fortis surgical hospital singapore

Navigating the Medical Imaging Maze – What scan should I have? Grace Gawler with Dr Nevil Chimon

Be informed about Medical Imaging for Cancer Patients – Listen to the expert on Navigating the Cancer Maze Radio. Most cancer patients know little about Medical Imaging. It is often a mysterious event that weaves in and out of patient’s life during and after a cancer diagnosis. -But the skill of the team involved in Medical Imaging plays an critical role in patient care, diagnostics, choices of therapy and outcomes. Dr Nevil Chimon is an important link in this chain because he researches and develops radio tracers for medical imaging.

Be informed about Medical Imaging for Cancer Patients – Listen to the expert on Navigating the Cancer Maze

Most cancer patients know little about Medical Imaging. It is often a mysterious event that weaves in and out of a patient’s life during and after a cancer diagnosis. Medical imaging is also something that is feared by many patients due to the risks of radiation. I address this factor with Dr Chimon. The skill of the team involved in Medical Imaging plays an critical role in patient care, diagnostics, choices of therapy and outcomes. Dr Nevil Chimon is an important link in this chain because he researches and develops radio tracers for medical imaging.

I wish to thank Singapore radio pharmaceuticals – who enabled today’s interview. The science, processes & advances of imaging techniques, & the radio-pharmaceuticals that magically make our inner parts visible to doctors for more accurate diagnosis; is the topic for today’s Navigating the Cancer Maze.

Dr Nevil Chimon shares his passion and invaluable information for cancer patients about the different types of cancer & the best medical imaging to assist diagnosis. This is information that you need to know! All patients become intimately involved with the process of cancer imaging, & the relationship often lasts for 5 or more years. Listen to Dr Chimon talk about medical imaging. He is a medical science graduate of UCLAN, BSc (Hons), Manchester University, MSc and NUS, PhD, with Post-Doctoral training in Molecular Imaging & Radiochemistry completed at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research & Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, UK. He is resident in Singapore.

LISTEN TO DR NEVIL CHIMON NOW ON – NAVIGATING THE CANCER MAZE RADIO

ALL MEDICAL IMAGING TODAY WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE WORK OF Mme Marie Curie. She was a Polish-born French physicist famous for her work on radioactivity and twice a winner of the Nobel Prize. Born Maria Sklodowska on November 7, 1867, in Warsaw, Poland, Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only woman to win the award in two different fields (physics and chemistry). Curie’s efforts, with her husband Pierre Curie, led to the discovery of polonium and radium and, after Pierre’s death, the development of X-rays.

She died on July 4, 1934. Read more this remarkable woman and her contribution to Medicine at:
http://www.biography.com/people/marie-curie-9263538#early-life

MORE ABOUT DR NEVIL CHIMON: In recognition of his expertise in manufacturing new radiopharmaceuticals, Dr Nevil Chimon and his team at SRP is the first and only company to have secured authorisation from regulators in Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), to supply and use ‘Beyond FDG’ radiopharmaceuticals to detect cancer.

Dr Nevil Chimon BSc (Hons), MSc and NUS, PhD,

Nevil has over 10 years of experience within the pharmaceuticals industry. Holding positions of increasing responsibility within MNCs and SMEs has provided him with broad exposure to projects involving drug discovery and imaging diseases, including cancer and dementia.

Strategically, he recognizes an opportunity exists to leverage on molecular imaging technology to both accelerate drug discovery and improve the healthcare of patients by using PET-CT and PET-MRI multi-modality imaging.

During his 7-years based in Singapore, Dr Chimon has established the first Preclinical CRO imaging facility, obtained GMP licensing for the RadLink cyclotron facility, performed the first clinical trial with a proprietary radiotracer for Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and manufactured new tracers to detect cancer.
In Oct 2012, he obtained exemption from the HSA to supply these new tracers to local public and private hospitals. 7 New tracers are now commercially available to PET centers, with four more on the immediate horizon.

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Global Health and Travel Magazine: By far one of the more superior health related magazines on the market today! See information from Dr Nevil Chimon in a regular sponsored feature.

What’s inside Global health & Travel Magazine – Click URL below for more information. To view past copies and take a peek inside issues – CLICK HERE

About choline PET CT scans for Prostate cancer. More links coming soon.

