It all started from some kinds of cold/flu in end of YR2007. I only took Panadol Cold Reliefs and it helps on and off. Eventually, my nose is totally blocked and I could not breathe when I sleep. It was already Apr when I see a ENT doctor (Dr. Loy) in Tan Tock Seng hospital. An Endoscope check shows inflammation at the left nasal that results in swelling. In addition, my centre nose bone tilts towards the left side and therefore, the breathing passage way is further narrowed. Dr. Loy suggests operation so that I can breathe smoothly. I didn’t want to have surgery and would rather wait and see if my situation will improve as the Nasal spray prescribed by the doctor helps to overcome the nose block problem.
Unfortunately, the left nasal started to swell again in Sep. A biopsy and CT scan shows dead nasal tissues and could be Nasal Polyp. Dr. Loy suggests that I should go for a more in depth biopsy (under General Anesthesia). It was Dr. Yeak who operated on me on 25th Sep. I met Dr. Yeak again the next day to remove the dressing and was told that I might have Lymphoma looking at the formation of the growth that he has removed. This is the first time that I come across the word LYMPHOMA……
I am diagnosed with Stage 2 NK/T-cell Lymphoma on 10th Oct 2008 and transferred to National Cancer Centre in S’pore Gerneral hospital.
I accepted the fact calmly. Too calm that my friends are worried and don’t find normal (I guess any reactions different from what they see in the movies are considered abnormal..haha..). I am a practical and logical person and therefore, I won’t spend time and effort on things that are not within my control. Instead, I rather spend the time to understand more about the virus and the treatments available. Human beings are in fear of unknowns and uncertainties. I always believe knowledge is power. The more I know, the better I will be in control of the situation. In Sun Tse Art of War, there is a common belief that “to know oneself as well as one’s enemy will allow one to win a hundred victories”.
I shave my head on 13th Oct 2008, the day I’m admitted to the hospital for my first chemotherapy. Hair Loss is one of the side effect of chemotherapy so I rather shave it than wait for it to fall and create a mess. It is also low maintenance during my stay in the hospital. I think I look cool (at least at the top of my head) with my new hair style 
Many friends and colleagues have shown their concern and support to me. I am deeply touched and grateful. In particularly, the understandings and supports from my company and bosses Ravi, Sebastian, John and Torsten. I will try to recover as soon as possible and work double hard to repay the company. Thanks also Cynthia and Maggi for being my deputies when I’m unable to work.
I’m also fourtunate to have my friends, Irene, Siok Khim and Joanne standing by me. They are my advisors, checking on useful information for me and companions, spending time with me. They are wonderful except sometimes can be abit naggy, over-react and etc.. 
They suggest that I should set up a blog to provide updates to all my friends and colleagues about my situation and I think it’s a good way to keep in touch. After some brainstorms with them, I decided to call myself Bionic Jen, sounds bombastic enough to fight against the NK(Natural Killer)/T cell Lymphoma 
I’m both mentally and physically ready for this battle!
Dear Jen,
We are with you, together we will fight the battle with you. We know that you are finding us naggy, over reacted and etc…… but we cannot help ourselves from stop caring for you, this is what a 23 years of friendship brought us to. Be brave (in which know you are), keep up the fighting spirit. We are always there for you.
With Love
Siok
By: Siok on October 26, 2008
at 4:32 pm
Thats friends are for. Thats not naggy but cared for you
By: Irene on October 26, 2008
at 4:44 pm
Dear gal,
I still remember we talked about your nose block when we last met at soup spoon and I remembered chiding you and asking what you were waiting for when already cant breathe at nite! Gee I am surpirsed by the turn of events really but… you are a strong one, gal. Stay strong!
By: Eliz on October 29, 2008
at 2:00 pm
Dear Bionic Jen,
I am surprised to receive this news, you didn’t mention anything in your last email to me. Your blog is very informative, it allows me to be updated with your situation, please blog often so I can be informed and shall not ‘boil porridge’ with you.
I know you will be strong, as you have away being, to go thru the battle and become stronger thereafter. Do take care of your self.
Cheers,
By: Chee Wai on October 31, 2008
at 5:07 pm
Dearest Cherine,
I’m not sure how to describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m saddened by what you have to go through, and at the same time glad that you are still in such high spirits. To start a blog and write about one’s sickness is not everyone’s cup of tea, and I must say you are indeed high spirited.
You are still the same Cherine I knew; strong, stubborn, practical, logical & no nonsense. But you still have the other soft side of yours that you seldom like to show, or at least keep inside you, lest you felt vulnerable.
With such high spirits, Cherine, you can keep Lymphoma at bay! I will keep you in my prayers and really wish you a speedy recovery. I want you to know that you won’t be fighting this alone.
Regards
Steve
By: Steve on October 31, 2008
at 9:52 pm
Hi Bionic Jen,
motivational message extracts from cancerstory.com from our very own Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who was diagnose with lymphoma in 1992 & of course won the battle & we all know where he is now. You definetly shows the same positive outlook & determination to win this battle. Boy oh boy….u can’t be running for office in the future aren’t u
? We are all praying & right behind you in this battle. Stay strong & i’m looking forward to seeing you tough girl in our next gathering (depending on who’s next in the never-ending wedding queue haha)?
Cheers,
Andy See
“To many Singaporeans, cancer is a terrifying disease which they hope not to get, and prefer not to think or talk about. But in reality cancer is not uncommon, nor is it untreatable. Some types of cancer can be completely cured. With many other types, early diagnosis and proper treatment makes a big difference.
