atas nasihat & layanan yang baik oleh semua jururawat dan doktor yang merawat saya di wad harian ONKOLOGI HKL. Selepas ini saya di hantar untuk rawatan radioterapi di Gleaneagles Intan, Kuala Lumpur pula pada 3hb Disember ini.

Salam AidilAdha

Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha kepada semua ahli keluarga, sahabat dan para pengunjung blog ini.

Maaf kerana terlalu lama kehilangan kata-kata.

Tiada kata yang mampu di titipkan di ruangan ini. Amat kekeringan idea sekiranya banyak ruang waktu serta peluang. Apabila banyak ruang waktu dan peluang; tiada idea pula. :(

Kesihatan masih di tahap alhamdulillah. Ketulan telah lama mengecil. Tetapi, masih perlu berjaga-jaga kerana penyakit ini adalah pembunuh senyap. Tetapi, terkadang sebagai manusia yang selalu terleka & terlupa sering lalai. :(

Aidil Adha bagi kami sekeluarga amat sederhana dan biasa sahaja; seperti selalu. Cuma di harapkan Mak & Abah di tanah suci berada di dalam keadaan yang amat memuaskan sepanjang tempoh menjalani ibadah haji.

Pemergian mereka kali ini amat berbeza bagi saya berbanding dengan yang lepas-lepas. Mungkin kerana mak & abah lebih mengenali kami dan rapat dengan kami sekeluarga berbanding sebelum ini. Mungkin juga kerana saya & abah berkongsi penyakit yang sama. Yang pasti kali ini hati saya lebih sayu, rindu bercampur gembira atas pemergian mereka berdua ke Tanah Suci.

Kanser ini memang merapatkan ukhuwah kami sekeluarga. Alhamdulillah, syukur keatas segala nikmat yang Kau berikan Ya Allah.

Allah hu Akbar.

Kimoterapi

Terlebih dahulu saya memohon maaf kepada para pengunjung dan sahabat-sahabat sekolah saya yang kini bergelar doktor perubatan sekiranya terdapat salah maklumat atau terma-terma perubatan. Maklumlah ini bukan bidang saya. Saya bercerita melalui pengalaman sebagai penerima rawatan/pesakit sahaja. Terma orang biasa.

Ramai juga yang bertanya-tanya bagaimana pengalaman kimoterapi? Dan apakah kimmoterapi sebenarnya? Adakah saya di masukkan ke dalam satu kebuk dan bagaimanakah saya di perlakukan?

Di bawah ada gambaran yang sempat di rakam. Ini adalah gambaran situasi sebenar yang saya sempat ambil ketika proses kimoterapi saya.

Mula-mula sedikit darah kita di ambil. Untuk melihat tahap kepekatan darah putih, merah dan sebagainya. Pemeriksaan doktor secara fizikal juga di lakukan. Timbangan berat badan, tekanan darah juga di periksa bagi memastikan tubuh badan bersedia dan "fit" untuk kimoterapi.

Kantung air seperti gambar di bawah di berikan kira-kira 15 minit.

Kemudian barulah di masukkan segala ubat-ubatan yang berkenaan melalui saluran air tadi. Berbagai-bagai perasaan dapat di rasakan ketika ini. Dapat di rasakan ubat-ubatan ini mengalir ke dalam tubuh kita melalui saluran darah. Ada rasa sejuk, panas, gatal, berpasir dan ada juga seperti getaran elektrik. Entahlah?! Sukar untuk di ceritakan dan di perincikan dengan perkataan. Setiap individu akan merasakan dan melalui pengalaman dan perasaan yang berbeza-beza. Setiap kitaran (chemo-cycle) juga berbeza bagi setiap individu.

Ketika ini juga ada individu yang berasa panas, termuntah dan mahu terkencing. Berbagai-bagai ragam. Hatta ada individu yang baru melangkah masuk wad harian pun sudah termuntah-muntah. Pengalaman saya sendiri pula?