Choline PET CT Prostate cancer Singapore SH18pg6

PET CT SCANNING in diagnosing Womens’ Cancers – Dr Nevil Chimon

Singapore PET scan 001

Singapore radiopharmaceuticals http://www.radlink.com.sg/srp/

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Until Next time…..Grace

How Surgeons Can Help You Navigate the Colorectal Treatment Maze| with Grace Gawler

Discussion around Pelvic floor dysfunction and its consequences has suffered from the elephant in the living room syndrome for far too long. Today’s interviews with Dr Lim Jit Fong and Dr Francis Seow Choen on Naviagting the Cancer Maze, have a broader reach to anyone interested in their healthcare.

How Surgeons Can Help You Navigate the Colorectal Treatment Maze

Discussion around Pelvic floor dysfunction and its consequences has suffered from the elephant in the living room syndrome for far too long.

Today’s interviews with Dr Lim Jit Fong and Dr Francis Seow Choen have broader reach to anyone interested in their healthcare. In the last session of the show you will hear part of an interview with Dr Seow Choen. The rest of this highly informative interview will be featured in next weeks show….Don’t miss it!

We all have a pelvic floor and when something goes awry with it – it can create horrendous physical suffering, social isolation and psychological trauma. You won’t hear this discussed very often because it is an area that suffers from the stigma of Silence! We tend to only think about pelvic floor issues in women – but men can have just as many issues with their pelvic floor. Yes – I can’t say it too many times – I have a mission to break the silence that surrounds pelvic floor issues. If my problems had early intervention, my life would have been very different. So I figure we should all use what we have been given in life as teaching stories to educate and help others to access good information and therefore make informed choices to improve health and life!

The interviews you will hear on navigating the cancer maze radio today were recorded live in Singapore whilst here for surgical procedure # 22! The majority of those surgeries were performed prior to my undergoing interstim treatment; first in the Netherlands with Dr Rudd Schouten and pelvic floor specialist Marijke Sleiker ten Hove – this was in 2002, 2003. I was the “first” at that time for Medtronic interstim to work for my condition. It was verified that innervation to my rectum had been grossly disturbed during a routine surgery in 1997, making bowel function impossible; faecal impaction followed and colon was removed whilst the cause – nerve damage; remained.

Although the surgeons who performed procedures saved my life several times; for which I am grateful, I remained frustrated because the caused was continually bypassed and my issue became shrouded in Silence. I began to to study sacral nerve function and the pelvic floor. I was told it was impossible that any form of restoration existed! The longer my problem existed the worse it got so by the time I found a possible solution with interstim; I had a lot of internal and external damage, hernias from “bags”, burns from ileostomies, further proplapses in my already damaged pelvic floor. Life quality became far too compromised Now 2 devices replaced – one in 2009 and now another in 2014 – both performed in Singapore with the surgeons I interview today. Guess what – the procedure is till off label around the world for my condition!! It is available but you need to find those skilled in this area and you need to pay for it. – no insurance. But what is a life worth I keep asking myself? In Singapore I felt understood and listened to as I had been in with my first Dutch Surgeons – when my procedure was purely an experiment. Now, to Singapore……

Dr. Lim is very passionate about improving the quality of his patients’ care. In caring for his patients, Dr. Lim has always maintained a steadfast principle, “Make decisions for your patients as if they are your loved ones. If your decision is not good enough for your loved one, it is not good enough for your patient.” For his dedication toward patient care, he has received numerous awards for excellence in patient care through the years. When I read this I knew I was in the right hands.

Medtronic's interstim snm device — Medtronic’s interstim snm device

“Improving patient care is not from the service aspect alone but also involves improving the quality of care through research and educating a new generation of doctors” says Dr Lim. Dr. Lim has authored numerous scientific research articles in various colorectal surgery topics and these have been published in various peer-reviewed medical journals worldwide.

CLICK HERE To read more about Dr Lim Jit Fong

CLICK HERE To read more about Dr Francis Seow Choen

Dr Francis Seow Choen Fortis Surgical Hospital Singapore

For more information about procedures for incontinence for bladder and bowel or to inquire about any colon issues including constipation and feacle obstructive syndromes: Please inquire via the contact page at http://www.fortissurgicalhospital.com

Next week on Navigating the Cancer Maze – more from Dr Francis Seow Choen

Listen to audio interview at:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/80808/how-surgeons-can-help-you-navigate-the-colorectal-treatment-maze

In Singapore for Surgery at Fortis – Another Bionic Experience | Grace Gawler

I am writing this blog from my hospital bed at Fortis Surgical Hospital in Singapore. Once again – a new bionic device awaits me in the operating theatre within the hour. I am really looking forward to receiving my Mark 111 version – apparently smaller and updated and quite the fashion accessory!! Well not really as the device is implanted in my left buttock and attached to 4 tined very intelligent electrodes that are inserted into my lower spinal foramina.

