“Stay strong and don’t give in to fear — a positive mindset makes a real difference in how well treatment works.”

That’s the message Low Chew Long, a 48-year-old from Malaysia, now shares with other cancer patients after his own experience battling stage IV lymphoma.

Diagnosed in March 2016, Low made the decision three months later to travel to China for treatment at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou (MCHG). Today, his tumor has completely disappeared, and he has returned to living an active, normal life.

A Lump That Was Easy to Ignore

The trouble began quietly in October 2015, when Low noticed a small lump, about the size of a peanut, in his left armpit. Since it caused no pain, he initially paid it little attention.

Within a month, however, the lump had grown considerably, expanding to roughly the size of an egg, and similar swelling began appearing near his collarbone. Concerned by the rapid change, he sought a biopsy at a local hospital, which confirmed a diagnosis of stage IV lymphoma.

Doctors advised chemotherapy, but Low was hesitant, worried about the harsh side effects associated with the treatment. Instead, he turned to traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative approach. Unfortunately, over the following four months, his condition continued to deteriorate, with additional swollen lymph nodes emerging in both armpits and along his neck.

Discovering a Different Path

Feeling increasingly discouraged, Low came across information about MCHG through a newspaper advertisement. He decided to attend a free cancer symposium held in Kuala Lumpur, which offered complimentary consultations for patients exploring their options.

After speaking with hospital physicians and learning about minimally invasive treatment approaches available at MCHG, he wasted no time booking a flight to China to pursue care there.

A Coordinated Medical Approach

Upon arrival at MCHG, Low was formally diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma involving lymph node invasion. His case was reviewed by the hospital’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), a group of specialists who collaborate to design individualized treatment plans.

Following a thorough evaluation, the team recommended interventional therapy as the most suitable course of action for his specific condition.

The Treatment Experience

Low described the procedure as involving only mild discomfort, along with a noticeable sensation of warmth moving through his body during the session.

“Because I had confidence in the medical team and the treatment plan, I didn’t feel afraid going into it,” he shared.

Visible Results and Renewed Energy

The treatment produced encouraging results: the tumor reduced in size, and Low experienced no adverse side effects throughout the process. This marked a stark contrast to his earlier state of physical weakness.

• He regained enough strength and energy to walk regularly around the hospital grounds
• His attending physician, Dr. Pang Anneng, noted that consistent follow-up checkups would help him continue progressing toward a full recovery
• He reported feeling like an entirely different person compared to before treatment

Comparing Journeys, Choosing Optimism

Low was struck by how quickly he saw positive changes after starting treatment. He often reflects on a friend back home who also battled cancer but chose a different treatment path in Malaysia.

That friend, weakened by the side effects of his therapy, now relies on a walking stick to get around — a contrast that leaves Low feeling genuine sympathy, while he himself moves through daily life without any physical limitations.

Spreading Positivity Among Fellow Patients

Known for his upbeat, sociable nature, Low became something of an informal source of encouragement for other patients during his stay. His outlook remained consistently hopeful despite his diagnosis, and he frequently reminded others: “Don’t be afraid and stay strong — a positive attitude can genuinely improve your treatment outcomes.”

He built friendly relationships with both patients and hospital staff throughout his time at MCHG, and was well-regarded by everyone who interacted with him.

With characteristic humor, he even joked that the illness hadn’t gotten the better of him at all — in fact, he’d gained about 2 kilograms during his hospital stay.

Continuing to Help More Patients

Since its founding, MCHG has continued advancing its minimally invasive treatment capabilities, helping a growing number of cancer patients along the way. The hospital notes that this work of expanding access to effective, less invasive cancer care remains an ongoing journey.