The patient’s attitude matters a lot, and so does the support of family and friends. When I was undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma, I received many messages of concern and encouragement from well wishers. They cheered me up, and helped me to soldier on.
I particularly remember a passage in one book I was given. It said that a positive outlook may or may not cure you of cancer, but it will certainly make the disease easier to bear, and will help you live life to the full despite the cancer. I found this helpful, realistic advice, although not always easy to follow.
When cancer strikes a person or his family, often we are reluctant to talk about it. But there is nothing shameful or unmentionable about having cancer. Talking about it helps you to unburden yourself of worries and fears, and allows others to let you know that you are not alone, and help is available.
CancerStory.com is doing a good job helping Singaporeans to overcome this psychological obstacle. I hope my posting will encourage others who have experienced cancer also to join the CancerStory.com community, and so be of some help to cancer sufferers and their families.”
With best wishes
Lee Hsien Loong
By: Andy on November 1, 2008
at 1:11 am
Hi Jen,
没什么大不了的，you can go through it, with all our support, 加油!!!
I’m going to australia next week, you wan me to get anything for you ?
chuan
By: Cheng Chuan on November 1, 2008
at 1:23 pm
Dear Friends,
Thanks for all your support and encouragement. Don’t worry for me as I’m really doing fine and I just take it that I’m on holiday. Don’t bother to buy anything for me. There are certain things that I can’t take such as chinese herbal which will interrupt my treatment. Furthermore, my taste bud has changed. I know best what I need and will get them myself. All your messages are more than enough to increase my bionic power to fight on.
Thanks!
Rgds,
Bionic Jen
By: bionicjen on November 1, 2008
at 3:28 pm
Quote of the day : VICTORY
We improve ourselves by victories over ourself. There must be contests, and you must win.
Edward Gibbon (1737 – 1794)
Some meaningful quotes to company you in this battle. You will win. We are all waiting to celebrate this victory with you.
Andy
By: Andy See on November 1, 2008
at 7:41 pm
Hi Cherine,
Keep that ” Never give up ” fighting spirit!!! You will definitely win this battle…
Vera
By: Vera on November 2, 2008
at 1:19 pm
Dear Cherine,
I have read about the battle that you are fighting in your blog. Shock to know about it as we didn’t hear you say anything about it.
We will be here to support you and I can’t wait to arrange the next gathering for us to meet up. You are very very strong, positive & determine therefore with this for sure “Bionic Jen” will win the battle vs Lymphoma.
Take care!
By: Chen Sze on November 2, 2008
at 3:36 pm
Dear Cherine,
I was extremely shocked to hear this piece of news from Siew Leng, followed by reading your blog.
My heart aches……for you…..a cheerful lady like you have to bear with all these….pains
I am sure you can overcome this period as your fighting spirits is extremely strong and with your family and friends supports you shall win this battle. I will pray hard for your recovery……..
Take care!!!!! And enjoy your house keeping days (Yr mum will miss it once you recover…hahaha…)
Stay in touch……
By: Siew Poh on November 2, 2008
at 11:21 pm
Hi Cherine,
Some slapstick ‘wu liao’ jokes on ERP. Have a good laugh !
By: Steve on November 3, 2008
at 2:48 pm
Dearest Jen,
Happy Birthday to U
Happy Birthday to U
Happy Birthday to Jen
Happy Birthday to U
The best time to make a wish is at 11:11 so I make a wish here on the best time of the year and on your birthday 11 Nov @ 11:11 am.
http://bestuff.com/stuff/1111. So it’s now double 11/11 11:11 and double best time.
On a short term, I wish you will have a smooth treatment and less side effects!
On a mid term, I wish that you have a speedy recovery and all side effects are gone forever!
More importantly, I wish that All your wishes comes true!
With Love,
Irene
N.B. Hope the html tags turn out as per expected!
I was originally hoping to post this @ 11am but I have a meeting with my dear ‘friend’ at that time but I cannot miss this greatest day and time of the year.
By: Irene on November 11, 2008
at 12:30 am
Hi Cherine..
Shock about what you are going thru right now.. you look so well during CK wedding..
always remember that you are being love n care by many people around you…
Happy Belated Birthday… —,-.-<<@
couldnt send you these wishes since i lost most of the ex colleagues HP no..
By: Jacelyn on November 18, 2008
at 10:01 am
Hi Cherine,
We haven’t met but I found your journey via the Internet. I am Canadian (Chinese) living in Toronto who spent 10 years in Singapore.
So, when I saw your your blog, there were a few areas of common interest. I left Singapore to return to Toronto in 2005. I still miss Singapore very much.
In April 2008, I was diagnosed with Extra-nodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma. Doctors here were very surprised because it is very rare in North America.
Almost immediately after diagnosis, doctors here put me through 22 sessions (20 minutes per session) of IMRT to my nasal passages followed by 6 cycles of CHOP. I completed my last cycle in mid-September 2008. POST-Chemo MRI and CT showed I was clear and in mid-October 2008, doctors declared me in complete remission. Currently, I am still symptom free and feeling fine.
You can get all of the details of my journey at my blog if you are interested.
I just want to send you all best wishes. Keep up the fight. As a fellow patient, I can relate and empathize with what you’re going through.
Stay strong and BELIEVE!
Best,
Tony
By: Tony Tse on March 26, 2009
at 1:16 pm