First signs and diagnosis: from ignoring to facing reality

In March 2021, I noticed a discharge from my left nipple for the first time. At that time, I did not regard this as a serious problem and even comforted myself that it was just a temporary abnormality of the body. However, as time goes by, the discharge becomes more frequent, and brown blood may even flow out when the breast is accidentally squeezed during sleep. This change made me feel uneasy, and my heart was full of fear and anxiety.

On November 7, 2023, at a hospital in Malaysia, I underwent a left breast cyst removal surgery. However, the postoperative pathological results plunged me into despair—invasive breast tumor, which had already metastasized to the axillary lymph nodes. The doctor recommended another surgery, but I declined. At that moment, I felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness and despair. I couldn't help but ask myself, "Why me? How long do I have to live?"

After returning home, I was immersed in sadness and fear all day, and even began to doubt the value of life. However, there was still a trace of unwillingness struggling deep in my heart: "Should I just give up like this? I still have a family and unfulfilled dreams..."

Group photo with MDT experts

Finding hope: meeting light in darkness

Encouraged by my family and friends, I decided to look for another treatment method. A good friend recommended Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou to me, where her friend received minimally invasive treatment with remarkable results. This news was like a beam of light that illuminated my dark world and rekindled my hope.

Through the International Service Center in Jakarta, I had a remote consultation with experts from Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. The doctor thoroughly answered my questions and developed a preliminary treatment plan for me. At that moment, I felt I was not fighting alone, but had a professional team behind me to support me.

On December 8, 2023, I embarked on a journey to Guangzhou. Although I was still nervous, I knew that this was my only chance to regain my life.

Professionalism and patience: MDT carefully creates personalized treatment plan

After arriving at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I underwent a comprehensive examination. The doctor of MDT told me that among the five indicators of my tumor, CA19-9 was as high as 83.45*u/m1, PET CT showed a residual tumor in the left inner quadrant of the breast (about 2.1X1.6X2.0cm), and suspected metastatic lymph nodes (about 1.0X0.4cm) in the left axilla and deep surface of pectoralis minor. The final diagnosis was T1aN2aM0 stage IIIA Luminal A type invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast, with secondary malignant tumors in the axillary lymph nodes.

When I heard these diagnosis results, my mood fell to the bottom again. However, the doctors calmed my emotions with patience and care. They told me that interventional therapy is a minimally invasive and precise treatment method that can effectively control the recurrence and metastasis of tumors. This rekindled my confidence.

Treatment insights and gains: Defeat cancer in warmth

On December 8, 2023, I received interventional treatment for the first time. The whole process took only 30 minutes, and I was able to get out of bed and walk the next day without any side effects such as nausea and vomiting. During the treatment, I felt the meticulous care of the hospital. The nurses were gentle and patient, and they were able to operate skillfully even though my blood vessels were difficult to find.

The hospital environment also made me feel warm. The MDT is composed of multidisciplinary experts, with efficient collaboration, and doctors and nurses are on duty on time to ensure that patients can get medical help at any time. 

Before interventional treatment

Many patients from Indonesia have become friends with me. We chat, sunbathe in the hospital garden, and encourage each other. This atmosphere made me feel that I was not alone, as if I was in a big family.

The hospital is conveniently located, with halal restaurants and takeaways nearby, making it very friendly to Muslim patients. In addition, the hospital regularly organizes medical trips for patients and their families to participate in and enrich their hospital life. The hospital's insurance reimbursement process is also very convenient and it cooperates with multiple insurance companies. The Alianz insurance I used was reimbursed smoothly, which reduced the financial burden and allowed me to receive treatment with more peace of mind.

Medical trips

In-hospital activities

After several treatments, the MDT brought exciting news: the residual tumor in the left inner quadrant of the breast and the suspected metastatic lymph nodes in the left axilla and deep pectoralis minor muscle had disappeared. At that moment, I was so excited that tears welled up in my eyes as if I had been reborn.

(December 8, 2023) CT before treatment                                      (April 26, 2024) CT after treatment

In December 2024, I return to normal life and travel to Japan

Wishes: Fight cancer bravely and pass on hope

Looking back on this anti-cancer journey, I deeply understand that cancer is not only a test for the body but also a test for the soul. From the initial fear and despair to the subsequent hope and rebirth, I learned how to coexist with the disease and how to find light in the darkness.

The support of my family, the encouragement of my friends, and the professional treatment of my doctors are all important forces for me to defeat cancer. I hope my experience can bring some inspiration and courage to friends who are facing cancer. Although the road to fighting cancer is difficult, as long as we keep a positive attitude and patiently cooperate with treatment, hope is ahead.

I hope that every patient can find a treatment method that suits them, recover soon, and regain a new life.

January 2025 I have become a breast cancer survivor