Cancer Story - Chun Yuk
“Just smile,” Chun Yuk reminds herself every morning, “like the way I do every time I walk out the door of Maggie's.” A resilient disciplinary master and teacher in a special needs school, Chun Yuk was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer in the summer of 2009. She returned to school upon recovery but not long until 2013, her cancer returned. Having been through cycles of treatments and a surgery, Chun Yuk says she is most grateful now than ever before.
Chun Yuk (Left) is a Laughter Yoga Leader and loves to spread the joy of Laughter Yoga with other Centre users.
“My head was in the clouds when I was first told I had cancer… I was shocked, devastated, lost.” Chun Yuk recalls. “The doctor went on and explained the high risk of a tumour removal surgery as the tumour was right by my main artery, and I did not want to go for that option. I didn’t know how I should feel about chemo, on the other hand, and was worried how my family, friends, and students were going to take it.” Chun Yuk had a million of questions running through her mind with no answer of where to start; the diagnosis basically changed everything. Family and friends were supportive but she needed to speak to someone who can give her professional advice, or who has been through the same. Her colleague then urged her to visit Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, which was next to the Oncology Department of Tuen Mun Hospital, close to but separate from the hospital environment.
“Since my first visit, Maggie’s has been here for me every step of the way,” said Chun Yuk. At Maggie’s, oncology nurses were able to help her navigate the maze of information available and find her way to useful information that answers her questions about the diagnosis, treatment options, and adjustments in daily life, whilst professionals at Chinese health talks and nutrition workshops gave her practical tips and tools to maintain a healthy diet during and after treatment. Chun Yuk visited Maggie’s as much as possible even when she was put on chemotherapy. The variety of support programmes Maggie’s offers such as meditation, relaxation, laughter yoga, qi gong and beauty workshop, was able to complement her medical treatment in battling cancer, allowing her to look positively at every situation and to take on a more active role in her own cancer journey and road to recovery.
Just as Chun Yuk thought she got her life back on track, her cancer returned in 2013 and had already moved to other parts of her body. She was in a rather critical condition and a debulking surgery was required to remove the tumour. Cancer recurrence and a weakened immune system together was not in Chun Yuk’s favour, but for the first time she experienced a deep sense of calmness -- being in and out of hospital for too many times she had witnessed more severe cases or even babies receiving chemotherapy. Compared to them, Chun Yuk was convinced she was born under a lucky star. However, sometimes even the strongest person can be fragile. “Amidst fear and anxiety I was given a map to put one foot in front the other…Maggie’s clinical psychologist helped me vocalise my difficulties and showed me how I can find the pleasure and happiness from everyday moments regardless of circumstances.”
Between her re-diagnosis and the surgery, Chun Yuk made good use of her time by preparing herself and her family and friends for what’s ahead. She created her own memorial slideshow just in case, which could ease the emotional burden on her children. She wrote lovely cards for her family and friends, recalling the great times they had spent together and thanking each and every one of them for being in her life. Chun Yuk also prepared a letter for her doctors in case of surgical failure, reassuring them that she had lived life to the fullest and that she was grateful for the medical team’s time and effort regardless of surgery outcome. The day after her surgery, Chun Yuk passed the letter to her doctor by hand.
Having to adjust to a different kind of life is never easy and recovery takes time -- Chun Yuk had to relearn how to walk, balance herself, and use her body. Today, Chun Yuk remains a frequent visitor to Maggie’s; she completed the Laughter Yoga Leader training and is now leading the Laughter Yoga practice at the Centre. The opportunity to give back is something she cherishes the most now, as she hopes to help other people in the way Maggie’s has helped her.
When asked to give the best piece of advice she could to other cancer patients, Chun Yuk said the most important thing to do is to accept the fact (the illness) as soon as possible, embrace it and find the courage to move forward. “Happiness does not simply happen; you need to go after it. But when you do, you will find every day is a blessing — there’s always something to be thankful for; and simply being, is no doubt one of them.”
Chun Yuk (Right) and another Centre user Sam (Left) were preparing for the celebration of Chinese New Year.