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This is the advice to new patients from Teo Thiam Chye, programme leader of the nasopharyngeal cancer support group, otherwise known as the NPC Support Group.
Accept the Fact, Stay Positive and most importantly, have Faith.
Elaborating on his philosophy, Mr Teo said: “Patients need to accept the fact that he or she has cancer. Nothing will change that fact. They must also be aware that cancer does not only affect them but will emotionally impact their loved ones too. “So be strong, stay positive and be ready for the battle ahead. Finally, have faith in the medical team and religion to see through what could be the darkest moments of their lives.”
A nasopharyngeal cancer patient himself, Mr Teo Thiam Chye, or TC, as he is affectionately known, commits his time, resources and efforts to ensure that the activities and programmes put together by the committee benefit its members. Some of the programmes for this year include talks by National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) oncologists on medical issues, such as the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and lifestyle activities like the sharing of food recipes with demonstrations by fellow members.
Coping and Post Recovery Care
“I remembered when I was first diagnosed with nose cancer in 2003, no one was willing to share their experiences about treatment, ways to cope and post recovery care. It was tough. So when I took over as programme leader from Peter Tang in 2007, I was determined to do something to help new patients who are possibly as helpless as I was then. I firmly believe that no one should walk their cancer journey alone,” he recalled. He had envisioned the nasopharyngeal cancer support group NPC Support Group to be a safe haven where survivors and their caregivers come together to learn and support each other, continuing to build on the foundation laid by Mr Tang. Over the years, he has successfully steered the group in this direction.
Margaret, his wife and caregiver, is fully supportive of her husband’s work and is a frequent volunteer at the support group activities. “Often, the emotional well-being of the caregiver is neglected. Besides struggling to overcome their own fears of losing their loved ones to cancer, they have to hold back their tears and be strong. That’s where Margaret comes in to share her own experience with any patient’s caregiver,” he said, with a loving gaze at his wife.
When asked about the secret behind the support group’s success, he said, “I’ve got all my dedicated members in the committee and volunteer members to thank! “Unlike me, all of them hold full-time jobs. Yet all of them voluntarily give up their precious time and energy to reach out to other patients. Without them and the strong support of our members, this support group would not have existed and gone so far.”
The information and content contained within this website belongs to the NPC Support Group and its individual contributors. No whole or part of the information and content may be copied or re-produced without the written permission of the NPC Support Group. All requests for its use should be addressed to teothiamchye@yahoo.com.sg or feedback@healthxchange.com.sg. Currently the support group has 155 members comprising both survivors and caregivers. Nasopharyngeal cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers who are interested to join the group can contact: Patient Education at 6436 8117 or 6436 8126. Cancer Helpline at 6225 5655 or send an email to mss@nccs.com.sg. Alternatively, you may contact Mr Teo at teothiamchye@yahoo.com.sg. |
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