Foodbuzz

Sunday 7 October 2012

Breast Cancer, Willow Foundation, Fat Duck and Me

Pin It!
It's Pink October or Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast Cancer Awareness is a cause that's close to my heart as I unfortunately had to go through treatment for it and yes! I've kicked it in the a***!!!! I've been wanting to raise some awareness about Breast Cancer on my blog and looks like its the right time for it now isn't it? ;) I'm still not too sure about how I'm going to go about writing this so please forgive me if I start rambling on as it's not the easiest of experiences to share. 

I was diagnosed in Sep 2009, aged 32(yes, you now know how old i am. haha), a pretty young age to be told that one has Breast cancer(BC), however I was not alone as there are quite few ladies around that have shared the same experience as me. Being told that I had BC was one of the worst things I ever had to hear, I went through all sorts of emotions and there were so many questions that no one could answer... Why me!?! What did I do to deserve this?? No one could say the right words during the 1st few days of finding out  as I wanted to just be alone and not talk about it. I remember my lovely breast cancer nurse telling me that Breast Cancer is the 'best' cancer to get as it has one of the highest survival rate and my immediate thought was... I don't care!!! I just don't want it! I don't want to go through Chemo! I don't want to lose my hair, i don't want to wear a wig, it's not happening!! etc etc etc. It totally screwed everything up. I was suppose to get registered for marriage within the year, I had holidays booked so everything had to be put on hold. At this point I would like to thank my awesome fiance at that time and now loving hubby for sticking with me all through the treatment period. 

Something my mother said kinda woke me up a bit. I had to accept it and fight it! Simple yet made so much sense. I then drowned myself listening to sermons CDs by Pastor Joseph Prince, my home church, New Creation Church in Singapore and within the week, I felt much better about things and was ready to do whatever it is I had to do.

First all sorts of tests had to be done, ultrasound, CT scan, Bone scan, blood test etc, a tiny procedure was done to insert a Portacath, a kind of valve or catheter that's inserted below my collar bone to assist in the administration of the chemo drugs. Thank God the cancer didn't spread to the other parts of my body and was just isolated in the breast. 

My amazing mum almost immediately flew over so she was here when I had to start chemo and was taking care of me throughout my treatment.16 rounds of chemo I had to go through. I lost all my hair, was nauseous, had tummy problems, lost weight, was perpetually tired, had hot flushes but there were drugs to help with the nausea so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There was also surgery, radiotherapy, herceptin treatment to go through so it was a very long process and I was off work for 10 months, mostly stuck at home as blood count was low and i could pick up viruses very easily. Come to think of it, I don't know why I didn't start my blog then since I had so much time on my hands. Oh well! Too late for that now. 

As my energy levels were still low after all the treatment, I had to do a gradual return to work starting from just 2 half days a week to working full time again. This took me around 4 months and I'm blessed that my company understood and allowed me to do it in this way. 

I've been back at work full time for 2 years already and somehow, the whole episode seems like almost a distant memory. Even now, my energy levels isn't like what it used to be before treatment so I still have to listen to my body and rest when it tells me to. Am still taking medication that has some side effects, there are also some things that I've to be more aware about but I won't bore you with the details. :) I got through this only with the support of my family, friends especially my mummy and hubby. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for what they've done.

Ok, that might have been a little long winded but please, please, please, ensure and encourage your loved ones as well as yourself to go for regular mammogram checks once you are 25 or above. I hope that I'm not scaring you and I also have no desire for anyone to go through what I've been though but it's always better *touch wood* to detect things like this earlier as there may be less treatment to go though to get rid of it and there will also be more options available. 

So what had the Willow Foundation and The Fat Duck have to do with this? The Willow Foundation is a charity that provides days out for seriously ill 16 to 40 years olds. Please visit the Willow Foundation website to find out more about what they do and how they have lifted the spirits of many others and myself! When my chemo nurse first told me about it towards the end of my treatment, I asked if I was eligible for it as I wasn't exactly seriously ill but someone from the foundation approached the Chemo team at the hospital and told them that patients who have undergone breast cancer treatment were welcomed to apply for a day out.  I had always wanted to make a trip to the Fat Duck for a meal since I came over to the UK but had been unsuccessful in getting a reservations even after quite a few attempts so I said that I wanted a meal there as a day out and they made it happened! I had to wait a few months, which I didn't really mind as they had to wait for someone to make a last minute reservation. When the time came, the Willow Foundation made the reservation at the Fat Duck and booked us into a nearby B&B for one night. This outing came at the right time as I had just completed all my treatments and it was a great way to celebrate!!!! I was also way excited that I was finally making my way to the Fat Duck!

Here are some photos of my stunning 4 hour meal but take note that I was there in April 2011 so the menu should have changed since then. 
JELLY OF QUAIL, CRAYFISH CREAM
Chicken Liver Parfait, Oak Moss and Truffle Toast
Oak Flavoured film
JELLY OF QUAIL, CRAYFISH CREAM
Chicken Liver Parfait, Oak Moss and Truffle Toast
SNAIL PORRIDGE
Iberico Bellota Ham, Shaved Fennel
ROAST FOIE GRAS
Rhubarb, Braised Konbu and Crab Biscuit
MOCK TURTLE SOUP (c.1850)
"Mad Hatter Tea"
"SOUND OF THE SEA" with edible sand made of tapioca and eel. Bubble/Foam was from a seaweed and vegetable stock.
SALMON POACHED IN A LIQUORICE GEL
Artichoke, Vanilla Mayonnaise and Golden Trout Roe


