@ourcancerstories Féi-B's journey started with an unexpected discovery during a routine MRI. Through support from friends, family, and doctors, he developed a plan for treatment and beyond. Find out more about Féi-B's experience as he talks about his worries, experience and his plans for the future in the link in bio. #cancerawareness #cancer #cancersupport #fightcancer #lungcancer #lungcancerawareness #cancerstories #ourcancerstories ♬ original sound - Our Cancer Stories
My name is 肥B from Hong Kong, and I was diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer in 2022.
My biggest fear is cancer recurrence, but today, I feel optimistic and hopeful.
It all started around June 2021. Every night when I went to bed, I'd experience a backflow of mucus in my nose that made it incredibly hard to sleep. Sometimes, I'd even cough throughout the night.
I decided to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and after taking the herbal medicine, I felt a bit better. However, once I stopped, the symptoms would return.
My runny nose eventually started happening during the day as well. I stuck with the traditional Chinese medicine for over six months, but after stopping, the symptoms came back.
1 to 2 months later, while exercising, I felt a slight discomfort in the left side of my chest. I decided to monitor it for a period of time.
However, within the next month, the discomfort increased. I also noticed that I had lost weight, about 8-10 pounds in a week. I didn't suspect cancer at all and was more concerned about a potential heart issue.
So, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor for a heart check-up. During the MRI, they discovered a small spot on the lower lobe of my left lung.
When I received the diagnosis of lung cancer, I was absolutely fearful and surprised. I felt helpless and overwhelmed, especially thinking about my family and young children who still needed me.
The potential costs of future treatments also weighed heavily on my mind. I realized how little I knew about lung cancer treatments, which added to my fear. I was confused and worried about the pain and suffering that would come with the treatments.
Following the diagnosis, I made significant changes to my lifestyle. I started eating a healthier diet 3 to 5 days a week. The biggest change, though, was ensuring I got enough rest. I made it a point to go to bed by 11 PM every night.
I sought a second opinion because my initial doctor was not an oncologist. This helped me get more clarity and confidence about my treatment plan. I also learned about my five-year survival rate, which was initially not very high. However, the targeted therapy I was on for three years significantly improved my chances, raising my five-year survival rate to 85%-90%.
I'm still receiving treatment for my lung cancer. From the very beginning, my treatment plan didn't change. My doctors recommended a couple of options, and after doing my own research—talking to friends and family, checking health websites, and considering what my doctor said—I decided to go with a lobectomy to remove the entire lobe, and targeted therapy. Financial reasons also played a role in my decision.
Making these decisions was tough and I was scared about making them, but it had to be done.
I also sought a second opinion because I wanted to know all my treatment options.
The side-effect that hit me the hardest was fatigue. I managed this by improving my nutrition.
Thankfully, I didn't face any financial difficulties because of the treatment plans.
After starting treatment, I had to make some significant lifestyle changes. The most noticeable one was that I began to exercise more frequently, about 50% more than I used to. I also stuck to my improved diet, eating healthier foods 3 to 5 days a week. Overall, I embraced an early to bed, early to rise routine, making sure I got enough rest each night.
Being diagnosed with cancer didn’t affect the frequency of contact that I had with my parents. I still made sure to call and visit them several times a week.
Looking forward, I plan to travel more and reduce work hours. My focus will also be on maintaining my health and preparing for retirement.
My biggest dream is for my cancer to never come back and to remain healthy. This dream has been a powerful motivator throughout my cancer journey. How do I motivate myself to finish this cancer journey? I remain hopeful and find strength in knowing that there are many effective cancer treatments available now.
When it comes to my loved ones, my greatest wish is for all of us to stay healthy.
My biggest fear throughout this entire journey has been the recurrence of cancer. Though it is my biggest fear, I have not and do not want to try! I am afraid, but it is something I will have to face if it happens.
Despite that fear, I feel optimistic today. It took time, but I now feel more courageous, hopeful, and thankful.
To those who are currently on their own cancer journey, I would say: "Share your cancer experience with others because it can reduce your psychological pressure, and you might also unexpectedly gain more information about cancer. At the same time, face your illness positively because there are many effective cancer treatments available now. Also, tell your friends to get medical insurance and to have a health check-up at least once a year. Quit bad habits like smoking, drinking, and staying up late."
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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