“When I felt the lump in my breast, I was completely panicked.” Rokhsana from Bangladesh recalled that moment, her voice still trembling. After an ultrasound at a local hospital, the results felt like a cold verdict: a 62*54mm mass in the left breast, highly suspected to be malignant. Further imaging suggested the lesion had already involved the lymph nodes, plunging her and her family into immense fear.

From Shock to Hope: A Transnational Medical Journey

In Bangladesh, local medical resources are limited, and treatment options for a highly suspected malignant tumor were scarce. Rokhsana sought treatment in Singapore and Thailand, but due to her complex condition, coupled with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease, she couldn't get a clear and feasible treatment plan.

“I once felt I could only wait for my life to end,” she said. It wasn't until a doctor recommended Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, known for its professional breast cancer treatment team and successful treatment of many complex cases, that a glimmer of hope was rekindled in her heart.

Before deciding to come to China for treatment, the financial burden was the most practical concern for Rokhsana's family. “Before coming, I specifically consulted with the doctors, understanding the treatment costs in China and whether our family could afford it,” she recalled. She was reassured when the doctors patiently provided a rough treatment budget plan, explaining the potential various medical expenses, which finally put her mind at ease. In June 2025, accompanied by her three children, Rokhsana embarked on the transnational journey to Guangzhou, China.

Photo of Rokhsana's family with Dr. Rao Li

Precise Treatment Plan, Upholding Hope

Upon arriving at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, Rokhsana underwent systematic and comprehensive examinations, including breast ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tissue biopsy, and pathological analysis. She was ultimately diagnosed with bilateral invasive breast cancer: Stage IIIC invasive carcinoma in the left breast (tumor size approx. 6*6*2.2cm) and Stage IIA invasive carcinoma in the right breast, with lymph node metastasis (largest approx. 16mm*12mm). A space-occupying lesion was also found in the right lobe and isthmus of her thyroid. More complexly, she had comorbidities including diabetes, renal insufficiency, Grade 3 hypertension, and a history of post-PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) for coronary heart disease, making her physical condition very fragile with poor tolerance. How to control the tumor maximally while minimizing risks posed a severe challenge for the doctors.

The medical team quickly initiated a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) consultation. Experts from surgical oncology, anesthesiology, imaging, internal medicine, and other departments jointly decided, after assessment, to perform a bilateral radical mastectomy + bilateral axillary lymph node dissection + left supraclavicular lymph node dissection + right infraclavicular lymph node dissection. The bilateral modified radical mastectomy, an improved version of the classic radical mastectomy, preserves the pectoralis major and minor muscles to maintain chest wall appearance and upper limb function maximally. This was followed by bilateral axillary lymph node dissection, with meticulous dissection and thorough clearance of lymph nodes in the left supraclavicular and right infraclavicular areas to block further tumor metastasis.

（Multidisciplinary Team Consultation at our hospital）

Attending physician Dr. Rao Li and Dr. Dai Wenyan, head of the breast cancer specialist team, communicated thoroughly with Rokhsana and her family multiple times, carefully explaining the condition and treatment recommendations, and patiently detailing the surgical and subsequent treatment plans. After fully understanding the treatment plan and its rationale, Rokhsana and her family unanimously agreed to the surgery. “The surgical plan was very detailed, they discussed every risk point with us repeatedly,” Rokhsana said emotionally. “The doctors' professionalism and patience made me feel reassured for the first time.”

Post-surgery, to further promote recovery and prevent complications, the medical team also arranged traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture treatment for her. This aimed to prevent post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by stimulating specific acupoints, promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, alleviate post-operative bloating and constipation, and improve overall recovery quality.

Compassionate Care, A Home Away From Home

During her hospitalization, Rokhsana deeply felt the hospital's meticulous care. “Day and night, the nurses would softly ask about my sleep and pain levels; the doctors not only focused on my cancer condition but also cared about adjusting my blood sugar, heart, and kidney functions, ensuring every step of the treatment was safe and controllable.”

What moved her even more was that this care extended to her family. Once, her daughter cut her hand while cooking, and a doctor immediately helped treat it; when her son encountered difficulties, nurses patiently assisted. “This isn't just a hospital, it feels like another home,” she said.

Language was initially a concern for Rokhsana's family, but the hospital-provided Bengali translator was always by their side, accurately conveying medical information and offering support in daily life details. The family was particularly gratified that the hospital fully respected their religious beliefs and dietary habits. The hospital has a halal kitchen allowing them to cook for themselves, and there are multiple halal restaurants nearby for dining out, eliminating worries about living in a foreign country.

（Rokhsana's family presents a cake to the medical staff to express their gratitude）

Grateful for a New Life, Priceless Family Love

Now, post-surgery, Rokhsana is gradually recovering. Her mental state has significantly improved, and hope shines again in her eyes. “I want to especially thank my three children. They put their own lives on hold, accompanied me throughout, and provided meticulous care and support. They gave me the courage to face all this.” Rokhsana's family specially wrote a handwritten thank-you letter for the doctors and nurses, expressing their most sincere gratitude.

（Handwritten thank-you letter from Rokhsana's family）

A Healing Journey, Warmly Accompanied

What surprised Rokhsana and her family was that the hospital offered far more than just medical treatment. “The hospital's free airport transfer service greatly eased the burden of our international travel. Most surprisingly, the hospital organizes various activities every week: outings, sightseeing, movie nights... They never let us feel sad or depressed. The entire treatment process felt like a vacation, with treatment being just one part of it.” This unique "medical + tourism" experience not only alleviated the tension during treatment but also left the entire family with a warm and profound impression of their time in China.

（Rokhsana's family participates in a Beijing Road medical tourism activity）

Reflecting on the experience of transnational treatment, her family remarked with emotion: “We originally thought cancer was a death sentence, but here, we learned that cancer is a controllable disease. The hospital gave us hope with its professional technology, meticulous care, and thorough attentiveness.”

From the anxiety upon entering the hospital to now embracing new life full of hope, Rokhsana's transnational medical journey was not just about treating a disease but also about experiencing human warmth that transcends borders. “Here, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone,” is what she most wants to say, and it marks the beginning of her new life.