Taking only Chinese medicine after refusing chemotherapy.

However, bone metastasis happened after six months.

I am THAM YIP SEONG, 46 years old, from Malaysia, and I am an experienced Taekwondo coach.

In May 2023, I started to have recurring dry coughs. A chest-enhanced CT scan revealed a tumor in my right lung, which was confirmed as non-small cell lung cancer based on a pathological report in the hospital in Malaysia.

On June 16, at the doctor's recommendation, a whole-body PET-CT scan identified a tumor in my right lung measuring 5.8 x 7.1 x 6.9 cm, with metastasis to mediastinal and supraclavicular lymph nodes, as well as the right pleural region.

The news changed my peaceful life and caused great concern to my family. I went to almost every hospital in Malaysia for treatment advice, but the answer was always the same: systemic chemotherapy.

(During my hospitalization)

In Malaysia, the approach to treating cancer is still very traditional, mostly relying on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and other conventional options. Because several members of my family have suffered from nasopharyngeal cancer, and I have friends who have battled with cancer, I have seen them endure the side effects of chemotherapy and become extremely weak. Despite the intense suffering, chemotherapy has been unable to stop the spread of cancer cells or slow the progression of their disease, instilling a deep sense of dread within me. As a result, I made the difficult decision to decline chemotherapy.

The doctor said, "Your cough is severe. You must take medicine to regain your energy before further treatment." So, I took Chinese medicine only and continued to exercise. The cough symptoms improved.

However, six months later, my health suddenly worsened. In December 2023, I started experiencing unsteadiness when walking, as well as numbness in the soles of my feet and toes. Further medical examinations showed that the lung cancer had progressed to stage four, along with new bone metastasis and compression of the spinal cord.

With muscle atrophy and drastic weight loss, 

minimally invasive therapy has significantly improved my quality of life.

Since December 2023, my spinal compression symptoms have worsened as a result of cancer progressing. I couldn’t walk or exercise, my muscles were gradually atrophying, accompanied by significant weight loss. Once strong and athletic, I've become weak. I weighed 70kgs at the time of diagnosis and have since dropped to around 50kgs. This made my family even more worried.

At this time, my friend recommended the minimally invasive treatment at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, which was new to me. Though I was skeptical at first, I found out that the hospital was going to host a seminar on cancer treatment in Ipoh. I thought it would be better to see for myself rather than just hear about it, so I decided to attend the seminar and learn more.

On that day, my wife and I met the hospital's international oncologist at the site. After inquiring about my condition, he recommended suitable minimally invasive therapies for me and explained the principles of the treatments, as well as how they differed from traditional therapies in Malaysia. We also learned about many real-life successful treatment stories, which boosted our confidence. With the support of my family, we resolved to come to China for treatment.

(In life, I'm a taekwondo coach)

On February 28, 2024, I arrived at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou. The MDT first helped me resolve the phlegm and stop the cough to prepare for further treatment. They then created a comprehensive minimally invasive treatment plan consisting of "Interventional therapy + Immunotherapy" for me.

Interventional therapy involves infusing anti-tumor drugs at concentrations 2-92 times higher than systemic chemotherapy into the tumor area, guided by imaging technologies. I am very happy that this process is not painful. After the first treatment, I stayed in bed and rested until I woke up the next day, feeling good.

After undergoing three interventional therapies, my cough symptoms have completely disappeared, my breathing feels smoother, and my lungs are far more comfortable than before. At the same time, the numbness in the soles of my feet has vanished, and symptoms of spinal compression have significantly eased. With the help of armrests, I can now walk slowly and perform simple daily exercises. After exercising, my movement coordination and muscle strength have improved, and my weight has gradually increased. My wife sincerely shares in my joy as we both witness a significant improvement in my quality of life.

In May 2024, following a CT scan, the doctor informed me that my lung tumor had decreased in size by approximately 40% to 50%. Additionally, several small lesions in the clavicular lymph nodes, right pleura, and spinal cord metastases had disappeared. It was an encouraging development that brought immense joy to both my wife and me, validating our decision and igniting our eagerness to share the positive outcome with our family.

Thanks for my wife's warm companionship. 

We refuse to passively wait for death in the face of cancer.

After several rounds of treatment, I profoundly realized that China's cancer technology is more advanced than Malaysia's due to scientific research advancements. Minimally invasive treatments have provided more options for cancer patients, offering a ray of hope.

Even though I still need to proceed my treatment, my heart is no longer filled with fear and anxiety. Instead, I am filled with precious peace and optimism. At St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I met many people who shared similar experiences. As their health gradually improved, they also began to feel hopeful.

(Thanks to my wife for accompanying me throughout my anti-cancer journey)

The medical staff here are very considerate and have always been friendly and patient with the patients. I remember when I first came to the hospital, it coincided with my birthday, and the medical staff walked into the ward with a cake on their smiling faces, wishing me a happy birthday and organizing a little celebration ceremony for me, which was very memorable.

I am mostly grateful to my wife for standing by my side and helping me overcome challenges every step of the way. She diligently takes care of me every day, from preparing meals and assisting with exercises to helping me bathe. She is my everything.

To friends who are still battling with cancer, I want to share that cancer is not a death sentence. It is crucial to explore various treatments rather than just sitting and sighing all day to wait for death. While enduring physical pain, focus on positive memories, adjust your mindset, and confront it with courage. Better outcomes will surely follow!