How am I now?

Memory is getting weak.

I am still having problems with my breathing due to the limited lung capacity caused by the pleural effusion. But it is still manageable as long as I don't rush or exert myself. Hopefully, the fluid is not coming back so quickly.

I still have lymphedema on my right arm, but there seemed to be slight improvement, unless I am out most of the day and had my arm hanging down. Probably also due to gravitational pull, I can feel the tautness in arm from just above the elbow and all the way down. So I have one arm bigger than the other, and on the other arm, I still have my battle scars from the chemo but thankfully, they are fading.

My legs are still weak and I have to exert myself when climbing steps or stairs. I would expect them to get stronger over time and if I go for more walks.

Due to the impact on my head from the fall in May, whenever I lie down I am still getting the spinning sensation that lasts for a few seconds. Didn't like the feeling but as long as I can sleep, I am fine.

Haven't got my energy level up to par yet. I would be so exhausted whenever I am back from an outing.

Otherwise from whatever is visible, I looked in the pink of health especially with my borrowed wig on.

For months, I have been ferried by relatives and friends or taken the taxi. Now I wanted to be more independent and to cut costs, so I had to consider the buses and mrt. I have to plan for more travel time as I can't rush.

After so many months, the first time I took the mrt home was after the tile making session. The last coach that I was in wasn't very crowded but I didn't manage to get a seat. Due to my limited lung capacity, I found the air quality in the coach poor and I couldn't feel the air-conditioning such that I had to breathe harder, not exactly huffing and puffing away but my chest was heaving. And since I looked so healthy, nobody gave up their seat for me.

I was prepared, that if my breathing got too difficult, to just step out at any station to stabilise it before hopping back into the next train. Luckily I was able to reach my destination without having to do that.

Wherever possible I would prefer to travel by bus and during the off-peak period so that I could get a seat and have better air quality. Longer travel time maybe, but I am more comfortable and perhaps I could read.

This illness is really forcing me to slow down.

Nurse Trudi is back and she came to see me today with Dr Tan. Good news! I have been 'promoted', meaning they don't have to check on me so often now. If my progress continues, ultimately they will discharge me from hospice care. I am going to miss them.