It came as an unpleasant surprise – a surprise that changed her life. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Being a non-smoker, lung cancer was the least of 56 year old Ms Phyllis Lau’s concern.
“I did not think it will happen to me as I was a non-smoker”, Ms Lau shared.
In February 2013, Ms Lau experienced back pain and thought little of it. The pain gradually intensified, resulting in her feeling breathless. This spurred her to quickly consult a doctor on her condition. After a CT scan and biopsy, the doctor confirmed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer.
News of her diagnosis drove her into a state of shock as she had lost both her parents to cancer. Being once impacted by cancer, she was afraid to be a victim of the disease. Based on the doctor’s diagnosis, her case was a unique case as it was a genetic mutation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene.
Her doctors advised against having a surgery on her lungs as the cancer cells had spread and operating on her lungs would affect her quality of life. Even with treatment, her prognosis was grim with an estimated 6 months to live. It was not easy for her to accept the news but she persevered and told herself that she must pull through for her family. She underwent oral targeted treatment and five sessions of radiotherapy. Miraculously, her pain subsided and her lung tumor in the left lobe shrunk from 3.5cm to 2.5cm!
The cost of treatment took a toll on her and her family as her medication cost about $100 per day. She did not have Medi-Shield to assist with her medical bills and her husband was a retiree. She approach Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) for financial assistance and is thankful that SCS supported her and lightened her financial burden during her treatment process.
“The journey was tough. Physically, I had suffered various side effects of the drug including radiation. Life has never been the same for me. Through this journey, I have learnt to make changes to my lifestyle by eating well and exercising regularly,” Ms Lau exclaimed with confidence.
The fear of losing her family and the constant worries about her financial expenses often spark negative thoughts in her mind. Drawing on strength from her faith, she would find time to have morning walks to get rid of the negativity that dwells in her mind.
“No one knows how long we are going to live so we should live our days well with fulfillment and purpose. It’s not my fault to be diagnosed with cancer. I embrace this cancer that has happened to me with a purpose. I am feeling blessed today because I am still alive and living well though I do not know when it’s my U-turn. Only in facing death do we learn how to live,” Ms Lau shared.