Memang berbeza-beza di setiap kali kitaran kimoterapi. Mental & fizikal harus kuat dan bersedia. Ingat Allah banyak-banyak dan serahkan segalanya kepada Allah hu Rabbi. Berzikir selalu. Perasaan akan lebih tenang dan kuat. InsyaAllah. Apabila badan dalam keadaan tenang, kuat dan bersedia semuanya menjadi lebih mudah. Dengan izin Allah juga.

Selesai segala ubat-ubatan di masukkan; masa untuk menghabiskan kantung air yang ada. Proses berlangsung kira-kira sejam sahaja. Tetapi persediaan yang lain yang memakan masa agak lama juga. Seperti menunggu keputusan darah, persediaan ubat-ubatan dan sebagainya.

Suasana di wad harian (day ward) HKL. Ada yang menerima rawatan dari sofa sahaja. Katil berdasarkan siapa cepat dia dapat (1st come 1st serve basis). Hanya ada 6 katil sahaja di wad harian HKL ini.

Note to Self: Kesemua rawatan kimoterapi saya adalah 6 kitaran kesemuanya. Setiap kitaran berselang 3 minggu sekali. Alhamdulillah esok (Selasa; 27 Oct 2009) merupakan kitaran kimo yang ke-6 bagi saya. Semoga segalanya berjalan lancar.

Setakat ini badan saya tidak mengalami komplikasi teruk. Cuma sedikit lemah selepas kimo di bulan Ramadhan yang lalu kerana saya berpuasa.

Selepas ini, doktor mencadangkan rawatan radioterapi pula.

Terus-terang saya nyatakan di sini, saya masih berat hati untuk meneruskan rawatan ini, tetapi harus kuat demi anak-anak & suami tercinta. Terngiang-ngiang di telinga dan terbayang-bayang di ingatan kata-kata anak sulong saya yang berusia 5 tahun yang menangis menceritakan kisah mimpi-ngerinya di malam hari.

Di penghujung ceritanya; dia menangis dan berkata " Abang tak mahu Umi pergi dulu. Jangan tinggalkan abang Umi. Abang nak Umi"

Sesungguhnya kata-kata daripada anak kecil seperti inilah penguat semangat saya. Tanpa anak-anak & suami serta keluarga, sahabat handai dan para pengunjung blog ini, saya tidak sekuat seperti sekarang. Terima kasih semua. Saya sayang semua.

Belum Rezeki

Salam semua..

Oleh kerana ada ramai yang bertanya, dengan hati terbuka saya maklumkan disini saya belum lagi terpilih sebagai tetamu Allah untuk musim Haji tahun ini. Berkali-kali kami (saya, suami dan kedua orang tua saya) bertanya melalui telefon kepada pihak TH hatta bertemu muka dengan pegawai TH di bangunan TH sendiri, nampaknya belum rezeki kami suami-isteri lagi untuk menjadi tetamuNya untuk musim haji tahun ini.

Saya percaya, bukan saya sahaja yang memohon hajat kepada Allah tanpa henti mengikut kemampuan setiap malam melalui Qiamullail. Suami, ibu-bapa, ahli-keluarga, sahabat dan ramai mereka yang ikhlas mendoakan saya juga bermohon bersama-sama. Namun, ini ketentuanNya. Kami mesti menerima segalanya dengan hati terbuka. Dan semestinya ini yang terbaik untuk kami. Pasti ada banyak hikmah disebalik semua ini.

Doa saya, semoga saya di panjangkan umur dan di beri tubuh badan yang sihat untuk musim haji tahun hadapan pula. Saya dan suami tidak akan berputus asa untuk manjadi tetamu Allah di musim haji.

Note to Self:
Amat terharu dengan catatan yang senior lama dari Sek. Men. Keb. Agama Segamat, Johor; Kak Nur Intan Haryani berkenaan diri ini.

