A year on

The empty feeling of losing an old friend still lingers within me, and I had chosen to remain quiet about Oon Hup’s death anniversary yesterday, especially with Emily, his sister. However, she reached out in the evening and shared a video of my late schoolmate exercising at a nursing home, taken not long after his brain surgery. Along with it came a fuller account of his final months. How he had been recovering well, even regaining strength, until October, when his condition suddenly deteriorated. Such is the cruel and relentless nature of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. As Emily herself put it:

He was very well after his operation. Even during his radiotherapy sessions at Mt.Miriam hospital. From April, May, June and July, he was in good health. Then the double dose of chemotherapy and cancer caused his deterioration in August. He had to stay in a nursing home from September onwards. Still able to eat on his own, and use his phone and I- pad. But from October, he went downhill very fast. Couldn't use his left leg and arm. Had to sit the whole day in a recliner, fed by Sri Lanka worker. He could still eat on his own on his birthday. But from December, he was no longer speaking, having difficulty in swallowing food, couldn't drink. Had to be fed water and food. So very little sustenance or liquid. Poor fellow. Finally, was sent to the General Hospital and a few days later to the government hospice. Just from Sunday to Thursday, 3 days GH, 2 days hospice. Friday morning, passed away at 5.38 am. Farewell.