At the end of senior year in college, most students worry about finding a job or moving on to graduate school. Jimmy Fang had a bigger problem to worry about. At the end of his senior year at the University, his mission became enjoying life, which doctors said would not last more than several months.
Fang, 32, was diagnosed with brain cancer last October. He went to the doctor complaining of headaches after Motrin stopped working and wound up staying at Robert Wood Johnson University hospital for a week undergoing CAT scans.
The student's headaches were caused by a malignant, orange-sized tumor in his brain, which had to be removed immediately.
"I didn't know what I was feeling," Fang said. "Surgery - fine. It's not a problem. Go ahead and do it."
He underwent a craniotomy that removed the cancerous tumor. The surgery was simple because the cancer was enclosed and easy to take out.
Because of the bandage on his head, Fang said his girlfriend Debbie Persaud called him "q-tip head."
He was released from the hospital three days after his surgery.
Four weeks later, Fang's doctor told him he still had cancer. He decided not to go through the radiation, which was optional.
"There was only limited research on brain tumors," he said.
He resumed his normal life and went back to playing tennis, but was weak and took it easy.
Three months after his first surgery his persistent headaches returned.
"I gave the keys to my girlfriend and said 'let's go.'"
Fang and Debbie returned to Robert Wood Johnson, where doctors found a second brain tumor in his occipital lobe.
Fang was diagnosed with grade four Glioblastoma Multiforme - the most progressive type of all primary brain cancers. People with this cancer live an average of 6-10 months. After two years, the chance of surviving is less than ten percent.
"It's the fastest growing type of tumor," Fang said.
He had a second craniotomy in February, a month before he finished his studies at Rutgers for computer science. Fang said he missed a few classes, but he kept up with his studies. After his surgery, his professors were shocked to see him return to class.
He was out of the hospital in three days and opted for further treatment. He completed 42 consecutive days of chemotherapy in conjunction with 30 days of radiation this summer (not including weekends), hoping to slow the growth of his current tumor.
Throughout treatment, Fang's blood work stayed the same. He never became sick. His sense of flavor disappeared for a short period, and he lost some hair. Other than that, he remained healthy.
His friends nicknamed him "Super Fang" because of his healthy nature.
"My blood work was always good … most people get sick from weakening in their immune systems," Fang said. "I guess working out in the gym was really helpful."
Fang said he eats healthy and incorporates a lot of vegetables into his diet.
Although Fang is battling brain cancer, he is living with it.
"I have to give a lot of credit to my girlfriend Debbie," he said.
She stood by him throughout his illness and takes care of things like his medical paperwork, Fang said.
Fang undergoes chemotherapy five days each month, but he doesn't let it stop him from living an enjoyable life.
"I love cooking … it's no problem, even during chemo," he said.
While waiting for his "clear MRI," he spends most of his time playing tennis or running on the treadmill at the gym. He looks for jobs occasionally and does some computer work.
"I'm doing more now, than before my surgery," he said.
"Brain cancer taught me to make improvements in the way I live my life. If you see someone who is feeling down or in trouble, help them up. If you are in a bind and someone helps you, say thank you. Most importantly, if you love someone, let them know. Fight for the things you want in life, because it is a good life and worth living," Fang writes on his Web site.
He lives by his girlfriend's words, "Your attitude determines your altitude."
Fang said he looks at life differently as a cancer patient.
"Before, life was kind of careless," he said. "Now it is like, it's my life. It's not anyone else's. Life is important, live it. Take care of yourself."
On Oct. 29, Fang will be partaking in the "Have a Chance Walk" at the South Street Seaport in downtown Manhattan.
"If Rutgers students want to walk with me, that'd be great," he said.
Fang said the purpose of the walk is to raise money to find more options for better drugs and treatments.
The walk is three miles and crosses the Brooklyn Bridge. Jimmy is looking for support for his team - "Super fang." He has raised almost $1,000 in donations and is halfway to his goal.
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