I continue to live after breast cancer and colon cancer!
By Gan Poy Kim (19 Mar 2006)

I felt a lump in my right breast in the year 2000. However, after going through 5 biopsies and 2 mammography and ultrasound sessions over a period of 6 months, medical reports could not reach any conclusive findings. Out of frustration and in desperation, I decided on a lumpectomy procedure.

To both my relief and horror, the post surgical biopsy confirmed I had Breast Cancer and the surgeon advised a full mastectomy. I had only 2 days to decide! Six cycles of chemotherapy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) followed.

However, from July 2004, I began to have intermittent, excruciating pain in the abdomen. The general practitioners I consulted could not help despite my taking antibiotics and pain killers for possible diagnoses such as food poisoning, gastric and what have you! I returned to my surgeon requesting further tests. The initial biopsy was negative. While feeling relieved briefly, the same pain kept recurring and it was getting more severe.

A more renowned pathologist was then consulted. He confirmed I had colorectal cancer. I was confused….which report should I believe? With these reports I sought a second opinion from the oncologist who treated me for breast cancer earlier at UMMC. Even while at her clinic, my pain surfaced. At once, she referred me to the colon specialist in a private hospital.

Thankfully, an appointment was possible the same afternoon. A clinical examination revealed that a good portion of my large intestine was blocked. My abdominal pain at the clinic that day was so intense, I was sweating profusely and unable to walk. Immediate admission to the hospital to prepare for emergency surgery the next morning was not a choice. This time, I had a procedure known as right hemicolectomy. On that morning of the surgery, my sister from Kuantan rushed to the private hospital in Petaling Jaya to be my care-giver. Despite having to go through another surgical procedure, I was very thankful to God that further treatments of radiotherapy and chemotherapy were deemed unnecessary but, I had to start taking a rather expensive medicine, Arimidex for the next 5 years.

In retrospect, I still shudder at all that took place in terms of investigations, surgery and cycles of treatment over my diagnosis of breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Those were very trying, painful and difficult days. The side effects especially of chemotherapy took a heavy toll on me and I lost the joy of living. Each day, in hoping to win my cause, I would force myself to take fruit and vegetable juices, herbal tea and also specific medicines prescribed by renowned cancer physicians from China besides those from my doctors. I also relied on additional vitamins. Like most other cancer patients, I kept away from all seafood except fish, red meat and all foods deep-fried and food not home-cooked. A combination of the above diet/medicine resulted in an obvious inability to eat well or properly. Emotionally, I sank very low.

However, for the sake of my loved ones, I knew I had to live and I must win over the challenges cancer brought. Daily, in the mornings and evenings, I steadfastly practice Guolin Qi Gong exercises. I met and made friends with many cancer survivors among members of the Guolin Qi Gong group. One in particular motivated me to keep up with the Qi Gong exercises as she had been doing for the past eight years be it rain or shine. In fact, after my last cycle of chemotherapy, I was so weak I had difficulty breathing. I was taught to just sit under the pine tree as often as I could to benefit from the fresh air and oxygen emitted by the pine tree.

Now, with my illness under remission, I am ever happy to help and encourage other cancer patients the same way I had received encouragement and emotional support.

I learnt two important lessons. Firstly, we need to listen to our bodies and must be vigilant in running tests to detect the possibility of having cancer, especially those with family history. In my case, my mother had colon cancer while my father had lung cancer. Early detection makes cancer treatment relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive. More significantly, cancer patients need the utmost of will and positive thinking to face the illness head-on, with faith and hope in God to overcome it. Yes, cancer treatment can be more than challenging. All the more, it requires steadfastness and discipline to take on a healthy lifestyle. Added on with a cheerful and positive attitude and a good dose of Qi Gong exercises, healthy days are sure to come. Time also becomes a precious commodity to harness every ounce of energy to encourage self and each cancer survivor to press forward. This drives out negative thoughts which are not at all helpful.

I must acknowledge with gratefulness the support of my family and friends. I am very grateful for all the sacrificial support of my loved ones, including those of my sisters, my immediate care-givers. My husband and children were tied up with earning a living and studies to be by my side all the time. Unwavering trust in God and His Grace, faithfulness and mercy play a very vital role. This empowers me with an unexplainable ability and strength to persevere and be hopeful that all will turn out well.

Human life is priceless. The length of life lived is secondary to the kind of life lived – a meaningful and purposeful life that is productive and useful to society. Life, be it short or long takes on a new dimension when one makes sincere and meaningful contributions to fellow human beings.
 

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