FOREVER 15

Brian William Tan, 15years old, passed away peacefully on Dec 4, 2016 in San Francisco, California after a decade long battle with cancer. Brian was born on September 7, 2001 in Montreal Canada. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Brian had touched many people throughout his life.   During a decade long battle with cancer, he possessed strength and perseverance. He never showed his illness nor complained.  People were surprised to learn on his medical condition from his parents because they would have never guessed it by looking at Brian.  Brian enjoyed making video, building lego set, playing video games, solving math problems and listening to Christian songs. He loved all feed good movie characters from Disney, Pokemon and many others.   Brian accepted the Lord as his savior in Dec 2014. In his short life, he left a lasting impression and become a witness on how to walk in God's path. A psalm of David is his testament of his love to the Lord

Brian Tan's baptism

When my son Brian turned to his 13th birthday last September 2014, I asked him if he is ready to be baptized. His answer was, " Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ and He has saved me many times in my life mommy, I am not going anywhere." Of course as a Christian parent , I am overjoyed with his answer.

I asked him to write a testimony letter that discern the genuineness of his faith and readiness for baptism, on his own will not mine. After reading it, I can't help to shed some tears.
God has blessed us with a son whom we love very much, we are grateful for all blessings the good and the bad in our life. With God's help and love, my husband and I accept the bad things that happened to us that create strength of character and strength of faith.

Here below is the letter Brian wrote, hope this letter will bring a blessing to some of you who are going through  hard times as it is to us :

 

Just In case Brian's hand writing is hard to read, I will type Brian's letter as well :

Hello, my name is Brian, and today I have accepted Christ as my savior. But why did I want to be baptized. Well, the answer to that is quite simple. I want to believe that Christ died for my sins, and he rose again. The story behind my answer changed my perspective toward Him, and He is the reason why I am here today.

When I was little, I didn't know much about God. I remember going to church and attending Sunday school. But I didn't understand the meaning behind it. Then when I was four, I stopped going to school and went to the hospital almost everyday. Later on, I found out that I had brain cancer. Everything I remember then was going through a lot of pain, needles, and throwing up daily.

One treatment that I didn't forget was when I had to wear a stiff mask and to be strapped onto a machine. The doctors and nurses tried to calm me down by saying I was going into a rocket. It was really a radiation machine that I had to go through. During radiation my mom asked me if I wanted to be put to sleep every time I did radiation, or to believe that Jesus was there with me holding my hand. I chose to hold Jesus hand and I was able to go through radiation for 31 days without sedation. And the whole time I believe that Jesus was there with me.

Here I am today, surviving cancer for 8 years. Going through 8 surgeries in total. It was very tough , but God was there to give me comfort. I am thankful to my parents, my friends and my church.

One verse that always give me hope is : Isaiah 41:10

It says, " So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

No human on earth has the power to heal us completely. They can only give us hope. But when it comes to God, His power is endless. He can take away our pain. I have accepted Christ into my heart, and I will follow Him everyday of my life.
Brian

Brian was finally baptized on December 21' 2014 at IEC. San Jose ( GII - Gereja Injili Indonesia di San Jose ) by Rev. Stephen Hosea and Rev. Timotius Tjing by his side.

 

Brian's testimony

 

Our son is still here and doing well by God 's grace. Praise God for His love and mercy!

Message to our son :
Every day is a gift ! I pray that you will love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and that you will serve Him all of your days.
May God would use all that you go through to refine you for His purposes, that you would be prepared for the work he has for you to do.

God graciously allowed me and your dad to be your parents.

Daddy and I love you , Brian

 

 

 

 

Why Have You Chosen me by Brian Tan

Why have You chosen me out of millions Your child to be
You know all the wrongs that I have done.
Oh how could You pardon me, forgive my iniquities
To save me give Jesus Your son.


O  Lord help me be what You want me to be
Your word I will strive to obey.

My life I now give, for You I will live
And walk by Your side all the way
.

Brian's Essay about his dad

Yesterday Brian had an English assignment from school . He said," Mom , do you know anyone who is successful and working hard for it ?" And I answered him, " Yes, that person is your daddy." I shared with him the story how I met his dad soon after high school in Canada and what he told me his life's dream when we were still dating .
I told Brian that I always admire his dad who is independent , responsible, persistent and hard worker to achieve his dream. After listening to my short story, he worked on his short essay as I continued cooking for dinner.
My husband and I were very touched when we read it. It's lovely and cute :)

Thank you God for this child .... Thank you ...Brian for being a wonderful son . I shared the essay bellow.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

My family wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous  New Year ...
from Brian, Ridwan and Natalia
 

Brian Tan ,Piano Recital , November 18' 2012

Having through a lot of difficulties ,pain and troubles in my life ( not only relating to Brian's health but also other life's obstacles  ),  I learn to remain focus on my blessings instead of life's difficulties.

