Mr Felix Lee’s journey began with something that seemed minor — a slight numbness in his left knee that would disappear after walking a short distance. What followed was an unexpected diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. With the support of his wife and the care of Dr Choong Chee Leong at Beacon Hospital, Mr Felix faced his diagnosis and major surgery with a positive outlook and a determination to move forward.
My story is a bit different because there was no pain. It was just a little bit of numbness, and suddenly we had this avalanche of news that it was not just a growth, it was cancerous as well.
Mr.Felix Lee
When a Little Numbness Led to Something More
Mr Felix first noticed a slight numbness around his left knee three to four months before his diagnosis.
There was no pain, and the numbness would usually disappear after he had taken 10 to 20 steps. Like many people, he initially thought it could simply be part of getting older.
“It began about three or four months ago with just a slight numbness in my left knee. The irony is the numbness goes away after around 10 to 20 steps.”
A friend eventually encouraged him to have it checked.
Mr Felix visited a nearby hospital, where one investigation led to another. He was eventually referred to an orthopaedic oncologist after doctors found that the problem required further assessment.
What initially appeared to be a small concern soon became something much more serious.
An Unexpected Chondrosarcoma Diagnosis
Mr Felix was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in his left leg.
The news came as a shock, particularly because he had not experienced the kind of pain he might have expected from a serious condition.
“A lot of us were given some life-defining news, like a very rare cancer that I have in my leg. Most of the time, you'll be in shock.”
For Mr Felix and his wife, there was little time to process everything before making decisions about treatment.
They spoke openly with one another and decided that they would face what was ahead together.
“My wife and I obviously had a heart-to-heart, and we didn't have a lot of time. It of course impacted us quite a lot, but we had to pluck up our courage.”
That support became an important source of strength as he prepared for treatment.
Meeting Dr Choong
While searching online for an orthopaedic oncologist, Mr Felix came across Dr Choong Chee Leong and Beacon Hospital.
From their first meeting, what stood out to him was the way Dr Choong communicated.
“Dr Choong takes the effort to create that rapport and speak to you and create that relationship, and that is the first thing that I saw in Dr Choong.”
Mr Felix appreciated being given a clear explanation of what treatment would involve, including the possible outcomes and what he and his wife could expect.
That openness helped them understand the situation and make decisions with greater confidence.
“He told us, my wife and I, exactly what the treatment regime was going to be, what would be the worst-case scenario, what would be the good-case scenario.”
For Mr Felix, having a doctor who took the time to explain the situation made an already difficult period easier to navigate.
Facing Major Surgery
The diagnosis meant that Mr Felix would need major surgery.
It was also his first experience of being admitted to a hospital, making the situation even more significant for him.
“I've never been to hospital. This is my first time, and my God, what a big first time it is to be told that you have cancer and you're going for a major surgery.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, he felt reassured by the support he received from Dr Choong.
He particularly remembers Dr Choong telling him that he would be there for him beyond the immediate treatment.
“From that moment he said to me that he will be my friend for life, and he was true to his words.”
Mr Felix recalls receiving messages from Dr Choong checking on how he was feeling, something that made a lasting impression on him.
Feeling Supported During His Stay
Beyond his medical care, Mr Felix also remembers the environment and the people he encountered during his stay at Beacon Hospital.
He appreciated how the nurses consistently greeted patients with warmth and a smile.
“Throughout my stay at Beacon Hospital, something else that I always said was that the nurses here are always super friendly. There will always be a smile.”
For someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis, he felt that the hospital environment also played an important role in how he felt emotionally.
He found the atmosphere comfortable and encouraging, which helped him remain in a better state of mind during his recovery.
“At every angle of our stay in Beacon Hospital, I feel I was taken care of very well.”
For Mr Felix, the combination of medical care, personal support and a reassuring environment made the experience feel less overwhelming.
Staying Positive Through Adversity
Looking back, Mr Felix believes one of the most important things a patient can do after receiving difficult news is to remain calm and positive.
His own diagnosis arrived without much warning. What began as slight numbness quickly became the news that he had a rare cancer and would need major treatment.
Yet he chose to focus on what could be done next rather than on the fear surrounding the diagnosis.
“The best thing is to keep calm.”
For Mr Felix, staying positive does not replace medical treatment, but it helped him approach his diagnosis and recovery with greater strength.
“Just be positive is my message to all the other cancer patients.”
His journey is a reminder that unusual symptoms should not always be dismissed, even when they seem minor. Seeking medical attention early, understanding the treatment options available and having the right support can make an important difference when facing an unexpected diagnosis.
Individual diagnosis, treatment options and outcomes vary. The information in this patient story should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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