Open letter to thank doctors and medical staff of Queen Mary hospital

There are several personnel and departments for my case, viz. Dr. Johnathan Lau (ENT), Dr. Vivian Mok (H&N), Dr. Ambrose Ho (H&N), Dr. Joseph Chung (H&N), Dr. Kelvin Mo (H&N), anesthetist Yow Chee Kung and all medical staff of the ICU2, D6 and K16S.

關於我的情況是涉及多個醫生及部門，耳鼻喉科劉佳音醫生，頭頸科莫蔚琪醫生，何頌偉醫生，鍾漢平醫生，巫文亮醫生，麻醉師Yow Chee Kung（剛在7月6日收到電郵，邱次剛麻醉師的中文名稱是邱次剛。）及ICU2、D6、K16S所有醫護人員。

Brief statement of happening
事件簡述

Dr. Johnathan Lau has arranged an instant operation to open a temporary tracheostoma on Aug. 18, 2009 after three tumors were discovered on my throat. Such fast action prevented me from suffocation that might kill me.

劉佳音醫生在2009年8月18日因我喉嚨出現了三個腫瘤立即安排手術來造出一個臨時的造口來呼吸避免我會因此而窒息至死。

Dr. Johnathan Lau and Dr. Kelvin Mo have saved me on Jun. 8, 2010 when I had big blood clots in my tracheostoma that almost leading to suffocation.

劉佳音醫生及巫文亮醫生在2010年6月8日當我因有大血塊堵塞呼吸進行緊急清理挽救了生命。

Dr. Vivian Mok, Dr. Ambrose Ho and Dr. Joseph Chung of H&N have handled the surgical operation to remove my throat and lymphocyte of both sides on Sep. 28, 2009. Their skill gave me the best outcome one can expect.

頭頸科莫蔚琪醫生，何頌偉醫生，鍾漢平醫生負責我在2009年9月28日的割除喉嚨及淋巴腺手術，使我得到最佳效果。

Anesthetist Yow Chee Kung has treated me twice with his expert skill. The first one on Aug. 18, 2009, the choice was for local anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia in the first stage to be sure that my lung would work fine when the temporary stoma was created. The second one was on Sep. 28, 2009, arranging the air flow for my lung and general anaesthesia for the operation to remove the throat and lymphocyte of both sides, with closing of the temporary stoma replacing by a permanent stoma.

麻醉師Yow Chee Kung（不知什麼原因在瑪麗醫院的網頁上，麻醉科專家是沒有中文姓名，我曾寄電郵給該網頁的主理但至今仍未有收到任何回覆）剛在7月6日收到電郵，麻醉師的中文名稱是邱次剛。以他的專業技術處理了我兩次。第一次在2009年8月18日決定初步是採用局部麻醉來確定在臨時造口後我的肺部能夠繼續呼吸。第二次是在2009年9月28日在割除喉嚨及淋巴腺時與關閉臨時造口製造一個長期造口的過程中安排提供氧氣及全身麻醉給這個手術。

On Aug 4, 2009, after passing out on an ambulance, I did not know what happened thereafter. When I woke up, I was in the ICU2 of Queen Mary Hospital. With several shift of nurses, I was handled with the best medical services for recovery that made me falling in love with the ICU, forgetting that this is a place for critical life threatening cases.

在2009年8月4日當我在救護車上昏倒後，我是失去了知覺。我醒來時已是在瑪麗醫院ICU2。幾更的護士以最佳的醫療服務來照顧我，使我愛上了ICU忘記了這是有生命危險情況的地方。

On Jun. 8, 2010, when I felt smothering while waiting for doctor in the D6 of Queen Mary Hospital, I was rushing into ICU2 for rescue. The fast reaction of the nurses from putting me on bed, setting up laryngoscope, calling doctors, to assisting everything for the life saving operation is phenomenal.

在2010年6月8日我在D6等候醫生時出現了窒息現象，我被急忙送入了ICU2搶救。護士們以極快的速度進行病床安置，內窺鏡設備及急召醫生是令人驚訝的。

On Jun. 8, 2010, after the Rescue dept., I was taken to D6 around 8 am waiting for doctor because my condition was not serious at that time. But on 4 pm, I suddenly had a smothering feeling and called the nurse. Their co-operation to put me on a bed, packing all my belongings, setting pulse oximeter etc. and rushing me to the ICU in a shortest time. I believe that this fast reaction is one of the factors to my survival.

在2010年6月8日上午8時許由於情況仍算穩定我由急症室轉到D6等候醫生。但在下午4時我出現了窒息感覺及照會護士。他們齊手把我放上床，收拾個人物品，安置血氧計及以最快的速度運到ICU。他們的效率對我的救活起了極大的作用。

Before Sep. 28, 2009 I had stayed in K16S before the surgery when doctors had to check the conditions of my body and arranging the schedule of operation. After surgery, the first stage of recovery is hard and critical. That is the period when services of nurses and medical staffs are important for all patients. Their professional skill, tenderness, care and dedication were so great that my days there became a sweet memory instead of pain.

On Jun. 18, 2010 I was transferred from D6 to K16D. This time, I stayed for about a week and had their best attention for my recovery from infection of the stoma.

我在2009年9月28日的手術前在K16S進行各種檢查及等待手術排期。手術後康復的頭段時期是關鍵性及較痛苦的。這段時期護士及護理人員對病人是極重要的。他們極佳的專業水準，溫柔態度，無比關懷及專注使我在這段時期由痛苦變成了甜蜜回憶。

在2010年6月18日我由D6轉到K16S。這次在一個星期內得到他們悉心照顧我的造口在感染後的康復。

Individual details
個別詳細情況

Dr. Johnathan Lau
劉佳音醫生

Aug. 4, 2009 after passing out on an ambulance that intent to take me to Grantham Hospital, I was taken to Queen Mary Hospital for rescue. Then I was transferred to Grantham Hospital. On May 18, 2009, a new advisory doctor did not accept that my voice problem’s assumption and ordered an immediate laryngoscopy. Thanks to his judgment, they saw three pieces of tumor sitting on top of the throat. So they sent me back to Queen Mary Hospital and asked the ENT section to follow up. They also had a doctor taking the photo and note to accompany me for the ride and handed over to the houseman. The ENT doctor, Dr. Johnathan Lau, ordered a bedside laryngoscopy and confirmed that if the tumors continued to expand, I might be dead in a day or two. Therefore an immediate operation within one hour was arranged to open a stoma in the neck for breathing and getting some pieces of tumors for analysis. My life was saved because of the advisory doctor’s judgment and your immediate action, Dr. Lau.

