Supporting the Tung Family
Donation protected
The purpose of this page is to share our story and updates of our beloved Dad's recent turn of events...
Our Dad turned 60 years old on Feb. 4th and we celebrated with a family trip to Japan. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience. However, an underlying problem we had was his continuous nosebleed before and during the trip. Our family doctor told him that it was just a nose infection.
When we came back from our vacation, my mom and dad decided to self-isolate. The build-up in his nose, which we thought was just dried-up or clogged blood, became larger and he started experiencing significant pain in his bottom right abdomen. This marks the beginning of our short journey so far...
March 9 - Dad went to emergency at Vancouver General Hospital, they did a CT scan and right away we were told that we needed to come back 2 days later for a biopsy scan with the nasal specialist. At that point, they briefly mentioned the shadows in his nose looked like a cancerous tumour. It was unknown what type or what stage but we were told that it was advanced and spreading fast.
March 11 - First biopsy test happened but results were inconclusive and that evening we were told he needed to come back for a more thorough sample.
March 12 - Second biopsy happened and it was a lot more painful. I was at my Dad's side during the procedure and it was the scariest surgical procedure I have ever been a part of.
March 14 - We decided to go back to emergency because his pain was not getting any better and we needed help ASAP to get his pain controlled. Because we traveled less than 14 days ago we were blessed with a private room to quarantine.
As days went by, scan after scan (CT & MRI) it was bad news after another. They found masses in his liver, lungs, gall bladder and spine. Weakness started developing in his left arm and quickly spread to his legs in what seemed like only a few hours. Every day, we saw a decline, but stayed hopeful to see him come home. In just a few days, he went from supervised walking for 10-15 minutes to using a 2 wheeled walker with assistance.
March 26 - Finally stable enough. Dad was discharged home and was happy to be back home.
March 27 to 30 - Dad went from being picky about food, walking with assistance, and trouble sleeping, to barely swallowing his pills, not being able to eat and sit up, and not responding to us when we talked to him.
March 30 - Called 911 to take Dad into the hospital because he was no longer responding or aware. Admitted to Burnaby Hospital's palliative care unit where we were told that his potassium levels were dangerously high. His decline was so significant that the doctors told us we need to be prepared and his condition may or may not be able to be reversed. All the nurses and doctors there were so caring and nice. We are so thankful for all their compassion, support, and care to our family.
Our dad has always been the breadwinner of the family. He selflessly works hard in everything he does and always brings the best out of every family member. He is a strong foundation to our family and we always turn to him to lead our family. During this COVID-19 crisis and because of Dad's advanced stage of cancer, treatment options have become very limited. We had several appointments this week to see the oncologist, take him to a PET scan and start radiation therapy treatment and have needed to put it on hold for the time being as his health condition has presented more complications.
Our goal is to try to raise enough money to offset our family's loss of income from our dad and our family members. We are hoping for assistance with the remaining balance on our mortgage, and prepare for future funeral services as we have not made preparations up until this point. Mom and Dad will both be reassured that these affairs are arranged when that time comes. Funding support also grants our family more time to spend with Dad and each other during this difficult time.
Presently, it is unknown whether there are other treatment options to consider but we are willing to undergo any treatment available to allow more time to spend as a family. We would appreciate any help you are able to provide. If you are unable to provide, please help us by sharing with others.
Thank you kindly.
- Tung Family
Our Dad turned 60 years old on Feb. 4th and we celebrated with a family trip to Japan. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience. However, an underlying problem we had was his continuous nosebleed before and during the trip. Our family doctor told him that it was just a nose infection.
When we came back from our vacation, my mom and dad decided to self-isolate. The build-up in his nose, which we thought was just dried-up or clogged blood, became larger and he started experiencing significant pain in his bottom right abdomen. This marks the beginning of our short journey so far...
March 9 - Dad went to emergency at Vancouver General Hospital, they did a CT scan and right away we were told that we needed to come back 2 days later for a biopsy scan with the nasal specialist. At that point, they briefly mentioned the shadows in his nose looked like a cancerous tumour. It was unknown what type or what stage but we were told that it was advanced and spreading fast.
March 11 - First biopsy test happened but results were inconclusive and that evening we were told he needed to come back for a more thorough sample.
March 12 - Second biopsy happened and it was a lot more painful. I was at my Dad's side during the procedure and it was the scariest surgical procedure I have ever been a part of.
March 14 - We decided to go back to emergency because his pain was not getting any better and we needed help ASAP to get his pain controlled. Because we traveled less than 14 days ago we were blessed with a private room to quarantine.
As days went by, scan after scan (CT & MRI) it was bad news after another. They found masses in his liver, lungs, gall bladder and spine. Weakness started developing in his left arm and quickly spread to his legs in what seemed like only a few hours. Every day, we saw a decline, but stayed hopeful to see him come home. In just a few days, he went from supervised walking for 10-15 minutes to using a 2 wheeled walker with assistance.
March 26 - Finally stable enough. Dad was discharged home and was happy to be back home.
March 27 to 30 - Dad went from being picky about food, walking with assistance, and trouble sleeping, to barely swallowing his pills, not being able to eat and sit up, and not responding to us when we talked to him.
March 30 - Called 911 to take Dad into the hospital because he was no longer responding or aware. Admitted to Burnaby Hospital's palliative care unit where we were told that his potassium levels were dangerously high. His decline was so significant that the doctors told us we need to be prepared and his condition may or may not be able to be reversed. All the nurses and doctors there were so caring and nice. We are so thankful for all their compassion, support, and care to our family.
Our dad has always been the breadwinner of the family. He selflessly works hard in everything he does and always brings the best out of every family member. He is a strong foundation to our family and we always turn to him to lead our family. During this COVID-19 crisis and because of Dad's advanced stage of cancer, treatment options have become very limited. We had several appointments this week to see the oncologist, take him to a PET scan and start radiation therapy treatment and have needed to put it on hold for the time being as his health condition has presented more complications.
Our goal is to try to raise enough money to offset our family's loss of income from our dad and our family members. We are hoping for assistance with the remaining balance on our mortgage, and prepare for future funeral services as we have not made preparations up until this point. Mom and Dad will both be reassured that these affairs are arranged when that time comes. Funding support also grants our family more time to spend with Dad and each other during this difficult time.
Presently, it is unknown whether there are other treatment options to consider but we are willing to undergo any treatment available to allow more time to spend as a family. We would appreciate any help you are able to provide. If you are unable to provide, please help us by sharing with others.
Thank you kindly.
- Tung Family
Organizer
Sarah Tung
Organizer
Coquitlam, BC