I had an unexpected guest at my consultation office last week. An impromptu visitor but nonetheless a vaguely familiar face. She is the daughter of one of my patients who accompanied the father to the clinic whenever the situation permitted. And dont get me wrong. She did not neglect her daddy out of choice but instead a filial daughter who made it a point to understand her fathers disease progression clearly from me when she was in town. Long before her father was afflicted with cancer she relocated with her spouse to Vietnam to help manage the familys business. After knowing of her fathers illness she made more frequent trips back home to ensure that the patient is not fighting a lone battle.

In tears, she sadly updated me of her fathers passing in July 2012. She had earlier intended to come personally to show appreciation after his affairs were put together but was hindered by commercial matters overseas. She told me that her father, with the help of TCM, had enjoy life to the fullest during his last six months when he practically accomplished his entire bucket list. His daughter even learnt of his wilful behaviour of continuing to indulge in scant amount of alcohol whilst under TCM treatment from close friends during the wake. Of course, I am partially guilty for this when I categorically told him that with the condition he could ?eat drink and be merry? to his desires. After all he was given around six weeks to live by his attending oncologist.c