Life experiences, both momentous and mundane, have the power to alter our paths. The central figures here - Jackie, Tracy, and LamK - have navigated different junctures, yet shared a common thread: each has stared down a critical medical diagnosis. Thankfully, their conditions were identified in time to allow for full recoveries and the start of second acts.

While those health crises are now behind them, the experiences have imbued them with a deeper appreciation for their health and vitality. Today, they’ll share their personal stories of overcoming these challenges.

At 55 years old, Jackie works as an audio technician. Though his demanding job has resulted in irregular eating and sleeping habits, he admits he 'can’t stand not working’ - it’s how much he loves his job.  

'My wife’s way more concerned about my health than I am.’

Years in the industry led him to smoking, drinking and minimal exercise. That understandably worried his wife - she’s always on his case about taking better care of himself, even going so far as to buy him supplements.

'Why worry about things you can’t change?’

Despite feeling healthy, with his age creeping up, Jackie decided to get a full check-up in 2022 at his wife’s encouragement. The results showed he’d been diagnosed with colon cancer - a real bolt from the blue that his wife struggled to come to terms with at first. She even described the sky as gloomy for her at that moment. But the ever-pragmatic Jackie took it in his stride, 'sickness and death are just a part of life'.

'Your health isn’t just about you. It affects the people close to you as well.’

On top of the lengthy radiation and chemo treatments, Jackie was recommended by his doctors that part of his colon needed to be removed to prevent the cancer coming back. After 2 gruelling years of treatment, he reckons he’s now back to living a normal life and returned to work. Looking back on what he’s gone through, the positive-minded Jackie has gained a whole new perspective on health: 'It was only when I saw how worried my wife was that I realised health isn’t just about you - it affects the people close to you too.' Luckily, thanks to his wife’s prompting, he was able to catch the cancer early before it got any worse.

These days, Jackie is much better at striking a balance between work and life, and has cut back on late-night shoot schedules. This marked change isn’t just for his own benefit - it’s so that his loved ones can have peace of mind as well.

Tracy is a 40-year-old clerk who used to travel around with friends on holidays. But ever since becoming a mother, she’s chosen to fully devote herself to looking after her children. When asked about her most cherished moments as a parent, Tracy shares her heartfelt sentiments: 'On Mother’s Day, they always make handicrafts for me. That warm, fuzzy feeling is something that money simply can’t buy.'

'Why me?’

In 2021, Tracy gave birth to a daughter. During a routine breastfeeding session, she happened to feel a hard lump in her breast. With a casual mindset, she went in for a check-up, but was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Confronted with this news, she looked at her newborn with 2 questions weighed heavily on her mind: 'Why me? Will I ever get to see her grow up?’

'Being supported by my family and patients on a similar journey.’

The whole course of treatment took her nearly 2 years, including radiation, chemo, and targeted therapy. Her children were undoubtedly a driving force that kept her going. Just as crucial was the support she received from others who were going through a similar experience. Today, Tracy has successfully overcome the illness, though she must continue to take hormone medication on a regular basis to manage her condition.

'Having good health opens up more possibilities.’

Whether it’s a shift in perspective after her cancer experience or her pure parental love, when speaking of her hopes for her children, she says matter-of-factly, 'I don’t need them to achieve greatness - I simply want them to be healthy, safe, and happy.' She considers herself fortunate to have caught the illness early and received timely treatment. Now, she is enjoying a simple yet deeply fulfilling life with her family and brimming with optimism about this new chapter in life.

Despite his fashionable attire and blonde hair, the 27-year-old freelancer LamK self-deprecatingly remarks, 'While I do go clubbing occasionally, I actually don’t really enjoy drinking that much.’

'I delayed seeking medical help at first.’

In May 2020, LamK found a swelling in his neck. He initially thought it was just a common inflammation and didn’t pay much attention to it. But the condition persisted, and it was only after his friend urged him to see a doctor that he finally got it checked out. At first, the doctor was unable to pinpoint the cause even after a series of examinations. It wasn’t until they performed surgery and ran tests that he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

'I underwent 20 rounds of radiotherapy.’

Like other lymphoma patients, LamK needed prolonged treatment - 20 sessions of radiotherapy and 6 rounds of chemotherapy. This intensive regimen was difficult for his body to handle, leading to multiple allergic reactions. Thankfully, his cancer was caught early, and with his own determination and the 'pain tolerance' he took pride in, LamK was able to complete the full course of treatment and made a full recovery by early 2021.

'Seek medical attention promptly, don’t shy away.’

Looking back, LamK was fortunate that he didn’t shy away from seeking medical help, as that could have allowed his condition to worsen and his treatment to be even more difficult. When asked about his current wishes, his eyes light up with anticipation: 'At this moment, my greatest wish is to travel the world!' Perhaps this is a wish shared by many, but for LamK, who has been a cancer patient, it carries a special significance.