Semoga kak intan dan semua yang mendoakan saya mendapat rahmat Allah dan di berkati Allah selalu. Amin.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Walaupun 1 Syawal sudah berlalu, suasana Hari Raya masih terasa kan? Maka saya sekeluarga mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya kepada semua. Ampun Maaf Zahir & Batin. Tahun ini kami di izinkan Allah untuk beraya di Jementah, Segamat, Johor pada 1 Syawal 1430H / 2009M

Note to Self: Ralat sungguh kerana tidak dapat mengabadikan kenangan dengan keluarga Kak Ngah. :( Ada tugas-tugas yang penting yang perlu di laksanakan oleh Kak Ngah suami-isteri. Selalunya kami berkumpul di pagi raya sekeluarga untuk sesi fotografi ini kerana jarang dapat berhimpun sekeluarga sebegini.

Semoga setiap ahli keluarga kami di panjangkan umur dan di beri kesihatan yang baik di masa akan datang agar dapat berkumpul & bergambar sekeluarga sebegini lagi. Amin.

Eat Right - Blood Type Diet

This is the article & research that I really intend to publish in my blog months ago for referrence and benefits; especially for myself, family & friends. Hope this will help you too, my dear blog visitors.

According to Dr. Peter DÁdamo, author of Eat Right For Your Type, a chemical reaction occurs between your blood and the foods you eat. This reaction is part of your genetic inheritance. This reaction is caused by a factor called Lectins.

Lectins, abundant and diverse proteins found in foods, have a caused that affect your blood. So when you eat a food containing protein lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen, the lectins target an organ or bodily system and begin to agglutinate blood cells in that area.


Fortunately, most lectins found in the diet are not quite so life threatening, although they can cause a variety of other problems, especially if they are specific to a particular blood type. For the most part your immune systems protect you from lectins. 95% of the lectins you absorb from your typical diets are sloughed off by the body. But at least five percent of the lectins you eat are filtered into the bloodstream and different reactions in different organs.



Your blood type diet is the restoration of your natural genetic rhythm. Your blood type diet works because you are able to follow a clear, logical, scientifically researched plan based on your cellular profile. Each food groups are divided into three categories: Highly beneficial ( food that acts like Medicine), Foods allowed (food that are no harm to the blood type) and Foods not allowed (food that acts like a Poison).



There's a simpler chart for you to read. please click to Dr. Lam's page. Who is Dr. Lam?



Type A Blood


Type As flourish on vegetarian diets. Type As are highly chances to be diagnosed to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It is particularly important for sensitive Type As to get their foods in as natural a state as possible: fresh, pure, and organic. When you get on the Type A Diet, you will naturally be thinner. If you are accustomed to eating meat, you'll lose weight rather rapidly in the beginning as you eliminate the toxic foods from your diet. And when you follow the Type A diet, you can supercharge your immune system and potentially short-circuit the development of life-threatening diseases.


When Type As eat meat, they experience sluggishness. Type As have low stomach-acid content, therefore they have a hard time digesting meat. Since Type As eat very little animal protein, nuts and seeds supply an important protein component. Type As also thrive on the vegetable proteins found in beans and legumes, except those mentioned for the "Avoid" list. These beans can cause a decrease in insulin production, which may cause obesity and diabetes. Tofu should be a staple in the Type A Diet.


Dairy foods are also poorly digested by Type As, and can cause metabolic slowdown. Type As can tolerate small amounts of fermented dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, nonfat sour cream, and cultured dairy products.


Vegetables are vital to the Type A Diet, providing minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Type A are very sensitive to the lectins in potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cabbage, tomatoes and peppers. They aggravate the delicate stomach of Type A. Type A should eat more fruits that are alkaline, avoid mangoes, papaya and oranges for they are not good for your digestive tract.

Simpler diet chart for Type A Blood. Best on Vegetarian Diet.

What makes A Type Special?

Type B Blood

The sturdy and alert Type Bs are usually able to resist many of the most severe diseases common to modern life, such as heart disease and cancer. In fact, a Type B who carefully follows the recommended diet can often bypass severe disease and live a long and healthy life. Type Bs are more prone to immune-system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Type B Diet is balance and wholesome, including a wide variety of foods.
For Type Bs, the biggest factors in weight gain are corn, buckwheat, lentils, peanuts and sesame seeds. These foods have different lectin that affect the efficiency of the metabolic process, resulting in fatigue, fluid retention, and hypoglycemia. The gluten lectin in wheat germ and whole wheat products also adds to the problems cause by other metabolism-slowing foods.

