Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng revealed on his Facebook that he was diagnosed with Stage 1 nose cancer back in November last year and is currently undergoing radiation therapy sessions.
Here is his post in full.
“This Sunday, I will start the series of Edusave Award presentation sessions in Tampines North. This is an important time of the year to recognise the good work of our students and motivate them to do better. Due to SMM guidelines, we have to keep the size of our sessions small. A total of 36 sessions have been planned over the coming weekends to present almost 800 certificates.
Much as I wish to congratulate our young residents and their proud families personally, I seek your understanding that I may not be able to attend every session this year.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with stage 1 nose cancer in November last year. I am currently in the middle of my radiation therapy sessions, which will be completed in end January.
My doctor has cautioned me that as the therapy progresses, I am likely to get tired more easily. The skin in my neck area is also expected to look sunburnt and my voice might change. Some radiation patients might lose hair at the back of the head.
Luckily, the side effects I currently experience after four weeks of treatment have been manageable, eg mouth dryness, mouth ulcers, loss of taste and fatigue. Unlike chemotherapy, my immunity is not affected.
During this period, I am slowing down my pace of work, thanks to the understanding and support of my colleagues in Tampines and the Ministry of Transport. I know I can also count on my activists, grassroots leaders and volunteers to help me serve the community.
I am fortunate to have discovered my medical condition at an early stage, when treatment is simpler and there is a very high chance of survival. I am still relatively young and have been keeping myself fit. Together with the strong support of my wife, family and friends, I am confident to overcome this challenge and recover well.
Life has thrown me a curveball, but I will be fine! 😊
(Photo: I am holding a shell which I wear during radiation therapy. My appreciation to the SGH team for taking good care of me.)”