33 Midnight Radiotherapy Sessions for Nasopharyngeal Cancer – A Medical Escort’s Story
As a medical escort, I have accompanied many patients through difficult treatments. But the story of Mr. Chen, a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patient from Hainan, taught me something new about courage, trust, and the power of being present — especially at midnight.
When Hope Travels to Guangzhou
Mr. Chen was diagnosed with NPC after a routine check‑up. His local doctor told him that the best place in China — and arguably one of the best in the world — for NPC treatment is Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) in Guangzhou. He didn’t hesitate. He packed his bags and flew to the city, hoping for a second chance.
But he was afraid. He would need 33 consecutive radiotherapy sessions, five days a week, for nearly two months. He had no family in Guangzhou. And he had heard about the harsh side effects: dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, skin burns, and extreme fatigue.
A Unique Challenge: Midnight Radiotherapy
Because SYSUCC treats thousands of NPC patients every year, radiotherapy slots are extremely limited. Mr. Chen’s sessions were scheduled at midnight. Imagine going alone to a massive cancer center in the dark, receiving radiation, and then returning to an empty hotel room — night after night.
That’s when he reached out to Saprimed. He didn’t just need a translator or a queue manager. He needed someone who would be there at 1 AM, someone who would care for him before and after each session.
What We Did: More Than Just Accompanying
For 33 nights, I met Mr. Chen at his accommodation, walked with him to the radiotherapy department, stayed by his side during the treatment, and brought him back safely. But that was only part of the job.
Before each session, I helped him apply skin cream to prevent radiation burns. After each session, I made sure he had soft, high‑protein food to maintain his strength. When he lost his appetite, I prepared TCM‑based soups recommended by a licensed practitioner. When he felt hopeless, I sat with him and listened.
Radiotherapy is physically brutal, but the emotional toll can be even heavier. Being there — truly present — made all the difference.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the difficulties, Mr. Chen never gave up. He often said, “I know SYSUCC is my best chance. I just need someone to walk with me.” And walk we did.
After completing all 33 sessions, his follow‑up PET‑CT scan showed complete tumor regression. His doctor was very pleased. Mr. Chen cried tears of relief — and so did I.
Today, he is back in Hainan, living a normal life. We still keep in touch, reminding him of regular check‑ups and offering post‑recovery wellness advice.
Why This Story Matters
As a medical escort, I have learned that professionalism is not just about skills — it is about dedication, empathy, and showing up when it’s hardest. Mr. Chen’s journey reminds me why Saprimed exists: to turn fear into hope, and loneliness into companionship.
If you or your loved one is facing NPC treatment in China, you don’t have to do it alone. We are here — at midnight, at dawn, every step of the way.
This story is shared with the patient’s consent and all personal identifiers have been removed. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.
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