3. How did you prepare for treatment?

I actually knew what I was in for. This is because I had unfortunately lost my mother-in-law to cancer just a few years prior.

I had been with her throughout the journey, saw how she recovered from the first one and how she didn’t survive the relapse. So when it was my turn, I was somewhat psychologically prepared for the long, enduring journey. After all, I had already witnessed all the do’s & don’ts, the side effects and the pain first-hand.

The big turnaround came later that month, when my oncologist talked to me about immunotherapy. I immediately started a combined treatment of immunotherapy along with chemotherapy.

The introduction of immunotherapy gave me genuine hope that I could triumph over cancer. By January 2017, all three of my tumours had reduced in size by half. I could finally resume doing most of the things I used to do – I could once again eat, exercise and rest like a normal person, so I really had no excuse to stop fighting.

5. Strength and resilience were key to your recovery. How did you find the strength within to keep fighting?

I have been a fighter all my life and I’ve always been a very positive person. And I knew my family needed me, which made me even more determined to give my all to fight the cancer.

I’ve never liked to give up on things -- I’ve always believed that if you give up once, no matter how big or small, you will start to lose that drive. It’s why even on days when the cancer markers were super high, I would keep telling myself and my family members, “The next scan will improve!”

With that positive attitude and strength, I kept pushing forward, with a constant hope that it can and it will get better. This positive attitude rubbed off on those around me, which in turn helped me through the recovery process.

6. Did you have anyone supporting you on your cancer journey?

Definitely my immediate family members, especially my wife. She was with me throughout the whole journey -- from the diagnosis, that moment of “truth”, till today. She still follows me to my semi-annual doctor visits.

Another person who gave me strength was actually my oncologist! You really do need someone you can trust to give you all the right advice, and they were that person and more for me.

7. What is your current lifestyle while living with cancer?

I honestly try to live like a normal, healthy person. I spend a lot more time with my family compared to before. I try to eat healthily too - more fresh foods while cutting down on salt and fat. I exercise 3 times per week now with each session being about 3 hours long.

As for mentally and emotionally, I now try to take on less stress. I’m still working and keeping my brain active, but with more balance. I also try to lend my hand in cancer support outreach when I can. At one point, I was making home visits to other cancer patients who were seeking advice and emotional support.

8. What advice would you give to caregivers and patients going through lung cancer?

Fighting cancer is always a long process. You must have the will to fight & overcome.

Don’t give up. Ever. With the new drugs and technologies available now, the chances of survival are better than ever. Don't treat cancer as a deadly sickness because there is always hope.

For the caregivers, keep up your research. You never know when you may find something that could help your loved one, that could give them the strength to keep fighting.

9. Any other advice to add?

It is important to be prepared financially for whatever that comes. I was fortunate enough to have insurance coverage to cover all the treatment costs. You’ll never know when you will need it so start to plan early for your family and yourself.