At 39 years old, Ms. Zhao (a pseudonym) was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Her story is one of courage, challenges, and intertwined hope.

In March 2022, during the early spring chill, Ms. Zhao discovered a lump in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast. Although it caused no pain or other discomfort, a series of tests revealed it to be invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer.

She underwent a "left breast-conserving surgery with axillary lymph node dissection" at a local oncology hospital. Postoperative pathology confirmed grade II invasive ductal carcinoma, but fortunately, there was no evidence of cancer cells invading the margins or lymph nodes. Ms. Zhao completed seven cycles of chemotherapy, five cycles of concurrent targeted therapy with Herceptin, and 25 rounds of radiotherapy. However, as her body became increasingly drained, she refused to continue further treatment.

By July 2023, Ms. Zhao noticed new nodules in her left axilla. In March 2024, a breast ultrasound showed an unclear structure in the left axillary lymph nodes, suggesting a possible recurrence. Facing this potential recurrence, Ms. Zhao was overcome with despair. Recalling the grueling chemotherapy and targeted therapy from two years prior, she admitted she could not endure it again and was ready to forgo treatment entirely.

At the prime of her life, with her family by her side offering encouragement, glimmers of hope began to rekindle. Her husband, tirelessly searching for alternative solutions, learned about the interventional treatment offered by Dr. Huang Deliang's team at our hospital. This approach promised precise tumor targeting while reducing side effects. Determined, Ms. Zhao and her family traveled hundreds of miles to reach our facility.

Under the guidance of Dr. Huang, Ms. Zhao underwent interventional therapy, which not only effectively controlled her condition but also significantly reduced the burden on her body. With her disease under control, Ms. Zhao experienced a notable improvement in her mindset and emotional well-being. She shared how the compassionate care from nurses helped her navigate the emotional sensitivity brought on by her illness, providing her with great comfort. Before being discharged, Ms. Zhao personally wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter, expressing her gratitude for the warmth and strength she felt during her hospitalization, and her appreciation for our medical staff.

Ms. Zhao's story reminds us that even in life's darkest moments, effective treatments and compassionate care can provide immense support to patients. Holding onto her unyielding hope for life, she continues her journey—something every healthcare worker strives for with all their heart.