SHARES
A retiree, Anthony James Samy had plans to spend his days exploring paper crafts. His passion for handicrafts shines through his YouTube channel, Craft Art Paper, which has garnered an estimation of 100,000 views and 1,700 followers. Besides that, he is also a proud owner of Rj Creations, an Amazon online store that features colouring books and drawing books he created.
Owing to his optimistic outlook in life, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma stage three gave him a second life that he is eternally grateful for.
Early days of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis & treatment
“I was always healthy. However, a fateful dinner back in August 2020 led to severe symptoms that prompted visits to the doctor’s office. That day after the dinner, I had nearly 20 vomiting episodes.” During the first visit, the doctor dismissed it as food poisoning.
“The vomiting persisted for two more days, and I also started noticing tarry stools. After consulting another general practitioner, he immediately referred me to the hospital for further check-ups.”
“A scan done at the Emergency Department found a six-inch lump attached to my intestine, positioned in between my stomach and backbone. The lump had been obstructing the passage of food along my digestive system, causing me to constantly throw up.” As the lump cannot be operated on due to its location, he was started on chemotherapy the next day.
“Since I had trouble keeping food down, I was on enteral feed with formula milk for one month, and I lost 15kg because of that!” James recalled. Nevertheless, despite experiencing some discomfort during the first chemotherapy, his subsequent sessions were smooth and uneventful.
After a month’s hospital stay, he was discharged on September 2020. He started on a liquid diet with porridge and soup, and soon after that he was eating as usual by October 2020.
Staying positive while battling cancer
The tumour eventually shrunk from six inches to 1cm, which allowed his treatment to be stopped in February 2021. Nonetheless, a follow-up one month later discovered that the tumour size had grown to two inches, which necessitated a more aggressive treatment regime. “The lump had been reducing in size for the past one month. Therefore, we are now exploring the possibility of spot radiation on the small lump,” added James.
“I am thankful that the lump is outside the intestine. If the lump was growing in my intestine, a part of my intestine might have to be removed instead.” He also shared tips on staying positive during the early days of his diagnosis, “During my hospital stay, I spent time learning new knowledge encompassing areas like self-help, handicrafts and nutrition, which kept me occupied and motivated. It almost feels like my cancer diagnosis has also given me a new life.”
Handmade 3D origami, photo courtesy: Anthony James Samy
Blessing children with cancer through Hair for Hope
“During one of my visits to OncoCare Cancer Centre, I came across a poster on Hair for Hope (HfH) Fundraiser. The nurse on-duty must have noticed my curiosity, and she encouraged me to join the fundraiser too,” said James. Greatly inspired by his team of doctors, nurses and support staff, James decided to participate in HfH to let children with cancer know that they are not alone in their fight. To date, James has raised more than S$32,000 for the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Singapore, and is one of the top five shavees of the campaign.
“Giving is a great way to help people. I don’t see myself as a patient. Everyone said that cancer treatment is tough, but it was smooth for me because I take it that all things happen for a reason and purpose. Shaving my head was a long-time mission and I am thankful that now I have the opportunity,” said James.
James shaving his hair for HfH (before & after), photo courtesy: Anthony James Samy
Secrets to a joyful and optimistic soul
“Don’t dwell in your misery, lest you be weighed down by your own emotional baggage. Instead, try to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Start by pursuing what you love!” advised James, before concluding the interview.
A Word from GetDoc
Always listen to your body. Any unexplainable body changes should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor for further investigation. If you or your loved one experience unusual signs and symptoms, consult a doctor today for early diagnosis and treatment.
This patient testimony was brought to you by Oncocare Cancer Centre, Singapore.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
