Ambrose was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at only ten years old. Six years later, he has since completed active cancer treatment and is now a vibrant 16-year-old. Mr Wee, his father shares his story:
Early Discovery and Treatment
At first glance, my son may seem a little shy, but spend a little time with him, and you’ll discover a lively, outgoing teen with a passion for sports. Ambrose is a very spirited young boy. His enthusiasm is contagious, especially regarding computer games and his favourite treat, fried chicken, which he can never resist.
Ambrose’s journey with bone cancer began in 2018, after a seemingly innocuous fall at school. The persistent pain and swelling in his leg led to a visit to Timberland Medical Centre. Initial scans there raised alarms, and the doctor suspected bone cancer, prompting an immediate referral to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
In June of the same year, Ambrose began his chemotherapy journey, completing active treatment by 2020. Following this, he underwent his first endoprosthesis operation (a metal implant to replace the bone) on his right leg, a critical procedure designed to remove the cancerous bone while preserving his limb. Ambrose underwent another surgery to further adjust the prosthesis and keep it in place. Fortunately, the Malaysian government fully sponsored the operation, alleviating our family’s financial burden and allowing us to solely focus on Ambrose’s recovery.
During Ambrose’s treatment, I was fortunate to continue working, which allowed us to cover some of the costs. I am very grateful for this financial stability during such a challenging time.
Latest Endoprosthesis Surgery in 2024
One day at school, Ambrose heard a loud crack. When I was informed, I immediately took him to the hospital, where we discovered that his endoprosthesis had broken. I hadn’t expected it to fail so soon, but Ambrose’s growth over the past few years likely contributed. Suddenly, my son urgently needed a new implant. I applied for assistance from the social services of the government and the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS). After evaluating our request, SCCS stepped in, sponsoring the new endoprosthesis and ensuring a timely surgery.
On 22 February 2024, Ambrose then underwent his third surgery to insert a bigger and newer metal implant in his leg, designed to accommodate his growth. The cost of the new endoprosthesis and surgery totalled at around RM35,000 and was carried out at SGH. The stakes were high; failure of the operation could have led to the amputation of his right leg.
I really hope that this will be the last time Ambrose is required to go through surgery for his leg. I’m not a big advocate for my son to be too active in strenuous activities like sports, fearing that he may hurt his legs or the endoprosthesis within. When I saw the metal rod protruding from his leg before, I couldn’t help but think how painful and uncomfortable it felt for my son.
During his hospital stay, his grandmother and I were his primary caregivers. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and Ambrose was soon discharged, requiring only periodic physiotherapy to adapt to his new prosthesis.
I am immensely thankful to the doctors who skillfully handled both surgeries. When we first met Professor Chan, he recommended that my son undergo chemotherapy before leg surgery to increase the chances of preserving his limb. I followed his suggestion because my son is still so young, and it would have been devastating for him to lose a limb. Thanks to Professor Chan, Ambrose’s leg was preserved, and both surgeries in 2018 and 2024 were successful. Now, at 16 years old, Ambrose is in middle school, preparing for his crucial Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam next year.
Support from the Community
Ambrose’s story resonated deeply with the staff at SCCS.
“I’ve seen many cases where osteosarcoma patients would need to have their limbs amputated to save their lives. I’m glad to see that Ambrose was able to preserve both his legs and complete his cancer treatments smoothly,” shared Ming Ming, SCCS Support Services Manager.
I’m also pleasantly surprised and touched by the tremendous support and care received from Ambrose’s friends at school.
Whenever I was sending Ambrose’s sister to school, Ambrose’s friends would run up to me and ask about Ambrose’s condition and when he would be back in school. My son is very fortunate to have such friendly, caring, and loving friends, and their relationships are as close as siblings. In turn, Ambrose also enjoys going to school too. It warms my heart to see the type of friendships Ambrose has.
Beyond financial sponsorship of the new endoprosthesis, I also recall the SCCS staff always organising celebrations, gifts, engagement activities and much more during Ambrose’s chemotherapy in 2018, providing moments of joy amid the challenging journey.
Road to Recovery
Ambrose’s grandmother praised her grandson for his sensible and resilient attitude.
She shared with me that she was heartened by his positive outlook and that he is very disciplined when it comes to his recuperation, diligently training his body and attending physiotherapy classes to get better. Instead of lying in bed all day, he would exercise and practice walking all the time to help boost his recovery.
It has been almost six months since Ambrose has been home. He has recovered significantly and is back in school after the Gawai holidays.
To other parents also facing similar battles, “Don’t give up! As long as the doctor says there is still a chance for our kids to recover, please don’t give up easily.”
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