Christmas at the Wong house

Edmund and Alice had a wonderful Christmas Day, surrounded by many family and friends who came to visit. Lunch was typical Hong Kong style - delicious and plentiful. We expect to be eating the leftovers for many days to come!

What's happened so far...

In November, some of Edmunds's family and friends noticed that his was less energistics and easily tired. He was presented with expressive dysphasia (i.e. misplacing words) and behaved differently to his routine chorus. Sometimes the non-stop hiccups had caused him trouble for over hours. This was the first alarm bell that convinced Edmund to go and see a Doctor. At first, the Doctor thought that he had had a minor stroke. However, after more examination and tests, they realised that Edmund had a tumour in his brain instead.

On Friday 28 November, Edmund had an 8-hr excision of the brain tumor under ultrasound stereotaxy done. By this time, the Doctors had realised that the tumour was necrotic in nature and deemed a 'high grade' (ie aggressive) tumour. The operation was successful in removing the tumour. The Doctors even tried a new treatment where chemo 'wafer' patches were implanted in the tumour cavity. The post operation showed he had no focal neurological deficit though he still need to undergo improvement therapy on his speech as well as physio & occupational therapies. The 38 stitches in his head were even been able to be removed after 1 week of his operation.

After the surgery, Edmund has continued to maintain a positive attitude. Due to the necrotic nature of the tumor, Edmund still needs to take series of follow-up treatment with the combination of chemo & radio therapies to fight for any residual malignant cells and also helps to prevent recurrence.

At first when he returned home, Edmund still had difficulties to express himself and he was allegy to one of the medication prescriped. But thankfully, he has made a good recovery so far. He has been eating better, walking regularly and even started to regain his humour!

We are so thankful for the Doctors at Queen Mary Hospital who have treated Edmund well.

Edmund at his recent graduation where he received his PhD. This was a few days before his operation.

Welcome to Edmund's journey

This blog has been created to update all of Edmund's family and friends on his progress. It will be updated on a regular basis, so please check this blog first rather than contacting Alice. As you can understand, this has been an emotionally exhausted and physically draining time for her too. Edmund and Alice apologise for not being able to return everyone's emails/phone calls/cards.

We welcome any words of encouragement, messages or prayers through this blog too. Please leave them in the 'comments' section under each post and we will make sure Edmund receives them.

Edmund and Alice would like to thank everyone for their continued support through this tough time. It has been a hard journey, but made easier through the love and care shown by many of you.