2009年8月4日我在本來運送我到葛量洪醫院的救護車上昏倒，於是把我急忙送到瑪麗醫院進行急救。之後轉回到葛量洪醫院。在8月18日一位新到的顧問醫生並不接受我聲線問題的假設，他立即安排胃鏡再檢查。多得他的判斷，他們發現在喉嚨位置出現了三個腫瘤物體。所以立即送我回瑪麗醫院及通知耳鼻喉科。更派一位醫生帶同照片及資料與我一起到瑪麗交給當值醫生。耳鼻喉科的劉佳音醫生要即時在床邊的胃鏡，確定如果腫瘤繼續擴大，我將有生命危險。所以要立即在一小時內進行手術在頸部開一個臨時造口來呼吸及取腫瘤樣本進行化驗。我的生命因那位顧問醫生的判斷及閣下，劉佳音醫生，的快速處理而保了下來。

Dr. Johnathan Lau and Dr. Kelvin Mo
劉佳音醫生及巫文亮醫生

On Jun. 8, 2010 in the early morning, I had a feeling that there was something inside the stoma that I could not eject by any means. This told me that something bad would happen soon, so I took a taxi to the Rescue Dept. of Queen Mary Hospital. I told the nurse there about my case. They arranged an X-ray of the lung and then transferred me to the D6 waiting for Head & Neck doctor to see me since I was quite stable at that time. But on 4 pm, I had a smothering feeling and called the nurse instantly. Then I was moved to the ICU2 and after checking that there was blood clot blocking the airway with just a tiny slit that spared my breathing, they called H&N, ENT doctor for urgent rescue. Dr. Johnathan Lau and Dr. Kelvin Mo rushed into the ICU2 within a very short time and started to take the blood clot from my tracheostoma.

Dr. Johnathan Lau started to work without any protection. When I ejected droplets of blood, sputum and dirty things upon him, he just had time to ask for a face shield but his hair and white robe became the target for the ejection. After some times, there remained a big blood clot down below, you, Dr. Lau, asked me to eject so that he could use the forceps to catch it. But that was not easy. We kept trying and several forceps were exchanged, finally with a strong ejection and his fast reaction the big blood clot was caught and pulled out. Every one in the room clapped with joy. I immediately found that fresh air was breathing in and because I could not speak I just said to myself “Dr. Lau, you save me for the second time, thank you”. The total time for this operation was one hour.

在2010年6月8日早上我感覺有些東西在造口內不能噴出來。這告訴我將會有麻煩出現，所以立即乘的士到瑪麗醫院急症室。我告訴護士我的情況。因為我的狀態尚算穩定，在照了一幅X光片後就把我送到D6等候頭頸科醫生。但在下午四時我忽然感到窒息及通知了護士，就把我急急送到了ICU2。檢查後證實我的造口內有大血塊而且只有一條極窄的裂縫維持呼吸，他們立即急召頭頸及耳鼻喉科醫生來搶救。劉佳音醫生及巫文亮醫生在極短時間內趕到及開始把造口的血塊抽出來。在開始時劉佳音醫生並沒有任何保護。當我噴出血點痰塊等時，他只能及時帶上面罩，他的頭髮及白袍成為了噴發的目標。在進行了一段時間後，仍有一塊很大的血塊在下面，閣下，劉醫生，叫我用力噴它上來等他可以用鉗子夾住。但這次並不容易，在多次努力及更換幾個鉗子後，終於在一次大力噴出後閣下生快速夾住及拉了出來。房間內所有人都快樂地鼓掌起來。我立即感到清新的空氣吸了入來，因我不能說話只有在心中說：劉醫生你已是第二次救了我，多謝。整個過程足足一個鐘頭。

H&N Dr. Vivian Mok, Dr. Ambrose Ho and Dr. Joseph Chung
頭頸科莫蔚琪醫生，何頌偉醫生，鍾漢平醫生

After confirming that my throat and lymphocyte of both sides had cancer tumors, the doctors of Head & Neck decided that I needed a surgery to remove the throat the whole lymphocyte on the right and partial lymphocyte on the left. They said that there would be three scars on the neck. The surgery was scheduled on Sep. 28, 2009 around 8:30 am. I reported to K16S three days ahead and they tested everything before that date. You, Dr. Vivian Mok, Dr. Ambrose Ho and Dr. Joseph Chung of H&N handled the surgical operation.

As usual, after going into the surgery room and anaesthetized, I did not know anything until the nurse called “Ha, the operation is completed, wake up!” That was 4 pm. When I was bought back to my bed, I asked the medical staff to give me my mirror and mobile phone so that I could see my neck and send message to my wife that the operation had completed meaning that I was still alive.

在我的喉嚨及兩邊的淋巴腺確定患了癌症後，頭頸科的醫生認為我一定要用手術來割去喉嚨，右邊整個淋巴腺及左邊部份淋巴腺，也說明了我頸部將會有三條疤痕。手術訂在2009年9月28日上午約8時半。我在三天前到達了K16S，他們在那天前進行了手術前的一切檢查。你們，頭頸科莫蔚琪醫生，何頌偉醫生，鍾漢平醫生負責這個手術。

正如一般相同，入了手術室及打入了麻醉藥後不久我已經是昏迷了，發生什麼都不知道直至護士說：“喂，手術完成哪，醒來！”。時間已是下午四時。在我被送回病床後，我立即要求護理人員把我的鏡子及手提電話取出來，我就可以看看頸部如何及發短訊給我太太告訴她手術做完即是說我仍在生了。

The zipped look of the two scars, not three, was perfectly spaced and joint. I believed that my quick recovery was due to their perfect skill for this complicated surgery. Worth to note is that I cannot find any marks at all on the neck in a few months afterward. Although it is a bit late, yet I should still express my deepest appreciation for all of you, Dr. Vivian Mok, Dr. Ambrose Ho and Dr. Joseph Chung, for giving me the best outcome for such kind of surgery.

