Monday, October 14, 2024

Senior Stories

 Battling and Surviving Cancer: A Personal Journey


Cancer is a relentless adversary, a foe that strikes without warning and challenges the very essence of life itself. My own journey with cancer began in 2010, when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was a diagnosis that shook my world and set me on a path of uncertainty and fear. Opting for a prostatectomy was a difficult decision, but one that I hoped would offer a chance at survival. The surgery was successful, and I entered a period of remission, filled with cautious optimism and gratitude.


However, the respite was short-lived. In 2013, I faced another formidable opponent: stage four lung cancer. This diagnosis felt like a cruel twist of fate, testing my resolve and challenging me in ways I never imagined. The prognosis was daunting, but I was determined to fight with every ounce of strength I had left. Treatment began immediately, and I embarked on a regimen that included Tagrisso, a targeted therapy designed to combat the specific genetic mutations driving my cancer.


The battle against lung cancer was arduous, marked by countless appointments, treatments, and moments of profound uncertainty. There were days when the side effects of medication seemed insurmountable, when despair threatened to overwhelm hope. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there were also moments of unexpected grace: the unwavering support of loved ones, the compassion of healthcare professionals, and the resilience that emerged from deep within.


Surviving cancer is not just a physical journey; it is an emotional and spiritual odyssey as well. It requires resilience in the face of adversity, courage in moments of fear, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of healing. It demands patience, as progress can be slow and setbacks inevitable. It necessitates gratitude for each day gained and acceptance of the limitations imposed by illness.


Through it all, I have learned invaluable lessons about the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. Cancer has taught me to cherish every moment, to find joy in the simplest of pleasures, and to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of each new day. It has reshaped my priorities, deepened my relationships, and instilled in me a profound empathy for others facing similar challenges.


Today, as I continue my journey with Tagrisso and navigate the uncertainties of living with cancer, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. I am grateful for the advances in medical science that have offered me a chance at prolonged survival. And I am inspired by the countless individuals who face their own battles with courage and dignity.


Battling and surviving cancer is not a solitary endeavor; it is a collective triumph of science, love, and the indomitable human spirit. It is a testament to the power of hope and the resilience of the human body and mind. And it is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.


In conclusion, my journey with cancer has been marked by adversity and triumph, fear and hope, despair and resilience. It is a journey that continues to unfold each day, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. And through it all, I am grateful for the chance to live, to love, and to inspire others with my story of battling and surviving cancer.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024


 

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Book Review ON AIR

 BOOK REVIEW #45 ON AIR: UNTOLD STORIES FROM CALDECOTT HILL BOOK REVIEW

As the preface tells us, Caldecott was the home of Singapore’s national broadcaster for 82 years before they shift to Mediapolis at One North. While the Andrew road site has been sold for $280 million for a proposed redevelopment into premium bungalows, stories and history will always remain in the hearts of many who helped built up the broadcasting centre from scratch. On Air: Untold Stories from Caldecott Hill is a collection of stories compiled by a group of six-minded former broadcasting staff. For a place that churned out countless fictional and non-fictional stories over six decades, this 528 pages book in turn is a testament to the colourful history and numerous untold stories behind the iconic storyteller.Full of recollections, memories and filled with never-before-seen archival photographs, the initial chapters takes readers through the early years. From the Japanese occupation era to the launch of Radio and Television Singapore (RTS), people liked Vernon Palmer talks about the early days of radio, Singapore’s first ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Cheng Tong Fatt shares how he set up the Chinese drama division when he was the GM of SBC and Permanent Secretary Moses Lee recounts his task in privatising SBC (Singapore Broadcasting Corporation) which explains why it was renamed as TCS subsequently. For TV buffs who grew up watching old-school Channel 8 dramas (long before the days of Netflix, YouTube), executive producer Chua Swan talks about his role in producing Chinese dramas with the help of foreign expertise from Hong Kong. Daisy Irani from Under One Roof fame shares about her experiences in making the renowned local sitcom and her ever-expanding role in the industry working first as an actress to a writer to VP of content. Then there is Michael Chiang (yes that Michael Chiang who is also the playwright of Army Daze) who was placed in charge to revamp a magazine and that turned out to be the ultra-successful 8 Days. Undeniably, the Channel NewsAsia story by Woon Tai Ho is another must-read chapter and also the intense media competition between Mediacorp and Mediaworks by Anthony Chia. Producer and filmmaker Daniel Yun talks about how he runs the now defunct Raintree Pictures which you might recalled releases hits such as 881, The Maid and The Eye while veteran journalist P N Balji recounts the starting of one of Singapore’s free papers, TODAY to the surprise of SPH.Despite the fascinating and sometimes whimsical accounts, some readers might find the entire reading experience somewhat “scattered” or jarring. Do note that the chronological of events might not be in sequence as the book is divided into chapters from radio to current affairs to TV shows etc instead of by years or decade. At some point, the book even feel more liked “text-book” based.Still, On Air: Untold Stories from Caldecott Hill is an insightful read for those keen on our very own broadcasting history. In fact, the title should be included in the must read list of Singapore history. Coincidentally, Marshall Cavendish International behind it is the publisher of local textbooks and probably MOE should incorporate this to all local secondary schools as part of their history curriculum.  

Review by Linus Tee

Monday, October 31, 2022

FACEBOOK:Caldecott Hill Memories

 Facebook: CALDECOTT HILL MEMORIES

Former head of property Lim Yao Ching at MediaCorp started a Facebook Caldecott Hill Memories. It is a private group which now has 1,300 members mainly ex staff of RTS,SBC,TCS,RCS,TV12,SIM and now MediaCorp...From all levels of departments and staff recollecting their memories of their working experience on the Hill. If you have the interest please join the group to share your memories.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Reflections from Caldecott Hill

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Thursday, August 18, 2022

Old Timers get together

 Had lunch (18Aug22) with some former big guns from MediaCorp


Good get together once a year to talk n recollect some memories. Memories warm the heart.