My name is Sik Mun, and this is my story.
It began with fatigue, the kind where I could barely walk up the stairs.
That led to a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer.
What started it all was when I could barely walk up the stairs without feeling breathless. It became a common enough issue that I wanted to ask a doctor where the fatigue could be from. However, the doctors couldn't pinpoint what exactly was wrong with me. So, I got a second opinion because I wanted to consult a more experienced/prestigious doctor.
After tests and exams, I was eventually diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
When I was diagnosed, I was fearful and surprised. I remember feeling frightened, worried and confused too.
Before starting treatment, I decided to have a better diet. I ate healthier 3 to 5 days a week.
I have completed my treatment, now in remission but still on medication. My treatment was a combination of chemotherapy (oral chemo) and targeted therapy, as recommended by my doctors.
The side effects, as expected, were a challenge. Fatigue, hair loss, and loss of appetite plagued me the most.
Since starting my treatment, I incorporated healthier meals into my diet. There have also been changes in my relationship with my family. Before I knew I had cancer, I barely reached out to my parents, but now I find myself calling and reaching out more often.
My biggest dream involves traveling the world. I want to see more of the world. I can't do it as extensively now but I'm still well enough to go out and travel as much as I can. But I really want to try more cuisines!
Also, I want to travel with family and take more pictures of me and my family and friends. I want them to remember me smiling and happy, not sick and weak.
I know that 30 per cent of people with lung cancer will end up with a brain tumour. I really hate the thought of it. But I have to accept it if it happens. I am on oral chemo and using the most advanced type of medicine. If the medication that I'm taking is no longer effective, then I will cross that bridge when I get there, because now I really don't know how things will go.
Now, I feel different. I am optimistic, confident, hopeful and thankful.
Just get on with it, no point going through the “why me?” anger and denial process. It is a complete waste of time because the cancer is not going to go away. So you might as well deal with it.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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