Heng's Story
Heng met Wendy when both were in college and fell in love with her right away. When Wendy told him she had hepatitis B, he got tested and found out he was already protected from the virus. They later married and had children. When Wendy’s mom passed away from liver cancer, Heng and Wendy realized the virus can have serious consequences and began learning about the importance of monitoring and medical care for people living with chronic hepatitis B. Heng continues to love Wendy unconditionally and support her in living a healthy life.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
Heng mentions in his story that “his body was already protected” from hepatitis B. What does he mean by this? (Through a blood test, Heng confirmed that he was already immune, or protected from, the hepatitis B virus. A person can be protected from the virus if they completed the hepatitis B vaccination series, or if they recovered from a past hepatitis B infection.)
When Wendy’s mother dies of liver cancer, what changes for Heng and Wendy? (They realize the importance of educating themselves about hepatitis B, because if not managed correctly, hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer or other serious complications. Wendy and Heng live active lifestyles and a knowledgeable doctor monitors Wendy regularly for her hepatitis B.)
What are Heng’s views about the importance of hepatitis B, in his and Wendy’s life? (He understands that while awareness is important, their relationship is defined by love, not by Wendy’s hepatitis B status.)