Amisha (34 at the time) is a breast cancer patient from Indonesia. We will share her experience of seeking treatment in China. Her story is marked by her resilient character and filled with hope.
During a routine company health check-up, the report indicated palpable single or multiple nodules in Amisha's breast. The nodules could merge into sheet-like or cord-like structures, or form masses without clear boundaries, feeling tough yet movable, and were tender to the touch. It was advised she seek immediate hospital examination to prevent potential risks.
At the hospital, the doctor recommended a biopsy to determine if she had cancer. Three days later, Amisha received the biopsy results: she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the tumor was over 8 cm in size.
Subsequent consultations with a breast surgeon provided more information and also brought many factors to consider. Amisha had Stage 1, Grade 3 breast cancer, and the tumor was HER2-positive. Stage 1 indicated the cancer was at an early stage. However, Grade 3 meant the cancer was growing relatively fast, and HER2-positive breast cancer tends to be more aggressive than some other types.
Furthermore, there was the issue of family history. Amisha's mother and an aunt had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Additionally, Amisha had always wanted children, so she had to consider fertility preservation, as some of the treatments she was about to undergo could affect her fertility.
Faced with several major decisions, Amisha conducted extensive online research about breast cancer. She visited several local medical institutions in Indonesia and consulted medical oncologists from different hospitals. Due to the complexity of Amisha's condition and her strong desire for the treatment process not to impact her fertility – she hoped to live a normal life and have children after recovery – several doctors, constrained by local medical equipment and other limitations in Indonesia, could not guarantee curing her breast cancer while completely preserving her fertility.
Recommended by some patient support groups, she learned that Fosun Health Foshan Chancheng Hospital in Guangdong, China, maintains internationally leading standards in breast cancer treatment. The hospital has several experienced breast cancer specialists, proficient in radiotherapy and comprehensive treatment for various malignant tumors, possessing multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment experience from top US cancer centers, and particularly skilled in formulating radiotherapy plans and managing complications for breast cancer.
With her family's support, Amisha decisively decided to go to China immediately to seek world-class medical help.
Assisted by the Fosun International team's Indonesian staff, she began her medical journey in China. Initially arriving in China, Amisha felt uneasy and anxious. At every stage of her treatment, all medical staff and workers were extremely patient, meticulous, and warm, repeatedly explaining her condition and various treatment options in Indonesian, striving to alleviate her anxiety and unease.
At the Fosun Guangdong Foshan Chancheng Hospital International Medical Department, Amisha received collaborative assistance from a top-tier team of doctors across various fields, who developed a comprehensive treatment plan for her. Her attending physician was Dr. Han Liangfu. Based on Amisha's condition and actual circumstances, Dr. Han's medical team recommended a treatment plan starting with chemotherapy followed by surgery. Amisha decided on a bilateral mastectomy after completing chemotherapy. However, the first step involved a fertility specialist retrieving and cryopreserving eggs from her ovaries, enabling future pregnancy possibilities.
On August 2, 2020, shortly after a fertility specialist performed the oocyte retrieval, Amisha began her chemotherapy regimen. The treatment included four rounds of combination therapy with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride and Cyclophosphamide, followed by 12 rounds of Paclitaxel. In addition to these chemotherapy drugs,
After completing chemotherapy in December 2020, Amisha underwent a bilateral mastectomy on January 19, 2021.
Amisha's surgical wound recovery also exceeded expectations; the sutures were very neat and healed rapidly. Amisha had been very worried and anxious about post-operative recovery, breast symmetry, and the aesthetic impact of scars. With continuous encouragement and reassurance from the medical staff, she gradually regained her confidence and ultimately achieved an almost perfect recovery.
Three Recommendations from Dr. Han Liangfu's Medical Team for Breast Cancer Patients
1. Perform Regular Breast Self-Examinations
Oncologist Dr. Han Liangfu stated: "Over the years, I have treated many women whose breast cancer was discovered through self-examinations or examinations by clinicians. These checks helped them achieve early diagnosis, early treatment, and ultimately better treatment outcomes."
2. Don't Be Afraid to Seek Help Breast cancer patients should seek help from people in their lives and from healthcare professionals dedicated to saving their lives.
When talking to doctors, nurses, and other medical team members, discuss not only physical symptoms but also issues like depression and anxiety, which can arise or worsen following a cancer diagnosis.
3. The Importance of Community: Find People Who Understand You
Connect with fellow patients, share experiences, and encourage each other.
Amisha's chemotherapy and mastectomy are long finished. She is currently undergoing a five-year course of Tamoxifen treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Although the surgery achieved "clean margins," indicating all cancer cells were removed, which brought her comfort.
