Authored by Justin Yuen on Aug 28th 2010, 21:52
Friends, family, and anybody else who finds themselves here, I'm glad to have you with me! This is a blog about surviving and overcoming life's challenges. I will at times be realistic, contemplative, humorous, and hopefully inspirational. I hope to stay connected with my friends and family throughout the world, who I all care about and miss very much right now. I also hope to inspire others who are going through difficult points in life, as I strongly believe that there are some simple principles that can be applied in dealing with many different difficult situations in life.
On the 26th of August, 2010, I was sent to the Hartford Hospital emergency room in Hartford, Connecticut with a set of very severe symptoms. After a three days and a series of blood samples, catscans, biopsies, and an MRI, the diagnosis is still not complete, but what the doctors have found is a 12 x 14cm cancerous growth in my chest cavity, scientifically termed the mediastinum. This mass is compressing my heart's left ventricle, making it difficult for it to pump much-needed oxygenated blood throughout my body. When the doctors gave me this news, I quickly realized the need to come to terms with my mortality. This is something I have mentally prepared mysefl throughout life, so it did not take me long to do this. I have always been aware of how little control we have over the world and life. Once you realize this, death and sickness no longer come as a shock, but just an unfortunate, uncrontrollable event. The thing is, while we may not have the ability to control 90% of things in general, we do have the ability to control our minds. Once we realize eveyrthing we don't have control over, we have the choice of what do with what we DO have control over. In my case, I've accepted the possibility of death, and what I'm choosing to do is put all the energy, discipline, and determiniation I have into making it through this very sickness. First step - It's 10:18pm, and I need to be in top shape for my chemotherapy which will begin on Monday, so I need to get ready for bed.
Take care everybody! I will be back to tell you all about my experience in the hospital so far - I've learned a lot and gained a lot from being here, and will definitely carry my experiences here to do something great after it all.
Justin. Be strong! We believe you will get well soon. We will pray for you!Take care!
justin, we are waiting here in HK for your coming back, whenever it is.
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If you have as much spirit and determination in "doing nothing" conquering the sights, rocky heights and smells of Peng Chau island, then your spirit and determination will take you far here :) Thinking of you.. load up on comedies and laugh out loud
Justin, I just saw your post on facebook. Sorry to hear about that.I just want to thank you for sharing with us what you are going through, it is very inspiring. Good luck and supporting you from the other side of the planet.Hilda
Justin-Your Mom just sent us an e mail about your hospitalization. If one has to be ill then the USA is the best country to be in; and with your mental strength, first rate medical help, and the love and prayers of your family and friends, you will come through. I too had a bone marrow biopsy when in my 20's (suffering from serious TB spinal meningitis). The two young doctors were unable to get the "needle" in and evenually the professor at Queen Mary Hospital had to do it himself!! As you said it was PAINFUL. Just keep your spirits up and know that we are all on your side. Love, A Ellie