Wesley Ting

In February 2019, 4-year-old Wesley Ting from Sibu was diagnosed with Ependymoma brain tumour. Ependymoma is a primary central nervous system tumour which begins in the brain or spinal cord. In June 2023, he completed his treatment and is now back in his hometown. His mother, Mdm Kong shares their story:

When it all began
Growing up, my son, Wesley has always been very well-behaved. He rarely throws any tantrums and enjoys being by himself. Wesley is at his happiest when he is playing, taking a walk or watching cartoons on the television. He is funny in his own way and is a very curious boy.

Everything seemed to be going well until he was about four years old. Wesley started complaining about having headaches. It was also during that time I started noticing that Wesley had difficulties in staying upright while walking. He would sway from side to side as he walked and his steps were very wobbly. Wesley also has so-called “lazy eyes”, in which his left eye does not align properly with his right. 

These were all very concerning signs to my husband and I as Wesley did not have any of these symptoms previously.

Finding out about his diagnosis 
We decided to bring him to a nearby clinic in Sibu for a professional consultation. The doctor there referred us to Sibu Hospital for further tests and scanning. Those few days waiting for the scan results felt like the longest time as we were all nervous about finding out the truth.

When the results were out, the doctors sat us down and informed us that Wesley was diagnosed with a type of brain tumour. The cancer was the cause of the various symptoms he was going through at that time. We were required to travel immediately to Kuching for an operation due to the urgency of his case. For the first time as a mother, I felt real fear for my child’s life.

It all happened so quickly that I did not have much time to process what was going on. The next thing I remembered – I was on a helicopter with Wesley, on our way to Kuching. When we reached Kuching, we went straight to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

Wesley and his mother doing arts and craft activity at the ward.

Holding onto hope amidst adversity
At SGH, I was briefed on Wesley’s treatment process moving forward. Everything was so new to me – new location, new environment and new people. If I want to do my best in caring for Wesley, I know that I have to adapt quickly.

There were many challenging moments during Wesley’s treatment period. He was unconscious a few times due to certain complications and had to undergo several emergency surgeries. Wesley needed to recover from his surgeries and this caused a delay in his chemotherapy and radiotherapy schedule.

I remember there was a time when he was admitted into the ICU, the doctor told me that Wesley was in a serious condition – his breathing was weak and there was a possibility that he might not gain consciousness. My whole world felt like it was collapsing when I heard that. I would do anything to save my son but the harsh reality was that, aside from staying strong by his side, there was nothing I could do for him.

That was truly one of the most difficult times in my life and I am beyond grateful Wesley was able to break through. 

A lifeline during tough times
The community we have built in the ward – parents and caregivers who were going through a similar journey, the nurses and doctors who guided us along the way, and the SCCS staff who were always there to support us – were my lifeline during these tough times. We went through thick and thin together and I was grateful I could lean on them during difficult situations. 

When we first left Sibu, everything was in such a rush that I did not manage to bring anything with me. We were then admitted into the Paediatric ward at SGH and I realised we did not have a lot of the essential items. Thankfully, the SCCS team provided us with a care pack, which included daily necessities such as a thermometer, a thermal flask, a measuring cup, body wash and shampoo, towels and cutleries, to help us adapt to life at the ward.

Whenever Wesley completed a cycle of chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment and we could be discharged, we would find shelter at SCCS’s halfway home in Kuching. There was even a van that gave us a ride to the accommodation. At the house, we could cook and do our laundry. Occasionally, the team organised recreational activities for children and caregivers residing at the halfway home. SCCS also sponsored special medical equipment and procedures required for Wesley’s treatment process.

Through actions, they have shown me and my son that we will not walk alone in this journey.

Wesley playing with a bubble gun at SCCS halfway home in Kuching.

New beginnings
After many months, Wesley finally completed his intensive treatment and the doctor granted us permission to go home in June 2023. Before we headed back home, the SCCS team also held a farewell celebration for both Wesley and myself. Currently, we continue to monitor Wesley’s condition through regular follow-up check-up at Sibu Hospital.

Looking back, this journey has not been easy, but it is made easier with all the support and help from SCCS. We are just happy we can reunite with our family back home. 

SCCS team with Wesley during his follow-up check-up at Sibu Clinic Day after he went back to Sibu.

Message to families who are going through a similar journey: Be strong, persistent and do not give up. Stay positive and trust that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. We are all rooting for you!

SARAWAK CHILDREN'S CANCER SOCIETY