Update 2: Dear friends,

Thank you ever so much for your messages, emails, gestures of kindness! It's comforting to know I have your support!

I went for a follow-up with my Cardiologist last week. My heart function had worsened a little over the last 3-4 months (I've been feeling more breathless, fatigued, and with fluid retention in my body). After reviewing my latest scan results as well as blood tests results, my doctor concluded the recent deterioration was possible caused by a change in medication dosage. My heart was apparently not ready for a lower dosage. My doctor has since adjusted my medications back up and I'm starting to feel a wee bit better. However, my blood pressure and heartrate are still worrying high (cos' my heart has to work a lot harder). The concern is that work stress may elevate my BP even more and that can be dangerous - high BP can cause lots of life-threatening problems such as stroke, blood clotting in my heart, lungs or brain. Because of my elevated BP and heartrate, I still can't resume work yet. Hopefully my BP and heartrate will soon stabilise and I can start doing some low-stress work. Please pray that my heart function will soon improve and that in the meantime, my elevated BP and heartrate will not lead to any complications, and for patience (not my strong suitable). Thanks!

My neck pain has been pretty bad, causing me to lose sleep. I'm trying everything to help alleviate the pain - acupuncture, tui-na (TCM Therapeutic Massage), and of course, painkillers. I've been taking muscle relaxants and narcotic painkillers but I'm trying to take as little of the narcotic painkillers as possible - thus the acupuncture and tui-na.

I also learned some bad news today - my mom's kidney function is failing and she may need a kidney transplant very soon. I'm frustrated that I am not a suitable candidate for organ donation because of my own medical problems. I wish I can do more for herself. Obviously, there are also financial implications as a kidney transplant and/or dialysis will be costly. Please kindly pray for my mom and my family too - it'll be a bumpy ride ahead!

Finally, here's a very gentle reminder: GET YOUR WILLS DRAWN UP!

Thank you,

Lynn