If I did them in reverse, I would have fallen apart. Well.. It happened few times, that I thought  these problems were all hopeless . I had my times of doubt . I didn't turn to any medication to solve my problems. My heart said medication was not an answer ( I didn't judge to others who really need them, pls don't misunderstand me) , so I turned to God. I believe He hears me. I also turned to my sisters and brothers in Christ for prayers, support and words of wisdom. To all  my brothers and sisters in Christ , I want you all to know that I am forever grateful.

Some days are more challenging than others . However my  faith, hope, and love remind me that  in Jesus Christ I am never alone.

I cling to God’s words in time of trouble :

Psalm 18 :2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

Seeing Brian playing piano in Recital , It is amazing and a miracle.He didn't forget which keys he has to play :) his memory is fine, his motor function is fine and he looks fine, I don’t take this moment as granted, It is Priceless !

Learning to pray and trust His will is better than mine. And ask Him to take me to His side and not ask Him to be on my side.


Brian's Mom

Veggies Recipes

Lentil Soup

1 bag (16 oz.) lentils
2 celery stalks with leafy tops
2 carrots
1 medium onion
1 medium potato (optional)
2 large bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
2 teaspoons  balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Wash and pick through lentils as directed. Peel
and chop or thinly slice carrots and onion. Cut tops
off celery, chop or thinly slice stalks. Peel and
chop potato. In a large pot, add all
ingredients, including celery tops, except vinegar.
Add 8-10 cups water. Bring to boil, simmer about 1
or more hours until lentils and vegetables are tender.
Add additional water during cooking as necessary,
and/or more salt and pepper if desired. When
vegetables are tender, remove celery tops and bay
leaves, add vinegar.



Roasted Winter Vegetables



1 whole fennel cut into 6 wedges
2 medium turnips — peeled and
quartered
2 carrots — cut in 1" pieces
2 parsnips — cut in 1" pieces
2 medium potatoes — peeled and quartered
2 medium onions — peeled and quartered
4 cloves garlic — peeled
olive oil
salt and pepper — to taste
Mix vegetables together and place in a single
layer, in a large roasting pan. Brush with olive oil;
sprinkle with salt and pepper; and roast for 1 hour
at 350 degrees F, turning the vegetables every 15
minutes.
Roasted Yellow Squash
1 yellow squash
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
salt
fresh dill

Directions:

Slice the squash into halves. Score the meat (not
the skin) horizontally and diagonally; drizzle with
oil.
Sprinkle with salt and herbs. Broil for 5-10 minutes
until edges of squash start to appear brown

Happy Bday Brian !



Pokemon B/W  bday just for you Brian !
perfect for 3 ^^

Special  lunch Box, Brian's fav cartoon
All Natural Pikachu rice ball are mixed with egg yolk to be yellow
 remember Brian  , you said it was your best Lunch :) lol 

To Brian , our beloved son

Life is precious, full of memories , filled with laughter, tears, hopes and dreams.

Today we pray that you may know Jesus's love, peace and grace as you walk wih Him through life together hand in hand.

 

 Happy 11th Birthday Brian

 

God bless you on your birthday and always

we love u much .. much ^^

 

 

Nausea and Vomiting during radiation and chemo

Brian vomited daily during radiation and chemotheraphy. His total treatment ( surgery, radiation and chemotherapy) was 15 months long.
I was heart broken to see him suffering and not be able to eat. So I prayed and asked God to heal him and asked Him to open ways and give Brian strength . I started looking for informations to help him to keep down his meals.

These were few things that worked for my son during nausea and vomiting :

Step 1:
I gave him the Nausea prescription from his doctor every morning when he waked up. I waited one hour before giving him any meal. It worked for him. I did this step 3 times daily before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Brian was snacking fruit and veggies soup in between meals. One small meal at the time through out the day. I made the schedule for eating too :) this way I didn't forget what and the time to feed him.

