2014 New Year Letter

2014 NEW YEAR LETTER 

The past year 2013 had been a traumatic year for me and my family. Yet somehow, I thank God for the medical condition which came at the right timing. By the end of 2012, I have decided to slow down my medical practice by not conducting deliveries. Our clinic had also decided to bring in a new partner. Not long after that, I was diagnosed to have lymphoma ulcer in my stomach. 

 It certainly gave me a jolt! We realise that we cannot live forever. My 67 years of health have almost given me a sense of complacency and immortality! However, I have seen younger friends with serious medical conditions, which would have been disruptive to their jobs and family life. Financially, we are stable and our children are well settled in their careers. Simon (Choon Sin) and Natasha with two-year Myra are now in KL, he with the Citibank and she with Roche Diagnostics. Daren (Choon Yu) and Christina have been in the government hospital in Kota Kinabalu since the last 5 years and he had recently started his part-time private Oncological practice. Juni has been back to HSBC HQ from Kuching. 

 I thank God that my condition was detected early. Surgery, which could be mutilating, was not necessary. Of all the malignancies, lymphomas have been known to respond to standard chemotherapy drugs for over 30 years. The drugs have been well tested and proven least debilitating. There are newer drugs eg Rituximab which acts specifically against the lymphoma cells, new injections to stimulate white blood cells and better drugs against vomiting. 

Being in a partnership, I was able to take off five months completely from work in the hospital. I had never taken such a long period of leave before. The time was certainly fruitful. I had time to recollect and review my life. I managed to write down my memories, from the early childhood, to school days, university in Bombay, medical career and also my service in the church. They had been compiled and photocopied into 5 separate booklets. However, I had my first book, “Young Emotion” published. So far I have distributed 500 copies and collected about RM3000 in donations which would be sent to the PFS Students Fund. 

During the year before, I was able to link up with more than a hundred of my Penang Free School mates and 70 of the Malaysian University of Bombay Alumni. Many of them have not seen nor heard from one another, some for as many as 40 years! I organised separate reunions for the Old Frees and Bombaywallas in Ipoh, refreshing old memories and re-establishing new ties among old friends. Many of them were very concerned and supportive when they knew about my health condition. The time was also spiritually meaningful as I had more time to read the scriptures, pray and worship our Almighty God. I am seeking his direction for the years ahead, if in His mercy, he will grant me many more healthy years to enjoy on this earth. 

I must first thank GOD Almighty for his boundless mercies in healing me and reassuring me throughout last four months; my wife for her loving care and devotion, including gently “nagging” me on my diet and rest; and my children and in-laws for their support and love; bishops , pastors and members of St Peter’s Church and other churches for their prayers and concern; doctors and staff of Sime Darby Medical Centre and Ipoh Specialist Hospital for their expert treatment and care; my partners for allowing me to take four months from the clinic and their advice; many relatives and friends who had sent emails, Face book comments, messages and telephone calls with their encouragement, support and prayers. 
Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year!