Lymphoma Stomach

Recently, I complained of gastric pain which lasted about two weeks. I went for gastroscopy, and was found to have a tumour in my stomach. The biopsy report showed a lymphoma ulcer. This is a rare condition, which while malignant, is less serious than the more common cancer (adenocarcinoma) of the stomach. I consulted several oncologists, including my PFS class mate Prof Y O Tan and my own son, Daren. I was advised to have more tests done. In my hospital, I had CT Scan of the whole body, full blood tests, and echogram of the heart. I went to Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya for consultation with Dr Ng Soo Chin, who remembered me as his lecturer when he was a medical student in the University Hospital. I underwent PET Scan, bone marrow biopsy and EUS (Endoscopic ultrasound). All the results indicate that the tumour is still small and at the early stage. Surgery is not indicated for lymphoma. I shall be given chemotherapy over the next 5 months. During that time, I have to keep myself free from infections. So no more going to hospitals. I appreciate my clinic partners who have given me the medical leave. No more visitors too. With modern ways of communication like mobile phone, email and Facetime, I can still communicate with my many friends and relatives. I thank God for my health over the past 67 years. I was told that when I was a small child, I nearly died from diphtheria but was saved by a doctor. Then when I was 6 years old, I fell into the drain along Burmah Road, Penang, and suffered a deep cut to my chin. Now I know why my chin is rather receded! In Standard 4, I had chicken pox which made me absent from school and pulled down my test marks. I do not remember any other illnesses during my school days. My Free School records showed that I had never been absent for being sick. I used to sit in the back of the class until Form 6, when I had to start wearing glasses. Even when I went to Bombay for my medical studies, I somehow survived without any major illness. There were a few bouts of diarrhoea, being admitted once for 2 days. It was not dysentery, which was fairly common. Nor did I suffer from another common condition, jaundice from Hepatitis A, which affected nearly half of the Malaysian students then. Both these conditions came from poor hygienic food preparations. So I was careful to eat only cooked food. For the fruits, I remembered washing them thoroughly. I did have two operations, but never under general anaesthesia. My tonsils were removed under local lignocaine injections and my haemorrhoids were removed under spinal anaesthesia. My working days were hardly ever interrupted by sickness, except for the occasional flu and diarrhoea. In my 40 years working, I do not remember taking more than ten days of medical leave. While both my clinic partners had cataract surgery, my eyes are still good (my wife had cataract surgery however). In fact, for about 10 years in my fifties, my long-sightedness corrected my short-sightedness, such that I did not have to wear my glasses during deliveries or surgeries. What contributed to my good health in the past? Could it be in the genes? My father passed away at the age of 72 from a heart attack. Although he was rather obese (around 90 kilos), he did not have any medical problem, till his late sixties when he had mild diabetes and high blood pressure. Both his brothers are still living at the age of eighty. Their mother, my grandmother, lived till 90. However, I received more genes from my mother. Everyone who has seen her, will notice that I look exactly like her, in appearance and in size. She was well till the age of 80, when she suffered from stroke. She is still alive at age 92, though she is on wheelchair. As far as I know, none of my relatives suffered from cancer. Although I never excelled in sports, I took part in all sorts of games, from badminton to football. I never took up tennis though, as it was relatively an expensive sport during my school days. I had to cycle about 10 mile a day, to and from school and sometimes back again for activities. I only drove after graduation. No need to join any gym for the physical exercise. Even today, I try not to take the elevator if it is only two or three floors. I am careful in what I eat. However I eat almost anything, but will restrain from being overindulgent, even with the most delicious food. I tried not to eat too much red meat (except when I am on the cruises). When I do, I would be careful to separate all fat and skin from meat. Instead I eat all sorts of vegetables, including bitter gourd, basil and spring onion. At my age, I have no need to take any medicine for medical conditions, except glucosamine and vitamin E tablets. Recently, my cholesterol level was slightly raised but has returned to normal with Lipitor 20mg daily. My weight has been constant at around 60 kg. About five years ago I had some neck ache which was due mild spondylosis (or perhaps reading too much) and had to wear a neck collar for about week. However there is no more neck ache since then. This Saturday, I shall be celebrating Fathers Day and also my birthday with my dear wife, Nancy, my 3 children (Simon, Daren and Juni), 2 daughters-in-law (Natasha and Christina) and my 19 month-old granddaughter Myra. My 68th year begins with sad news, but in Cantonese, 68 sounds better than 67. May God, in His grace and mercy, grant me healing and health for many more years to come. Prayerfully, I hope to be healed, both by divine providence and medical therapy. Grateful thanks to all my relatives and friends for their caring concern and prayers. 22nd June I had my first chemo on last Wed at The Sime Darby Hospital, under Dr Ng Soo Chin, consultant Hematologist. Thank God, I did not have any serious side effects such as chills and vomiting during the drip (over12 hours), probably from the prayers and the prophylactic medications). However, I had some nausea and malaise on Sat. Better today. We are back in Ipoh on Sat, to escape the KL haze. Have to watch my white cell count within the next few days and signs of infection. So no visitors, if possible. My next chemo is on 11 July. My family has been very supportive, especially my dear wife Nancy. We realise how great is a supportive wife, when we are sick! Many friends have sent sent in emails and sms to encourage us. Many have offered their prayers. We are so touched by the spontaneous outpouring of words of encouragement and concern, especially from friends after 30 to 50 years! May God Bless you all. Soong Kee 3rd July: Two weeks have passed, and I feel well. There was some nausea (no vomiting) on the 3rd and 4th day, some malaise during the first week. Now my appetite is almost normal. The white blood cell counts dropped as expected, but not to danger levels. New (and expensive medicines) did help. The anti-vomiting tablet costs RM100 each (luckily I needed only one) and the injections to boost the white cells cost RM500 each. The prayers certainly made the difference. A friend sent me a booklet of prayers (called God's Medicine) to be prayed twice daily! Really appreciate my dear wife, who is serving me like a "king"! I just wonder if it were the other way around, would I be as good as caring for her? Two days ago, my hair began to drop in chunks. I may not be able to recognise myself by next week!! Many thanks again for your concern, encouragement, advice and PRAYERS. GOD BLESS YOU and your family. To Good health!