You know how we sometimes feel paralysed by the surmount of unpleasant chatter between our ears? The state where visualising a way out of that tunnel seems daunting, hopeless, filled with self-doubt? The cocktail of music and movement has been my red pill (Matrix movie reference). The need to unplug from the Matrix of self-imposed…
Category: Facing Leukemia
A Lonesome Christmas
Don’t worry, this ain’t no Debbie Downer post, unless you make it one 😉 Christmas means something different to each of us, many don’t even celebrate this holiday. Whichever special day you celebrate throughout the year, you might still be able to relate. The first things that come to mind about Christmas is being home…
Dying
Around this time last year, I was closer to dying than I ever was… again. (I know, geez Emily, that’s sooooo dramatic) *rolls eyes* Whatev’s y’all, reflection is important for growth! This time last year, I was admitted for intensive chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). Things felt scary at that…
Cancer and Career Interview with The Hive
Excerpt “Recently, she completed her first live talk recounting her experience as a cancer survivor at an event hosted by Joint Dynamics, a physiotherapy clinic in Hong Kong. She has also made guest appearances on Pacific Muscle Chats and Hong Kong Confidential to share her experiences in mental and sexual health as well as dealing…
My First Talk As a Cancer Fighter
Firstly, I was nervous about this 🙊 My experience in presenting is on fitness content but when I sat down to outline this talk, self-doubt crept in. I wondered how I could bring value when I’m just talking about myself. So, I procrastinated and didn’t work on my powerpoint slides until a few hours before…
Leukaemia Status Update | 6-Months Post-Transplant
Most common questions… What is my cancer status… What could have caused it… What have I been doing for the past 6 months… What do I plan to do for the future… … delivered in this video. Thank you for taking the time to watch it ❤ Links Cancer Fund Aid https://donorbox.org/caringforemilylolatan Liv Magazine:…
I’m Alive Post-Transplant
I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated. Truth is, this round of intensive chemotherapy plus stem cell transplant hit me a lot harder than I thought it would. I mean, there were days where I could barely open my eyes and utter a word. I was hardly processing any of my own thoughts,…
Stem Cell Transplant – Em’s Hospital Stay Diary
Day -13 As in 13 days until the day of my stem cell transplant/bone marrow transplant (STC/BMT) for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Admission, prep, deposit. Prior to being admitted today, I had a scare that I wouldn’t be able to pay the 500,000 HKD deposit for this transplant. Once again, the people around me pulled through…
My Summer Room of 2018
This Summer, I’ve checked in several times for a room with a view of Lamma Island. Upon the last hospital discharge, here’s a little on how I get on with Geoff Bland at Joint Dynamics for the REBUILD & RESTORE journey (Chronic Disease Management). Some of the shots filmed by Adam Tan. SO…
Nutrition & Training DO Matter for My Leukemia Journey
We ARE our worst critics, aren’t we. There I was (still am), with more time on my hands. Yet, I lacked the discipline and drive to work on what it takes for better body composition (but I flippin’ do now!) Some might joke that cancer should mean guaranteed weight loss but dude, that shit don’t last…
What I Ignored
Why am I listing these? Well, since I haven’t found any literature on the cause of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, I can only look back and assess my environment and overall wellbeing. SLEEP ANXIETY NUTRIENTS ENVIRONMENT RADIATION SLEEP I’ve always had trouble falling asleep. Sometimes, even staying asleep. On average, 5-6 hours of sleep…
Blood, Bone (marrow) & Soul
It’s true that you never know you got your back until things get real. After I mentioned both brothers not being matches as my bone marrow donors, several people had reached out to me asking me how they could help as potential donors. I LOVE YOU GUYS. Entonces, to help you help me and others…