Me awaiting surgery at Fortis surgical hospital Singapore

It it is so wonderful to be here in Singapore with the skilful and compassionate surgeons who saved my life last time in January 2009 after the device had stopped suddenly 6 weeks prior. I wanted to write this blog because my experience touches on so many aspects of illness, healing, recovery and the ongoing tenacity it takes to survive the odds.

No one would welcome the experiences I have had since 1997 when after routine surgery I lost use of my colon…in particular my rectal function. Years of diagnostic mayhem followed. The case in most doctors too hard basket – diagnostics took years to identify the problem. Today will be surgical procedure number 22! 10 ft of previously healthy colon removed – 5 ft small intestine + 5 ft large bowel One could wallow in the why me arenas or be begrudging of medicine and routine surgical procedures that don’t go as planned. However….

Life happens to us – but it’s not what happens to us that makes a difference in life quality but what we choose to do when life has dealt us a band hand. It is about how we choose to respond to uninvited change.

I have always been inspired by a quote from the writings of Robert Louis Stevenson who wrote:

“Life is like a card game – it’s not about being dealt a good hand – but how you play a bad hand well!”

Today I am filled with gratitude for all those who have helped me navigate this challenging treatment maze so far. Pip – my partner of 7 years has been amazing. My children – and now grandchildren who also give me a raison d’etre. Dr Schouten and Dr Marijke Sleiker ten Hove in The Netherlands must be thanked for giving me back my life in 2002-2003. Dr Francis Seow Choen and Dr Lim Jit Fong have been and remain as amazing doctors and surgeons since 2009. Thanks to all who donated to our appeal to help me get this critically important surgery today- you are all heaven sent! I will let you know how this goes a wee bit later. The team is on their way.

Appreciate your day, your life and loved ones….Life’s good!! Until soon

Grace

Grace Gawler|The story of a bionic woman in Global Health and Travel Magazine

Maya Angelou said: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” Global Health and Travel Magazine recently published an edition (July-Aug 2014) featuring women who are exceptional survivors and who were not reduced by events out of their control! Grace Gawler speaks with Global health and Travel Magazine.

Maya Angelou said: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

Global Health and Travel Magazine recently published an edition (July-Aug 2014) featuring women who are exceptional survivors and who were not reduced by events out of their control!

Women of Substance – Asia’s Leading Ladies in Healthcare – Female Patients and their success stories. The July-August 2014
Global Health and Travel Magazine features stories of 5 women who overcame the odds to survive and thrive.

I am honoured to be one of the 5 women they featured and it goes without saying that a Dutch surgeon, Dr Rudd Schouten ( 2002) and 2 Singaporean surgeons, Dr Francis Seow Choen and Dr Lim Jit Fong (2009), from Fortis Surgical Hospital, Singapore, were also major players. A team effort for survival. I am forever grateful to them for humanity & surgical skill.

You will read how life sometimes throws us a curve ball…… just when everything appears to be going smoothly! Mine came in 1997 when my 21 marriage ended suddenly. Three days later, another blow; a total prolapse of my uterus changed my life direction even more. A surgical procedure aimed at repair and health restoration saw the unthinkable happen – Complications left me without bowel function. As you can imagine if you have ever been constipated for a few days…..the consequences were horrendous and over time, large sections of impacted colon had to be surgically removed.

This part of my story has also been recorded in my Memoirs Grace Grit and Gratitude.( pub 2008) Copies available eBook, soft cover or Click here to read on Google books. This is a free read. Section 39 talks about my Bionic surgery.

I hope that the inclusion of my survival story in Global Health and Travel magazine, inspires others to take a chance and walk in the field of all possibilities. In 2002 – 2003 I underwent experimental surgery ( InterStim Therapy) that would enable me to have another chance at Life! If you would like more information or to explore InterStim Therapy and if it is applicable to you – Please contact me via the contact page on this blog.

To read the full story – Global Health and Travel can be purchased online as a Single Digital Issue or by yearly subscription. This is a high quality health information magazine for any person who is consciously making efforts to improve their health and wellbeing and who wants to be informed.

Click here for sample or to purchase online subscription to

Global Health and Travel is worthy of a subscription. It is a premier resource on medical tourism as well as providing articles about general healthcare. The magazine focuses on services offered by internationally-accredited healthcare institutions typically sought by travellers including complex, specialized procedures such as joint replacement for hips and knees, cardiac surgery, fertility treatment and more. Combined with vibrant and informative stories on beauty, travel, health and wellbeing, Global Health and Travel is your reliable guide to healthcare abroad. The latest edition is a great read if you want to know more about immunology.

