Losing A Nephew to Cancer

He was just fifty, considered by many as still young. He was at the peak of his career. He was energetic and full of enthusiasm in whatever he does. He worked for a well known computer company and was well regarded by his superiors, peers and subordinates alike. He was a good magician too and entertained friends, relatives and young children whenever he can and when called upon. He has a friendly disposition, easily approachable and is humble. But now he is gone. He had cancer and succumbed. Some say the Almighty loves him more and hence take him away from us and yet some say that he still has more to offer to those around him. The fact remains that he is gone and will not come back. Cancer has again taken its toll.

He was Ram’s nephew, the youngest offspring of Ram’s late eldest brother.

Just over a year ago Ram lost a niece, the eldest daughter of her late elder sister, to cancer too. In between there were others, friends and relatives who succumbed to the same disease.

Statistics shows that cancer is the second highest cause of deaths in most countries while it is now already the highest in the US and UK. It is estimated to be the highest killer in most countries by the year 2020, and that is not too far away. It is sad really and what’s even sadder is the fact that our modern lifestyles are, to a certain extent, a major contributor to the increased statistics.

Cancer is usually known or discovered when it is too late. Chemotherapy has traditionally been the only way to treat cancer. While chemotherapy does eliminate cancer cells to some extent, I was told, it also eliminates good cells as well.

Ram’s nephew started complaining of stomach pains some six months ago that did not go away on regular treatments. On close examination he was found to have cancer of the colon. He was scheduled for an operation to remove the cancerous portion of the colon but on opening up the surgeon found that it had spread to other parts and organs. It later spread to the liver, all within three months. He continued medical treatment but his condition continued to deteriorate until his passing a couple of weeks ago.

All the time he was in high spirits, at least he showed it to us when we were around him. He was very weak the last few weeks. It was also too late for us to get him to try qi gong, which we learnt can help cancer patients, and also too late for him to try other types of treatment that others suggested.

We had just returned from Bintulu when we heard of the passing of this nephew. We rushed to JB to attend his funeral and joined the family in prayers for him. All his siblings were there, including his sister who had just married off her daughter at a wedding ceremony held in Kuching, Sarawak where they now reside, a couple of days earlier. This wedding was the main reason for us being in Bintulu, as we had attended the wedding together with son Shaffik and Mini. It was only a 50 minutes flight from Kuching to Bintulu.

The last time we were in JB was for the Eidil Fitri celebration hence we took this opportunity to stay on in JB for a couple of days and spent time with mum as well. She is in good health but we notice that her memory is slowly fading. She is beginning to forget her routines, the prayer times and so on. Otherwise she is ok. At 85 years of age she has no complaints and that is a lot ok. May the Almighty bestow upon her continued good health so that she can continue her prayers and supplication to Him as she often does. Amin……….

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Petaling Jaya