SIMC story: after 25 radiation sessions, she can sit comfortably again

“After 25 sessions my complexion and energy are so much better—I can sit comfortably again and start a new chapter,” said Ms. Liu (alias) in SIMC’s radiotherapy clinic, visibly moved as recovery progressed. After a full course of precise treatment, she had moved past the torment of a complex rectal tumor. She had long struggled with anorectal symptoms—altered stool form and difficult bowel movements—until escalating pain made sitting nearly impossible and upended daily life. She sought care with Radiotherapy Director Yao Hui at Shanghai International Medical Center (SIMC). Work-up showed a rectal tumor extensively involving nearby organs, including cervix, vagina, bladder posterior wall, and perineum. Location, extent, and proximity to critical structures made conventional approaches difficult and raised the risk of collateral tissue injury. Early on she feared severe hair loss, extreme discomfort, and whether she could endure radiotherapy. For this high-risk, multi-site invasion, Director Yao’s team designed an individualized concurrent chemoradiotherapy plan using TOMO helical tomotherapy: real-time image guidance to lock onto the target, plus anatomy-aware dose optimization to spare normal organs while treating tumor. The course felt more tolerable than popular expectations of radiotherapy, easing her anxiety. After 25 structured sessions, the lesion was controlled and symptoms eased markedly. She recalled arriving unable to sit without bracing her hands; she now sits at ease with better color and energy, and says the process was far more acceptable than feared. She thanked Director Yao and the nursing team for careful, warm care and a reassuring environment. SIMC plans MRI follow-up and MDT discussion aiming for sphincter-preserving surgery where appropriate—seeking both oncologic control and function. Director Yao’s advice to patients: follow prescriptions closely; keep regular sleep and balanced nutrition; stay optimistic. SIMC Radiotherapy (~20 clinical and technical staff) fields Varian VitalBeam, TOMO, cranial gamma knife, and Siemens large-bore 4D simulation CT, emphasizing standardized, individualized, precise, function-minded care. This article is for information only and is not a treatment recommendation; seek care at a qualified hospital for clinical guidance.