To read the story – Select below then enlarge text via magnifier.

Early Diagnosis| a Significant Step to Winning the Cancer Challenge|Grace Gawler

I was very impressed during my recent visit to Singapore when briefed about a new campaign for early diagnosis as a part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign is not only restricted to Singapore. Please get on board -The message is global! The campaign is called Make Love the Reason. Make your pledge now…visit the site on Facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/fortis_fbapp/
Working at the other end of cancer, where disease is often massive and the patient is battle weary from prolonged treatments; early diagnosis and risk reducing factors are very attractive indeed!! So why do so many people leave their most important asset – SELF, on the back burner?

On our way back from a Cancer Patients without Borders Medi-Tour trip to Germany about a week ago; we had our usual stopover in Singapore, where it was a delight to revisit Fortis Surgical Hospital (formerly Fortis Colorectal Hospital).

Not only was I able to have my electrodes reprogrammed for my sacral neuro-modulating device; I was also able to catch up with some of the latest research and surgical techniques used at Fortis Surgical hospital, Singapore

If you missed listening to Dr Francis Seow Choen’s interview with me on Voice America recently – Please take this opportunity to tune in or download the show for free at Voice America: Navigating the Cancer Maze.

I was very impressed during my visit when briefed about the new campaign for early diagnosis as a part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign is not only restricted to Singapore. Please get on board -The message is global! The campaign is called Make Love the Reason. Make your pledge now…visit the site on Facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/fortis_fbapp/

Working at the other end of cancer, where disease is often massive and the patient is battle weary from prolonged treatments; early diagnosis and risk reducing factors are very attractive indeed!!

So why do so many people leave their most important asset – SELF, on the back burner?

There is a lot in life that we cannot control – but self value and self care is something we can have control over. We need to seriously look at the factors that can prevent us from seeking self care and a better life. Is it fear, embarrassment, being too busy to make time for that appointment to check out a health problem or to just have a general check up? Is it that the alternative medicine/lifestyle path looks attractive to you. You may not know what you have – no diagnosis; but whatever it is, the latest fad diet is worth trying! The latter in my recent experience is one key reason in today’s world why people delay diagnosis. By using self referred lifestyle medicine to get well; often a one size fits all approach – not personalized, the promise of good health is assured.

For example, a patient came to me who had noticed blood on the loo paper for about 5 years. Without seeing a doctor – she embarked upon a regimen of everything from meditation to positive thinking, diets and juice fasts. The blood stains continued – and rather than seek professional advice( a diagnosis), she ignored the symptoms and began intensifying all she was doing, believing she just had to get her body clear and clean and that nature would heal her of her undiagnosed problem. She was a young mum of two. She is now dead due to advanced colo-rectal cancer that by the time she was diagnosed; had metastasized to her liver and lungs.

Healthcare and self-care can seem all too hard in today’s world. The new generation of young health entrepreneurs are regurgitating and extrapolating the health myths that began 40 years ago! They didn’t work then – they don’t work now. They certainly don’t work for treating cancer naturally as the patient above experienced. Unfortunately, she is one of many. If anyone told me 30 years ago I would specialize in Alt Med Rescue – I would have laughed at them!

Copious juices, enemas, veganism, raw food, supplements, no sugar, no carbs, alkalizing diets – “no food diets” , will not only empty your stomach – but also your pockets. So don’t be fooled by fad diets. Well-being is a state of mind, an attitude of self care. It is being sensible, balanced and enjoying a middle of the road approach to living. It is about taking necessary steps to improve health and longevity and… attending to.…… not ignoring symptoms!

After 40 years in my cancer work and nearly 30 years as a Naturopath/Herbalist I have seen more stress & depression created by unnecessary change in the pursuit of of health and happiness. People get so stressed trying to de-stress! So – after all my years in the Health field what have I learned? Self care is important – it is about taking time for self, family, friends – good social networks and good relationships. Do one thing just for you each day & importantly, take your time doing it. Slow down give yourself the time you deserve.

Importantly – Make time for that medical check-up you have been putting off – Make Love the Reason!!

