Mr. Koh was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer 10 years ago after experiencing a persistent cough and blood in his phlegm. His journey included chemotherapy, cancer recurrence and immunotherapy under the care of Dr. Toh. Today, he is living well and has been off cancer treatment since 2019.
Don't give up. Why give up? You already a cancer patient. You got to live with it.
Mr.Koh
When a Persistent Cough Became a Warning Sign
Mr. Koh’s journey began with a persistent cough that he initially ignored. The coughing continued and became increasingly irritating.
One morning, he noticed blood in his phlegm and decided it was time to see a doctor.
“At first I ignore it and then after that one morning I woke up I cough. I find there's a bit blood in that flame. So I said this is not very good.”
An X-ray was taken, and he was initially told that everything appeared to be fine. However, Mr. Koh remained concerned and decided to seek another medical opinion.
The second doctor was not satisfied with the X-ray and arranged further investigation.
“So I took the estray. I go and see another doctor. And he look at it and he said I don't like your X-ray.”
Further investigations were carried out, and the results confirmed cancer.
Starting Treatment
Mr. Koh was later referred to Dr. Toh for further assessment. A series of tests was carried out to determine whether surgery was possible.
Surgery was not suitable for his condition, so treatment moved to chemotherapy.
“Dr. have sent me all over the place you know test here test there see whether I can do the operation and they said you can't do the operation we have to go to the chemo”
Mr. Koh underwent chemotherapy and regular PET scans to monitor his response.
For a period, the results were encouraging. However, several months later, the cancer returned and he had to undergo treatment again.
“And then out of nowhere, I think a few months they said the cancer came back again.”
Despite the recurrence, he chose to continue with treatment and follow-up care.
Choosing Not to Give Up
His diagnosis also led to immediate lifestyle changes. Mr. Koh stopped smoking and drinking after learning that he had lung cancer.
“The moment I they confirm that I have this lung cancer, I stopped smoking, I stopped drinking and that is the only changes in my life. I I totally stop."
He also strongly believes that patients should not delay proper medical treatment after receiving a cancer diagnosis. For Mr. Koh, seeking treatment and continuing with it, even when the journey becomes difficult, is important.
“Seek treatment. Don't wait.”
Care Throughout His Journey
Repeated cancer treatment meant many visits to the hospital over the years. Mr. Koh remembers the oncology nurses not only for their professionalism, but also for the way they made patients feel comfortable during treatment.
"And the people here who do the chemo, the nurse and everything, they they very well, very well, very professional."
He appreciated how the nurses would smile, talk naturally with him and create a more reassuring environment during chemotherapy.
Mr. Koh also speaks warmly about Dr. Toh’s approach to his care. Although he describes Dr. Toh as quiet, he always felt that his condition was being closely looked after.
"He take care of you. He won't say much, but he make sure that you are okay."
For Mr. Koh, this support became an important part of his long treatment journey.
Ten Years Later
Dr. Toh first saw Mr. Koh around 10 years ago when he had advanced lung cancer.
Today, Mr. Koh is living well and is no longer receiving active cancer treatment.
“I'm so glad that Mr.Koh was able to share his inspiring story of hope with you. He came to see me 10 years ago uh with advanced lung cancer. And here he is today, 10 years later, living life to the full and off treatment.”
According to Dr. Toh, Mr. Koh’s last treatment was in 2019, more than five years ago.
Immunotherapy played an important role in his treatment. Dr. Toh explains that it helped strengthen the patient’s immune system so that the body could continue fighting the cancer even after treatment had stopped.
"This gives hope to people with advanced lung cancers to seek treatment and potentially they may be able to live long inspiring and hopeful lives like Mr.Koh"
Mr. Koh’s progress reflects how advances in modern cancer treatment may offer new possibilities for some patients with advanced lung cancer.
A Message of Hope
Mr. Koh’s journey began with a cough that he nearly ignored.
Seeking another medical opinion led to further investigation and eventually a diagnosis of advanced lung cancer. Over the following years, he went through treatment, experienced a recurrence and continued receiving care under Dr. Toh and the oncology team.
Ten years later, he remains well and has been off treatment since 2019.
His message to other patients remains simple:
"Don't give up.”
And when it comes to seeking medical care:
“Seek treatment. Don't wait.”
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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