ANJOU PIGEON
Blood Pudding, Risotto of Spelt and Umbles
ANJOU PIGEON
Blood Pudding, Risotto of Spelt and Umbles
HOT AND ICED TEA.....Right half was warm, left cold!
GALETTE OF RHUBARB
Neroli scented Yogurt and Rhubarb Sorbet
THE "BFG"
Kirsch Ice Cream and the smell of the Black Forest
Whiskey Gums
THE QUEEN OF HEARTS she made some tarts.
white choco with a thin layer of jam and olive biscuit in it.
Heartfelt thanks to the Willow Foundation for making this wonderful meal happen!
And without being too naggy, please book yourself for a mammogram test too. :)

More information on Breast Cancer can also be found at the following

18 comments:

  1. Yes, I aware of that too. You're a very brave lady. I salute you! I actually going to attend the mammogram check up this month. Early detection can safe lives. Just early last month a local actress died at very young age due to breast cancer. She just got married a year ago with my brother's school mate (actor as well). I supposed she never went for any check up or self checking.
    Hope you're going to have a fabulous week ahead, Sylvia. Enjoy & have loads of fun. Life is short, so not letting anything to spoil it. It's your choice to stay happy. God blessed!
    Best wishes, Kristy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kristy! I'm definitely enjoying life a lot now and am very happy! ;)
      Yes, early detection saves lives and more should be done to encourage young ladies to go for a check up.

      Delete
  2. You are a brave woman... and I am happy to read that you kicked IT in its a***
    In OZ, we have to do our mammo every 2 years, once you are above 40 yrs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lisa! It's great that checks are being implemented but hopefully the age will be lowered soon to cover more people!

      Delete
  3. Sylvia, I did not know how much you have been through. Like people before me said, you are very brave and became very strong through this process. You convinced one person here. I have OB appt next week I think. I'm going to talk to my doctor about mammogram. I'm turning 36 this year. I never imagined you could get BC as early as your age. I was shocked to hear that. Thank you for writing this post. I know it wasn't an easy job, but your story is very powerful to influence everyone's mind. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nami! I'm happy to hear that I've encouraged you to go for the check! It seems that there are people in their late 20s who get diagnosed too and that is just so sad to hear.

      Delete
  4. Sylvia, thank you sooo much for sharing such a personal experience. Congratulations for being so strong and brave and fighting the cancer! You are right to spread the awareness among women because I still meet 30 year olds who never go to check their breasts. I am older than you and yet doctors keep on repeating at every check I'm too young to have a cancer etc.. I know it's rubbish (I have a friend who had a cancer at your age more or less) and always tell them they shouldn't keep on saying this because not everyone is as wise as me and many women don't do check ups. (Here all the doctors advise only ultrasound before the age of 40 when breast tissues are better visible with this than with a mammogram which is a second exam if there is anything wrong).
    Thumbs up for the end of your cancer and thank you once more for this important post.
    Fat Duck dinner is my big dream too... Luckily such foundations exist.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sissi! It's shocking to know that doctors say that as one would think that they know better. :( It's a little different here as it's the mammogram first and if anything doesn't look right, an ultrasound is done followed by a biopsy.

      Delete
  5. wow sylvia, I never knew. Thanks so much for sharing this story with us, it must have been a very trying moment in your life, and I am touched by your bravery. The willow foundation's work sounds wodnerful, I''m glad there is a foundation out there who will help make people feel better, and I'm so happy you got to try the fat duck, (everything looks gorgeous!) even though it had taken a serious illness for you to have the opportunity to do so..I do believe this illness has also made you appreciate life and health a lot more and made you a stronger person, but I'm still glad it's all over now and you're well and full of energy (: xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Shuhan. Actually, I wouldn't say that I'm brave since I didn't have any other choice. haha And yes, I definitely appreciate life and take things easy now.

      Delete
  6. Sylvia, Thanks for sharing your story. I have been procrastinating going for mammogram and it is way overdue. I gotto to go soon:D I was given a second chance to live so I may not be given the third:D You stay healthy and happy. XOXO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. :) Yes, Go for it soon as it only takes a few minutes and you mind will be put at ease after. :)

      Delete
  7. Sylvia, you are such a brave woman and thanks for sharing this. I would imagine the time you had to go through was tough. God has given you so much strength and bravery.
    I think I have never thought of going for mammogram or would it be necessary as like others, I never knew one can suffer from cancer at such young age. I will start looking into getting a check soon.
    Keep on doing what you are doing. God bless!
    Btw, the meal at Fat Duck looks awesome! I have always wanted to try hopefully one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Leemei! Yes, make an appointment for a check soon. and Hope you'll get to try Fat Duck soon!

      Delete
  8. Sylvia, thank you for sharing your story with us. I know how hard that is to do because of my own personal experiences. Your attitude and determination really is what you need and not enough can be said about the continued support of family and friends. I'm so glad that you are here to tell the story and share the awareness of this disease as well as the ability to treat it and rid the body it. Through my job I learned about how DNA testing can determine the type of breast cancer and whether it is aggressive or not. The results better help doctor determine the most effective treatment. It's quite interesting. So please continue to take care of yourself, stay positive, and enjoy life to the fullest! Lots and lots of hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sylvia, you are an inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing your fight against breast cancer with us...so personal, yet so important to get the word out. I worked as an oncology nurse for 5 years and am so glad of all the medical advances. Wishing you nothing but good health and happiness in the future!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lizzy! I'm really thankful of the hard work put in by nurses and doctors. All taking very good care of all their patients! :)

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...