Updates on Grandpa

The results of the biopsy was finally out yesterday. I had an important presentation that late morning so could not meet the surgeon with Uncle Keong.

Grandpa was admitted to hospital last week after complaining of dizziness. He said that he was often short of breath and had to stop to rest after walking 5 shopfronts. In the hospital, they had him transfused with blood as his red blood cell count was low -- something was taking away the blood.

An endoscope was ordered. It was discovered that were growths in his big intestine in particular one in his colon ie the lower part of the intestine. It was here that samples were taken for the biopsy to determine whether it was malignant. One of the doctor then informed us that chances of it being malignant was high, as there was spreading to the liver.

Because of the growth, when food (or digested food) passed thru the colon, it brushed on the growth causing it to bleed hence the low red blood cell count.

So the news yesterday was not good, but was expected. The growth was malignant. Apparently, grandpa was dead against surgery -- there was higher risk as he had high blood pressure. Chemo is an option but at his age, it would be too much for him to take.

Obviously, doing nothing is also an option, but it would be painful for him, and for us, to see the illness slowly take him away. His pain would be physical, ours would be psychological.

We are really not in control of our bodies nor our destiny, no matter what people say about taking control of your life.

I just hope it will be as painless for him as possible.