Muted Throat: How Illness Stole Aunt's Voice

I am Katherin, Hazel’s niece from the Philippines. In September last year, my aunt’s voice suddenly became gravelly, as if rubbed by sandpaper. Speaking became a struggle, and eating turned into agony. Even drinking water required cautious sips to avoid excruciating pain. The symptoms emerged so suddenly that we took her to the hospital immediately, assuming it was a throat infection. But the CT scan and biopsy results struck us like a hammer: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-cell type), Stage III.

Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital Brings a Turnaround: A Cross-border Life Relay

The reports revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes throughout her body, with the largest measuring 3.3×2.6 cm. A tumor in her oropharynx, sized 4.3×3.9 cm, blocked nearly 80% of her airway. Swallowing became torturous, and her speech deteriorated daily. Doctors warned that delaying treatment could lead to respiratory failure. Their words froze our hearts. I instinctively looked at my husband. Nine years ago, when my father-in-law was diagnosed with rectal cancer, we had gone through the same moment of despair. At that time, we happened to learn about the minimally invasive comprehensive therapy at Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital and went there for treatment with a desperate mindset. To our surprise, it really helped my father-in-law get rid of the shadow of cancer. Looking at my aunt's CT images now, I thought that the same technology might help her fight the tumor with low risk.   

Without hesitation, we bypassed local Philippine hospitals and contacted Manila International Service Center. Staff swiftly arranged remote consultations with specialists. Detailed treatment plans eased our anxiety, and after clarifying the treatment plan, the center promptly assisted with medical visas and travel arrangements. In early November 2024, we boarded a flight to China, carrying both fear and hope.  

Hezel took a photo with the medical staff

Four interventional treatments have achieved remarkable results, and minimally invasive techniques have illuminated the light of life

At Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital, the professionalism of the medical team reassured us. Based on auntie’s condition, they formulated a comprehensive minimally invasive treatment plan centered on interventional perfusion therapy : delivering high-concentration drugs (2–92 times stronger than chemotherapy) directly into tumors via 1–2 mm incisions. Combined with targeted drugs to precisely eliminate cancer cells while reducing damage to normal tissues. The entire process does not require open surgery, avoiding the severe side effects brought by traditional chemotherapy and protecting my aunt's already fragile physical condition.

Remarkably, Hazel experienced no severe vomiting or hair loss. After the first session, her breathing eased, speech cleared, and eating became effortless.

Post four sessions, a follow-up PET-CT scan showed dramatic improvements:  

- The oropharyngeal tumor shrank from 4.3×3.9 cm to 1.7×1.8 cm, with partial disappearance.  

- SUV metabolic value dropped from 26.4 to 7.2, indicating reduced tumor activity.  

- Metastatic areas also improved.

This result made us ecstatic. My aunt is recovering better and better. Not only has her complexion improved, her appetite regained, her weight increased, but she has also become more talkative and cheerful.

Pre- and Post-Treatment PET-CT Comparisons

During The Time in The Hospital, She Rediscovered Her Smile and Life’s Rhythm

Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital is not only a place for treatment, but also a place full of warmth. Every day, the ward rounds, explanation of the condition, and nursing guidance are all in good order. During her hospitalization, my aunt also participated in the hospital's medical tourism and festival activities. Although my aunt's physical strength is limited, she was in high spirits throughout the whole process. On Beijing Road, she took photos wearing a hat, like a young girl starting over. International Women's Day was also very interesting. The hospital invited us to participate in an event specially organized for female patients and their families. The staff taught us to draw round fans and do handicrafts. We also received flowers and round fans made by ourselves from the hospital. My aunt said excitedly: "It turns out that cancer patients can live like normal people."

These activities not only enrich the patients' lives in the hospital, but also greatly help their physical and mental health. My aunt said that she could truly feel the hospital's care and attention to patients. Our family was also deeply moved: here, patients are not cold case numbers, but people who are truly respected and cared for.

Hazel on a Beijing Road Medical Tourism Outing

Hazel and Family at Women’s Day Event

Companionship is the deepest form of treatment; trust is the warmest healing

My aunt was not alone in her treatment journey. My husband, my aunt's sister-in-law and I took turns to accompany her in her fight against cancer. Whether it was helping her wipe her sweat, covering her with a blanket, or gently holding her hand to calm her down, we were willing to be her strong support.

Cancer isn’t terrifying; loneliness is. And we let her know that even if her voice disappears, there will always be someone willing to listen; even if her body is trapped by illness, there will always be someone holding her hand.

Hazel and Family

Returning Home: Health Restored, Courage Multiplied  

The hospital's care has never been interrupted by distance. Even when we returned to the Philippines, the staff of Manila International Service Center still cared about my aunt and often visited her in her shop. This transnational continued care made us feel warm. We sincerely thank Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital: it was your technology and love that brought my aunt back from the brink of death; it was your responsibility and patience that allowed us to regain hope and trust. I also want to say to those who are also facing the dilemma of cancer: if you or your family are facing the dilemma of cancer, don't give up looking for a treatment method easily, why not learn more about this hospital? Maybe, it is a new starting point for your life.  

Manila International Service Center Staff Visit Hazel

*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.