Imagine this happening to you. Could your life become a confusing, complicated whirlwind in just an instant? One simple discovery could do it. It’s now happened to me.
The day before New Year’s Eve 2007, I developed an aching pain under my left shoulder blade after driving my family back to Denver from a ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.
Five weeks later the pain had not subsided and I went to see my primary care doctor.
I am a doctor myself specializing in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (using sophisticated medical instruments to view and treat diseases of the digestive system). At work I wear heavy lead aprons and carry medical endoscopes in my left arm. So I assumed that I was experiencing work-related muscle strain and perhaps some spine degeneration.
We doctors often try to diagnose ourselves. Can you tell?
Since I also had a chronic cough presumably from post-nasal drip, my doctor ordered a chest x-ray in addition to writing me a prescription for a steroid nasal spray.
A Shocking Voicemail
To my shock, when I returned to my office that evening there was a voice message to call him back - my chest x-ray had found several nodules in my left lung which was highly suspicious of metastatic lung cancer (i.e., cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).
As a doctor, I knew instantly the implications of such an ominous finding. The average survival in this scenario even with therapy could be less than 18 months. With no history of smoking or cancer in the family, I was stunned.
I wondered how I would break the news to my unsuspecting wife and three young children ages 16, 10 and 5 years. Who would take care of my family if I died?
It is amazing that in the twinkling of an eye, my life could take such a drastic and unexpected turn. At the prime of my professional life and still raising a family, my future now seemed uncertain at this moment in time,and the news had arrived in such a harsh and unexpected fashion.
My journey with lung cancer is a very personal but not necessarily a private journey. Others around me will be affected by my cancer experience for better or for worse.
My Hope... For You
Perhaps you wonder why I am taking the time while going through cancer treatment to set up this website. My hope is that by opening a window into my experience with cancer, what I share will offer hope and encouragement to others.
This website is also a convenient way to provide updates to my own family, friends, and concerned colleagues about my health and cancer treatment.
Perhaps you or one of your loved ones has cancer. Perhaps you have stumbled across my website by accident.
Regardless of why you are here, I invite you to walk with me for part, or all, of my journey. It is my prayer that you will find in these pages something worthwhile and meaningful.
Finally, you need to know that the thoughts that I share reflect my own perspective as seen through the eyes of someone who is a Christ follower. Without Jesus in my life, I suspect this would be a very different journey.
I would be honored if my personal adventure might encourage you, and especially so if it should prompt you to consider how the One who makes all of life possible might become your friend as He is mine.
With warmest regards,
Yang K. Chen
P.S. - Yang K. Chen, MD was Professor of Medicine at University of Colorado Denver and Director of Endoscopy at University of Colorado Hospital, 1999 to 2010.
October 15, 2010...
A New Beginning
Yang, beloved husband and father, stepped into heaven and wholeness.
The week before he passed away, Yang finished the last of his work-committments at the University of Colorado Hospital, and wrapped up his responsibilities on the home-front.
As he spent the following week with out-of-town family and friends, little did we know that by the week's end, his journey will change from an earthly to a heavenly one. But perhaps he knew the end of his earthly sojourn drew near, for he requested the following song to be sung at his memorial service.
I Will Rise
by Chris Tomlin
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
Throughout his 2-1/2 years of cancer journey, Yang opened a window into his life and faith journey. To continue on this journey with our family, for just a little while longer, please visit the "Update" tab of this site.
Warmly,
Alice Chen