After a Pap Smear... I was Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer!
In 2012, I casually underwent a routine cervical Pap smear. What was expected to be a simple examination, turned out to show precancerous lesions. After a series of examinations such as blood tests, electrocardiograms, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, and PET scans, it was confirmed to be Stage III Cervical Cancer.
The doctor plainly stated, "If it's in stage III, I would definitely recommend treatment. I won't say much now; it's up to you all to decide... Should you accept treatment? Which method should you choose?" With the assistance of friends in collecting relevant information and evaluating feasibility, I finally opted to try Western medical treatment.
Treatment in Two Phases: Upper and Lower Body
The medical team at KFSYSCC told me, "Your cancer cells have already spread, and surgery isn't suitable. We'll use radiation and chemotherapy. But undergoing both on the upper and lower body simultaneously would be too much for you, so we'll divide it into two stages, starting with external radiation treatment for the lower body." External radiation therapy employed linear accelerators, targeting the cervical tumor and pelvic lymph nodes, five times a week, for about 10 minutes each. After the tumor reduced, I underwent brachytherapy once or twice a week, totaling five sessions, requiring anesthesia in the operating room. For both upper and lower body stages, chemo and radiation proceeded simultaneously, once a week, six times for each stage, requiring a day's hospitalization each time. The medication used was cisplatin; it didn't cause hair loss but could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in white blood cells and platelets, anemia, renal impairment, and numbness in the extremities.
Thorough Communication with the Doctor Prior to Treatment
Both treatment stages went relatively smoothly. Though there were many side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and even fainting, I was mentally prepared as the doctor had informed me in advance. Furthermore, I could always consult the doctor, use anti-diarrheal or anti-emetic drugs, and practice simple exercises to alleviate discomfort. If I had a poor appetite, I could request medication to stimulate hunger. Before starting the treatment for the upper body, the doctor warned me that it might affect the esophagus, causing severe swallowing difficulties, possibly necessitating intubation. So, when my throat felt blocked and swallowing became uncomfortable, I endured. However, during the second stage, the reduction in white blood cells and platelets due to chemotherapy became extremely severe, to the point of needing isolation, and chemotherapy couldn't continue. I persevered, continuing radiation until the treatment ended. Afterward, a series of tests luckily proved the treatments were effective.
During treatment, "love yourself more"
Reflecting on this period, I deeply feel that apart from having confidence in the doctor, the most crucial aspect is not to harbor fear and to face the situation courageously. Strive to relax, try to eat, and don't worry about others. Think about how to make yourself comfortable. Don't care about others' opinions. At this moment, being "selfish" is forgivable because if you don't love yourself, you definitely can't save yourself, inadvertently increasing the burden on others. If you feel uncomfortable, inform the doctor early, follow the doctor's advice to eat more protein-rich foods like eggs, beef, and edamame. If anemic, consume beetroot and red dates, avoid raw foods, peel fruits to prevent infections, wear a mask when going out due to weakened immunity, and practice simple daily exercises.
Wishing my husband and me a "Happy Birthday"
That year, I was unexpectedly diagnosed as "terminal." After having the "graduation trip" of life with my husband and handing over our posthumous affairs, we chose to give medical treatment a try. Looking back, I wasn't scared. I believed that my life was ordinary, with no significant achievements. However, I optimistically thought that despite regrets, perhaps the remaining days could be more meaningful, such as not blaming others or circumstances, being strong, broadening the heart, facing things calmly, not overthinking... showing a positive exit from life. I never imagined that with the dedicated cooperation of the KFSYSCC medical team, I would recover and even have the chance to compile my post-retirement articles, which had been published in newspapers, magazines, and award-winning essays, into a book titled "Happy Birthday."
Moving Towards a Fulfilling End
My husband had a stroke. While my husband faces a high risk of stroke recurrence, my cancer recurrence risks are even higher. He's determinedly trying to lead a meaningful life, and my book is now gifted by friends as a testament to goodness. I sincerely hope that with our modest contribution, our experience can help others in the early stages of illness reduce their fears and increase confidence. Life is short; regardless of past regrets, we hope to cherish the remaining years, do what we ought to do, and have as fulfilling an exit from life as possible.
Author: Ms. Lin Lili