KUALA LUMPUR: National football legend Khalid Ali is facing an unexpected test when he was diagnosed with lung cancer recently.
Narrating the moments before being diagnosed, the former national midfielder said the oxygen level in his body had dropped to 40 per cent after standing and walking for three to four hours.
Khalid, who was one of the key players in Malaysia's success in qualifying for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, said his weight also dropped dramatically by 17kg within a month-and-a-half due to a loss of appetite.
"I may appear strong, but I also need prayers from everyone, friends and fans... who knows, one person's prayer can help heal me.
"Today, the Subang Jaya Medical Centre contacted me and told me that the results (regarding cancer) are in, and I need to see a doctor on April 10," he said.
According to him, the appointment with the doctor on April 10 is to get a final decision before starting treatment.
"Many gave ideas and advice to try traditional treatment and so on, but I think let's wait for the doctor's decision first. After that, I will know which direction to take," he said.
In the meantime, Khalid, who is also an observer and critic of local football, is thankful that he still has the strength to go through fasting (this Ramadan), and is even excited to wake up for sahur (the pre-dawn meal).
"Alhamdulillah, I am able to fast. I only could not do it for three days because I had to undergo endoscopy and a CT (computerised tomography) scan.
"I wake up in the morning (for sahur) to eat dates, drink milk and take medicine," said the 65-year-old.
The former Selangor and Kuala Lumpur player expressed his gratitude to the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) for helping him to manage and cover his treatment cost. --Bernama