Long Ao, age 12 (pseudonym)
In October 2023, a 12-year-old boy named Long Ao suddenly began experiencing headaches, hearing loss, and tinnitus. He was initially diagnosed with otitis media. However, over the following month, his condition gradually worsened, and he developed additional symptoms, including dizziness and weakness in his lower limbs.
In response to these sudden changes, the doctors ultimately decided to perform surgical removal and biopsy of a nasopharyngeal mass. The examination confirmed that Long Ao had rhabdomyosarcoma. The news struck his family like a devastating thunderbolt, bringing them profound shock and heartbreak.
After careful consideration, Long Ao’s parents decided to pursue advanced proton therapy in Japan with the aim of eradicating the disease and reducing the risk of recurrence. Because proton therapy can deliver radiation with high precision while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, it offered Long Ao and his family renewed hope.
Through our Yishitong team, an online consultation was arranged with Professor Tetsuo Akimoto of the National Cancer Center Hospital East in Japan. After confirming that Long Ao was eligible for proton therapy, the family decided to travel to Japan for treatment. With hopes for his recovery, they began their medical journey to Japan.
Treatment Process in Japan
Number of irradiation sessions: 28 sessions over approximately six weeks
Total dose: 50.4 GyE
Dose per session: 1.8 GyE
Treatment method: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy
During the early stage of treatment, Long Ao experienced almost no side effects, and his physical condition remained relatively stable. At the same time, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo were in full bloom.
During this beautiful season, the family visited some of Tokyo’s most scenic cherry blossom locations and explored many of the city’s well-known attractions. Snow still covered the summit of Mount Fuji, while the coastal scenery of Kamakura looked like a painting. Between treatments, the family was able to visit many of the most memorable places in and around Tokyo.
As treatment progressed, however, Long Ao not only faced the challenges of the disease itself but also suffered from side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite. Every treatment session and every anti-nausea tablet became a testament to the battle he was fighting together with his medical team.
Yet Long Ao and his family noticed something remarkable: whenever irradiation paused over the weekend, his condition would temporarily improve. These precious periods of rest became a source of strength and a reflection of his extraordinary determination.
Each episode of side effects left him physically and emotionally exhausted, but he never gave up. With his remarkable perseverance and the unwavering love and support of his family, he finally reached the final stage of treatment.