拉鍊式的兩列疤痕，不是三條，很完整及平均地封住。我深信我快速的康復與他們為這複雜的手術付出的高超技巧有絕對的關係。值得提出的是在三幾個月後我的頸部已看不到任何疤痕了。雖然是有點延遲。但我應該仍向你們，頭頸科莫蔚琪醫生，何頌偉醫生及鍾漢平醫生，提出我最深切的感謝回應你們給我這種手術的最佳結果。

Anesthetist Yow Chee Kung
麻醉師Yow Chee Kung（不知什麼原因在瑪麗醫院的網頁上，麻醉科專家是沒有中文姓名，我曾寄電郵給該網
頁的主理但至今仍未有收到任何回覆）剛在7月6日收到電郵，邱次剛麻醉師的中文名稱是邱次剛。

You, Anesthetist Yow Chee Kung has treated me twice with his expert skill. The first one on Aug. 18, 2009, the choice was for local anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia in the first stage to be sure that my lung would work fine when the temporary stoma was created. The second one was on Sep. 28, 2009, arranging the air flow for my lung and general anaesthesia for the operation to remove the throat and lymphocyte of both sides, with closing of the temporary stoma replacing by a permanent stoma. The two surgeries were smoothly performed and I had the best outcome thanks to your work.

邱次剛麻醉師，閣下以專業技術處理了我兩次。第一次在2009年8月18日決定初步是採用局部麻醉來確定在臨時造口後我的肺部能夠繼續呼吸。第二次是在2009年9月28日在割除喉嚨及淋巴腺時與關閉臨時造口製造一個長期造口的過程中安排提供氧氣及全身麻醉給這個手術。兩次的手術進行非常順利，多得閣下的工作，我得到最佳的結果。

Nurses of the ICU2
ICU2護士

On Aug 4, 2009, after passing out on an ambulance, I did not know what happened thereafter. When I regained my sense, a young and pretty face was in front of me. A gentle and touching voice said “Ah, you’ve wake up, do you know where you are?” I thought that I was not a Muslim and did not kill any American, I should not be like what they said that……... Due to my blinking eyes, she said, “You are now in the ICU of Queen Mary Hospital since you fainted on the ambulance yesterday”. From then onward, I was treated by you with the best care one could expect. That made me fell in love with the ICU, forgetting that it is for critical and dangerous condition of patients.

在2009年8月4日當我在救護車上昏倒後，我是失去了知覺。我醒來時看到一個青春美麗的面孔。以溫柔及感人的聲音說：“呵！你醒來了，知道在什麼地方嗎？”。我想想我又不是回教徒又沒有殺了美國人，我不應……..看到我眨眨眼，她說“由於你昨日在救護車昏倒，你是在瑪麗醫院深徹治療部。”從那時起，你們以最佳的醫療服務來照顧我，使我愛上了ICU忘記了這是有生命危險情況的地方。

Without real experience, I think that no one will aware that our medical system has provided us with such kind of best service. With the cost of over ten thousand a day, HK citizen needs to pay just one hundred dollars. Oh, how great that is.

沒有親身體驗，我相信沒有人會知道我們的醫療系統給我們提供了這樣的最佳服務。以超過一萬元的成本，香港市民只需付一百元。呵，這真的很偉大了。

On Jun. 8, 2010, after a smothering condition due to blood clot in the tracheostoma blocking my airway, I was sent to the ICU2 for emergency rescue. After arriving there, you quickly arranged everything from dressing to setting up laryngoscope and calling H&N, ENT doctors, assisting all works until I was rescued. Your efficiency and concentration is so great up to the joyful clapping when I was finally released from the last big blood clot put me into tears. This is the highest humanity that protects us, how fortunate we are.

在2010年6月8日我出現了因血塊阻塞出現窒息現象，我被急忙送入了ICU2搶救。你們以極快的速度進行更衣至安置內窺鏡設備，急召頭頸及耳鼻喉科醫生，協助一切工作直至挽救完畢為止。你們的效率及專注是極佳在最後的大血塊抽出來的歡呼鼓掌把我的眼淚都迫了出來。 這是保護我們的最高人道行為，我們是多麼幸福。

in fact, what we know about the hospital is neither the Authority nor Doctors. You and those of D6 and K16S were in front of me physically and my impression was based on naturally. You had done a great job for that.

事實上我們認識醫院絕不是醫管局或醫生。你們和D6及K1t6S等正是在我面前的人，我對醫管局及醫院的印象自然地從你們而來。你們對這方面有傑出的貢獻。

Medical staff of D6
D6護士及護理人員

On Jun. 8, 2010, after the Rescue dept., I was taken to D6 around 8 am waiting for doctor because my condition was not serious at that time. You had advised H&N and expected the doctor to come when available. But on 4 pm, I suddenly had a smothering feeling and called your nurse. At least four to five nurses and medical staff of your dept., co-operated to put me on a bed, packing all my belongings, setting pulse oximeter etc. and rushing me to the ICU in a shortest time. I believe that this fast reaction is one of the factors to my survival. After the ICU, I was brought back to D6 from Jun. 13 to Jun. 18.

During my stay there, some patients had complaints about this and that. Not me, I always in good terms with all medical staff because I understood what could one expect and what they could do for you. In fact, from the doctors to all of you, medical staff, the manner and performance had been greatly improved and almost many times better than before when Hong Kong was still a colony. I do appreciate your services for those six days.
in fact, what we know about the hospital is neither the Authority nor Doctors. You and those of ICU2 and K16S were in front of me physically and my impression was based on naturally. You had done a great job for that.

