The Walking Passport: Alice's Global Journey with ROS1+ Cancer

Alice was misdiagnosed with asthma and pneumonia before discovering her lung cancer

I'm Alice, 39, a full-on extrovert and a walking passport! Born in Malaysia, raised in Thailand, learned Chinese in Taiwan, got my Master's in IT in France, and now sipping tea in the UK like a retired Bond villain. I love travel and cooking (sometimes edible!). I speak Thai, English, and enough Chinese to nail bubble tea orders. Currently learning Korean - blame the K-dramas!

When I received my diagnosis in 2018, it was Stage IV ROS1+ lung cancer. I had been experiencing a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and coughing up liquid. Before my lung cancer diagnosis, I was initially misdiagnosed with asthma in Thailand and later with pneumonia in the UK. I was treated in hospital for pneumonia for about two months before further tests revealed that I had cancer. Despite treatments, my symptoms persisted until further investigations led to the correct diagnosis.

For me, self-care is all about staying connected to what makes me happy and keeps me grounded. That means spending time cooking (even if my dishes don't always turn out perfect!), traveling whenever I can, and laughing with friends who keep my spirits high. Living with lung cancer has taught me the power of resilience, hope, and the importance of laughter even on tough days.

"Lung cancer doesn't discriminate — it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or lifestyle. You're not alone, and life can still be full of amazing moments worth fighting for.”