Hi, my name is Xiuting Chen. I’m 29 years old. In 2014, I came to Seattle from China with my husband who is a cancer research fellow. About 6 months ago, I was hospitalized because of a very large pericardial effusion and severe shortness of breath. It turned out that I had ROS1+ stage 4 lung cancer, which had spread to my pericardium. Soon after, I received treatment with crizotinib and responded very well.
I was a junior resident physician and have 3 years of cancer research experience in China. Right after settling down in Seattle, I studied hard for the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) so that I could possibly continue my occupation as a physician. However, at the moment of diagnosis, it seemed that I would miss all the important life events that are supposed to happen in one’s 30s, 40s, 50s or even 60s. It is impossible for me to mother a child or continue to work as a physician. It is impossible for me to have a common life.
My little world has broken down, but there is one thing will never break down with cancer. That is love.
It is love that helps me conquer all the negative emotions and difficult times. What’s more, with the love of my husband, the help of my doctors, scientists and crizotinib, I have a chance to build my castle in the world of cancer. In my new castle, I cherish the people I love, develop new and old hobbies, and continue to learn English.
Life is still fulfilling and beautiful.