A commando’s final mission: Defeating cancer

SHAH ALAM – A former commando from Bangi continues to battle cancer with unwavering determination after being diagnosed with the disease in 2023.

Mohd Azuan Asmuni, 40, once renowned for his agility and active lifestyle, was a frequent competitor and winner in several triathlon events before being forced to retire from the sport to focus on his treatment and recovery.

His wife, Salwani Suhaida Mukhtar, 46, shared that her husband’s life as a retired soldier changed completely following the diagnosis.

Azuan was actively involved in triathlon events when he was healthy. Photo courtesy of Mohd Azuan Asmu

However, she revealed that he has never faltered, continuing to fight the illness over the past three years.

“My husband underwent chemotherapy at Ampang Hospital before undergoing a transplant. However, he subsequently suffered complications, including lung infections, blood in the urine and ulcers,” Salwani told Sinar on Wednesday.

She explained that Azuan is currently battling Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), a post-transplant complication where the donor's immune cells attack the recipient's body.

The condition has caused his vision to blur, his hearing to deteriorate and has left him unable to walk long distances due to severe breathlessness.

In December, Azuan was placed under sedation for three days after experiencing acute chronic lung issues.

The shift in his physical state has been stark; Salwani recalled his peak athletic years when he completed an Ironman in approximately ten hours and served as a member of the Malaysian Armed Forces' extreme sports group.

Azuan’s physical prowess was legendary within the military community. He once set a record as the first individual to conquer Mount Tahan in just six hours and 29 minutes and was accustomed to running three to five kilometres daily.

Salwani admitted it is heartbreaking to witness his health decline, noting that his weight has dropped drastically and his skin has darkened—a common side effect of intensive chemotherapy.

Despite his physical weakness, she expressed immense pride in his resilience, noting that he still insists on managing his own needs, including performing his daily prayers.

The couple’s three children, aged ten, eight and four, serve as Azuan’s primary motivation.

“As a wife, I am not always strong, but I have to remain composed because he depends on me for hospital visits and check-ups. Our children are our strength,” Salwani said.

To support others, Azuan has begun sharing his cancer journey on social media.

His goal is to raise awareness about health care, nutrition, and the mental perseverance required during treatment.

“I told my husband that his experience with cancer and the transplant is something ordinary people may not understand, so sharing it could help others,” Salwani added.

She noted that when her husband goes "live" on social media, many viewers are fellow chemotherapy patients seeking encouragement.

Both Salwani and Azuan hope that by sharing their story, they can inspire other patients to find strength and never lose hope, regardless of their circumstances.