在2010年6月8日上午8時許由於情況仍算穩定我由急症室轉到D6等候，你們已通知了頭頸科，醫生將會在完成緊急工作後來。但在下午4時我出現了窒息感覺及照會你們的護士。你們最少有四五位護士及醫療人員齊手合力把我放上床，收拾個人物品，安置血氧計及以最快的速度運到ICU。你們的效率對我的救活起了極大的作用。在深徹治療部之後，我被送回D6及在那裡由6月13日,至18日止。期間不少病人有各種的投訴。我絕不會，因為我明白可以期望什麼而你們可以做什麼。事實上，由醫生至你們，護理人員，的態度及表現已有極大的改善，比以前香港仍是殖民地已好了幾個番了。我極之感謝你們在那六天給我的一切照顧。

事實上我們認識醫院絕不是醫管局或醫生。你們和ICU2及K16S等正是在我面前的人，我對醫管局及醫院的印象自然地從你們而來。你們對這方面有傑出的貢獻。

Medical staff of K16S
K16S護士及護理人員

Before Sep. 28, 2009 I had stayed in K16S before the surgery when doctors had to check the conditions of my body and arranging the schedule of operation. This period I could find that all of you, medical staffs of K16S, were friendly and professional only. After surgery, the first stage of recovery is hard and critical. That is the period when services of nurses and medical staff are important for all patients. Your professional skill, tenderness, care and dedication are so great that my days there became a sweet memory instead of pain. From early morning to late night, the nurses had checked my tracheostoma and readily to clean if any sputum etc., were found. The caring was even greater than by me.

在2009年9月28日手術前我是在K16S等待醫生檢查我的情況及安排日期。這段時期我只可發覺你;們，K16S醫護人員，是很友善及專業。手術後康復的頭段時期是關鍵性及較痛苦的。這段時期護士及護理人員對病人是極重要的。你們極佳的專業水準，溫柔態度，無比關懷及專注使我在這段時期由痛苦變成了甜蜜回憶。由清晨至午夜護士們都會檢查我的造口，一旦發現有痰等出現就會立即清理。關心的程度比我個人更甚。

On Jun. 18, 2010 I was transferred from D6 to your ward, K16S. In fact, a few days after the plastic tube was inserted to my tracheostoma in the ICU, I felt that the breathing out was very difficult and my body might be building up with carbon dioxide. Since it was arranged that I had the laryngoscope on Jun. 18, 2010, I prepared to ask the doctor to remove the tube if there was no more blood clot. Yes, there was no blood clot found. When I was back to D6, they told me about the transfer, so I prepared a note and intent to tell the nurse afterward. I did so after going to the K16S. The nurse instantly started to clean my tracheostoma and soon found that my condition remained bad. So she called for a senior, who soon suggested removing the tube. That released my breathing. Then you began to keep an eye on my tracheostoma.

在2010年6月18日我由D6轉到 你們的部門，K16S。事實上在深徹治療部裝上造口的膠管後，我已感到呼吸有點困難而身體也可能積聚二氧化炭‧由於已訂了6月18日進行氣管鏡檢查，我已準備在沒有血塊出現時要求醫生把膠管取出。但當我回到D6時，他們說我會轉往K16S，所以我預備了字條預算通知護士。到了K16S我交了給護士，她立即開始幫我清理造口但發現我的情況沒有改善。所以她快速找了一個高級護士來協助‧他很快就提議把膠管取出來。這樣就解放了我呼吸的問題。由那時開你們就一直留意我的造口情況。

in fact, what we know about the hospital is neither the Authority nor Doctors. You and those of ICU2 and D6 were in front of me physically and my impression was based on naturally. You had done a great job for that.

事實上我們認識醫院絕不是醫管局或醫生。你們和ICU2及D6等正是在我面前的人，我對醫管局及醫院的印象自然地從你們而來。你們對這方面有傑出的貢獻。

The Road of Recovery 康復之路

As said, I gave up chemotherapy and took the radiation therapy. After that, I have the Chinese herbal medication from Jan. 2010. This is due to my concept of cancer.
要證明我放棄化療採用中醫方式是否正確正如所說，我放棄了化療只採用了電療。之後由一月起就以中藥來治療。原因是我對癌症的概念。

For Western medication, cancer cell is the sole cause, but for me, cancer cell is the outcome from internal disorder. Chemotherapy deals with the cancer cell just like applying poison that not killed normal cells too and that is why it does more harm than good.
西醫方面，是把癌細胞作為唯一的因素，對我來說，癌細胞是內部不妥問題發出來的結果。化療是以毒性來針對癌細胞更會同時殺死正常的細胞所以往往是害多過利。

Of course, if cancer cell is the cause of decease, in order to cure by sacrificing some good cells might be worthwhile, yet with numerous or almost all cases, even after several sessions of chemotherapy, cancer happens elsewhere. This is taken as cancer had spread to other organ. For me, it is not spreading; it is because the ultimate cause has never been treated properly.
當然，如果癌細胞真的是病的因素，為了治療而犧牲一些正常細胞是值得之事，但無數甚至所有個案中，即使進行了多輪化療，癌症一樣在另一處再出現。這稱為癌細胞擴散。我認為這不是擴散。這是說明了最終的因素沒有治療妥當的結果。

That is why I prefer Chinese herbal medication which deals with bringing up various organs to get rid of decease naturally. This would have better chance of full recovery. Of course, it depends on the doctor's experience, the patient's confidence and the strict code of living during the period and thereafter.
這是我選擇中醫的原因，中藥是提高各器官的功能來自然地消滅病因。這樣是有較佳機會完全康復。當然這是要倚靠醫生的經驗，病人的信心及在當時及之後生活的規律如何。

Recent condition 最近的情況
Since my case involved with several medical departments, therefore I had to see each department periodically to check up and here are those recent reports:
由於我的情況涉及了多個醫療部門，所以我要依個別所指定的日期覆診：

Head & Shoulder: (this department has mastered the surgery of my throat) The last check up was satisfactory. Of course, due to the removal of throat, the thyroid gland that located just before the throat was removed too. That means I do not have any Thyroid hormone from then onward, a condition called hypothyroidism, The medicine that I need forever is Thyroxine Sodium Tablet with one pill per day to supply my body with Thyroid hormone.
The next problem is due to the new opening for breathing lack of the moistening function of nostril to remove dust etc. in the form of sputum. This has been worse during the dry period a few months ago when I suffered smothering because without moisture, the dust etc. formed a kind of scum blocking the air pipe. The doctor gave me Fluimucil and advised me to get a humidifier and breathing with the moisture several times a day. Now I took the Fluimucil three times and breathing the moisture twice a day. The outcome is great.
頭頸科：（這是負責我喉嚨割除手術的主要部門）上一次覆診的結果是滿意。由於喉嚨割除，在喉嚨前的甲狀腺也一併被割除，這是說我身體已沒有分泌甲狀素的功能，也是甲状腺机能减退的相同結果。所以每日都要食一粒甲狀素藥丸來補充，
另外一個問題是因為造口是沒有鼻孔的濕潤空氣功能來把塵埃等以痰的方式清除。特別是在幾個月前的乾燥時期，因為塵埃等變成渣滓在氣管塞住使呼吸困難。醫生給了我橙樹化痰素及叫我買增濕器來每日多次吸入這些水蒸氣。我現在是每天飲三次橙樹化痰素及兩次吸水蒸氣，效果非常好。

