A simple stuffy nose turned out to be the start of a rollercoaster journey — as shared by Samuell’s mother.

When Symptoms Turned Into Something Serious

I remember it all too well. August 2025 was the shift in my life I never thought would break my heart to pieces.

It all began when I thought Samuell’s nose was just stuffy as it was always stuffy, so it felt like just another ordinary day to me. This had been going on for over a year. It got to the point where his nose started bleeding, which I assumed was normal because of the hot weather at the time.

It all felt normal, until it didn’t. He got worse and kept getting unexplained fevers. They would go away, then come back. Over and over. Then I noticed his neck had become swollen. That’s when I realised I needed to get Samuell checked.

After several conversations with my cousin, he advised me to bring Samuell to Borneo Medical Centre in Miri. It was there that I first realised Samuell might not be as healthy as I had hoped.

When the test results came back, the doctors discovered a tumour. Samuell was then referred to Miri Hospital, where he underwent several MRI scans. It was an incredibly difficult time for our family. We lived each day with fear and uncertainty, holding on to hope that the results would be favourable and that fate would somehow be on our side.

Then came the news that changed everything. The hospital confirmed the diagnosis: Samuell had nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A type of cancer that develops in the area behind the nose. It was something I never expected, something no parent ever imagines hearing about their child.

Who would, right?

When We Had to Leave Home

After the diagnosis was confirmed, the doctor in Miri informed us that Samuell would need to be transferred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching for further treatment.

I remember asking if my son could receive his treatment in Miri instead. The thought of going to Kuching was overwhelming. We had no family there, no place to stay, and no idea how we would manage. Kuching felt so far away, and I could not stop worrying about what lay ahead.

The doctor reassured me and said, “Go to Kuching first. Once you’re there, we can discuss the next steps with Dr. Betty.” He explained that Dr. Betty, the Head of Paediatric Oncology and a Paediatrician at SGH, would oversee Samuell’s treatment.

The doctor also told us that the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) would be there to help. They would arrange transportation from the airport to SGH when we arrived in Kuching. Hearing that gave me some comfort during one of the most uncertain moments of our lives.

Upon arriving in Kuching, we were brought straight to Ward 2A and placed in the isolation room. I remember so clearly how I couldn’t stop crying in that room at first. But as time went by, I got to know other mothers whose children were also undergoing treatment. Their experiences were similar to mine, and they made me realise that I was not alone. We shared our stories, struggles, and fears with one another. Their encouragement and support gave me strength and helped lessen the sadness I was carrying, even if only a little.

The Toll of Treatment

Every treatment Samuell went through took a heavy toll on him. When he first started chemotherapy, he completely lost his appetite. Later, during radiotherapy, his appetite vanished again, to the point where I had to constantly find creative ways and different foods just to get him to eat.

One of our biggest struggles was managing his strict dietary restrictions. It was heartbreaking because he would often crave foods that he simply wasn’t allowed to have. On top of that, dealing with Samuell’s emotions was incredibly difficult. There were days I would just break down and cry because I didn’t have the heart to be firm to him, knowing how much he was suffering. I am so grateful that he is getting better at managing his emotions now.

Yet, there were days that broke me, especially when he would ask questions like, “Mummy, why must it be me who is sick?” or “Why are other people healthy?”

Music, Games, and Small Joys

On good days, he loves to pass the time with games on his phone. He has a real gift for music, too. He can play the guitar and piano, and he actually knows how to play the ukulele as well! You can often find him playing music around the center and the ward, but best of all, he loves spending time playing with the other young patients at the halfway home.

Hope That Keeps Us Going

What keeps me going through this journey is witnessing the miracles in other families like seeing children who were once sick get healthy and strong again. It fills me with hope that my son will be just like them soon. It is a reminder to me that cancer can be beaten. The fact that they survived gives me strength to believe that he will, too.

Support That Carried Us Through

I am thankful to SCCS because they are always there to support us. The staff is always so helpful, whether it’s buying necessities, providing accommodation, or offering financial aid. If we had to face this six-month treatment away from home without them, I don’t think we could have afforded it. Between meals, transportation, and everything else, the expenses would have been too much to bear on our own.

A New Chapter at Home

After his last radiotherapy session in Kuching on 29 January 2026, we were finally able to return home. We still have regular follow-up appointments to go to at Miri General Hospital.

And because Samuell still takes medicine on a strict schedule, we decided not to send him back to school just yet. Since he would have to stay in a boarding school if he returned, it would be much too difficult for us to properly monitor his medication.

Our life has slowly returned to normal, but the only difference is that I still feel a sense of hesitation and caution when it comes to his diet. We have to be very careful with the food he eats, as there are certain foods that need to be controlled, and if there are foods he cannot take, we avoid them as well.

To Parents Walking This Journey

To other parents navigating childhood cancer, I want to say: please don’t let fear hold you back from getting your child the treatment they need. If you are in Kuching, SCCS is there to hold your hand and help you through it.