The tumor’s dangerous location made the only treatment option terrifying for me

In November 2023, I discovered that I had a mass in my left carotid artery during a routine physical examination at work. The doctor at the local hospital in the Philippines recommended surgery to remove it as soon as possible. However, due to the high risk involved, I chose to decline the surgery. A follow-up examination in April 2024 revealed that the size of the mass in the left carotid artery was 3.6 x 3.4 x 3.2 cm, as shown in the CT scan. The hospital in the Philippines only offered one treatment option - open surgery - and did not provide any advice on drug treatment. The doctor informed me that the surgery could result in loss of voice, permanent speech impairment, or even death due to excessive blood loss. This news came as a shock and disrupted my peaceful life.

My life seemed to be at a standstill because of the tumor

After the tumor was diagnosed, my life was almost completely disrupted. At that time, I lost 10 kg. I couldn't eat meat, drink tea, coffee or alcohol. Even jogging and any outdoor exercise became a luxury. I felt weaker and weaker, and life suddenly became boring. For me, the weight of all this was unbearable. I couldn't work like before, I couldn't enjoy gatherings with friends, and health problems became an obstacle to my social life. These changes made me feel lonely and depressed. Every day was like a struggle with my own will. Because of the tumor, my life became full of restrictions and challenges.

[Mr. Sadie]

Turning point: Hope brought by St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou

Fortunately, my current employer recommended St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. A friend of his had been treated in this hospital with remarkable results, so he encouraged me to try it. After that, I returned to the Philippines from Brazil and conducted a detailed consultation at the Manila International Service Center. The staff was very professional and patient in helping me arrange a remote consultation. The doctor introduced me to minimally invasive treatment technology in detail: Unlike traditional surgery, minimally invasive treatment does not require surgery or chemotherapy, which can greatly reduce the burden on the body. The treatment plan given by the doctor gave me renewed hope. In August 2024, I chose to come to this hospital for treatment.

When I was admitted to the hospital, my wife hugged the staff tightly, and her tears could not stop flowing. Her tears were due to her fear of the unknown and her worries about the upcoming treatment. However, the gentle comfort from the staff and the detailed explanation of the treatment plan made her tears gradually subside. They not only provided me with medical help but also gave our family emotional support. Their professionalism and care gave me confidence in the treatment.

[Mr. Sadie and his wife]

Minimally invasive anti-cancer technology is like a ray of hope in desperate situations

After being admitted to the hospital, I underwent a series of physical examinations, which confirmed that my tumor was a left carotid paraganglioma. Since the tumor was located very close to the artery, a biopsy could have caused severe bleeding. Based on the test results and my physical condition, the MDT team formulated a treatment plan for me: interventional embolization therapy. Interventional embolization works by “blocking” the blood vessels supplying the tumor, cutting off its blood supply to “starve” the tumor. At the same time, the embolic agent can carry anti-cancer drugs into the tumor to provide a slow-release effect.

On August 12, 2024, I underwent my first embolization treatment. After the procedure, I was conscious and did not experience any nausea or vomiting. As the doctors had explained, the minimally invasive surgery greatly reduced the burden on my body, and I could tolerate it very well. The doctors also prescribed traditional Chinese medicine therapy to help my body recover.

In September, I returned to the hospital for a follow-up, and the CT scan showed that my tumor had visibly shrunk by 20% to 30%. My overall health had significantly improved, and I regained the sense of vitality and well-being that I had long missed. Now, I can jog outdoors, walk long distances, and even ride a bike. I am truly grateful to St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou for helping me rediscover hope in life.

[Left: August 7th, 2024   Right: September 10th, 2024]

[Comparison of CT images before and after treatment]

Grateful for the support, this hospital is an excellent choice for cancer treatment

I can truly feel that this hospital is doing its best to provide quality services to patients. I’m very grateful to the doctors, nurses, and every medical staff. In addition to the medical staff, I also want to thank my family and friends. From the time I was admitted to the hospital until now, my family and friends have given me a lot of support and help. Some friends even came from the Philippines to visit me and called me every day to care about my recovery progress. I sincerely thank them. Finally, the person I want to thank the most is my wife. She has always been my strongest support. In my most difficult times, it was she who accompanied me through the treatment process with love and patience, giving me the courage to overcome the disease.

To all cancer patients, if you are hesitant about surgery or chemotherapy, I highly recommend visiting St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. This hospital not only transformed my life but also saved the lives of many other patients.

[The Sadie couple with doctors and nurses]

*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.