Cancer: (This department has arranged the radiation therapy for me. Their suggestion for chemotherapy was rejected by me.) The last check up was good after they ordered laryngoscope twice to check the remaining air pipe to the lung and the food pipe and found no more tumor in both area.
腫瘤科：（這部份是負責電療，他們提議的化療被我推掉）上一次覆診的結果是良好，他們安排了兩次內窺鏡檢查氣管及食道並沒有發現任何腫瘤。

Eye: (This department checked my vision problem since my medication for diabetes.) The check up last time with a test for visual awareness was satisfactory and the condition of my left eye is stable without further worsening.
眼科：（在開始進食肺結核藥後已安排了眼科檢查預防有影響）上一次覆診的結果也是滿意。之前進行了一次視覺功能測試，證實了沒有進一步的退化。

Dentist: (This department has checked my teeth before and after the radiation therapy.) After taking off three teeth before the radiation therapy, the last check up has found no more problems.
牙科：（在電療開始前已安排的牙齒檢查）最初在雹療前的檢查後要脫了三隻牙齒，上一次覆診的結果是沒有新的問題。

TB: (The TB medication has started from Apr. 22, 2009 and was confirmed by the division head of Grantham Hospital to extend for one year.) The last check up confirmed that no more active TB virus was found and the doctor has fixed the last check up on Apr. 22, 2010. It is most likely that from that day on, I shall be released from their medication program. Usually they will ask me to visit the doctor again in three months ‘time.
胸肺科：（在葛量洪醫院確定了肺結核後已轉到這方面的診所跟進）上一次覆診的結果是沒有活躍的肺結核菌，下次的覆診是4月22日即是剛好完成了一年的食藥期。應該由那天起就不用食藥了。照習慣將會在三個月後再覆診以策安全。

General: (After the medical checking in Grantham Hospital, they assigned the General Medical Clinic to take care of my diabetes medication.) All visits are just to confirm the condition of my diabetes and handing the medicine for me. In fact, after continuous daily checking of my blood test, I have to take these medicines once a day instead of two & three times. This gives me a normal result for months.
普通科：（也是在葛量洪醫院確定了有糖尿病後轉到這方面的診所跟進）所有覆診都是看看血糖有沒有轉變及配給糖尿病藥丸。我只是每天上午食藥一次而不是照所預算每日兩次及三次因為我在多個月來這樣才會有正常的血糖結果‧

The present situation
現在的情況

The possible hidden radicals that gave me cancer and the poisonous effect from radiation therapy were things that I had to face. The herbal medication dealing with such cases had the side effect of rash, quite a hard time for me since middle of January till now. Of course, it was not the herbal medicine that gave the problem directly, instead it was the result of the medication that worked on my body.
潛伏的癌症病因及電療產生的熱毒是我需要面對的問題。針對這些情況的中藥產生了一個副作用，由一月中起出現了甚麻煩的皮疹。當然不是那些藥直接的問題，而是它對我身體產生的效果導致。

So to release the uncomfortable feeling and the itching problem of the rash from the neck to the feet, I have to use several ointment including Paeonol, Compound Dexamethasone Acetate Cream and Vaselin. Ai Ying Kang is used to replace soap to clean the body.
為了減低因皮疹產生的不舒適及發癢的情況，我採用了一些藥膏包括丹皮酚，皮炎平软膏及凡士林。及採用艾嬰康代替肥皂來清洗身體。

Of course, it may be too early to confirm whether my recovery is successful or not. But, at least, up to now, I am feeling good and have the weight increased to 131 lbs. from 108 lbs after the surgery. At first, my weight jumped to 140 lbs. and later proved that there was a problem of Edema. So when the problem is becoming less severe, my weight moved back to normal. The reasons include the support from good friends and family, great doctors and wonderful medical facilities by government.
當然目前不能確定我是否有機會完全康復。但最少至現在我感覺良好而且由手術後的108磅回昇至131磅。最初是回昇至140磅。但原來是有水腫現象，在情況改善後，體重就回復較正常的情況。其中的原因包括有好朋友及家人的支持，極佳的醫生及政府的上佳醫療設施。

It is certain that I might have been dead if not for the medical advancement to make a hole to breath instead. In other words, I have the benefit from both Western and Chinese medication so that I can still work today. For such case, one would face the hardship of financial, confidence and spiritual problems. I must admit that I am lucky to have the supports that are so vital for me. The one year's time of experiencing clinics, hospitals, emergency rescue with all those doctors, nurses etc. are exceptional great. I do appreciate their work.
可以確實說如果沒有醫學技術進步給我開了造口來呼吸，我早已死亡了。換句話說，我得到西醫及中醫兩方面的利益才能在今日仍可以工作等。 面對這種情況往往會有經濟，信心及精神上的問題，我的確是幸運得到各方給與的重要支持。一年的時間內經歷了診所，醫院，急救，及有關的醫生，護士等都是極佳。我對他們的工作極之感謝。

Therefore, if I shall be dead to-morrow, I am still glad to have the extension of my life for the days from Aug. 4, 2009 when my life had almost ended on the ambulance. What do I expect for the future? I wish that I can prepare the information from my experience so that when other would face similar situation, they can check for the choices.
所以即使我在明日死亡，我今日仍慶幸我生命由2009年8月4日得到延長而不是在那救護車上完結。對將來有什麼期望？我希望能夠從我的經驗提供信息給其他人士在發生相似的情況時可以看到有什麼選擇。

My Worst Nightmare – throat cancer 我最差的惡夢 – 喉癌

Cancer is not a deadly decease, but when it happened at vital organ, the loss can be serious. I had it at my throat unfortunately and I had to give up my throat to save my life.

