In early April this year, Ms. Wang (alias), almost 70, began seeking care for persistent jaw numbness. Her family took her to several top hospitals, but after more than a month she still had no clear diagnosis or admission. 

After unsuccessful treatment searches, they followed recommendations and went to the outpatient clinic of Dr. Hao Siguo, chief hematology consultant at Jiahui International Hospital.

Fast forward to early December, Ms. Wang and the family sent a thank-you letter to Jiahui International Cancer Center expressing their relief and renewed hope. She wrote, "Your careful professionalism and genuine warmth gave us a safe place."

Rapid Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Collaboration Open a Lifeline

After thoroughly reviewing her medical history and records from other hospitals, Dr. Hao Siguo quickly identified the urgency of the situation and admitted Ms. Wang to the hospital that same day, immediately arranging a bone marrow biopsy. With the laboratory department's rapid response, the hematology team provided a preliminary diagnosis of multiple myeloma the day after admission.

With a clear diagnosis, Dr. Hao Siguo's team quickly developed a systematic treatment plan for Ms. Wang. After several cycles of treatment, Ms. Wang's condition was effectively controlled, meeting the criteria for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a first-line consolidation therapy recommended by both the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Myeloma. Autologous means that the patient’s own stem cells are used. This recommendation is based on a clear phased treatment pathway, that consists of 3 phases: induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapies. 

Overcoming Challenges: Overcoming Infection Barriers, Safeguarding the Transplant Journey

At the critical stage of preparing for the transplant, Ms. Wang experienced recurrent urinary tract infections. Infection is a major concern before transplant; without managing the infection, the transplant plan would have needed to be postponed or even canceled.

Dr. Hao led the hematology team to precisely adjust the anti-infection regimen based on pathogen monitoring and culture results. Simultaneously, multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment within the hospital were implemented, with nephrology experts consulted to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. 

With the collaborative treatment and meticulous care of a multidisciplinary team, the infection was finally brought under control, and Ms. Wang was successfully admitted to the transplant ward.

Being Surrounded By Care in the Transplant Ward + Professionalism

Ms. Wang’s daughter praised the transplant‑ward team in her thank‑you letter. Unable to be with her mother because of work, she felt guilty and anxious, but the oncology staff eased her worries through their care.

After the transplant, Ms. Wang experienced mild side effects such as a decreased appetite.The nutrition team promptly created a personalized plan to ensure adequate intake despite poor appetite, laying the groundwork for rapid recovery.

The oncology center's nursing team provided meticulous, compassionate care, from regular repositioning and gentle massages to bedside support during medication reactions, and constant encouragement with warm smiles, "Auntie, you look much better today!"and "Let's hang in there a little longer!"

In the letter, the Ms. Wang’s daughter wrote, ”It is your kindness and dedication that has made up for our shortcomings as family members in providing professional care, and has greatly lifted our stress.”

Recovery and Discharge: A Banner Bears Sincere Gratitude

After systematic treatment and meticulous care, Ms. Wang was successfully discharged from the ward, her condition stabilized, and she recovered well. Upon discharge, the patient's daughter presented a thank-you letter and a banner, her words overflowing with gratitude:

"You not only cared for my mother's body, but also quietly healed our hearts. Seeing my mother treated so gently under your care, half the burden in my heart felt lifted."

A Doctor's Voice: Patient Trust is Our Greatest Motivation

In response to the family's thank you’s, Dr. Hao Siguo stated, "As doctors, we simply did what we should do. Seeing the patient recover and the family regain happiness is our greatest satisfaction."

"Behind every patient is a family. We treat not only the disease, but we also care for the whole family’s well-being.” The patient’s trust in the Hematology nursing team allowed the care to proceed smoothly, and her families’ thanks inspired and energized them. 

The thank‑you letter not only expresses the family's gratitude to the hematology and oncology teams but also affirms the value of our multidisciplinary, patient‑centered approach.

The Department of Hematology at Jiahui International Hospital is led by Dr. Hao Siguo, Director and Academic Leader of the Department of Hematology at Xinhua Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The department specializes in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases (especially hematological malignancies), providing multidisciplinary, one-stop, and individualized hematological disease treatment services: