Blood disorders often involve long treatment courses and complex care. Throughout the journey, patients rely heavily on the unwavering support and companionship of their families. At Gaobo Shanghai Zhanxin/Liquan Hospital, many families walk this path side by side. Among them are Mr. Xu and his wife, Mrs. Dai.
Recently, 63-year-old Mr. Xu celebrated his five-year “graduation” — a milestone of recovery — at Gaobo Shanghai Zhanxin Hospital. In this special moment, he presented a bouquet of flowers to his wife, Mrs. Dai, who had accompanied him through seven years of treatment, expressing his gratitude for her steadfast devotion.
From an Unexpected Diagnosis to Systematic Treatment
Mr. Xu recalled that in March 2019, he visited the hospital due to persistent headaches and unexplained low-grade fever. In early April, he was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). During chemotherapy, he developed severe pulmonary fungal infection and pleural effusion, forcing treatment to be interrupted. After seeking care at multiple institutions, Mr. Xu came to the Hematology Department of Shanghai General Hospital, where Professor Wang Chun recommended further evaluation of his treatment plan.
In early 2020, Mr. Xu followed Professor Wang Chun to the then newly established Gaobo Shanghai Zhanxin Hospital to continue his treatment. After a comprehensive assessment, the medical team developed a systematic treatment plan, using chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy to control the disease while closely monitoring changes in fusion genes. After a phase of treatment, Mr. Xu achieved a period of good disease control.
A Critical Choice After Relapse
In August 2020, Mr. Xu developed abnormal symptoms including facial pain and swelling. Examinations confirmed that the disease had relapsed. Given the rapidly progressing condition, the medical team determined that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was an important treatment option to pursue long-term remission.
With the help of the China Marrow Donor Program, Mr. Xu successfully found a suitable donor. In February 2021, he completed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and was discharged from the transplant unit smoothly. For both the patient and his family, this represented new hope — but also a longer road to recovery.
Long-Term Recovery After Transplantation
The post-transplant recovery process was far from easy. Mr. Xu experienced complications including oral mucosal damage and diarrhea, requiring close medical observation and meticulous care. The medical team continuously adjusted treatment and nutritional support plans based on his condition, helping him gradually restore intestinal function and physical strength.
Throughout the recovery process, Mrs. Dai took on the primary caregiving responsibilities. From disinfecting the home environment to managing his diet, she strictly followed the guidance of the medical team to minimize the risk of infection. Through long-term standardized management and regular follow-up visits, Mr. Xu’s condition gradually stabilized, and his immune function steadily recovered.
Five Years of Recovery, Restarting Life
After years of continuous follow-up and health management, Mr. Xu has now reached the five-year post-transplant recovery milestone. At a recovery commemorative ceremony held at the hospital, he received an important badge symbolizing his recovery.
Looking back on his treatment journey, Mr. Xu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical team: “From diagnosis to transplantation, and through long-term follow-up, the doctors and nurses have always been by our side. It is their professional treatment and meticulous care that have allowed me to reach this day, step by step.”
For Mr. Xu and his family, this badge not only records a difficult yet determined treatment journey — it also bears witness to the power of doctors and patients working together to overcome illness.