癌症已不是死症，但當它發生在重要器官位置，損失是極嚴重的。我就是患了喉癌引致要割除喉嚨來保命。

It happened during the treatment of my TB. I had a laryngoscopy at the end of May 2009 in Grantham Hospital and it was confirmed that one side of the larynx was suppressed by the lymphocyte. Therefore, it is assumed that the lymphocyte might be affected by the TB. During June and July, my breathing was not good and it was also assumed that lung had been seriously harmed by the germs. Until Aug. 4, 2009, after several nights without sleep, I told the doctor in
the clinic about this, he ordered an ambulance for taking me to Grantham Hospital for medical check up. Before answering a couple of questions, I was passed out. When I woke up, I was already in the ICU of Queen Mary Hospital.

它發生於我正在處理肺結核的時間。在2009年5月底我在葛量洪醫院有一次胃鏡證明了有一邊的聲帶被淋巴線壓著。所以假設是肺結核的影響。在6月及7月間，我有呼吸方面的困難也認為是肺部受損的結果。至8月4日，因有幾晚不能睡，我向診所醫生求坐，他立即安排救護車預算送我到葛量洪醫院檢查。未能回答救護員的問題前，我已昏倒了。醒來時已是在瑪麗醫院的深徹治療部ICU了。

Later, I was told that the medical stuff reported that my lung was full of carbon dioxide and they had to rush me to Queen Mary Hospital for emergency rescue.

之後才獲悉那位救護員稱我的肺部完全是二氧化炭，所以他們要即時送我到瑪麗醫院急救。

I was transferred to Grantham Hospital in a few days to continue the TB treatment. On May 18, 2009, a new advisory doctor did not accept that my voice problem’s assumption and ordered an immediate laryngoscopy. Thanks to his judgment, they saw three pieces of tumor sitting on top of the throat. So they sent me back to Queen Mary Hospital and asked the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) section to follow up. They also had a doctor taking the photo and note to accompany me for the ride and handed over to the houseman. The ENT doctor ordered a bedside laryngoscopy and confirmed that if the tumors continued to expand, I might be dead in a day or two. Therefore an immediate operation was arranged to open a hole in the neck for breathing and getting some pieces of tumors for analysis.

之後我被轉到葛量洪醫院繼續處理肺結核。在8月18日一位新到的顧問醫生並不接受我聱線問題的假設，他立即安排胃鏡再檢查。多得他的判斷，他們發現在喉嚨位置出現了三個腫瘤物體。所以立即送我回瑪麗醫院及通知耳鼻喉科。更派一位醫生帶同照片及資料與我一起到瑪麗交給當值醫生。耳鼻喉科的醫生要即時在床邊的胃鏡，確定如果腫瘤繼續擴大，我將有生命危險。所以要立即進行手術在頸部開孔呼吸及取腫瘤樣本進行化驗。

Later, it was confirmed that the tumors were cancer and the throat might need to remove completely. Of course, a PET scan at my own cost was arranged to confirm all. The result indicated that the cancer had spread to the lymphocyte nodes of both sides of the neck.

之後化驗證實了是癌症可能需要割除整個喉嚨。當然需要一個自費的正電子掃描來確定各方面的資料。結果指癌症有擴散到頸部兩邊的淋巴腺位置。

There was no other choice but to give up the throat, a surgery was arranged in Sep. 28, 2009, followed by radiation therapy from November 2009.

因此只有放棄喉嚨，割除手術訂在9月28日之後是由2009年11月起的電療。

I have been told that there would be several side effect for radiation therapy including dry mouth, difficulty to swallow and it is not possible to brush the teeth etc. But this time, I refused the accompanying chemotherapy. I had been asked several times by doctors about my reason to reject. Of course, they might suppose that it was good to have chemotherapy to avoid future recurring. Basing on my understanding and some other ones' cases, the chemotherapy is not always success. Of course, if I do not have the decision to have Chinese herbal medicine, I might be better to take such risk. Also basing on the advice from my Chinese Medical Doctor, it is good for me to have Dendrobium faulhaberianum Schlecht tea daily to counter the radiation side effect. I did and now after having the eighteenth treatment, I still be able to eat and brush my teeth. After the surgery, my weight was down to 108 lbs. almost 30 lbs less than a year ago. Now I have gained ten pounds and have to eat less to avoid the problem with the face mode for radiation treatment.

我聽到有關電療的副作用包括口乾，吞嚥困難及不能刷牙等問題。這次我拒絕了同時安排的化療。曾經有幾個醫生問我為什麼不做化療。當然他們是相信化療是會預防將來複發的機會。根據我的意識及一些人的經歷，化療並不是每次都成功。當然如果我不是已決定同時採用中藥，我也許會接受化療之事。我的中醫提議我每天飲石斛水來淡化電療的副作用。我當然依足他建議。昨天是我第十八次的電療，我仍然可以進食及每天刷牙。手術後我的體重下降至108磅，比一年前足足少了30磅。我已重了十磅，但要吃少一些避免為電療做的面模出現問題。

It may be too early to say whether I am right to reject the chemotherapy and to take the Chinese herbal medicine. It is like gambling. Before it happens, no one can be sure of anything. Yet as everyone would understand, living happily and have a healthy body is always good. This is the guidance for my extended life.

要證明我放棄化療採用中醫方式是否正確是言之過早。有如賭博一樣。未有結果前，沒有人可以知道的。但是每個人都會明白生活得快樂及有健康的身體永遠都是件好事。這是我延長壽命的指引。

TB – How far we are from it?
TB – 我們與它有多遠呢？

Just like me before, it seems that TB is never near us. According to the doctor, it is very easy to be infected if you will visit mainland China. Is this a kind of prejudice? Not this time. For about thirty years, there were many migrated workers in Shengzhen, Dong Guan etc. They did not have medical insurance and because they were not local citizen, they had to pay a very high medical fee. So when they got sick, they just bought medicine themselves. Perhaps, a common cold or eating disorder could be treated easily. But if they had TB, then it is certain that they would never be fully recovered. Even the medicine is good, they had no advice from doctor and no test to be sure whether the germs were totally gone. This situation lead to a huge number of TB patients, infective and transmitted the germs all around.

