CHAPTER 102

2025-11-06

Looking back, I realize that some of the life experiences and habits I formed while living in Hong Kong helped me later when preparing for surgery and recovering from it in Canada.

First, in terms of accepting and adjusting to the idea of undergoing surgery, I had already experienced three minor operations within three years (from 1981 to 1984). So when I learned in 2000, while in Canada, that I needed to have my gallbladder removed, I wasn’t worried about the surgery itself—only about whether the polyp inside my gallbladder might turn cancerous.

It wasn’t until a week before the operation that my surgeon, Dr. Mui, explained something important: bile is a highly corrosive fluid and cannot be allowed to touch other organs. Therefore, they couldn’t take a biopsy of the gallbladder to confirm whether the polyp was cancerous. To be safe—better to remove than to risk leaving cancer cells—the operation would include removing the portion of the liver connected to the gallbladder to prevent possible spread of cancer cells from the gallbladder to the liver.

After learning this, I still didn’t feel particularly anxious; I only thought about applying for extended sick leave from my workplace.

The diagnosis of gallbladder cancer came only after the operation, during a follow-up visit. Because I hadn’t known beforehand, I didn’t suffer much psychological pressure. Four years later, when I learned I had developed liver cancer, I worried about the cancer itself but not much about the surgery risks, since by then I already had enough “rehearsal” and experience.

The surgeries I had in Hong Kong included removal of my tonsils and my appendix. In addition, during middle school gymnastics class, while practicing a back bridge (arching the abdomen upward), I injured my spine and was unable to attend PE classes or do exercise for nearly a year. Besides seeing traditional Chinese bone-setting doctors (to no effect) and orthopedic doctors, I eventually recovered after being inspired by a friend to start walking slowly, which later progressed to jogging. (The appendix and back injury stories are told in other essays.)

The reason for removing my tonsils was this: Hong Kong’s air pollution, temperature, humidity, and hygiene conditions were unfavorable for patients with ear, nose, and throat issues. The men in my family frequently suffered from colds, coughs, and throat infections, often requiring antibiotics. By high school, I was having flare-ups every six weeks to two months.

The inflamed tonsils in my throat developed scars and small holes that trapped bacteria, making infections hard to eliminate. When inflamed, white spots often appeared, and I needed antibiotics frequently. My attending physician, Dr. Lam—a Fujianese—observed the situation and often gave a short, simple recommendation: “Remove them.” The benefit, he said, was that once the tonsils were gone, they wouldn’t get inflamed again; the downside was losing one line of defense, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate deeper. My parents eventually agreed.

After my third-year university finals, I underwent the tonsillectomy at Tung Wah Eastern Hospital. When I woke up, I could feel that my mouth and throat had been stretched open. The tonsils on both sides were gone—suctioned out. Other than that, there were no external wounds.

To avoid burning or irritating the surgical wounds, I could only eat liquid food. I was discharged after one week, having eaten only cold oatmeal with milk, ice cream, and jelly for two consecutive weeks. It actually felt quite good.

During my stay, there were two South Asian preschool boys in the same ward. They didn’t wear head coverings, were very lively and talkative, and often shouted something that sounded like “Iron Man’s butt!” (I might have misheard, but couldn’t verify.) Their antics made me laugh and brightened my hospital stay. Their family even brought mangoes when visiting, which I found odd because mangoes are considered a “hot and damp” food in Chinese belief—unsuitable after surgery. But perhaps their bodies could adapt due to different cultural backgrounds.