Navigating the Cancer Maze with Professor Francis Seow Choen|The Journey from Cancer Patient to Famous Colorectal Surgeon

Dr Francis Seow Choen is a medical miracle – he recovered from major surgery for a cancer in his small intestine; and as a 7 year old and faced a horrendous 6 months of radiation treatment and chemotherapy way back in 1964 when treatments were very harsh. A survivor and now world famous colorectal surgeon he breaks a lot of myths that surround colorectal cancer. In his life and Practice he is a seeker of truth for the public well-being when it comes to cancer and cancer prevention and cure claims.

Navigating the Cancer Maze with Professor Francis Seow Choen / The Journey from Cancer Patient to Famous Colorectal Surgeon…Part 1.

“Surgery is not just science. Surgery is an art. One can learn about science from courses, conferences and books. In art, one has to have talent first and then seek out a master who can bring that skill to perfection.” Prof Seow-Choen

Although he is well published in Singapore as a social commentator on colorectal cancer prevention and treatments – it must be said that he has not used his cancer survival as a way of attracting followers – but rather, he has taken the scientific method path of research and a rigorous approach to best techniques for each individual patient. VISIT: http://www.fortissurgicalhospital.com

His views on lifestyle, in particular diet as a cancer prevention may surprise you – however after 40 years experience and as someone involved in lifestyle medicine in the early days of its promotion; I agree. Many of the patients I see as vegetarians, vegans, raw foodists and what I would call ‘healthy eaters’ who don’t smoke and who are “tea-totallers” seem to get cancer at the same rate as everyone else. These patients often feel betrayed by lifestyle medicine that promised them a healthy disease-free life. This is complex – but Dr Seow Choen gives his views from a very experienced background. He believes that the key to working against cancer is found in genetics and molecular studies. Dr Seow Choen is an avid educator in the field of colorectal diseases. He says right and truthful information, early diagnosis, right treatment, good support and the right doctor are keys to survival.

Below see eCard information from Navigating the Cancer Maze: To Listen to this inspiring and informative interview – select the link below

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/75467/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-francis-seow-choen-the-journey-from-cancer-patient-to

Today my special guest on Navigating the Cancer Maze is Dr Francis Seow-Choen from Singapore. As a little boy he became medically famous when diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma; the first recorded case in Singapore. After diagnosis & an arduous 6 months that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment; he survived! He was just 7 years old.

Today, Dr Francis Seow-Choen is Medical Director and Senior Consultant at Fortis Colorectal Hospital in Singapore. He is an internationally recognised colorectal surgeon and had previously held posts as the Head and Senior Consultant – Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Director of the Endoscopy Centre and Director of Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre (see Guest profile). The professor is an ardent entomologist, husband, father and above all he is a surgeon & survivor who beat the odds and inspires others through his life and vocation.

Links and resources:

PHYSICIANS & GP’S: The e-book for physicians and GP’s is titled Handbook on Colorectal Diseases, composed by the hospital’s Senior Consultants and invited writers, focuses on three key areas, namely:

The diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases in an outpatient context
Pathology and surgical procedures to enable appropriate counseling of patients
Relevant information to help Family Physicians make decisions on when to refer patients for further treatment

The e-book is now available for download on both iBooks and iTunes, in 51 territories including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Follow the link below to get a copy of the e-book today:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/handbook-on-colorectal-diseases/id677667082?mt=11

CONTACT: Fortis Colorectal hospital Singapore website : http://www.fortissurgicalhospital.com
Difficult cases and international patients accepted.

Learn and read more about Dr Francis Seow Choen:

http://www.colorectalcentre.com/eng/index.html

Article on eating and fibre intake: Dr Francis Seow Choen:

http://www.colorectalcentre.com/eng/fibre.html

http://www.sgh.com.sg/about-us/newsroom/News-Articles-Reports/Pages/HowbadisyourconstipationCheckyourstool.aspx

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/75467/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-francis-seow-choen-the-journey-from-cancer-patient-to

Background – Guest Page: Voice America Heath & Wellness Channel

http://www.voiceamerica.com/guest/19613/dr-francis-seow-choen

Navigating the Cancer Maze is presented each week as a free service to the global cancer community by the Grace Gawler Institute and anyone interested in the Truth in Medicine and Health. www.gracegawlerinstitute.com

Be informed about Medical Imaging for Cancer Patients – Listen to the expert on Navigating the Cancer Maze

How Surgeons Can Help You Navigate the Colorectal Treatment Maze

CONTACT: Fortis Colorectal hospital Singapore website : http://www.fortissurgicalhospital.com Difficult cases and international patients accepted.

CONTACT: Fortis Colorectal hospital Singapore website : http://www.fortissurgicalhospital.com
Difficult cases and international patients accepted.