Palliative Care

Had my father not been diagnosed with cancer recently, the term “Palliative Care” wouldn’t come this close to me, like… ever.  Later on I realize it wasn’t just me, it’s actually an unfamiliar term to many people as well. So I decided to write about it.

Definition of Palliative Care by World Health Organization (WHO)

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. Palliative care:

provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms;

affirms life and regards dying as a normal process;

intends neither to hasten or postpone death;

integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care;

offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death;

offers a support system to help the family cope during the patients illness and in their own bereavement;

uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling, if indicated;

is applicable early in the course of illness, in conjunction with other therapies that are intended to prolong life, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and includes those investigations needed to better understand and manage distressing clinical complications.  

Before my father’s incident, I’ve always thought illnesses can and will always be cured by medicines. If you are unwell, drink more water, rest more and you’ll feel better in a few days time.  If the condition gets serious, consult a doctor, take some antibiotics and you’ll feel better in a few days time. And of course, life is not always a bed of sweet roses. You may have came across articles and stories about cancer and stuff, or, even freak accidents that lead to deaths. But those are just other people stories, right? In real life, this is the first time I’m learning to face the harsh reality of an illness that will possibly take a life away; and the person happens to be someone in my family.

Palliative Care members involves in the process of helping patients and their families to cope with and alleviate the physical and psychological implications as such. Patients are usually given stronger dose of morphine and unrestricted diets to make them feel comfortable.

Throughout this sudden twist of fate, it struck me real hard about what really matters in life. Would it really be money and career? or family ties? Pride and egoism? love? impermanence?

In regards to this matter and on behalf of my family, I would like to thank our dear friends and relatives who have given us the moral support during this time. Your warm thoughts are deeply and truly appreciated.

Singapore Food Galore

One thing I learnt about dining in SG, it’s absolutely essential to make table reservations in advance. Especially if you plan to dine out on a weekend, most of the popular restaurants in SG are usually already fully booked. On a Sat night, we took a cab to this family run Italian restaurant somewhere in Bukit Timah in an attempt to get some delicious Italiana, but only to find out they require 5 weeks booking in advance.

5 WEEKS!!! That’s crazy.

We waited for 30 mins hoping someone didn’t turn up for the table, but to no avail. The was no way they could squeeze us in but the waiter was very kind and recommended us an alternative restaurant nearby, it’s a French family style Bistro along Turf Club Road called PICOTIN.   

Beggars can’t be choosy but thankfully the food there was nice. Unpretentious ambience, super friendly restaurant owner Jackie who personally sat us down on a table and introduced the menu.

Starter of the day:  Smoked Salmon cubes Bruchetta (price unknown)

Baked escargots au beurre d'herbes SGD15

Roasted sea bass, boulangere potatoes, smoked fish brandade SGD28

All dishes were made with fresh ingredients, I loved the seabass and smoked salmon the most. Super generous servings. Verdict: Can’t call it exquisite French but food was good. 

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After dinner, Claire took me to this place called  San-sui Sumiyaki & Tsuki-bar for drinks.

The place has a nice scenic view by the river and overlooking Marina Bay Sand. I find their Japanese sake cocktails rather unique too. Worth a try.

Universal Studio Singapore

Visiting Universal Studio is like experiencing movies come to live. Imagine shaking hands with ogre Shrek and Fiona; or dance with the Madagascar’s animals (for real); or be awed by the magnificent Return of The Mummies. Oh not to mention learn how these million dollar production movies were made!

Visited Paris Universal Studio 6 years ago which i thought was totally awesome. I was so excited to check out the Singapore version and anticipated lots of cartoon characters greeting me at the entrance… 

Didn’t happen that way, unfortunately.

When in Rome, do the Romans do. Similarly, when in Singapore I was one of the early birds to avoid long queues. Kiasu is me. After breakfast at one of the Cafés there, we started our adventure with a map on hand. There are 7 theme parks attractions and we’ve spent 9 hours in total. Half the time were spent waiting for the rides though... and envied those express pass holders whizzing passed the queue :(

You might want to consider getting an express pass when visiting USS.

My favourite of the lot has to be Far Far Away.

 

Shrek4D show is a must watch. Spectacular.

Beware of long queues especially weekends can get crazy packed.

 

Saw my favourite Shrek and Fiona… but I was too lazy to queue up for a photo moment with them.

 

 

One word of advice when you enter WaterWorld. If you have no intention to get wet, please stay away from Blue and Green Zone. The stadium may look massive and you may be tempted to assume there’s no way water could splash far enough to reach the seats. Epic wrong!

Trust me on this. I was sitting at the last row of Green Zone and I got wet.

 

Many rides were not opened as they are either still under construction or testing phase, including this reverse roller coaster.

Tadaaa… a very happy me at the theme park. Guess where was this?

mmhmmm… I love the carousels… a ride always makes me happy.

It’s a form of childhood deprivation, you see ;)

Overall, it was a fun day out while I was in Singapore. USS is smaller than I expected but have to say, their staffs are very friendly and helpful. It’s strongly advisable to purchase tickets online and have it printed out before the trip to avoid long queues. And leave your pretty heels at home.

SGD72 per ticket for weekends, weekdays is slightly cheaper.

