From Advanced Gastric Cancer to Pathological Complete Response | Yang Miemie | Panda Group Member Story
Treatment Overview
My father was diagnosed in 2024 at stage T3N2M1 (with lymph node metastasis to the hepatic hilum and para-aortic region). The chemotherapy regimen consisted of four cycles of FLOT plus sintilimab, followed by two cycles of FOLFOX plus sintilimab. After completing six cycles, he underwent surgery. The postoperative pathology report confirmed a pCR (pathological complete response).
Family Member's Account
My father was only 60 when he was diagnosed. Prior to this, due to a mild cerebral infarction, he had been taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications like Naoxintong. In March 2024, he experienced stomach discomfort after taking aspirin and stopped the medication. That May, while I was still at school, my mother called to mention that my father was reluctant to eat hard foods. At the time, we didn't take it seriously enough, thinking that omeprazole would relieve it. When I returned home for the holidays in June, I took him to the hospital for a gastroscopy. The doctor pulled me aside and told me the situation was not optimistic. The next day, we did a contrast-enhanced CT, which confirmed advanced gastric cancer. The doctor in Jiuquan advised immediate surgery. After careful consideration, I decided to take my father to Lanzhou. The doctor there said the condition was very severe and his life expectancy was short.
I broke down completely in the consultation room, crying uncontrollably. After crying, I quickly pulled myself together, wiped my tears, and went out to face my father, trying to comfort him with a calm tone. I knew I was his pillar of support at that moment; I couldn't fall apart. Still unwilling to give up, I sought a second opinion at Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, but received the same answer.
Because the cancer was advanced, direct surgery was not an option. We had to complete immunohistochemistry testing, which showed HER2 (1+) and PD-L1 CPS 8. On June 7, we began chemotherapy at Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital. During treatment, he experienced side effects like vomiting, hair loss, and poor appetite. Fortunately, after the first cycle, his appetite improved significantly compared to before treatment, which told me the chemotherapy was working. After the second cycle, his hair started falling out until only a few strands remained. My heart ached as I picked up a razor to shave off the rest, telling him, "It's okay, it will all grow back." I was comforting him, but also comforting myself.
After four cycles of chemotherapy, we underwent a surgical evaluation, but he still didn't meet the criteria. Considering the side effects, the regimen was switched to FOLFOX combined with sintilimab. After two more cycles, a PET-CT scan showed no distant metastasis, though the primary tumor still showed activity. I immediately consulted Professor Liang Yao and Professor Chen Yingbo at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). We applied for a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation at SYSUCC, and the conclusion was that surgery was feasible.
We proceeded with surgery immediately. When I saw that the postoperative pathology report showed pCR, I was incredibly excited. I immediately shared a screenshot of the pathology report with my fellow fighters in the Panda Group, sharing this hard-won joy.
For follow-up treatment, I consulted Professor Qiu Miaozhen at SYSUCC, who recommended three to four more cycles of the FOLFOX regimen. With that, our family's treatment journey has successfully reached a milestone.
Throughout this treatment process, I have a few insights I would like to share:
1. Family members should have a realistic psychological expectation of the patient's condition, especially in advanced stages. This helps us better face and accept reality, allowing us to provide stronger support for the patient.
2. When choosing a hospital, we should integrate the best resources within our means and select the facility most suitable for the specific condition. I made all the treatment decisions for my father, and the surgical opportunity was secured through relentless effort. We did chemotherapy at Gansu Cancer Hospital, but considering SYSUCC's partnership with them, and after watching Director Han's video on hospital selection, my resolve was strengthened. Ultimately, we overcame all obstacles to travel to Guangzhou for treatment at SYSUCC.
3. Regarding side effect management, family members should prepare the patient psychologically in advance. We should also learn about nutrition, prepare foods the patient enjoys, and appropriately supplement with nutritional powders.
4. Emotional management is crucial.
(1) Confusion and helplessness at diagnosis
I believe everyone breaks down upon hearing the word "cancer." But because we have loved ones to protect, we dare not fall. As a child, I loved listening to Teacher Yan Weiwen sing "Little White Poplar." The poplar tree in the song takes root at the border, growing vigorously. "Baiyang" (poplar) sounds like my name. I was once a border guard, standing watch alongside those poplar trees. Now, I have something even softer to protect. No matter how difficult it gets, I am not afraid. Just like my name, I must maintain a resilient and upward-looking mindset, sparing no effort to help my father live well.
Right after the diagnosis, I never used the word "cancer" with my parents, always substituting it with other terms. It was common for me to cry, wash my face, and then go back to encourage them. I've seen many family members do the same in the hospital, which is truly heartbreaking. But as the backbone of my father's treatment, I must hold up the sky for him. So, don't be afraid. These are trials of life. After crossing one hurdle, there may be another mountain, but we will also become better versions of ourselves through it all.
(2) The patient's belief
Whenever chemotherapy time approached, my father would start losing his temper for no apparent reason. But that's understandable; many side effects during treatment must be endured by the patient themselves. Due to my oversight, my father didn't use a pain pump after surgery, and I felt terribly guilty. Yet he endured it, while the aunt in the next bed with a pump cried out in pain. This shows how important a patient's own mental strength is.
Additionally, family members should provide timely psychological counseling for the patient's emotional fluctuations. Sometimes, illness brings psychological distress, and positive suggestion is vital. When necessary, collaborate with the attending physician to boost the patient's confidence. Allowing the patient to vent their frustrations appropriately is also fine; timely release of negative emotions is crucial for recovery.
(3) The family member's emotions
Throughout the treatment, family members sometimes suffer more psychologically than the patients, constantly fearing that a single wrong decision could lead to irreversible loss. At the same time, caregivers bear the burden of financial security, treatment logistics, and work-life balance. Young people have to work, facing immense pressure, and every family's financial situation differs.
As a caregiver, it's important to confide in others appropriately. I am deeply grateful to the group members, especially "Pearl," who provided tremendous help and alleviated much of my anxiety during treatment. The moment the postoperative pathology results came out, I shared the good news with her first. It truly felt like a bond forged through life and death. On the other hand, during hospital stays, the atmosphere can be very oppressive. Caregivers should relax appropriately; even a short walk outside can greatly relieve tension and anxiety by shifting focus. At work, I had just graduated and started my job in June. My supervisor was very supportive, giving me immense confidence, for which I am very thankful.
5. Let go of unhelpful relationships to avoid self-depletion.
Since the diagnosis, I have witnessed the distancing of many relatives and friends, even those my father had generously helped in the past. When we needed support, we found no one to lean on. During those days, I felt profoundly lonely and tormented. As a young woman, I realized more clearly that relying on others is not a long-term solution; only by becoming strong ourselves can we weather the storms. Therefore, I resolutely decided to cut ties with unhelpful relationships, refusing to let myself fall into meaningless internal friction. Strengthening myself is what matters most.
Of course, during this difficult time, some people offered us tremendous help, encouragement, and support. True compassion still exists in this world, especially among friends in the Panda Group. Their companionship and assistance warmed me deeply. Therefore, throughout the treatment, I also wanted to actively share what I learned with others. I would proactively offer help to older uncles and aunts I met, hoping to pass on positive energy, so more people can feel the sunlight shining through the cracks and see hope and warmth.
Text compiled by: Oolong Tea, Guangguang
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