A simple yet heartwarming birthday celebration recently took place in the ward of the International Minimally Invasive Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Guangzhou Fuxing Chancheng Hospital (Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital), affiliated with Guangdong Pharmaceutical University. The medical staff gathered to celebrate the birthday of Hela (pseudonym), an oncology patient from Indonesia, presenting her with a birthday hat, flowers, and candles.
Facing a Crisis: Battling Cancer and Seeking Cross-Border Specialized Care
One month ago, 68-year-old Hela was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. Seeking more comfortable minimally invasive treatment, she traveled from Indonesia to our International Minimally Invasive Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment Center upon a friend’s recommendation.
Upon admission, Hela had a large right pleural effusion and, due to her larger build, experienced significant difficulty moving. The medical team promptly performed a thoracentesis to drain the fluid. Following a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation, a personalized treatment plan was developed, involving contrast imaging, perfusion therapy, and embolization. The procedure went smoothly, resulting in a significant improvement in her pleural effusion.
A Journey of Thousands of Miles: A Two-Way Bond of Care Between Patient and Medical Team
Traveling thousands of miles for treatment in a foreign country, Hela felt uneasy despite having family by her side. However, the compassionate attitude of the staff at the International Minimally Invasive Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment Center made her feel at home, easing her anxiety and sense of unfamiliarity.
To bridge the language barrier and help her adapt to the local environment, the center arranged dedicated interpreters to assist Hela and her family throughout the treatment and care process. Nurses proactively downloaded translation apps to ensure smooth daily communication and quickly build rapport. Whenever Hela needed to move around, nurses accompanied her, providing attentive support.
After 20 days of meticulous treatment and care, Hela's condition was brought under control.
A Shared Wish: Light Ahead, Warmth from the Start
Before her discharge, Head Nurse Tan Xiumei learned that Hela’s birthday was approaching. Together with the medical team, she organized a simple but warm birthday party, complete with flowers, cake, and heartfelt wishes, filling the entire ward with a cozy and uplifting atmosphere.
Moved by the thoughtfully prepared celebration, Hela was initially speechless. Head Nurse Tan remarked, “A birthday symbolizes life and hope. We want our patients to leave with more than just memories of treatment—we want them to feel emotional comfort and heartfelt care.”
It is worth noting that celebrating patients' birthdays is just one of many compassionate care initiatives at the International Minimally Invasive Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment Center. Since its opening, the center has consistently integrated humanistic care and patient-centered services throughout the treatment journey, fostering a warm, safe, and comfortable healing environment while building a more harmonious relationship between medical staff and patients.
