65-year-old Mrs. Cai, once a passionate ballroom dancer enjoying her golden years, saw her life upended in January 2025. While the world welcomed the New Year, she received a diagnosis of acute leukemia, casting a dark shadow over her and her family.

Mrs. Cai's condition was complex and progressed rapidly. Even after two rounds of chemotherapy, she failed to reach remission, and her physical condition deteriorated. However, with the steadfast support of her husband, Mr. Wang, she bravely fought the disease. In March 2025, she underwent a haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant at GoBroad Shanghai Zhaxin Hospital, with her beloved son as the donor. Her 37 days in the sterile transplant ward were filled with uncertainty and challenge, but she emerged successfully, thanks to her resilience and the dedicated medical care. She was discharged the same day. Today, her disease is in complete remission and her health continues to improve.

Mr. Wang, her husband and retired physics teacher with over 40 years of service in education, became her unwavering guardian. Since the diagnosis, he has been by her side every day. He keeps a treatment diary titled "Dialogues with Love," documenting their daily conversations, meticulous caregiving routines, personalized nutrition plans, and fluctuating medical data. He recently wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter to the medical team at Zhaxin, expressing profound gratitude and reflecting on their shared journey. His words are a testament to the enduring love of a couple married for nearly 50 years.

We had the honor of interviewing Mrs. Cai and Mr. Wang. Through their story, we hope to inspire confidence in patients facing similar challenges and provide practical caregiving insights to families.

 

Q: How did Mrs. Cai first show signs of illness? What were your initial reactions upon the leukemia diagnosis?

A: In mid-October 2024, my wife experienced persistent high fever for nine days. Despite four hospital visits, the cause remained unknown. She was eventually hospitalized, where full-body rashes were first misdiagnosed as lupus but later confirmed as erythema nodosum. After treatment, the fever subsided, but swollen lymph nodes were discovered. Initially attributed to infection, further checks revealed mild thrombocytopenia. It wasn't until New Year's Day 2025, during a family dinner, that two doctor friends noticed the persistent lymph node swelling. Concerned, we admitted her to the hematology department mid-January.

Following a series of tests including a bone marrow biopsy, the diagnosis of acute leukemia was confirmed. The news hit me like a bolt from the blue. I was completely overwhelmed, anxious, and fearful. The future, once bright, was instantly thrown into turmoil.

Our son immediately returned from another city. During our urgent search for treatment options, we learned about Dr. Wang Chun's esteemed team at GoBroad Shanghai Zhaxin Hospital. Recognizing the hospital's strong reputation in hematological treatment, we rushed to secure a bed in late January and began treatment.

 

Q: Given her age and unremitted condition, how did you come to decide on an allogeneic transplant?

A: When we arrived, patient services representative Ms. Li Jing helped us settle in quickly. After thorough assessments, my wife was diagnosed with acute mixed phenotype leukemia. Dr. Wang Chun and Dr. Jiang Ying developed a treatment plan and explained the severity of the disease. They issued a critical condition notice and proposed two cycles of chemotherapy followed by evaluation.

Unfortunately, the results were poor. Leukemic cells surged while normal cells couldn't survive. Dr. Wang advised a stem cell transplant, warning that chemotherapy alone would not work. He used a vivid analogy: "You're trying to clear weeds without planting good seeds; weeds just return. Only by introducing new stem cells to build a new immune system can we truly solve the problem."

After thorough research, including speaking with a friend who had undergone a transplant a decade ago, and asking about donor risks (Dr. Wang likened it to a blood donation), we agreed. The donor would be our son. Dr. Wang told us survival rates are just statistics—for each individual, it’s either 0 or 100%. We took the leap.

Post-transplant, the outcome was just as Dr. Wang predicted. During our first follow-up, he warmly greeted us with, "Ah, our friends from Jiangxi!" and smiled after hearing the good test results.

 

Q: What key advice or support did the doctors give you that built your confidence?

A: My wife underwent two rounds of chemotherapy without achieving remission. Facing life-or-death decisions, Dr. Wang and Dr. Jiang carefully explained the benefits and risks of a transplant under such conditions. Their honesty and the promise that "there are no absolutes in medicine, but we will do everything we can" gave us hope.

Dr. Jiang explained every detail of the transplant process and its risks. The transplant ward staff also provided excellent education about hygiene, nutrition, and daily life. On the day we moved into the transplant ward, Dr. Huixia LIU reassured me: "Leave her to me. If I don't call, that means everything is fine."

Even though I couldn't see the medical staff in the BMT unit, my wife shared that Dr. Liu visited daily, always smiling and saying, "Here I am." Dr. Liu was meticulous in addressing every detail—from rejection prevention to meal planning. Under their care, my wife felt safe, free of panic or anxiety.

The most unforgettable moment came on April 10. Dr. Liu casually mentioned, "I'm planning to wrap this up all at once. She can be discharged on April 17." We were overwhelmed with joy. We expected a long fight, but the team delivered an early victory.

At our first outpatient visit after discharge, Dr. Liu, who also practices traditional Chinese medicine, praised my wife's recovery. With her herbal treatments, my wife’s sleep and appetite improved greatly. We believe that integrating TCM and modern medicine offers a more holistic healing approach.

 

Q: You diligently recorded every detail of her treatment. What motivated you to do this?

A: I titled my journal "Dialogues with Love." That "love" reflects nearly 50 years together—from courtship to marriage, and now fighting illness. Love permeates every corner of our home.

My habit of detailed documentation began in youth. We have 484 original love letters, now digitized. We often reread them for comfort. I also compiled yearly teaching portfolios and hundreds of academic papers. This habit shaped my teaching career and our life.

Recording our journey is a way of cherishing life. In health, it was a lifestyle; in illness, it became a way to find meaning. Life isn’t about length but quality. Facing disease should not bring fear. Remember: each step forward brings us closer to recovery. Sometimes, mental strength is more powerful than medicine.

 

Q: What would you say to families facing similar challenges?

A: Caring for a sick loved one is incredibly demanding. Since my wife's diagnosis, I have been her full-time caregiver, despite my own health issues—including two heart surgeries. I structured my days, kept my mind active through writing, and avoided falling into despair.

In front of my wife, I never showed worry. I only gave her positive energy.

Caregivers should focus on three things:

1. Encouragement: Teach the patient to never give up and believe in recovery.
2. Emotion: Create a joyful and hopeful atmosphere.
3. Attention to Detail: Especially in nutrition and daily care.

I believe love is the most powerful medicine. A simple "because I love you" can soothe the soul more than any pill. This love carried us through the darkest times.

 

Expert Commentary

Dr. Huixia LIU:

The patient was diagnosed with acute mixed phenotype leukemia, presenting with widespread lymphadenopathy and aggressive disease progression. After two unsuccessful rounds of induction chemotherapy, the disease continued advancing. With the family placing their trust in our transplant team, we proceeded with salvage haploidentical transplant using a personalized conditioning regimen centered around TBI and venetoclax. The transplant succeeded without significant complications. Traditional Chinese medicine also alleviated the patient's chronic insomnia. As of two months post-transplant, the patient is stable and recovering well at home.