正如我以前，肺結核TB看來絕不會是在我們身邊。根據醫生說，如果有上大陸，那就極容易染上肺結核TB。這是否又一個偏見呢？這次不是。三十年來，不少民工在深圳、東莞等地工作。他們沒有醫療保險而且由於不是本地人，需要付較昂貴的醫藥費用。所以當他們有病時只會購買成藥來醫治。可能一般著涼或腸胃不適等是容易解決。但當他們染了肺結核，可以確定他們是不會完全康復。即使有合適的藥物，他們也沒有醫生的指導及有關的測試來確定肺結核菌是否完全被消滅。這個情況導致大量肺結核病人，具有傳染力及把肺結核菌四處散播。

No one can know exactly where and when one had been infected. The TB germs will stay inactive in our lungs for a long time, years or tens of years. Germs wait for the right condition to become active. That is when we got the TB disease. What condition is for this? Unfortunately, it is the exact condition that type II diabetes creates. That is why in these years, we have many young TB patients. Most of them had type II diabetes first. Of course, I had similar situation, though I am not young. That is to say, if one has diabetes, he/she will be easily infected by TB germs.

沒有人可以知道在那時那處感染。肺結核菌可以在肺部隱藏很長時間達數年至數十年。肺結核菌是等待伯適的條件來變成活躍。這就是我們發覺染了肺結核病的時間。它們需要那些條件？不幸地正是2型糖尿病造成的環境。這也證明了近年多了年青的肺結核病例。他們多數是先有糖尿病出現。當然，我雖然不是年輕，但也是相同情況。這就是說當一個人患了糖尿病，他/她極會染上肺結核病。

At first, I never think of the relationship between diabetes and TB. It is now that after searching for information, I find that these two kinds of decease are called 'sisters'. From the Internet, it seems that the awareness of this relationship has been noticed within a couple of years. This is quite strange that medical information from India indicated that this environment had been noted a thousand years ago. Without full investigation, that is why we are lack of such knowledge. If I know that diabetes may lead to TB, I should either take a precaution or earlier checking of the lung instead.

最初我絕不接受糖尿病與肺結核有任何關係。在搜查有關資料後，我發現原來他們被稱為姊妹病。在查看有關資料後，我發現這兩個病是稱為姊妹病。在互聯網中，可以看到近年來才有提及這種關係的文章。這很奇怪猶為印度方面的醫療資料稱這個情況在一千年前已發現了。在欠缺全面的調查報告，這正是我們欠缺這方面認識的原因。如果我知道糖尿病會引致肺結核，我當然會採取預防或及早檢查肺部。

Is this just co-incident or some independent cases? No, according to the information, there are facts that diabetes will lead to TB. The acid environment induced by diabetes lower the body’s defense that favors the growth of TB germs. Also the high fat of diabetes is another factor for the germ's growth. The TB also affected the insulin making diabetes more serious.

這是否偶然或是一些個吟的例子呢？不，根據資料，這是有充份的證據說明糖尿病會引來肺結核。糖尿病產生的酸性環境是會降低身體的防衛力而有利於肺結核菌的繁殖。而且糖尿病產的高脂肪也更有利於肺結核菌的繁殖。而肺結核又會破壞胰島素使糖尿病加深。

To learn from my case, it is certain that if one has diabetes, the TB will be very close. Of course, if there are no TB germs either in the lung or around us, one is safe. Who knows?

從我的例子來說，可以確定當患了糖尿病後，肺結核就會在很近的距離。如果肺部及各環境沒有肺結核菌，我們就會安全。誰可肯定？

TB is now a curable disease. As for the rumors about the latest medication, I shall discuss in other posting. The worst thing is its infectiveness. No one would dare to risk because everyone will feel guilty if he/she infects someone else. Therefore, we must keep in mind about this because it is easy to have diabetes now.

肺結核現在是可治之症。至於有關最新醫治藥物的流言將在另外的文章討論。沒有人會冒險因為所有人都會對傳柒給他人產生罪惡感。因此我們必須記得這個情況因為現在很容易患上糖尿病。

The Summary of One Month after Confirming TB

After meeting with the doctor in a Chest Clinic, he said that I had to go to the hospital to find out whether I had TB or other problem. So on Apr. 20, 2009, I was taken to the Grantham Hospital.

This started my first encounter with western medication and experience in a hospital. All doctors and nurses were nice and friendly. At first, it was arranged for me to take a bed in the open room. Then after consultation with a doctor who indicated that I was 90% TB, they moved me to a room with five beds, all patients had TB. That was great; much better then the noisy open room. Afterward with unknown reason, they moved me again to another room. The bed was closer to the door and with better situation.

The next day, Apr. 21, 2009, the doctor, Dr. Gill, checked my case and had not yet sure whether I had something more than just TB. But that day, the chief doctor, Dr. Yew, came later. He said that since a big area of my lung had been infected, it would be better to start the treatment and checked the other problem later. Therefore, the next day, after the morning consulting by Dr. Gill and Dr. Fung, I was given the 1st line TB treatment, a composite of four medicines.

As usual, they needed to watch my condition for the next two weeks to be sure that there was no side effect of the medicine especially the liver problem. Fortunately, all went well. But Dr. Gill said that since my affected area was huge, they needed more time to watch. That was the reason of not releasing me after two weeks.

On May 19, 2009, I told Dr. Gill that I must be released from hospital because I could not stand the heat and already had not slept for two nights. He agreed because my conditions were OK. This started the rest of the nine months' medication. Daily visit to Chest Clinic with occasionally visit to doctor.

This time, I really astonish to know that TB is not far from us as I thought. After researching related information, it seems that anyone with old age and has diabetes, the body will be highly possible infected by TB.

Both doctors surprised me with their frankly and sincere manner, a great contrast to what we have known before. .

With a number of roommates, I found out that there was something we needed to know. A very high percentage of them did not know to have diabetes until check up after admitting to hospital. Not old, just between 40 and 50, it is quite sad because at such age, they still need to take care of their children etc.

I shall review my case and prepare something about TB here later. I believe that anyone should know about the dangerous of ignorance or misguided information. Just like what I was. I believed that if one had TB, he should have fever and chest pain. I was wrong. That mistake let me missed earlier treatment. As Dr. Fung said, my affected area indicated that I was 70% from the maximum. Perhaps any more delay would lead me to the coffin already.

