Moments

By Steven Wong

Moments tells the story of the heart-wrenching and unforgettable events that happened in author Steven Wongs life over the past decade. As part of his philosophy of giving back to society, he has compiled the details of his journey from a seemingly healthy life into the throes of a life-threatening disease. The events he discusses in Moments are based upon his real-life experiences as a patient. When he finally sought a second opinion after months of what appeared to influenza, his life was forever changed by the outcome of the doctors findings.

His story reveals the journey and challenges that he experienced while battling nasopharyngeal carcinoma, commonly known as cancer of the throat. He recounts errors in judgment, missteps that could be avoided, oversights, and consequences that he had to endure as a patient. He candidly and poignantly discusses the effect his disease had on his friendships. In fact, he categorized his friendships into three groups: true friends, friends, and dubious friends. The hurt he experienced when he realised that many of his friends could not handle his illness was deep.

His perseverance and determination, along with the love of family and friends, made this unexpected journey manageable, bearable, and memorable. Now he seeks to inspire and motivate others to move forward courageously when faced with challenging circumstances during their lifes journeys.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: Dec 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466931862

Steven Wong

Steven Wong and his wife, Tracy, live in Malaysia. This is his first book.

Book preview

Copyright 2013 Steven Wong.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

The information, ideas, and suggestions in this book are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before following any suggestions contained in this book, you should consult your personal physician. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising as a consequence of your use or application of any information or suggestions in this book.

Printed in Singapore.

isbn: 978-1-4669-3184-8 (sc)

isbn: 978-1-4669-3185-5 (hc)

isbn: 978-1-4669-3186-2 (e)

Trafford rev. 12/14/2012

TFSG-logo_BWFC.psd www.traffordpublishing.com.sg

Singapore

toll-free: 800 101 2656 (Singapore)

Fax: [phone] (Singapore)

Dedicated to

Tracy, My Beloved

With love and affection. Thank you for being there when I was at my lowest ebb and for everything.

You, the Readers

Thank you for choosing and interest in this book. I hope this book gives you a good insight view into the challenges, pain, and frustrations that I had undergone.

This included the errors in judgements and missteps, that could be avoided, and the consequences the patient had to endure. Despite the error in judgements that were uncalled for, the perseverance, determination, love, and unity certainly made this journey manageable, bearable, and memorable.

I hope this true story gives you the inspiration and motivation to move forward courageously when faced with circumstances or challenges, whatever they may be, in your life journey.

Preface

The events mentioned here are based on real-life experiences of the author himself as a patient.

It reveals the journey and challenges that he personally went through while battling nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or commonly known as cancer at the throat region. It reflects some of the major missteps that were uncalled for or could be avoided. The numerous situations or incidents that he encountered and the consequences he had to endure due to his sheer ignorance or oversight. The lessons learnt from these situations or incidents are captured in this book.

Contents

1 The Journey

2 Defining Moment

3 Shocking News

4 Reflections

5 Beautiful Sights

6 Concerns

7 Assurances

8 Complacency and Ignorance

9 Consistency

10 Dilemma

11 Critical Judgements

12 Specialist

13 Consultation

14 The Journey 2

15 Disheartening Moments

16 Reality

17 Questions

18 Information Overload

19 Scenic and Unique

20 Profiling

21 Determination

22 Frustrations

23 Scanning

24 The News

25 Perseverance

26 Preparations

27 Treatment

28 High Alert

29 The Diet

30 Unbearable Pain

31 Dreadful Times

32 Unexpected News

33 The Moment

34 Challenges

35 Delicious Food

36 Touching Thoughts

37 Follow-Up

38 Revisit

39 The Surgery

40 Wake-Up Call

41 Surprises

42 Wise Advice

1

The Journey

A journey of uncertainties

A journey filled with challenges and hurdles

A journey that was preset

A journey that cannot be rushed through

A journey paved with fear, pain, and frustrations

A journey of eventual hope and healing

A journey the patient had to embark on

A journey that has no turning back but to move forward

A journey filled with emotions, sadness, and happiness

A journey filled with unexpected events

Indeed, it was a long, tedious, and energy-sapping journey

And a journey the author will never forget

2

Defining Moment

Singapore

‘How much time do I have?’ Steven asked with a quivering voice.

Dr Koh paused. Even though his eyes were focused on Steven, he avoided answering the question directly. Instead, his reply was ‘Enjoy the moments and spend quality time with your loved ones.’

Steven sat still in a daze, and he stared blankly at the big poster on the opposite wall. His mind started to get heavy as he pondered over the significance of those words.

‘Are you all right?’ asked Dr Koh.

He murmured a reply, hardly audible.

Without realising it, those words had been entrenched on Steven’s mind since that faithful visit.

3

Shocking News

On that fateful morning, Steven drove to Dr Koh’s clinic. The traffic was light, and it was an easy drive. He had an appointment with the doctor to review the results of the biopsy conducted earlier.

After a short wait, Dr Koh walked hurriedly into the consultation room.

‘Hi, Steven, how are you feeling today?’

‘Did you come alone?’

‘I feel okay, other than that nagging sore throat. Yes, I