It is important to leave off chicken for Type Bs. Chicken contains a Blood Type B agglutinating lectin in its muscle tissue, which attack the bloodstream and potentially lead to strokes and immune disorders. Type Bs thrive on deep-ocean fish, but should avoid all shellfish. The shellfish contain lectins that are disruptive to the Type B system.

Type B is the only blood type that can fully enjoy a variety of dairy foods. Most nuts and seeds (especially peanuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds) are not advised for Type Bs., they contain lectins that interfere with Type B insulin production.

Wheat is not tolerated well by most Type Bs. They contain a lectin that reuce insulin efficiency and failure to stimulate fat "burning". Rye contains a lectin that settles in the vascular system, causing blood disorders and potentially strokes. Corn and buckwheat are major factors in Type B weight gain, they contribute to a sluggish metabolism, insulin irregularity, fluid retention, and fatigue.

Eliminate tomatoes completely from Type B diet. It has lectins that irritate the stomach lining. Fruits and vegetables are generally well tolerated and should be taken generously.

Simpler diet chart for Type B Blood. Best on Balanced Omnivores Diet.

What makes B Type Special?

Type AB Blood

Multiple antigens make Type ABs sometimes A-like with weak stomach acid, and sometimes B-like with genetically programmed for the consumption of meats. Type AB do best when their muscle tissues are slightly alkaline. Type ABs can't metabolize meat efficiently because of low stomach acid, so it is important to watch the portion size and frequency. Chicken has lectin that irritates the blood and digestive tracts of Type ABs also. Tofu is a good protein supplements for Type ABs. Nuts, seeds, beans and legumes present a mixed picture for Type ABs. Eat nuts and seeds in small amounts and with caution.

Type ABs can tolerate dairy foods fairly well. But watch out for excessive mucus production.
Generally Type ABs do well on grains, even wheat, but keep in mind that the inner kernel of the wheat grain is highly acid forming in the muscle for Type ABs. Type AB benefits from a diet rich in rice rather than pasta.

Type ABs has a weaker immune system, so you will benefit from the vegetables, which are high in phytocheicals and the more alkaline fruits, which can help to balance the grains that are acid forming in the muscle tissues. Tomatoes do not impose any ill effects on Type ABs.

Type AB should begin each day by drinking a glass of warm water with the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon to cleanse the system of mucus accumulated while sleeping.

Simpler diet chart for Type AB Blood. Best on Mixed Diet in moderation.

What makes AB Type Special?

Type O Blood

Type Os thrive on intense physical exercise and animal protein. Unlike the other blood types, Type Os muscle tissue should be slightly on the acid side. Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meat because they tend to have high stomach-acid content. The success of the Type O Diet depends on the use of lean, chemical-free meats, poultry, and fish. Type Os don't find dairy products and grains quite as user friendly as do most of the other blood types.

The initial weight loss on the Type O Diet is by restricting consumption of grains, breads, legumes, and beans. The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products, which interferes with insulin efficiency and slow down metabolic rate. Another factor that contribute to weight gain is certain beans and legumes (lentils and kidney beans) contain lectins that deposit in the muscle tissues making them less "charged" for physical activity. The third factor in Type O weight gain is that Type Os have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone or unstable thyroid functions, which also cause metabolic problems. Therefore it is good to avoid food that inhibits thyroid hormone (cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard green) but increase hormone production (kelp, seafood, iodized salt).

Several classes of vegetables can cause big problems for Type Os, such as the Brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) can inhibit the thyroid function. Eat more vegetables that are high in Vitamin K, which helps the clotting factor which is weak in Type Os. The nightshade vegetables can cause lectin deposit in the tissue surrounding the joints.

Because of the high acidity stomach, Type Os should eat fruits of alkaline nature such as berries and plums..

Type Os should severely restrict the use of dairy products. Their system is not designed for the proper metabolism. If you are a Type O of African ancestry, you should eliminate dairy foods and eggs altogether.