Step 2 :
His taste changed sometimes. I served him many different kinds of healthy snack to help him coped :

- Whole wheat crackers
- Ginger snap cookies
- Dry cereals enriched vitamins
- Apple sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sherbet
- Fruit Pudding
- Jello

I didn't give him candies, not even once. Avoid all cooking with strong odors.

Step 3 :
Ginger Tea !!! It worked for him. There is evidence that when taken with standard anti-nausea medications, ginger can be helpful in further reducing or eliminating nausea and vomiting during and after chemotherapy treatments. I served Brian  the ginger tea warm with a bit of honey.
You may try Agave or Stevia. I didn't know about them at that time :) so I gave him honey instead.
Tea Ginger recipe:

• 4-10  thin slices raw organic ginger
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups water
• juice from 1/2 lime, or to taste
• 1-2 tbsp honey , stevia, agave nectar  to taste

How to :

Peel the ginger and slice thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea. Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey to taste.

Step 4 :
Fresh air and loose clothing. I played board games , watched funny TV shows , sang Jesus songs , Veggie tales series DVD , just about any activities that made him laughed so that he horgot his nausea.
I keep tracked of all the foods that made him vomited.

Step 5 :
Clean Pure Water.
I prepared 1 L water bottle daily. He would finished it the entire water 2 hours before bedtime. Once he got controlled vomitting, try small amounts of water and gradually increasing the amount.

Note:

Thank God that Brian didn't have to use feeding tube. I told Brian if he didn't want to eat, the doctor must put the feeding tube through his nose or belly. It scared him, I guess the warning worked too :) he made himself eating eventhough he wasn't hungry.


I hope our experiences will help anyone with nausea and vomitting during the radiation and chemo.

Brian's mom

Dapur natalia: What's for Lunch ?

Dapur natalia: What's for Lunch ?: 
( My Indonesian Cooking Blog)

 

I posted some of Brian's favorite Japanese Bento Box at my other blog, please click the above link if you would like to read more details.


Brian's mom

Cherish every moment !

Hello All,

Hope you all have a great Summer !

We got a great news from Brian's Oncology, it says the MRI last July 2012 looks great , no changes and remains cancer free .
Praise The Lord for this wonderful news. Brian is 6 years out from the diagnosis .

Brian is a normal 10 years old boy, he will be 11 soon by next month. He is doing well at school, making honnor roll once again. I can't believe what I see now, before the treatment his Oncology said that Brian may not be able to do school well and a slow learner because of the radiation. Once again God gives His favor to him. It's trully a miracle, grace and blessing.

Brian lost some very mild hearing at high frequency range due to chemotherapy (Cisplastin) but he still can hear at normal frequency. Therefor he doesn't require hearing aids.


During  summer 2012  Brian has been enjoying badminton and swimming. Yesss... he learns how to swim finally...he continues loving piano too.

We are thankful to Jesus Christ Living God for Brian ...,

also to our church GII and Pastors and to all our family and friends who have kindly prayed for Brian ; his Doctors at Lucille Packard and PAFM ; his great Teachers at Durham elementary schools. We always grateful for all Brian's excellent Doctors and nurses in Montreal Children Hospital, excellent treatments and loving cares.

He is now excited to return to school as a 6th grader :)



In this pic Brian was 5 years old during cancer treatment , in Christmas 2006
You can see, how much strength God give him during that time, Brian is always cheerfull .

Brian was at the park close to our home
Summer 2012

 Brian loves being silly :) he is a joy to us
Summer 2012

May God bless you all
Brian's mom
Ps:
To all medullo parents, please dont hesitate to ask me if you have any questions regarding our experiences through the surgery, radiation , chemo and growth hormone therapy. I am more than happy to help in anyway I can. Keep believing and hoping to God

Praise the Lord, my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name

Psalm 103
Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Day by Day with Jesus

Brian's Brown Rice Fajitas

Thank you Father for Your blessings
Now may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
Bless them Father who are now in needs.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen

Ingredients :

1/2 teaspoon ground oregano (optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika ( optional )
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
4  BROWN RICE tortillas, about 8 inches in diameter ( Sold in Healthy Store , such as Whole Food or Raleys)
1/4 cup shredded Veggies cheese
1/2 cup Kale - chopped
1/2 cup steam brown rice
1/2 cups black bean


Directions

In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix together steam brown rice , chopped Kale, veggies cheese with Black bean.
Fold the mixture inside the Brown Rice Tortillas
Place them flat on the cookies baking sheet in the oven 350 F until the cheese melted.
Serve

