A Drop of Blood: My Story
by Hsiao Tsao (patient at KFSYSCC)
May 20, 2024, was not only the presidential inauguration day in Taiwan, but also the day of my surgery.
About four weeks prior, on a regular evening while I was working on a large cross-stitch, I suddenly felt the urge to use the bathroom. Afterward, I noticed fresh blood from my vagina—a bright red drop. Checking the sheets, I confirmed there was indeed blood, and based on my nursing background, I could tell this wasn’t related to hemorrhoids or blood in my urine. I decided to visit a nearby military hospital in Guandu, where, as a military dependent, I’d only need to pay NT$80.
At the hospital, I was seen by Dr. Hong, the chief gynecologist, who was handling a high patient load, and my exam was rushed. Skipping the most basic pelvic exam and without asking questions like, “When did you go through menopause?” he quickly concluded, “You likely have a urinary tract infection causing uterine inflammation.” He wrote up my chart, prescribed a week of oral antibiotics, and ordered a vaginal ultrasound. Radiology informed me the earliest available appointment would be two weeks later, so I scheduled it.
Two weeks later, I returned for my results, which showed fluid accumulation in my uterus. The doctor suggested monitoring it for three months and said I should come back for another ultrasound at that time. However, I had already been in menopause for eight years, so the presence of fresh blood was concerning. Shouldn’t the possibility of a malignant tumor have been considered?
It puzzled me why the hospital didn’t recommend other examinations, such as a hysteroscopy or endometrial biopsy, during the waiting period. Why delay three months?
I could sympathize with the overworked gynecologist. That day, he had 104 patients on his schedule, plus additional walk-ins. He also had a night shift afterward. Working under such challenging conditions, how could he be expected to ensure quality care? How many patients receive incorrect diagnoses under these conditions? Overcrowded outpatient clinics are common in Taiwan, making it essential to seek a second opinion.
I decided to go to Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center (KFSYSCC) for a further evaluation. After two to three weeks of tests, the results were quickly available. The initial diagnosis, which I hoped would be negative, confirmed my worst fears: endometrial cancer. Immediately, I followed the doctor’s treatment plan, which involved surgery.
After experiencing this firsthand, I now realize the exceptional care and quality control at KFSYSCC. If I hadn’t transferred to this hospital, I can’t imagine what my condition would have been like three months later.
Now, six weeks post-surgery, when fellow staff at KFSYSCC recognize me as a former employee, they show genuine care and concern. Previously, I served cancer patients here; now, I am on the receiving end of that care. In my heart, I feel immense gratitude and joy, especially toward the gynecology team, care coordinators, nurses, and specialist nurses—there are too many to thank individually. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone at KFSYSCC.
I’m especially grateful to President Huang for his leadership of KFSYSCC’s medical team. He has championed cancer care guidelines in Taiwan, always putting patients at the center. This approach has allowed KFSYSCC to stand strong for 35 years in cancer care in Taiwan, and it will undoubtedly continue to make an impact.
As a parting thought, I hope that KFSYSCC, beyond caring for cancer patients, can recruit more dedicated medical staff and eventually establish a palliative care unit. This would allow patients at the hospital to pass from this world in peace, supported by a compassionate team during life’s final moments.