Life goes on with two stomas

SINGAPORE — “Just let me die” was how Mr Foo Sei Aik, 66, responded when told he had cancer a second time in 2005.

He had survived colorectal cancer in his late 40s and had had part of his colon removed.

The second time, cancer invaded both his bladder and colon.

For a chance of survival, he was advised to surgically remove his bladder, colon and rectum.

“My wife couldn’t stop crying because I didn’t want to go for treatment at first. I decided to get treated for her and my children’s sake,” he said.

Today, the retired marine engineer and cargo officer has no regrets as he is able to continue to live a fulfilling and active life — while wearing two separate stoma bags attached to his abdomen to collect urine and stools.

He exercises five to six times a week, and helps support newly diagnosed cancer patients as a Singapore Cancer Society patient ambassador.

“Some cancer patients fear surgery so much that they opt for alternative therapy instead of listening to their doctors, and this can be dangerous. I’ve seen a patient who lost his life because of this. My advice is to think positively. With the right treatment, cancer need not be a death sentence,” he said. EVELINE GAN