"I want to make the most of each new day”
At 67, Loong Lee Lee has led a full life marked by acts of service. The grandmother of four shares that she spent over six years in rural Thailand with her family, helping minority tribal groups and migrant workers, while also homeschooling her three children.
In 2019, an early stage lung cancer diagnosis proved to be a shock. Within two years, the cancer swiftly metastasized to become stage 4. However, Lee Lee is determined to keep living a meaningful life.
“Living with cancer has sharpened my intent on how to spend each day meaningfully,” she reflects. “I have learnt to be calmer and more hopeful. I am now more confident as a person and accepting of who I am.”
Her Cancer Journey
Her initial diagnosis brought with it a rollercoaster of emotions. “I asked, ‘Why me?’ and ‘[It’s] not fair!’ I was fearful, frightened, confused, worried not only for myself but also for my family.”
She underwent a series of tests and doctor’s visits to determine the next steps. Eventually, she elected to have a major surgery to remove the left lobe of her lung, in addition to radiation and targeted therapies. Feeling drained and fatigued, along with coping with diarrhoea, became a new normal as her body reacted to the treatments.
Despite these challenges, Lee Lee found hope in multiple sources. These included her faith, the unwavering support from her loved ones, as well as her interest in painting which gave her peace and a sense of purpose.
The support she received from the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) was also crucial. Through the Society, she benefitted from rehabilitation and enriching activities which not only improved her physical wellbeing, but gave her a more positive perspective on life.
Seeing Light in Darkness
In 2022, one year after Lee Lee’s cancer had become advanced, she joined L.I.G.H.T. Groupwork, a therapeutic programme offered by SCS.
This five-week workshop brought her together with other patients facing advanced-stage cancer, providing a space where they could share their experiences under guided facilitation.
The bonds and camaraderie between the participants, Lee Lee remarked, was “powerful.” It inspired her to sign up as a volunteer for future L.I.G.H.T. Groupwork sessions. In this role, she gains fulfilment in sharing her story, thus encouraging others to navigate the complex emotions of their own cancer journey. Besides the L.I.G.H.T. programme, Lee Lee also volunteers as an SCS patient ambassador which involves being buddied up with a fellow cancer patient and journeying with them so they don’t feel alone.
When asked about her motivation to pay it forward, Lee Lee explains: “Life is short and our days are numbered. We can live with a purposeful and meaningful life. I want to make the most of each new day. I want to share with others: You are not alone. You’ll never walk alone.”