She was once a woman gripped by fear after her breast cancer recurrence; now, she returns to Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital with a radiant smile and the soothing notes of her flute, as a representative “Cancer Warrior” from the Philippines. VENUS CONCEPCION SENO has come back this time not for treatment, but to share — her hope, her music, and that journey of life, rekindled and reembraced.

Venus returns to the hospital

Trust and Renewal: Minimally Invasive Treatment Ignites a Ray of Hope

In July 2023, Venus's life was upended by a diagnosis—she was confirmed to have invasive ductal carcinoma. When traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy were recommended by her doctors, haunting images of friends who had been left frail and drained by such treatments flashed through her mind. “It wasn’t just the pain I feared—it was losing my dignity, my very self,” she recalled, her voice trembling. During that period, the atmosphere at home grew heavy. Her husband’s furrowed brow and the late-night lamplight burning into the small hours revealed his deep anxiety and helplessness. He searched tirelessly online, unwilling to give up any glimmer of hope, until his attention settled on Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital. The concept of “minimally invasive treatment” offered there shone like a beam of light into their lives, which had almost been overtaken by despair.

Upon admission, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) developed a personalized treatment plan for Venus, combining interventional therapy with microwave ablation. The entire treatment process was smooth and remarkably well-tolerated, entirely free from the nausea, vomiting, or persistent fatigue she had feared. She was able to maintain her daily routine and personal dignity throughout. Follow-up examinations after the first treatment brought even more encouraging news: her tumor had shrunk from 8.5x3.2cm to 7.9x2cm. "I knew I had come to the right place," Venus shared with a smile.

The Venus couple posed for a photo with their doctor in 2024

CT scans before and after treatment

Returning to Life: A New Chapter of Work and Dedication

After her treatment, Venus’s life resumed almost without interruption. She returned to her career, continuing to shine in her professional field with expertise and passion. “Being able to maintain my normal work rhythm means so much to me,” she shared with heartfelt appreciation.

Hospital staff visit Venus

In September 2025, Venus was invited to a patient sharing session organized by the hospital in Cebu, Philippines. Standing on stage, she sincerely shared her treatment journey and personal reflections. "I want my story to show everyone that cancer does not mean the end of life — we can still embrace it fully."

Venus spoke at the sharing session

Reunion and Resonance: A Melody of Strength and Gratitude

Today, Venus returns to Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital as a "Cancer Warrior," participating in the "Cancer Fighter Volunteers Return to Base" event. Her face shows no trace of illness, only a bright smile and vibrant energy. Her radiant spirit has brought immense joy to all the medical staff. She made it a priority to visit the Chief physicians who had supported her through the most challenging times—Dr. Lin Jing and her attending physician, Dr. Ade. A single hug conveyed more than words ever could.

Venus returns to the hospital to visit medical staff

"The wound is healing well!" Dr. Lin Jing remarked with warm approval after carefully examining her. Yet, this care never ended upon her discharge—in fact, Dr. Ade had maintained regular contact with her online, continuously monitoring her recovery and patiently addressing each of her concerns. This ongoing care that transcended geographical boundaries made her feel deeply that she had never been forgotten. "They are not just my doctors and nurses—they are my friends here in China," Venus shared.

During the afternoon event, Venus picked up her beloved flute and joined her husband, who was playing the guitar with tacit harmony. Before the performance, she shared with deep emotion: "I believe music holds the power to heal the soul. This piece is dedicated to all my friends bravely fighting their battle against cancer." The melodious notes of "Moon River" and the heartfelt strains of "The Moon Represents My Heart" filled the room, each melody flowing with resilience and hope. Slowly, the eyes of many patients and family members present moistened with quiet emotion.

Venus and Her Husband's Musical Duet

Hope in Harmony: An Ode to Life—From Patient to Warrior

Venus emerged from fear, found renewal through trust, and ultimately completed her transformation from patient to warrior with music and gratitude. Her return is a celebration of life; her very presence offers the warmest illumination to all who still walk through darkness. The road against cancer may be long, but as Venus says, “As long as we have hope in our hearts, life will always compose its own, most moving movement.”

Venus received an award alongside other cancer warriors

*Surgery, in addition to the appropriate chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are effective in treating early cancer, but certain patients in late stage of cancer may not be tolerate surgery well as they can be relatively weak. A combination of carefully planned minimally invasive therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can effectively reduce the side effects and discomfort of treatment and may help patient get better efficacy.