Simpler diet chart for Type O Blood. Best on High Protein Diet.

What makes O Type Special?

Note to Self: I fall under type A Blood, just like my Abah and my handsome yet bubbly little smart boy, Latif Hakimi. No wonder me & Abah are easily attacked by cancer. Now is the time for me & husband to take extra care on what foods consumed by our beloved son, Kimi. Eat vegies & fruits dear!!!

As for our 2nd son my everdearest cheeky little active boy, Khaliq Rafiqi was grouped under B blood type category. And my beloved mom falls under Blood O category. And what about my husband? He refused to check his blood condition and doesn't really curious to know. Hmmm...how can I plead him to really concern about his health condition? He just want to take care of me & sons rather than to himself. :(

"Abang, love yourself my dear, because we LOVE you unconditionally"

Tahap-tahap Barah Payudara / Breast Cancer Stages

Ada yang bertanya mengapa tiba-tiba tahap kanser/barah saya naik secara mendadak?
Apakah peringkat-peringkat bagi kanser/barah payudara sebenarnya?

Sebenarnya saya pernah nyatakan di entri saya yang lepas-lepas (Isnin, March 30, 2009). Boleh rujuk di entri yang bertajuk Fakta Kanser Payudara .

Untuk kemudahan semua, boleh rujuk di link-link di bawah. Sila klik di link tersebut:
1 ) Cancer Help, UK
2 ) Breast Cancer.org
3 ) National Breast Cancer.Org

Semoga keluarga & sahabat-sahabat sekalian dapat sedikit ilmu pengetahuan daripadanya, InsyaAllah.

*ralat: sedikit info mengenai tahap-tahap kanser prostat abah saya ada di link ini.

Pokok jarum tujuh bilah - penawar kanser

Sumber: Kiriman emel daripada kakak tersayang; Puan Ratna Roslan

Batang pokok ini berduri seperti jarum. Durinya terbit antara lima, enam atau tujuh bilah di setiap pangkal daun, malah ada yang terbit lebih daripada tujuh batang duri. Amalan tradisi akan memilih daun yang mempunyai tujuh duri dipangkalnya.

Daunnya berkilat berbentuk runcing pada hujung dan pangkal, lembut dan rangup jika diramas serta berlendir. Urat daun berselang-seli dan ada yang bertemu di bahagian pangkal daun, sementara urat sebelah belakang daun berwarna ungu.

Daun mudanya elok dimakan begitu saja. Rasanya seperti pucuk paku. Sedap jika dimasak lemak, tetapi untuk mengekalkan khasiatnya, baik dimakan sebagai ulam.

Bunganya berwarna kuning kemerahan mempunyai lapan hingga 12 kelopak dengan stigmanya berwarna putih. Bunga tujuh duri ini terbit di bahagian pucuk dahan.

Nama saintifiknya Pereskia bleo dari keluarga Cactaceae. Batang yang tua berkilat sementara batang mudanya berwarna hijau muda bertompok-tompok putih. Batangnya jika dikerat-kerat atau dicantas akan mengeluarkan lendir. Ia mudah bertunas serta mudah ditanam melalui keratan batangnya.

Untuk tujuan ulam, anda dinasihatkan supaya menceraikan daun daripada batangnya satu persatu. Ini kerana, walaupun batang mudanya juga lembut, tetapi masih mempunyai duri halus yang berbisa. Amalan memakan daunnya dikatakan terhindar dari darah tinggi, kencing manis dan barah.

Note to Self: Saya belum pernah jumpa dan makan pokok jarum tujuh bilah ini. Tak tahu macamana hendak mendapatkannya. Kalau berjumpa hendak juga makan sebagai ulam. Pasti menyelerakan. Saya seakan muak untuk makan sayur brocolli & cauliflower lagi. :( Sudah jemu...HELP!!!!

