[Singapore] - 44 year old medical doctor dies of leukaemia, wanted to write letters for her 3 children for every growing-up year she'd miss

[UltimaOnline]

https://mothership.sg/2021/09/singhealth-doctor-agnes-koong/

 

[Peace Maker]

Sad news for the lost of a compassionate doctor.

 

[sweetiepie]

 

[nayr69sg]

Another dr who chose not to continue with cancer treatment.

 

[Rogue Trader]

阿弥陀佛

 

[Patriotmissile]

Last time got 1 cosmetic doctor buy landed buy ferrari after that go back at 40 plus also.

 

[nayr69sg]

Last time got 1 cosmetic doctor buy landed buy ferrari after that go back at 40 plus also.

Yes Dr Richard Teo. My classmate.



From my own interactions with Richard I would say that part of his "sharing" was also his last chance to "boast" about himself. And as you see in the next video, it does the medical profession an injustice. What he "shared" may not even be totally true in terms of how "rich" he portrayed himself to be.

Go figure.

 

[tobelightlight]

Did she take the vaccine?

 

[nayr69sg]

Did she take the vaccine?

SingHealth doctor, 44, dies from leukaemia, wanted to write letters for her 3 children for every growing-up year she'd miss

A SingHealth Polyclinics director, who helped to launch Singapore's first 24-hour prescription collection service ("Prescription in a Locker Box", or "Pilbox"), passed away on Sep. 6, 2021, after a year-long battle with leukaemia.

Agnes Koong Ying Leng, 44, had served as director of Marine Parade Polyclinic for eight years, where she set up "Pilbox" so that patients with repeat medication, such as the elderly, could easily pick up their prescriptions at any time.

In 2019, Koong had taken up the mantle of Community Health Director at SingHealth Polyclinics.

Relapse

Speaking to Lianhe Wanbao, Koong's husband, Simon Leong, shared that Koong had first been diagnosed with leukaemia during circuit breaker last year.

She had undergone a bone marrow transplant, but suffered a relapse this year.

According to Leong, Koong decided to stop chemotherapy treatment in early August 2021, after the cancer came back.

She rejected the idea of going through a second bone marrow transplant, instead hoping to live the rest of her life with gusto.

Leong shared that as her husband, he had naturally felt pained by her choice, but nonetheless chose to support her decision.

The couple had met at medical school in university; and according to Leong, Koong had been multi-talented even then.

She loved to dance, and would often take part in several competitions, even choreographing stage performances. Being partners of several years, the couple had also often travelled together.

A doctor who went the extra mile

Leong added that his wife was someone who was extremely passionate about her profession, and would always go the extra mile for her patients.

After being diagnosed last year, Koong had still insisted on continuing to work from home, to see through the projects she had on hand.

After she passed on, Leong shared that several patients had called to express their condolences, and show their appreciation for Koong's dedication and care over the years.

"My wife loved her job, but she also loved her life. She was not a workaholic, and would always do her best to make time for our family. She always tried to come home on time for family dinners, and would be present for activities on the weekend".

Letters for every year she'd miss

According to Lianhe Wanbao, Koong had intended to write letters to each of her children for every year that she'd miss out on as they grew up, so that it would be like she was right there beside them.

Unfortunately, she was only able to write a few letters, before passing on.

Leong shared that before she passed, Koong had been able to help her parents and children understand her decision to forego treatment, and the family had spent Koong's final days together, making handicrafts or just chit-chatting.

Leong added:

"She told me before she passed that she had lived a meaningful and fulfilling life. She also assured our children that she will continue to look out for the entire family from heaven."

Koong leaves behind her husband and three children, aged 11 to 15, according to Lianhe Wanbao.

Tribute by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong

On Sep. 9, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong took to Facebook to offer his condolences to Koong's family.

In his Facebook post, Goh shared that the "health service has lost someone in the prime of her life", adding that Koong had been a "key figure in bridging the gap between social and medical services in Marine Parade".

Correct me if I am wrong, I don't think people were getting vaccinated in Singapore in Sept 2020 right?

 

[sweetiepie]

Yes Dr Richard Teo. My classmate.



From my own interactions with Richard I would say that part of his "sharing" was also his last chance to "boast" about himself. And as you see in the next video, it does the medical profession an injustice. What he "shared" may not even be totally true in terms of how "rich" he portrayed himself to be.

