The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

2019 • 08 24 Turbulent times Siew Shia’s cancer had relapsed twice throughout her time spent undergoing treatment on both sides of the Causeway. Siew Ching witnessed her sister’s struggles with wildly fluctuatingmood swings and unstable condition, yet was powerless to help. “When I came across the Cancer Support Group, I couldn’t help but wish that my sister had known of the Support Group in the time she needed it most to spare her from emotional turmoil,” she sighed. In fact, Siew Ching herself was once stricken with breast cancer. Following Siew Shia’s demise, Siew Wei, the youngest sibling, arranged for Siew Ching to undergo a health screening, as the latter had been neglecting regular screenings due to her hectic work schedule. She was also convinced of her own aptitude as a pharmacist to notice any signs and symptoms of cancer. During the screening, an ultrasound scan revealed an irregular breast tissue pattern, prompting the doctor to perform a breast biopsy. She returned to the hospital on February 27, 2016 to collect her test report, which indicated a diagnosis of second stage breast cancer. “I was rather calm upon learning of my cancer diagnosis. I was even relieved because the report confirmed my chances of landing the same fate as my cancer-stricken sister and laid my suspicions to rest,” said Siew Ching. Getting in touch with Tzu Chi Siew Ching was informed by her attending doctor that she could opt for a partial mastectomy, complemented by chemotherapy and electrotherapy. Siew Ching is no stranger to the range of cancer treatments available, yet she decided to seek a second opinion from a more experienced physician, who recommended a totalmastectomy toprevent other complications. Two weeks later, Siew Ching braced herself for the operation. All traces of cancerous cells had been eradicated following the removal of her axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes located in the armpits). She was allowed to recuperate at home without having to undergo chemotherapy or electrotherapy. Later, SiewChing accepted a friend’s invitation to participate in a TIMA seminar, during which she was moved by the personal insights shared by the speakers of the day. The event marked her first encounter with Tzu Chi. “As medical personnel, we’re capable of much more beyond our professional obligations and merely dispensing medication. TIMA members have shown their commitment to not only monitoring our patients’ health, but also going the extra mile by showing concern for their family and personal lives,” she mused. Siew Ching eventually joined TIMA and startedvolunteeringat theCancer SupportGroup eature Lau Siew Ching was presented with a souvenir by her predecessor upon her appointment as the “Sunshine Ambassador” of 2019 for the Cancer Support Group.