Ikhtiar Penyembuh Penyakit

Tajuk buku: Ikhtiar Penyembuhan Penyakit dengan ayat-ayat dan doa-doa mustajab
Penulis: Tuan Guru Dato' Dr. Haron Din Penerbit: Persatuan Kebajikan dan
Pengubatan Islam Malaysia (Darussyifa')

Buku ini sangat membantu bagi sesiapa yang ditimpa penyakit atau musibah. Tidak kiralah apa jua jenis penyakit mahupun gangguan. Cotohnya: barah, jantung, resdug, sesak nafas, gusi bengkak & bernanah, gaut, histeria , koma dan lain-lain. Daripada bacaan-bacaan asas seperti selawat syifa', doa penahan sakit dan rangkaian doa-doa dan zikir. Doa-doa pendinding diri juga di sediakan.

Susunan Doa Barah/Kanser:
Bacalah:

1) Surah al-Fatihah dengan satu nafas. Kekalkan bacaan mengikut hukum-hukum tajuid dan wakaf-wakaf yang ada.

2) Surah al-Ikhlas 4 kali dengan satu nafas- Kekalkan bacaan mengikut hukum-hukum tajuid dan wakaf-wakaf yang ada.

3) Doa Mengecilkan Bengkak:

4) Surah al-Qalam ayat 1-2

Note to Self: Saya suka baca turutan doa-doa ini sebelum mandi dengan air-air doa serta bacaan al-Quran.

Doa mengecilkan bengkak itu boleh di baca juga sekiranya bengkak kerana gusi bengkak kerana sakit gigi, atau bengkak-bengkak lain.

Semoga sesiapa yang mengamalkan doa-doa ini kembali sembuh dengan izin Allah. Amin.

Salam Ramadhan....Tahap 4........Hajat

Sempena bulan Ramadhan yang mulia dan penuh berkat ini; saya dan suami ingin memohon maaf zahir & batin kepada semua keluarga dekat mahupun jauh, sahabat yang lama dan baru serta semua pengunjung blog ini. Kepada keluarga & sahabat; minta halalkan makan dan minum saya selama ini.

Selama saya menulis ada perkara-perkara yang tidak patut saya ucapkan sehingga menyinggung hati dan perasaan sesiapa yang membacanya. Niat saya menulis tiada yang lain selain daripada mencurahkan rasa hati yang terpendam serta berkongsi maklumat, pengalaman dan cerita-cerita saya berkenaan kehidupan saya sebagai insan yang di uji Allah dengan Kanser/Barah. Hakikatnya, bukan saya seorang yang di ujiNya. Seluruh ahli keluarga saya dan suami juga di ujiNya. Alhamdulillah kami di pilih dan di sayangiNya.

Tahap Kesihatan Terkini

Terkenangkan doktor-doktor pakar kanser dan jantung yang saya temui baru-baru ini di HKL seringkali mengingatkan saya bahawa kanser/barah saya sudah di tahap 4 dan amat-amat mengambil berat setiap perkara yang saya lalui. Mungkin kerana reaksi saya yang amat bersahaja mereka menyangka bahawa saya masih di dalam fasa penafian (denial stage) terhadap penyakit saya ini. Realitinya; tidak.

Saya sudahpun menerima kenyataan ini lama dahulu. Sedari pertama kali mengetahui bahawa ketulan itu adalah kanser. Tetapi sebagai manusia biasa, terkadang hati merasa sayu dan air mata akan mengalir juga ketika bersendirian.

Saya sedar saya sedang di ujiNya. Saya sedar Allah sayangkan saya. Allah uji saya dan keluarga kerana Dia Maha Mengetahui bahawa kami semua mampu menangani dan menghadapi semuanya.

Terlalu banyak nikmat, hikmah & rahmat yang Allah turunkan kepada saya & keluarga. Musibah ini merupakan ujian yang amat manis bagi saya dan suami dan mungkin juga kepada seluruh ahli keluarga kami. Syukur padaMu ya Allah.