Go figure.

Yes Dr Richard Teo. My classmate.



From my own interactions with Richard I would say that part of his "sharing" was also his last chance to "boast" about himself. And as you see in the next video, it does the medical profession an injustice. What he "shared" may not even be totally true in terms of how "rich" he portrayed himself to be.

Go figure.

Thanks for sharing KNN my uncle think this is a verlee good lesson to human beings not just loctors KNN BTW my uncle humble leecomendation to loctor wong is if don't want people to think they are verlee rich try not to put on bow tie KNN like doctor siew my uncle can see he is not verlee rich KNN

 

[sweetiepie]

KNN got another young loctor just died leecentlee

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/34-year-old-singaporean-doctor-dies-after-8-year-battle-epilepsy

 

[nayr69sg]

KNN got another young loctor just died leecentlee

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/34-year-old-singaporean-doctor-dies-after-8-year-battle-epilepsy

Sounds like they were struggling financially very badly. Very sad.

34-year-old Singaporean doctor dies after 8-year battle with epilepsy​

AUGUST 14, 2021PUBLISHED AT 12:30 AMByCANDICE CAIASIAONE

Lianhe Zaobao






After having to live with a serious epileptic condition for the past eight years, a young Singaporean doctor succumbed to the rare neurological disorder on National Day (Aug 9), leaving her grieving husband and family to cope with the loss.
Prior to her death, 34-year-old Serene Tan had been working at Singapore's public hospitals and polyclinics, serving in the emergency rooms of Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, as well as at Woodlands Polyclinic.
More from AsiaOneRead the condensed version of this story, and other top stories with NewsLite.
Tan's husband Lu Zheng Ping told Lianhe Wanbao in an interview that his wife's symptoms began to appear towards the end of 2013, where she often complained of dizziness and fainted on multiple occasions.
About six months later, she was diagnosed as suffering from a neurological disorder known as frontal lobe epilepsy.
According to online medical sources, frontal lobe epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures arising from the frontal lobes of the brain, which govern motor action, speech and behaviour. The onset of a seizure may be associated with impaired awareness and may progress to more serious conditions where a person temporarily loses consciousness.
Lu, a freelance writer, added that Tan's journey with the condition had been marked by ups and downs in the past eight years. Despite the best efforts of her medical team, complications arising from her condition kept returning.

Took a turn for the worse​

Things were looking up for a short while when suddenly in 2019, her health took a turn for the worse. Repeated falls caused by her frequent seizures caused her to suffer multiple fractures and bleeding cuts all over her body.
"From being able to walk and take care of herself, she became completely bed-bound in the last two years," said Lu. Tan needed help for simple day-to-day activities such going to the toilet, showering and washing her hair. Her condition also began to alter her personality, said her husband.
Lu added that the type of epilepsy which Tan suffered from was a "rare and dangerous" form, according to doctors who could not fully explain her condition. "They only said that it was extremely difficult to treat and only one per cent of patients with epilepsy present such symptoms," he added.
Lu and Tan had met at university in 2007, when Lu was studying engineering and Tan was in medical school. They dated for many years before finally tying the knot in 2017, before Tan's health deteriorated.
According to the Chinese daily, Tan had been an outstanding medical professional who won an award in 2013 — her first year of being a doctor. The SingHealth Academy award was given to outstanding resident doctors who performed within the top 10 per cent of their cohort. Before becoming a doctor, she was also an active volunteer with charities such as the Red Cross.

Dr Serene Tan. PHOTO: LinkedIn
Lu added that Tan had been formulating guidelines for aesthetic medicine until her condition became worse and she could no longer continue working. "But even when she was sick, she still showed her care and concern for us," said Lu.
Lu shared that the last text that his wife sent him was a request to sing her her favourite song, There are Lovers in the World. The Mandopop duet, first released in 1995, was sung by Taiwanese singers Wakin Chau and Chyi Yu.
"Her message also said 'I'm ready, waiting for you'," he said.
Tan had been suffering from seizures several times a week recently, with her body gradually growing weaker, said Lu, but he added that she was very lucid right before she passed.
"I held her and coaxed her to sleep on National Day. That was the last time we slept on the same bed together and she left peacefully after. I believe she is waiting for me in heaven," he said.

