SIBU: At just 26, Yeo Ting Wen was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After six rounds of chemotherapy brought her disease under control, the cancer returned in September this year. She now urgently needs RM50,000 to continue treatment and fight for her life.

Yeo was diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL) in March 2025. When she first developed breathing difficulties, she was rushed to Sibu Hospital before being airlifted to Kuching Hospital for her first chemotherapy session. She received the remaining five sessions in Sibu.

“I completed my last chemotherapy session in September last year; a PET-CT scan in November showed that the tumour had disappeared. I thought I could finally recover in peace, but in September this year, I started coughing and experiencing abdominal pain and bloody stools. Doctors suspected that the cancer had returned,” she said.

Yeo was admitted to Sibu Hospital again on October 4. After experiencing rectal bleeding and low blood counts, she required two units of blood transfusion. Her next round of chemotherapy depends on her condition stabilising.

She said doctors had warned her that the cancer could return, but she never expected it to happen so soon.

“The cancer is spreading quickly, and my condition is serious. I never expected it to come back so suddenly,” she said.

Although she has always been healthy, Yeo now faces a difficult battle. Chemotherapy has been physically painful, especially when her white blood cell count drops. She admitted that she had considered giving up but decided to keep fighting because she is still young.

“I have wondered why this had to happen to me at such a young age. But I told myself that since it has happened, I should give treatment another chance. I can only take things one step at a time and hope to overcome the disease,” she said.

Beyond the physical challenges, the financial burden has become increasingly difficult. Yeo works as an administrative clerk for a traditional Chinese medicine wholesaler, earning RM1,800 a month. Beyond daily expenses, she must pay her car loan and contribute to her mother’s living costs.

Her parents are currently unemployed; her father relies on his retirement pension, and her 16-year-old brother is still in school. Her five elder sisters are married and have their own families to support.

“My family is helpless, but they are still trying to raise money for me. I know everyone has their own responsibilities, and I don’t want them to worry too much,” she said.

Last year, Yeo received a one-off RM8,000 payout under Malaysia’s MySalam health protection scheme. The hospital also covered some of her previous treatment costs. However, the medication required following her relapse is different, and she must now pay part of the cost herself.

Although she has applied for available assistance, she remains uncertain about how to cover her upcoming medical and living expenses.

“There are times when I feel lost and helpless, but I keep telling myself to stay strong and take things one step at a time,” she said.

CCEP Foundation CEO Yvonne Yee said PMBCL is a type of lymphoma that typically develops in the upper chest, where a tumour can press against surrounding structures and cause symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort and breathing difficulties.

She said doctors have recommended three cycles of chemotherapy for Yeo, with each cycle involving six doses of medication and costing RM9,300.

If the cancer responds well to treatment, Yeo may need to travel to a hospital in Peninsular Malaysia for further assessment and an autologous stem cell transplant, also known as an autologous bone marrow transplant.

“We hope to raise RM50,000 to cover her chemotherapy and other medical costs, as well as air tickets, treatment and daily expenses for her and her mother to travel to West Malaysia. Her condition is worsening, and treatment cannot be delayed. However, she cannot afford these expenses on her own,” Yee said

As Yeo Ting Wen is currently very weak, she needs her mother’s care and support. Her mother will also need to accompany her throughout her treatment in West Malaysia.

Sin Chew Daily (Southern Sarawak): https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/news/20261029/sarawak/8011404

See Hua Daily News Online: News link: https://news.seehua.com/post/1593615/

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