Moments tells the story of the heart-wrenching and unforgettable events that happened in author Steven Wong's 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 doctor's 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 life's journeys.

Moments

By Steven Wong

Trafford Publishing

Copyright © 2013 Steven Wong
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4669-3184-8

Contents

1 The Journey...................................12 Defining Moment...............................23 Shocking News.................................34 Reflections...................................55 Beautiful Sights..............................76 Concerns......................................97 Assurances....................................108 Complacency and Ignorance.....................119 Consistency...................................1310 Dilemma......................................1511 Critical Judgements..........................1612 Specialist...................................1813 Consultation.................................2014 The Journey 2................................2215 Disheartening Moments........................2416 Reality......................................2517 Questions....................................2718 Information Overload.........................2919 Scenic and Unique............................3120 Profiling....................................3221 Determination................................3422 Frustrations.................................3523 Scanning.....................................3924 The News.....................................4125 Perseverance.................................4326 Preparations.................................4527 Treatment....................................4728 High Alert...................................4929 The Diet.....................................5130 Unbearable Pain..............................5331 Dreadful Times...............................5632 Unexpected News..............................5833 The Moment...................................6034 Challenges...................................6235 Delicious Food...............................6436 Touching Thoughts............................6737 Follow-Up....................................6938 Revisit......................................7139 The Surgery..................................7240 Wake-Up Call.................................7441 Surprises....................................7642 Wise Advice..................................78

Chapter One

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

Chapter Two

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.

Chapter Three

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 came by myself,' Steven replied.

He looked at Steven's eyes and continued, 'Do you want to hear the results now? Or do you want to come back later with your spouse?'

His gaze and questions gave Steven the chills.

Gosh, Steven said to himself. He had a bad feeling the results that Dr Koh was about to reveal was of some serious concern.

Seconds ticked by as Dr Koh waited patiently.

Then, Steven cleared his throat and hoarsely said, 'Yes, please let me know now.'

'Okay, the biopsy results revealed that you have nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It is cancer at the throat region,' Dr Koh continued with a calm tone.

His diagnosis stunned Steven at that very instant. He could not believe what he had just heard. It could not be true. He hoped that he had heard Dr Koh incorrectly.

On the wall across him was a big poster which showed the oesophageal region. A few minutes ago, Dr Koh had pointed out at the area where the disease was located.

His stare was disrupted when he felt Dr Koh's hand on his shoulder.

'Are you all right?'

Steven nodded even though he felt light-headed and a little dizzy.

Dr Koh continued to explain more on the disease which is associated with Epstein-Barr (EB) virus.

'Do you have brothers and sisters?'

'Yes,' replied Steven.

'As the disease can be due to hereditary factors, it is advisable that your siblings go for a blood test to check for EB virus marker.'

Steven thanked Dr Koh and walked towards the door. Just before he left the consultation room, Dr Koh's parting words were 'Remember to discuss this with your family members.' 'And not seeking treatment is definitely not an option,' he emphasized.

Steven wobbled out of the clinic, found a chair, and tried to compose himself. A few minutes passed before he murmured to himself, there are no other choices, Steven, but to face the issues and challenges ahead bravely.

He wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and slowly made his way to the car park. Even though he felt light-headed, he managed to drive home safely.

Chapter Four

Reflections

Steven slumped on to the sofa seat. Nobody was at home. A faint music from a soundtrack could be heard from the neighbour's home.

He started to reflect on what Dr Koh had said. He shook his head as he still could not believe it. He tried to convince himself that

His illness could not be that serious.

There could be a mistake in the test results, or there could be a mix-up in the test samples.

Maybe, just maybe, the results were not his and belong to somebody else.ITL

Steven was in a state of denial. He found it hard to accept the news.

After all, he had consulted Dr Koh for a very bad sore throat, which is a common health issue faced by the population. He least suspected anything 'big and serious.' In the worst case scenario, he had expected a tonsillitis infection with the possibility of a surgery. The last thing that he expected was a life-threatening disease, and definitely, not this dreadful and fearful disease, the big 'C'.

Oh gosh, what a mess I have got myself into! His thoughts were disrupted by the lyrics:

'Life is like a running race ...' Suddenly, it dawned on him that he had many races to run: A race against time, as time is the essence A race for knowledge on the illness A race to prepare for the treatments A race to reschedule his priorities A race to sort out his personal issues A crazy race A race he has to participate suddenly A race that he must persevere and complete A race where the stakes were high A race that has either a winner or a loser A race that he hope he can win A race...