On and off, I had some back pain starting end January, 2010. The usual approach of visiting the western doctor, then pain-killers are prescribed. And to visit Chinese Medicine doctor and get some alternative treatment of massage, acupuncture with some Chinese Medicines. The condition improved and I returned to work. Then, a week later, the back pain came again. So went back to check with the Chinese Doctor, he suggested me to visit the western doctor to have a scan for the bones. On 22nd February, I visited the western doctor, this time he prescribed me a much stronger pain-killer and also signed me to do X-rays. ("Getting a scan done is complicated and unrealistic!", the western doctor said.) I then went straight for the X-rays and dued to the severe pain, I passed out during the process. My conscious later returned and I returned home.
That same evening, on 22nd February, 2010 (Monday), the pain get so bad that I could not sustain anymore. Finally decided to call the emergency and send me to the local hospital. That evening was the usual waiting at the emergency observation ward and the next day was also under observation. X-rays were performed and some blood tests were done. I was admitted into the hospital on 23rd February, 2010.
Then, in the next few days, I was taken to bone scan, then CT-Scan. On 25th February, 2010, the doctor came and told me the news. She said: "Your bones are now filled with cancer cells and it's pretty bad! We are sorry to let you know this not-so-good news!"
On 1st March, 2010, the oncology specialist returned to office and we had the chance to talk in more details. The cancer has spread to a few other organs and technically I am at Stage Four (Terminal) and with a life expectancy of 8 months. Then, further MRI and biopsy are performed and again reconfirm the situation, i.e. my spine and skeleton bones are now filled with cancer cells.
I do not smoke. I do not drink ... (okay a glass of red wine when dine with friends)! I have an enjoyable work and a healthy living style. I seldom sleep later than 11pm and get up mostly before 7am. I am cautious of what I eat. I jog 2 to 3 times a week for 45 minutes and I do other exercises whenever time permits. Most of the time I am happy and laughing, and always of a positive mindset.
This clearly is the beginning of a new voyage for me. It's funny that I have no anger and no denial inside me. I did not even ask why, or why me. And I leave everything to the hands of God, my Lord! Actually, one evening when I was sleeping deep, a bliss of feeling swept through my body, the comfortness, the relaxation, the freshness, and the feeling of "internal peace" (or the "inner peace). The feeling is so great!
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Carrying your point of a new voyage another step further, planning is again everything. As far as we should be concerned, we should (and will) become less selfish for ourselves and ready/teach our love ones to live a better and even more fruitful life than ours (not that ours is not fruitful, but you and I had always believed in CIP, continuous improvement program!)
ReplyDeleteYou are approaching this subject in an incredible brave manner and again I salute you on this. Rest assure that we will all be travelling down this voyage sooner or later so this is an opportune time to accompany you and learn the best way to do this. In effect, you are preparing us for the eventuality of Death! Thank you!
Thank YOU for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteMatthew, bravo! My two thumbs up for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are giving us the heads up about facing death of our loved ones and ourselves which we don't even have any control when that moment is going to arrive only GOD has.
Thank you for sharing... stay encouraged and positive like you are in the picture. SMILES!!
I have to thank David for passing this very meaningful blog to me.
David's support contributed a big part in my initial stage. All the family and friends support strengthened and enriched me. Thank you and thank you!
ReplyDeleteDear Matt: Ever since Angela (our sister) passed away 22 years ago, I've never afarid of facing Death! I remembered once Richard's mom said that I'm the type of person burning the candle with both ends. That's how I see Life! Some people choose to have a regular & normal way to live: from Brith to Death! I choose to have a lot of Detours... I'll try to maxiumum the time that I got if Life and to spend it the fullest with Joy, Saddness and lots of Fulfillments & sharing my own experiences in Life (in General & in a Professional way!) Love, Joey
ReplyDeleteCancer,
ReplyDeleteWho are you? I know many people talk about you, many want to prevent you from coming in, many are afraid of you; their face turned pale and heartbeat almost stopped once they learned you are inside. But you know, Matthew started talking to you because he is unique, brave, kind and understanding, even though you are (supposed) his biggest enemy . We all, friends of Matthew (friends usually take side) are now talking to you, we want you to have good term with our friend, help him, land on him gently, leave him some space while you have yours...
Cancer, are you blessing in disguise? Perhaps, I will get to know more about you through Matthew who is now your friend and perhaps, we all will become friends and respect each other without ill-treatment.
Sheena
A Eulogy for Matthew Kwow-Choi Chan
ReplyDeleteFrom His Friends at MCMIA
(Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association)
April 20, 2011
There are moments in life where a spark of insight makes a difference and alter the course of events. This happened on a October day in 1999 to a TCM delegation from Hong Kong visiting the Kampo industry of Japan.
The delegation embarked on this tour with a heavy heart because Hong Kong declared the abandonment the so-called “TCM Port” Project a couple of months earlier, leaving the future of Hong Kong TCM in complete uncertainty.
The delegation visited numerous institutions, businesses and manufacturing facilities. The members were deeply impressed and inspired by the modernity of the Japanese Kampo industry. As the mission was drawing to a close, some of the delegates were gathered around an oval table at the rear of a bus to discuss our feeling about the tour that Matthew came up with the idea to organize a new association in Hong Kong to help modernize Chinese medicine.
His bold suggestion echoed around the bus and a ray of hope began to shine through the cloud of despair brought by the “TCM Port” incident. Shortly after the Japan mission, a number of the delegates began to gather regularly to organize the association. On May 31st, 2000, MCMIA was born and all along Matthew was a major driving force behind it.
Being a businessman, Matthew recognized the unique strength of Hong Kong as an international platform for TCM. He was fully engaging in the development of MCMIA’s 2 major programs: the ICMCM, an annual international event for TCM exhibition and conference founded in 2002, and the introduction of US Pharmacopeia’s Dietary Supplement Verification Program (DSVP) to the Greater China Region in 2006.
Regretfully, Matthew missed the awarding of the first DSVP certificate to one of his good friend’s company in 2009 and he was also unable to attend the 10th anniversary of the founding of MCMIA last year. In both occasions, he was sorely missed.
This August, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of ICMCM. This time around, we are sure Matthew will be with us to share the joy of this event.
Mathew’s departure is a great loss to all of us at MCMIA. Perhaps, we could somewhat be consoled by the fact that what Matthew started in MCMIA had all borne fruits during his life time. However, the road ahead will still be long and tortuous and there will continue to be a strong headwind blowing against us.
But, Matthew’s example of perseverance in
face of adversity will always inspire us. His total and unswerving commitment in his causes will continue to galvanize our strengths. His smiles, his optimism, his straight forward demeanors and his strong sense of purpose will live forever in the heart of his comrades at MCMIA !