Brian's baked Omelet

Thank you Father for Your blessings
Now may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
Bless them Father who are now in needs.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen

Ingredients:

2  Organic eggs
1/4 cup brocolli
1/4 cup chopped carrots
( Choose your desired Veggies )
pinch of  sea salt
1 Tbsp Almond milk

Directions:

Beat eggs until fluffy.
Fold in remaining ingredients.
Wipe Olive Oil  around non-stick omelet maker using clean paper Towel
Spoon in omelet mixture.
Bake  until eggs are set.
I served Brian’s Fav Omelet with Steam Brown Rice with chopped carrots ( No Salt added )

Healthy Raw Juice Combinations for Brian

Breville is the machine I use for Brian

Using Juice Extractor:

1) Beet, Celery and Cucumber

2) Cabbage, Celery and Apple

3) Tomato, Carrot, Broccoli, and Apple

4) Apple , Cucumber, Asparagus and Celery

5) Broccoli, Apple, Beet, Celery and Carrot ( Brian's routine )


Select organic Foods for juicing. Our body will absorb its nutrients better when it's liquid.
Choose deep colored, ripe, firm fruits, and vegetables.

Don't consume raw juice during the chemo periods. As the body immune system is at the lowest point or medical term " Neutropenia "

what is Neutropenia ? Immune system is at higher risk fo Infection. The medical teams will at the diffrential on CBC and WBC.

Do the juicing when the Neutro Blood Count is safe and above 1.5 ( that's what I did for Brian during chemotheraphy, strengthen his immune system too )


Play around with them to adjust to your personal taste.



Thank you Father for Your blessings
Now may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
Bless them Father who are now in needs.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen

Ingredients :

2 cups Organic gluten free flour ( 1 cup of  tapioca and 1 cup of brown rice )
3/4 cup Organic granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda - aluminium free
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 Tablespoon orange zest
3/4 cup Organic orange juice
1/4 cup Organic butter
2  Organic eggs 
1 cup whole Organic cranberries
3/4 cup- 1 cup almonds chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In  bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together.
Mix all the liquid ingredients together in a separate bowl.
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened.
Add the whole cranberries and 3/4 cup of chopped almonds .
Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes.
Once the bread is done, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before releasing to your cooling rack.

Thank you Father for Your blessings
Now may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
Bless them Father who are now in needs.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen

Brian's Organic Baked brown Rice with organic broccoli , carrot, and slices of cucumber


Mixed the cooked rice with chopped broccoli , carrot, and pour little bit of organic broth, can be veggie or chicken .
Sprinkle organic Mixed  spices, cumin and sea salt.
Baked at 350F for 25 minutes more less.

The Wild Salmon

Baked Salmon  with bit of water so that the salmon will not be burnt,
 then sprinkle the mixed spices on it.
Baked for 15 minutes, bring it out then pour little bit of olive oil or Rice Brand oil then continue bake for about 3 minutes.
Let it out the sprinkle some lemon juice before serving.
I like to sprinkle organic nori from whole food on his rice.

Brown Rice Pasta with Chicken curry

Thank you Father for Your blessings
Now may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
Bless them Father who are now in needs.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen

Chicken Curry, Brian's style:

Ingredients :
1/2 lb. chicken, cubed (or more if desired)
2 carrots, sliced
1 TBSP soy sauce
2-3 TBSP curry powder
1 TSP corriander
2 TSP mixed herbs
2 TBSP brown sugar
1 TSP salt
5 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
1/2 small onion, chopped or minced
1 TBSP Olive oil

How to make it :
Slice chicken into desires pieces
Heat 1/4 cup of water in wok or skillet on medium-high heat
Wait until the water boiled then add garlic and soy sauce
Add chicken
Add curry powder,corriander, mixed herbs, sugar and salt
Stir until chicken is completely cooked
Reduce heat, cover and simmer
Feel free to add  any vegetables you'd like
Add additional oil olive for extra flavor.
Enjoy with steam rice or pasta of your choice

Curry Noodle, Brian's style :

Ingredients
8 ounces  whole-wheat noodles
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons  soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon of curry powder

How to make it :

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Place the cooked noodle all ingredients , mix them throughly in  a safe oven a  broilerproof 8-inch square or a 1 ½-quart baking dish.
Place them in the oven for 15 minutes.
Ready to serve