Finding comfort and hope at MSH

In the fall of 2019, Frank had a gut feeling that something was wrong. He just wasn’t feeling like himself and knew he had to get it checked out.

Imagine receiving a cancer diagnosis—not just once, but twice

In the fall of 2019, Frank had a gut feeling that something was wrong. He just wasn’t feeling like himself and knew he had to get it checked out. A FIT test and follow up colonoscopy confirmed his worst fears—at the age of 54, he had colorectal cancer.

Within three days of his diagnosis, Frank was referred to Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) to begin cancer care. “For the next several months, MSH became the most important place in the world to me,” Frank says. “MSH is where my amazing team worked tirelessly to save my life.”

A CT scan and MRI at MSH confirmed that Frank needed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Frank had a lot to process, but he knew he was in good hands. “My surgeon, Dr. Simon Yang, was as friendly as he was talented. He took care of me like I was family.”

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Frank Wang and Dr. Simon Yang

Finding comfort and hope at MSH

Frank’s surgery was followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy. His treatment started right at the beginning of the pandemic and Frank remembers the lonely feeling of walking into the Cancer Centre at MSH by himself. He was grateful, however, that he didn’t find himself alone for long. “The nurses used humour and warm smiles to comfort and reassure me. They were there by my side when my family couldn’t be,” Frank recalls.

Five months after completing chemotherapy, Frank found himself back at MSH’s Emergency Department (ED)—this time with an intestinal blockage. A CT scan found a tumour in his liver. Sadly, the cancer had returned, leaving Frank in a state of shock. The ED doctor immediately contacted Frank’s oncologist, Dr. Sam Babak, who reassured Frank that there was already a treatment plan in place.

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For me and every person who turned to MSH for life-saving care. Your support is a big part of the reason our community has access to the equipment we need to be diagnosed and treated—it’s what gives cancer patients like me hope.

Frank Wang

On the road to recovery

Today, Frank is embracing his new outlook as a cancer survivor. “I’m doing okay. I’m still weak—even grocery shopping is exhausting—but I’m here to enjoy every minute with my family. I’m alive and able to share my story with you, thanks to the quick actions of my health care team at MSH.”

Looking back, Frank notes that every single one of his diagnoses began with a visit to MSH. He had four major surgeries at the hospital and countless diagnostic tests including CT scans, MRIs, stress tests, ultrasounds, and more. “No matter what happens, I know the health care team at MSH will take care of me. They’ll take care of your family too.”

After everything Frank went through during his patient journey, from his diagnoses to implementing his treatment plan, he is grateful that MSH continues to invest in cutting-edge equipment and technology that enhances patient care and saves lives.

“Technology is always evolving—getting better and better for the benefit of us all.”

Generous community support ensures that our hospital will keep pace with innovative technology so our loved ones, friends, and neighbours always have access to the best tools and expert care that saves lives.

“Donors like you were there for me too,” says Frank. “For me and every person who turned to MSH for life-saving care. Your support is a big part of the reason our community has access to the equipment we need to be diagnosed and treated—it’s what gives cancer patients like me hope.”