One more thing, it is said that the TB medicines were hard to swallow leading to a lot of giving up cases that created drug resistant TB germs. The number of pills and famous big size of one would not be easy for anyone to take for months. Not so now, the total number of pills is just ten and the biggest one is 13 mm dia. 5 mm thick. Of course, the DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course) is still enforced and it is easy for me to adopt because my work is not bound by office hours.

The Unbelievable Turnout – I have TB

Since the first X-ray, I accepted that my lung had problem, the only thing is whether it is TB or cancer. What further way can prove it instantly? Finally, I decided to go back to that lab and asked for a computer scan.

It was Apr. 13, morning. Taking the scan was fast and easy, just to hold the breath for 26 seconds, though I needed a few practice. It was supposed that I could take my report the coming Thursday. But their Doctor called me and advised me that I had TB and he would hurry up for the report the next day noon time so that I could go to government Chest and Lung clinic to follow up. I do not have doubt about his finding. \With the computer scan, he can easily judge from the 3D shape of the problematic area.

Now, I started to get all information about TB, the treatment and side effect. I decided to get western medication this time because my Chinese doctor also said that western medicine is better for TB. That is not the only reason for me. TB is contagious. If you go to any other place other than the government Chest & Lung unit, everyone will stay away from you. Also it is the first thing that I must avoid, not to infect the others.

Of course, not all TB patients are contagious. I take the mask every day and night instantly. Since the government doctor wanted me to go to hospital for further investigation when bed is available, I ask my wife to take X-ray of the lung yesterday evening. The best news is that her lung is clean and healthy. Great! Being next to a TB patient and being next to a smoker for tens of years, nothing can release my guilt than this nice X-ray.

A New Chapter of My Life

It has been several months since my last posting. I am not passing away yet. There are two things that bothered me in this period, business and health.

Every one knows about the economic situation, it is not within our topic here, so I just say that I have to prepare a lot of things in case a better day finally arrives. It is not far for me.

About the health, I have said that there was a problem with my voice. Of course, it is not just a simple disorder of the voice; it is a problem of the respiratory system.

The treatment with Chinese herbal medicine has been continued for a year or so. Last week my doctor suggested me to take an X-ray of the lung. No problem, I said.

The next day evening, he called me and said the outcome was not so good, the experts said that I might develop TB or cancer. He asked me to bring back the medicine for him to add some more ingredients.

I understand that he concerns about my health. For me, this is not astonishing, otherwise why I took medicine for over a year. Furthermore, I have been a smoker since thirteen years old. With decades of bad habit, does any one expect that I had a clear lung as normal one did? No, I am certain that something must be bad and I am not astonished for the experts' advice. Basing on the fact they found, it is true that without treatment, I would be heading for TB or cancer.

One more thing, I had not taken any X-ray last year. If I did, I am sure that the outcome would be much worse than now, where there were three patches of white spots and some mess surrounding of the trachea (windpipe).

This confirms to me the reason why I took so much medicine and still cannot recover the voice easily because of the huge problem behind.

Yet, I have the confidence that the problem would be solved later this year. Now with the knowledge of the actual problem, my doctor will treat it with his dose and my wife will search for the right kind of soup etc. to strengthen that part of my body.

A New Chapter of My Life

It has been several months since my last posting. I am not passing away yet. There are two things that bothered me in this period, business and health.

Every one knows about the economic situation, it is not within our topic here, so I just say that I have to prepare a lot of things in case a better day finally arrives. It is not far for me.

About the health, I have said that there was a problem with my voice. Of course, it is not just a simple disorder of the voice; it is a problem of the respiratory system.

The treatment with Chinese herbal medicine has been continued for a year or so. Last week my doctor suggested me to take an X-ray of the lung. No problem, I said.

The next day evening, he called me and said the outcome was not so good, the experts said that I might develop TB or cancer. He asked me to bring back the medicine for him to add some more ingredients.

I understand that he concerns about my health. For me, this is not astonishing, otherwise why I took medicine for over a year. Furthermore, I have been a smoker since thirteen years old. With decades of bad habit, does any one expect that I had a clear lung as normal one did? No, I am certain that something must be bad and I am not astonished for the experts' advice. Basing on the fact they found, it is true that without treatment, I would be heading for TB or cancer.

One more thing, I had not taken any X-ray last year. If I did, I am sure that the outcome would be much worse than now, where there were three patches of white spots and some mess surrounding of the trachea (windpipe).

This confirms to me the reason why I took so much medicine and still cannot recover the voice easily because of the huge problem behind.

Yet, I have the confidence that the problem would be solved later this year. Now with the knowledge of the actual problem, my doctor will treat it with his dose and my wife will search for the right kind of soup etc. to strengthen that part of my body.

A New Chapter of My Life

It has been several months since my last posting. I am not passing away yet. There are two things that bothered me in this period, business and health.

Every one knows about the economic situation, it is not within our topic here, so I just say that I have to prepare a lot of things in case a better day finally arrives. It is not far for me.

About the health, I have said that there was a problem with my voice. Of course, it is not just a simple disorder of the voice; it is a problem of the respiratory system.

The treatment with Chinese herbal medicine has been continued for a year or so. Last week my doctor suggested me to take an X-ray of the lung. No problem, I said.

The next day evening, he called me and said the outcome was not so good, the experts said that I might develop TB or cancer. He asked me to bring back the medicine for him to add some more ingredients.

I understand that he concerns about my health. For me, this is not astonishing, otherwise why I took medicine for over a year. Furthermore, I have been a smoker since thirteen years old. With decades of bad habit, does any one expect that I had a clear lung as normal one did? No, I am certain that something must be bad and I am not astonished for the experts' advice. Basing on the fact they found, it is true that without treatment, I would be heading for TB or cancer.

One more thing, I had not taken any X-ray last year. If I did, I am sure that the outcome would be much worse than now, where there were three patches of white spots and some mess surrounding of the trachea (windpipe).

This confirms to me the reason why I took so much medicine and still cannot recover the voice easily because of the huge problem behind.

Yet, I have the confidence that the problem would be solved later this year. Now with the knowledge of the actual problem, my doctor will treat it with his dose and my wife will search for the right kind of soup etc. to strengthen that part of my body.