Told He Could Die in Just Months, This 27-Year-Old Is 'More Positive About Life Now'

Channel News Asia ^ | 25 Nov 2024 | Vanessa Lim

[nickcarraway]

In the first part of a trilogy on When Death Comes Knocking, CNA's Vanessa Lim meets cancer patient Afif Yusli, who fought back from being unable to speak and walk - only to be dealt what some might see as the worst hand of all.

Meeting Afif Yusli for the first time, it's not immediately obvious that he's sick, let alone battling a terminal disease. The lean 27-year-old moves around nimbly, with no obvious signs of pain or discomfort. And unlike what some might expect of a cancer patient, he has a full head of hair and is unencumbered by medical devices.

Initially soft-spoken and reserved, he warmed up after a while, revealing a boyish charm and a penchant for wry dashes of humour. But as the conversation started to flow, it became noticeable how he would often stop mid-sentence and struggle to find the right expression. “What is that word again? That thing they put you on when they take you out of the ambulance?”

“These days, I’m feeling quite … what’s that word? Not 'happy', it’s more 'okay-ish'.” The film student was diagnosed with glioblastoma in April. It is a grade four brain tumour - the most aggressive and serious type - and has a poor prognosis.

[montag813]

(too lazy to post Monty Python gifs)

[DesertRhino]

Sad…. And food for thought.

[tired&retired]

My cancer surgeon was surprised at my answer when he ask if I was afraid. In our presurgery consult to remove over half of my left lung and a large cancer mass, I replied NO, and smiled.

I died before and I’m ready to die again. It was so absolutely wonderful that I’m ready to return to Heaven again.

My wife, who is also a Dr. At the hospital spoke up and warned me not to tell him that or he might refuse to do the surgery, in fear that I might ruin his statistics.

We all laughed, and I replied that I understand he is the top surgeon in the world at VATS surgery, having discovered the techniques back in 1999. I’m happy no matter the outcome as God is in control.

A few days later, he began the surgery at 6:30 am and was finished by 11 am. They were taking me off the ventilator by pulling the tubes, and he told me afterward that I became agitated and fought them.

They pulled the tubes and I refused to start breathing so they hooked me up to the ventilator. Five hours later at 4 pm I returned to my body, feeling fine.

I thanked the surgeon for my extra five hours in Heaven, but they sent me back again.

Within two days I was out of the hospital, no medications or restrictions. (I used IV Tylenol after surgery rather than opiates for pain).

We are souls experiencing these physical bodies, we are not these physical bodies. I did not die when I left my body.