Authored by Justin Yuen on Oct 8th 2010, 13:41
As we know, things don't always go as planned. Unfortunately, I have not started my second round of chemo yet because my lungs decided to give me trouble again! I have two types of bacterial infections in my lungs which are making it very laborious to breath.
So, I've been moved to a step-down room for closer observation for the past two days. Been having chills and sweating profusely, though I don't seem to have a temperature. I'm on two different antibiotics now, and things seem to be getting better. However, in today's chest x-ray, they also found a small pneumothorax (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumothorax) in my right lung (my previous problems were with my left lung) which, if worsened, would require yet chest tube to be inserted to drain the air between my lung and my chest wall. This is obviously not something I'd look forward to, since my chest tube incision from five weeks ago still has not fully healed. But hey, we have to do what we have to do.
This journey is definitely pushing me to my limits - at least what I THOUGHT were my limits. Fortunately, we don't really know our limits until we test them. I've found that our limits are a lot further beyond what we think.
I WILL keep bouncing back and dealing with whatever is thrown at me. It's really no fun at all, but I know that afterward, it will be a memorable and invaluable experience.
My dearest favourite cousin Just-Just, good to hear that you're staying strong and positive. We are all supporting you over on the other side of the world. Your lungs will be ok very soon. Have faith in Him. Will pray for you. God will keep you in His care. Keep holding on. Love you loads.
Dearest Justin, we are so proud of your courage, positive attitude and strength. When your Dad texted me of the finding of your chest X-ray, I immediately searched for the term "pneumothorax" as my medical knowledge is so limited. We knelt and prayed for you praying that your lung condition will improve after the tube insertion and that you will breathe more comfortably. Justin, though this journey is very rugged and requires great determination to sustain, you will succeed and win the battle. "Do not fear as I am with you; do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand". Isa. 41:10. We love you and support you with prayers. May God bless and strengthen you.Gu Ma Betty
Justin-You WILL win through. It may take even more time and physical strength; but we know you have lots of spiritual strength and support and love from all your family and friends, as well as the combined expertise and care of your medical doctors and nurses. Our thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. Lots of love, A Ellie and U Selwyn
Dearest Justin, I salute your courage and positive attitude and thank you for writing to us even when breathing is difficult for you at the moment! You are such a fighter and a tough opponent for any challenge including the BIG "C"! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you fight this battle.Lots of love Auntie Fei
Oh dear Justin,So very sorry to hear that your 2nd course of chemo has to be postponed for a little while. I hope you're able to breathe easier and your dad and mom are there to hold your hands and give you lots of support. Keep praying - God listens to all his children and He will continue to guide you through this journey. Not much to report this week. Been busy at the office as well as having to meet a couple of friends after work (I try not to until the weekend now so I can get some decent hours sleep). Mark's (my finace) car couldn't start, so we only had one car for a few days. CA's Governor signed the Budget "FINALLY" (100 days late)...Sending you lots and lots of best wishes and thanks you for the update. Take care and hope you'll feel better in your next post.Laura
you're truly an inspiration Justin.
Another chest drain is no fun. Hope it won't be necessary. This is tough, but I can tell you are tougher. Did you see the latest Karate Kid - the one with Jackie Chan? Just when you think you can't possibly take another blow, you get punched again. Keep getting up. Fight on, however much it hurts. You will have the victory. Much love, EllenSimon sends his prayers too.
Such resilience and determination! You're very brave Justin! Hang in there! You're in our thoughts and prayers.Caroline, Charles and my sis Connie
Hey Justin, hang in there. This is just a speed bump on the way to getting out of the hospital. I wanted to share a blog I follow; it is written by a guy named Tim Brown who is CEO at Ideo. He is a big advocate of a concept called Design Thinking - having to do with using innovation for design and business professionals. I think you might dig it.designthinking.ideo.com
Hi Justin,There's not much more that I can add, as a first cousin once removed, to all the words expressed by your many supporters on this blog, other than that your network of friends and family is both wide and deep, and will hopefully sustain you in this most trying time. Courage, my cousin. May you find Strength in your moments of greatest weakness.Peter (Poon)
Justin, I am also thinking of you and praying for your amazing strength and courage every day. I will draw some ellipses in your honor.
So how was today? Awful? Dire? Totally abominable? Well, here's something to make you groan more... some horrid jokes from Simon.:What smells and shoots people? - A septic tank ( that's what people in UK have who live in remote places and don't have mains sewers ) My ambition is to one day have a septic tank...!How do you stop a skunk smelling? - Hold its nose.Did you groan? Keep hanging in there and keep punching the purple blob!Love, Ellen
Hi,It is a blow to your plan and God does throw us a curveball once in a while. I am so proud of you and your fighting spirit, keep it up Justin.May God give you his healing poweer. Grand-aunt Rennie.
Hi Justin,I read my bible every afternoon, and my god told me, he has planned life for every single human. We all experience different path and we growth. I believe that everyday is not easy to you, but there must be some reason that you experiencing this situation. I know you can get over it, will pray for you. God bless you for sure!
Hi, Justin. Your Dad told me good news that the Pneumothorax disappears totally. Praise God for His mercy. His grace is sufficient for us, Justin. Though the journey may be tough and rugged, He will carry you through and give you hope and strength. Trust and obey! God will miraculously heal and bless you. Keep praying that you will do well after your second round of chemo. Pray that your appetite will improve and you will regain your weight. We support you every minute in prayer. God bless.Love,Gu Ma Betty
Hang in there, Champ.
Justin-Your mother gave me your latest news. You are strong in spirit and with your normal strong constitution you WILL triumph again. We are comforted too to know that your Dad and uncles and aunt have also been to give you and your mother support in turn. We are too far away to be of any use - but you know our prayers and with you constantly. Love, A Ellie
Hi Justin, so thankful that your lungs have behaved and you were able to start your second round of chemo. :-) We are awaiting for your new posting!Would you like to have some good news? Have a look at this video http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11518015very inspiring.Love, Auntie Fei
Heard from Dad that you're doing well. Good to hear that you're able to start the second round of chemo. Hope you're coping. Miss reading your posts. They are truly inspirational. Hope you'll have the strength and start writing new posts again very soon. Looking forward to your new post. For the meantime, stay strong and positive as always. Our love and prayers are always with you. Take care!
Keep fighting! God will always be with you! Good to hear you start second rounf of chemo. Keep smiling and be positive
Stay strong Justin!
Dear Justin, It's Monday again praying that you will have a good week.Last Saturday I was watching Piers Morgan's Life Stories---it was a biographical talk show, the host chatted to Russell Watson, a operatic pop singer. Have you heard of him? It was very moving and I thought of you.If you are strong enough and need something easy to watch perhapsyou can try this:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoXLwHVaPtA&feature=relatedMay God's grace be with youLots of love, Auntie Fei :-)