BANGLADESH

Writer Humayun Ahmed has been keeping 'well' after his second chemo session, which ended on Saturday last and is looking forward to watching Bangladesh's matches against the West Indies.

He also continues to write every day.

"He has not lost his appetite so far," said Mazharul Islam, Anyaprokash chief executive who has been with the writer since he arrived in New York for treating his colon cancer.

Referring to Humayun's loss of appetite after the first chemo cycle, the publisher told bdnews24.com that the writer was doing rather well.

Although not able to churn the same volume as before, Mazhar said Humayun did manage to put out a page or two every day.

"And he is eagerly waiting to watch Bangladesh play the West Indies."

Anyaprokash CEO Mazharul flew to New York on Sep 13 along with Humayun after he had been diagnosed with colon cancer during regular check-up in Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Mazhar lives in the same three-bedroom apartment in Jamaica, New York along with Humayun and his family.

The writer has been undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Mazhar said the third round of chemo would begin on Oct 21. But the writer would undergo some tests after the second chemo has set in.

"That is likely to happen just before the third cycle."

The doctors will conduct a round of thorough tests to revaluate Humayun's condition after four such 48-hour cycles. "That will essentially determine the next course of action," Mazharul had told on Sep 24.

Depending on the response, the doctors may choose to continue with the chemotherapy or go for surgery. "However, nothing can be said as yet. They will check to see if his colon tumour has shrunk and whether the liver spots are going away."