Tan in hospital in 2019. PHOTO: YouTube/Giveasia Kindness
In order to cope with the medical cost of her treatment and hospitalisation for the past few years, Lu had turned to fundraising platform Give.Asia twice in 2017 and in 2019 for help, reported the Chinese evening daily. The efforts raised $34,136 and $15,712 respectively.
Lu wrote on the fundraising page in 2019: "As I'm pulled several ways with my writing work and caring for her, I'm barely able to take the time needed to bring her for appointments and outings. What money I earn is quickly spent on rent, food and medication."
He said: "Thankfully, Serene's friends and members of the public have been very generous with their help." Lu added that despite the difficulties, giving up on Tan was never an option.
"It's just like our wedding vows. In sickness and in health, we have to treasure each other and care for one another. She's the one I chose, and I don't want to have any regrets."

 

[nayr69sg]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/serene-t/?originalSubdomain=sg

@sweetiepie

Serene tan is not a Dr. She is a nurse clinician.

Nurse Clinician​

Full-time​

Dates EmployedFeb 2014 – Jan 2017​

Employment Duration3 yrs​

LocationSingapore, Singapore​

I was the in-charge nurse on Plastic Surgery and reconstructive surgery including aesthetics, craniofacial, and cleft and I oversaw and managed a number of clinical and support staff in patient care activities while maintaining a high level of staff morale and professionalism.

I was also overall in charge of clinical duties and was responsible for coordinating, directing, and evaluating patient care activities to ensure high delivery of care.

 

[Balls2U]

Cancer patients who go for chemo are as good as throwing in the towel in the fight against the illness. They'll stand a better chance by trying alternative medicine and natural herbs. My friend's uncle who was diagnosed with liver cancer in the early 90s and was given only 6 months to live, stopped all medical treatments and sought his own cure. He traveled to China, India and Tibet to try all sorts of herbs and unorthodox treatments. And he's still alive and kicking today. The doctor who told him that he had six months left had kicked the bucket 13 years ago.

 

[nayr69sg]

Cancer patients who go for chemo are as good as throwing in the towel in the fight against the illness. They'll stand a better chance by trying alternative medicine and natural herbs. My friend's uncle who was diagnosed with liver cancer in the early 90s and was given only 6 months to live, stopped all medical treatments and sought his own cure. He traveled to China, India and Tibet to try all sorts of herbs and unorthodox treatments. And he's still alive and kicking today. The doctor who told him that he had six months left had kicked the bucket 13 years ago.

I willing to bet Your friend's uncle actually did not have liver cancer lah. Was some other problem. I may be wrong of course. But I willing to put a bet. Lol!

 

[syed putra]

Another dr who chose not to continue with cancer treatment.

Perhaps because she witnessed too many failures, heartache and broken promises.

 

[syed putra]

Cancer patients who go for chemo are as good as throwing in the towel in the fight against the illness. They'll stand a better chance by trying alternative medicine and natural herbs. My friend's uncle who was diagnosed with liver cancer in the early 90s and was given only 6 months to live, stopped all medical treatments and sought his own cure. He traveled to China, India and Tibet to try all sorts of herbs and unorthodox treatments. And he's still alive and kicking today. The doctor who told him that he had six months left had kicked the bucket 13 years ago.

Indian food is good for you. Like guinness stout.

 

[Semaj2357]

Thanks for sharing KNN my uncle think this is a verlee good lesson to human beings not just loctors KNN BTW my uncle humble leecomendation to loctor wong is if don't want people to think they are verlee rich try not to put on bow tie KNN like doctor siew my uncle can see he is not verlee rich KNN

hanor, I oso put on bow-tie, vest and mustafa jacket when moonlighting as premier teksi driver wat.
jin sakti when I go into petrol station to fuel ten - as the attendants sedia and cashier tabek me wan

 

[Balls2U]

Indian food is good for you. Like guinness stout.

I agree. Rasam is the best!

 

[Balls2U]

I willing to bet Your friend's uncle actually did not have liver cancer lah. Was some other problem. I may be wrong of course. But I willing to put a bet. Lol!

It was definitely liver cancer. I will find out from him what he actually took that healed him and update you later.