Umur saya mungkin tidak panjang mengikut kiraan pakar-pakar perubatan. Mereka membuat jangkaan melalui hasil kajian mereka dan mengikut statistik sahaja. Saya tidak salahkan mereka jika mereka bertindak sedemikian dan saya tidak mahu tahu dan bertanya berapa lama lagi tempoh itu. Biarlah ia menjadi rahsia mereka. Sedangkan tempoh umur kita hidup di dunia telahpun di tetapkan Allah sejak azali lagi. Mereka hanya menjalankan tanggungjawab kerja mereka dan menyampaikan apa yang mereka belajar & melalui pengalaman mereka sahaja. Walaupun menurut mereka bahawa saya tiada harapan sembuh kerana telah sampai ke tahap 4, saya percaya Allah turunkan sesuatu penyakit beserta penawarnya. Saya menantikan rahmat Nya. Kesembuhan bagi penyakit saya ini. Sesungguhnya Dialah yang Maha Penyembuh. Ajal maut di tanganNya.

Hasil 'Upper-Body Scan' saya baru-baru ini memang mengesahkan bahawa kanser/barah saya telahpun merebak ke kedua-dua paru-paru saya dan di khuatiri telah merebak ke jantung juga kerana di dapati jantung saya mempunyai liputan air yang agak luarbiasa daripada normal. Menurut doktor pakar, keadaan ini sememangnya biasa dan tidak mustahil bagi kanser telah merebak ke jantung saya jua. Kedudukan organ-organ itu berdekatan. Alhamdulillah hati saya masih baik dan tidak di serang kanser/barah. Manakala bengkak di payudara saya telah berkurangan dan kembali lembut.

Hajat

Perancangan saya untuk menunaikan haji pada tahun depan kami percepatkan ke tahun ini. Keputusan di buat selepas mendapat tahu keputusan x-ray dan mengetahui bahawa saya sudah di tahap 4 baru-baru ini. Tambahan pula ibubapa saya juga akan menunaikan haji sekali lagi pada tahun ini. Mereka amat berpengalaman kerana telah beberapa kali ke sana untuk menunaikan fardhu haji & umrah. Bolehlah mereka mencurahkan ilmu dan pengalaman mereka kepada kami suami isteri yang cetek ilmu. Maklumlah hanya belajar ilmu haji semasa tingkatan 4-5 kira-kira lebih *20 tahun dulu.

Saya tidak mahu berlengah-lengah untuk menunaikan rukun Islam itu. Saya mahu sempurnakan rukun saya sebagai pengakuan saya sebagai seorang muslim secepat mungkin. Sementara saya masih kelihatan sihat & kuat. Tahun depan, saya tidak tahu bagaimana keadaan saya. Saya tahu saya mampu melakukannya. Semoga saya di izinkan Allah untuk menjadi tetamuNya.

Rayuan kepada pihak Tabung Haji di buat. Memang kelihatan tergesa-gesa dan semua rayuan haji telahpun ditutup. Tetapi saya mengharapkan Rahmat Allah sekali lagi. Saya benar-benar ingin menjadi tetamuNya lagi. Kali ini pada musim Haji.

Kerana Mu ya Allah; aku mahu melengkapkan rukun Islam yang telah
Engkau tetapkan. Perkenankan lah hajatku yang satu ini, ya Allah. Aku mahu
kembali kepada Mu dalam keadaan yang amat baik dan suci. Sesuci dan
sebersih bayi. Hanya dengan izin Mu ya Allah. Perkenankan lah.

Wang yang berbaki saya mahu gunakan ke jalan Allah. Walaupun telah berkurangan dan berhabisan selama mencari penawar selama ini. Cukuplah berubat di tempat-tempat mahal dan selesa. Cukuplah dengan penawar-penawar yang mahal. Saya lebih selesa dengan apa sahaja yang ada dan akan berterus-terusan mengamalkannya. HabbatusSawda, kurma, kismis, madu, minyak zaiton dan air zam-zam masih ada di dalam simpanan. Saya percaya itulah penawar yang sebenar. Tidak kurang juga doa-doa dari semua yang tersayang serta ahli agama.

Semoga impian dan hajat saya di makbulkan Allah.

*Ralat: 16 tahun sahaja..belum 20 tahun pun lagi.