Uniquely Singapore

For suburban working middle class Malaysians like you and I – one of the major attractions in neighboring Singapore is of course, SHOPPING! hehe Orchard Road is a shopping haven, it’s a 2 kilometers road beautifully landscaped and flanked by distinctive shopping malls catered for all walks of life. Last I heard the number is still on the rise. So if you are like me who have limited time to spend on shopping, it’s wise to do some research and devise a little smart plan before the trip, prioritize which shopping malls will best cater your tastes and needs so that you can make the most out of your shopping spree. :)
  

I’ve picked Ion Mall as it has a good mixed of European and local brands and style, followed by Takashimaya, Paragon and Wheelock Place.

 

 

For good authentic Ramen without having to fly to Japan, Singapore is DA PLACE. This signature ramen dish at Ginza Bairin located at Ion Food Mall, costs SGD14++. One of the best ramen I’ve had!

 

 

TCC Coffee is very famous in Singapore and I can attest to it. Now it becomes a mandatory visit everytime I go to Singapore.

 

The other attraction in SG is the riverside called Clark Quay. It’s buzzing with life and activities at night, pretty glittering lights, from retail outlets to kaleidoscope of hip bars and nightspots along the Singapore River, what you will is be spoilt with choices.

 

I was first introduced to Hooters Bar when I was in San Francisco. The girls are famous for their voluptuous sex appeal and their uniform is tantalizing orange tight shorts and white tank tops. I heard if you want to be a Hooter Girl, you gotta have 36D assets minimally... O_o

 

 

Anyway, here’s Hooters in Clark Quay. Didn’t see any 36Ds there… but the girls were gorgeous all the same.

 

  

Tada… that’s me in front of Hooters!

 

If you are a fan for Japanese food, Singapore is seriously food heaven for authentic nihon dish without burning huge holes in your wallet like how KL would do to you.

 

Left: Diced Tuna with avocado salad

Right: Salmon Carpaccio

 

Left: Grilled Cod Fish (it’s so awesome!)

Right: Softshell Crab Maki

 

Clinic Bar – All the chairs are literally wheelchairs and drinks are served in packet of drips where you suck from the tube (yes, literally!). Interesting concept but for someone who has been visiting the hospital a tad too much lately, I was grossed out.
 

Check out those Operating Theater lamps and hospital beds behind me!

 

Never knew Singapore was so beautiful at night. Simply look at this view from One Fullerton walkway! And honestly, this view is much better than in Marina Bay Sand itself. My friend Claire brought me to MBS… it’s grand and all but nothing too spectacular to shout about. The famous Sky Park at the MBS rooftop requires a ticket of SGD20 unless you are their hotel guest. I refused to pay thus won’t elaborate further.

  

 

Iconic Merlion statue at Merlion Park.

I know… this trip I’ve done things the touristy way. Up next, Universal Studio.

Shangri-la at Orange Grove Road

Lodging in Singapore is getting crazy expensive despite the rise of hoteliers there. This trip, I get to stay at Shangri-la Hotel for 4 nights… not the kind of contem boutique hotels I’d normally go for but it was luxurious alright. The hotel is tucked behind shopping paradise Orchard Road (about 10 minutes walk) and covered in lushes of greens. Superb location I’d say.  

 

 

Their swimming pool is massive. Sunbathing beds are usually covered in shades thus provides a cooling effect even on a hot day. I took dips at the jacuzzi, swam laps, read a book and in between I still managed to squeeze in a siesta.

 

Exactly what I need, some “me-time” to recharge all the frazzled neurons in my body and temporarily forget about the worries at home. Weather was perfect in Singapore.

 

Second day, I went to the gym for a workout. Very well-equipped facilities.

 

 

In the afternoon, I took a stroll down to Orchard Road for some shopping haven.

 

The hotel also provides free high speed broadband internet service in the room and the standard amenities. I also like that they make up the room twice a day and constantly replenish fruits and  bottles of drinking water.

 

 

Overall, it’s a well maintained luxury hotel at a superb location with its rate starting from SGD450/ night. Personally, I think it’s a little over pampering if your holiday agenda is going to involve lots of shopping. I would probably go somewhere cheaper next time. 

 

Nevertheless, it was a very good rejuvenation getaway trip for me.

 

Shangri-La Hotel

22 Orange Grove Road, Orchard, Singapore 258350

Aeroline to Singapore

New Year is always good. Holiday after holiday… while we are busy being caught up with all the year end celebrations and before we know, it’s time to usher the brand new year again. Aren’t we little spoilt brats sometimes? :)  Since my last visit to Singapore over a year ago, I decided to visit the city again over the recent Thaipusam weekend. Just want to get away from KL for a little breather and to do some CNY shopping, and also to visit my good friend Claire and her hubby who have moved to SG recently.

 

 

After weighing all the pros and cons between flying and “coaching”, I decided to take Aeroline this time. The journey takes about 5 hours but it’s one of the most convenient way to travel these days, especially the pickup and dropoff point is so near to my house. I like the idea where I don’t have to worry about the 45 mins taxi ride and all the waiting time being wasted at the airport, which more or less come up to the same travel time anyway. Besides, Aeroline has a very good driver record where they don’t speed drive. Irresponsible reckless drivers are getting out of hand in KL, that’s why it’s very important to choose a company where they emphasize on passengers safety. A return ticket is about RM180 which includes a simple meal + a hot drink.  

 

 

It has a powerplug installed at every passenger seat for those who wants to work on their laptop or charge their phones. I used Waze app on my blackberry to track the journey and I could testify the driver didn’t exceed speed limit! :D Movie screening experience wasn’t fantastic so it’s advisable to bring your own IPOD or a book to read. Friendly staff but I saw a baby roach on my way back to KL….

 

Overall experience was okay. Comfy level isn’t on par with flying experience but this is where convenience outweighs comfort.