While we would have liked to end our story at the previous section, a postscript is necessary. When we consulted the oncologist on Nov 29, he asked us to decide on whether Ewe Jin would undergo adjuvant chemotherapy.
This treatment is basically preventive, and is aimed at getting rid of any cancer cells that may be lurking elsewhere in the body. It is an optional treatment, since there is no way to tell for certain whether there is a real need for it.
We were caught off guard when the choice was put before us, as we had thought that our ENT and onco doctors had already arrived at a consensus of no further treatment. It felt as if, having just returned from a mountain trek and about to take a warm shower and put our feet up, we were told to start off again for another mountain.
However, after consultation with many friends (including doctors) and after much prayer, Ewe Jin has elected to go for the chemo.
The whole course comprises six cycles. It would begin on Dec 14, and if all went as scheduled, will finish on March 29, 2007. The cocktail consists of Carboplatin and Taxol. Three GCSF boosters would also be given each cycle. Ewe Jin would probably still have his hair at Christmas, but would lose it all pretty soon after that.
Of course, this development did not take anything away from the way God worked everything out for us, from the scans to the operation and biopsy, in His perfect timing. We were grateful to have been spared a harder battle.
And as Ewe Jin put it, we knew that whatever mountain we were required to climb, we have our Good Shepherd to climb alongside us. We know He will never abandon us or forsake us.
Ewe Jin was very positive and said that this would complete his cancer experience (since the last time he only underwent radiotherapy) and would make him quite the “comprehensive guide” when he counsels and encourages other patients.
Previously In The Series
» Face To Face With Cancer (1): The Lump And The Op
Soo Ewe Jin’s journey with the Big C which began in April 1999 came to a happy conclusion five years later when doctors declared him in complete remission.
The story of his first journey was told through this little book which has gone through three editions in English and an edition in Chinese. A total of 12,000 copies has so far been distributed free to various cancer wards and support institutions over the years.
Just after the last edition was launched sometime in late 2006, his life took on another turn when doctors discovered a malignant lump on the right side of his neck. He had to undergo an operation, followed by chemotherapy.
In this latest edition of Face to Face with Cancer, Ewe Jin and his wife, Angeline, once again chronicle their journey with the hope that their story will serve as an encouragement to others and bring glory to God.
In putting together this edition, we had to struggle with what to retain from the earlier editions.
We decided to keep our journal of the first journey in its original context. In a way, this is like a journey back in time. We hope those who were not aware of our first journey will also be encouraged by this sharing.
One section we had to remove was that on our published writings. After officially becoming a cancer survivor, Ewe Jin wrote a number of features about cancer, and also many heart-and soul columns that he felt would encourage others in similar journeys.
Due to pressure on space and the fact that more people are now connected to the Internet, these articles, although not in this print edition, can still be read online through our website at www.geocities.com/ejsoo.
About The Authors
Soo Ewe Jin and Angeline Lim have been journalists for most of their working lives.
They have, however, taken breaks from their careers to be full-time homemakers.
Ewe Jin’s career in The Star from 2000 until now has seen him serve in various positions: as Star Online Editor, Sunday Star Editor, Special Projects Editor and his current designation as Deputy Executive Editor.
He has also previously worked in The National Echo, The Malay Mail, ISIS Malaysia, WWF Malaysia and The Edge.
Angeline, after leaving The Star in 2001, is a full-time homemaker and serves on a voluntary basis at Emmanuel Care Centre, a school for children with learning disabilities, run by their church.
Although trained as a teacher, she worked as a journalist in Malaysian Business and The Edge before joining The Star.
The Soos together have chalked up more than 16 years being full-time homemakers. They have two sons, Kevin, 21, and Timothy, 18.
Serialised from Face to Face with Cancer : Two Journeys… God Always Present by Soo Ewe Jin and Angeline Lim (ISBN 983-40916-0-5). Republished with permission.
