Every couple probably dreams of growing old together, sharing life and death. However, in reality, countless couples abandon each other when disaster strikes. But after reading Xu Ke and Liu Lin's story, I believe in love again.
A happy life was abruptly cut short by leukemia.
Xu Ke, 37 years old this year, is married to Liu Lin. They have a son and a happy family. In April 2016, Xu Ke suddenly developed a high fever, and Liu Lin took her to the hospital at midnight.
Xu Ke's fever subsided quickly, but her blood tests remained abnormal. The doctor recommended a biopsy to determine the cause. The results came back soon, and they were bad: leukemia. To avoid upsetting Xu Ke, the doctor only told Liu Lin the results. Considering his wife's sensitive nature, Liu Lin decided to keep it from Xu Ke, not wanting her to worry too much. However, the truth eventually came out. Xu Ke noticed something was wrong, and under her persistent questioning, Liu Lin had no choice but to tell her the truth: "The doctor said it's leukemia."
Fortunately, Xu Ke's reaction to learning she had leukemia wasn't as strong as she had imagined; she calmly accepted the reality. She believed that no matter what happened, Liu Lin would always be by her side, helping her through the difficult times.
Actively receiving treatment, the chemotherapy process for leukemia is difficult.
After settling things at home, Liu Lin accompanied Xu Ke to begin her leukemia treatment.
Unlike solid tumors, leukemia cannot be treated directly with surgery. Currently, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and transplantation are the three basic methods of leukemia treatment. Based on the patient's condition, the doctor has approved chemotherapy as the treatment plan.
A week later, Xu Ke began chemotherapy. The doctor said that Xu Ke had acute promyelocytic leukemia, a type of leukemia with a high cure rate. This was like a timely rain, instantly putting the anxious couple at ease. At least, there was still hope.
Chemotherapy side effects started to appear
Before the condition improved, side effects appeared. In the treatment of leukemia, due to the lack of ideal selectivity of drugs, while killing tumor cells, they often cause varying degrees of damage to various organs. Almost all anti-leukemia drugs can cause gastrointestinal symptoms of varying degrees, manifesting as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even bloody stools.
At first, Xu Ke only felt bloated and nauseous. Gradually, she began to vomit, and her symptoms worsened, including diarrhea and bloody stools. At the same time, her hair began to fall out in clumps. Due to severe hair loss, Xu Ke decided to cut off her long hair, which she had kept for several years, and get a new, neat hairstyle.
"I'll just treat it as starting over, and I hope I can hold on," Xu Ke said with a wry smile. Although the side effects of chemotherapy for leukemia were unbearable, Xu Ke still managed to pull through.
More than 20 days later, the first course of chemotherapy for leukemia was completed, and Xu Ke was discharged from the hospital.
The second round of chemotherapy for leukemia has begun.
After resting at home for a while, Xu Ke felt an unprecedented sense of relief. "Before, I was so busy with work that my son would be asleep by the time I got home, and we wouldn't talk for more than a few minutes a week. Now, although I haven't finished my chemotherapy for leukemia, I can still take him to and from school, and I feel much better."
After a period of observation, the doctor informed me that I could receive a second round of chemotherapy for leukemia.
This time, Xu Ke's side effects were not as severe as in the first course of chemotherapy, and her vomiting symptoms were also reduced, but her white blood cell count dropped significantly.
Almost every other day, Xu Ke had to receive an injection to boost her white blood cell count. Fortunately, she finally pulled through. With the meticulous care of her family and her own strong will, Xu Ke finally felt relieved as her body recovered day by day. "Treating leukemia felt like I had walked through the gates of hell!" Although she hasn't fully recovered, after her second round of chemotherapy for leukemia, she is basically able to take care of her daily life.
Some insights into treating leukemia
Xu Ke has been battling cancer for over three years and has returned to work, only needing to go to the hospital for regular checkups. During her three years of leukemia treatment, her husband, Liu Lin, documented every moment with his camera. Looking through the photos, Xu Ke is filled with mixed emotions. She feels fortunate; her rapid recovery is inseparable from her confidence in fighting cancer, her strict adherence to medical advice, and the loving care of her family.
Xu Ke also offered some advice on treating leukemia:
First, you must believe that you can overcome leukemia. Sometimes, what the body fears most is not medication, but the patient's strong will. When you firmly believe that you can defeat leukemia, the door of fortune will open for you.
Second, trust your doctor. Doctors are more professional than anyone else. You can have questions and suggestions, but you must follow their guidance. Every doctor treats patients with the best interests of themselves in mind.
Third, family members are a strong support for patients. Whether it's psychological support or care in areas like food, clothing, and shelter, family members are the patient's strongest backing. Especially during the side effects of chemotherapy for leukemia, patients may experience emotional distress, and family members must learn to understand.
Now, Liu Lin and Xu Ke's lives are back on track. Those days battling leukemia are unforgettable for them, but they also remind them to cherish the present moment even more.
[1] "Adult Leukemia Treatment Needs More 'Individualized' Approach." Guangzhou Daily. 2017-04-17
[2] New progress in immunotherapy for leukemia. Science and Technology Daily. 2018-09-13
[3] "Eating Well or Not: The Success or Failure of Leukemia Treatment Requires Attention to Diet" Health News. 2019-08-02
