When late-stage colon cancer struck without warning, I stood at life's darkest abyss

My name is Yulius Imam Budaya, a 45-year-old man from Bandung, Indonesia. Like most people, I once lived an ordinary yet happy life. But in August 2024, my world was shattered—I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, and the malignant cells had already metastasized to multiple organs.

Back in Indonesia, doctors recommended surgery with an abdominal stoma (colostomy). At that time, I had no choice but to undergo the procedure... Yet life after surgery became unbearable. The ostomy bag caused me not only physical discomfort but also deep shame and emotional pain. I couldn’t accept what I had become.

The doctors advised systemic chemotherapy, but I was terrified of its debilitating side effects—hair loss, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. I didn’t want my children to see me in such a weakened state. And so, I refused to give up—I had to find a better way.

Grasping the last straw, crossing borders to find hope for survival

In my darkest moments, my wife tirelessly searched online for more effective and suitable treatments. Finally, she discovered minimally invasive therapies at Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital, which specializes in internationally advanced techniques—no major surgery, fewer side effects, and faster recovery. Seeing a glimmer of hope, we made the decisive choice to travel to China.

On September 21, 2024, I arrived at the hospital. After a series of precise diagnostic tests, the results filled me with renewed fear—my tumor markers (CEA, CA-125, CA-19-9) were alarmingly high, and CT scans revealed the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, liver, and lungs, with the largest tumor measuring 24×28 mm.

Yet the doctor reassured me: "Though your condition is complex, don’t worry—we have solutions." Those words rekindled my hope.

Minimally invasive treatment has freed me from pain and refreshed my physical and mental state

The hospital's expert team customized an integrated minimally invasive treatment plan for me, including interventional treatment, targeted therapy and natural therapies.

On September 25, I received the first course of interventional therapy. Under the guidance of imaging equipment, the doctor accurately delivered the catheter to the tumor site through the femoral artery, directly injected anti-cancer drugs, and embolized the tumor's blood supply artery at the same time, cutting off its nutrition source.

The entire treatment process was painless, minimally invasive, and without any discomfort. Unlike the violent reactions of traditional chemotherapy, I did not vomit, lose hair or become extremely weak. Instead, I quickly returned to normal life after each treatment.

After just two courses of interventional therapy, my condition improved dramatically:

Not only did multiple tumors shrink significantly, but some even disappeared completely. The constant constipation and urinary difficulties that had plagued me were completely relieved. My energy levels soared, my appetite returned, and my physical strength rebounded—it felt like I had regained my pre-cancer vitality. For the first time, I truly saw hope for a cure.

September 23, 2024 vs. November 6, 2024

CT scans after treatment showed that multiple tumors had shrunk or disappeared

The meticulous care of the medical team made me feel warm

During the treatment at Guangzhou Modern Cancer Hospital, I not only experienced advanced medical technology, but also felt the warmth of the hospital.

The ward environment is comfortable, and the hospital also provides family beds, dry cleaning and catering services, so that my family and I can receive treatment with peace of mind. And the care of the medical staff touched me even more.

"The nurses always take care of me with a smile, and the doctors patiently answer any questions I have." I sincerely thank the doctors and nurses, their professionalism and attentiveness have rekindled my passion for life. I want to say to all friends who are facing cancer: stay optimistic and believe that this is just a test given by God. Just like me, although I have experienced cancer and recurrence, I finally found a suitable treatment method. I hope my sharing can be helpful to you, keep fighting!

Now I can live fully and travel freely like a normal person. The hospital's Jakarta International Service Center has always kept in touch with me, regularly tracking my condition and providing rehabilitation guidance. Whether through phone calls, online consultations or face-to-face visits, the medical team will patiently understand my recovery. This continuous care warms my heart and my family. Thank you to the Modern family!

*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.