Taiwan Today

Vice President Vincent Siew is on the mend following his lung cancer operation and should be discharged from Taipei Veterans General Hospital in the next few days. The hospital medical team removed Siew’s final chest drainage tube May 31, and his temperature, blood pressure, respiration, pulse and diet are all reported to be normal. He is also said to be moving freely again and in high spirits. The hospital said that as a precaution, doctors consider it necessary to observe Siew for a few more days. If his condition continues to improve, he should be able to leave hospital soon. No final decision has been reached as to whether the vice president will be required to undergo preventative chemotherapy or targeted therapy—a decision that will depend on his condition after he has left hospital. Siew went under the knife at Taipei Veterans General Hospital May 20. Seven days later, the results of pathological sections on his tumors showed he had stage 3 cancer. The vice president reportedly remained composed and took a positive view of his situation. One of Siew’s doctors said he had been a most cooperative patient. The vice president’s wife, Susan Chu, confirmed Siew was feeling better and would be out of hospital this week. However, she said it is uncertain when he will be fit to return to work. A devout Christian, Susan Chu yesterday attended the 2009 Global Day of Prayer, held at Taipei 101, where more than 600 people prayed for the nation. The presiding priest also asked those present to pray for the vice president. Chu said that on the eve of the operation, she asked Siew if he was afraid. Sounding relaxed, the vice president replied that he was not. He said that even though he is not a Christian, he had entrusted his life to God and the medical team.