In a warm and simple small apartment in Beijing, Li Hua sat quietly by the window, staring at the street scene outside the window. The middle-aged man's face was full of exhaustion, but his eyes flashed with imperceptible determination. Not long ago, Li Hua was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the news was like a bombshell that instantly shattered the peaceful life of him and his family.
At this difficult time, his wife Wang Li became the strongest support for the family. Wang Li, an ordinary middle-aged woman, used to live an ordinary life, day after day. However, faced with her husband's illness, she had to make a decision that could change the fate of the family: whether to sell the only home in the family to pay for expensive treatment.
Li Hua and Wang Li originally planned to spend their old age in this home, but now, the family may be forced to let go for treatment. Treatment means a lot of financial pressure, and giving up means letting go of everything. Wang Li's heart struggled, she wanted to fight for every possible opportunity for her husband, but at the same time, she was afraid that all these efforts would eventually be in vain.
This story is not only the story of Li Hua and Wang Li, but also a portrayal of countless families facing the same choice. When advanced cancer becomes a family reality, every choice is extremely difficult in the face of high treatment costs and uncertain treatment outcomes. It is a story of life, love, choice and courage, and it reflects the struggle and helplessness of countless ordinary people in the face of illness.
Li Hua's cancer diagnosis was like a bomb that destroyed the peaceful life of him and his wife, Wang Li. They face not only a physical battle, but also a psychological and moral challenge. Li Hua is suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer, a cancer with a high degree of malignancy and difficult to cure. After several rounds of standard chemotherapy, his condition did not improve significantly. Doctors suggest several options: continue chemotherapy, try new experimental treatments, or switch to palliative care that focuses on improving quality of life rather than aggressive treatment.
Wang Li firmly believes that as long as there is a glimmer of hope, she should not give up. She began to consider selling the only home in her home to pay for an expensive experimental treatment. However, Li Hua had a different idea. He was well aware of his illness and did not want to see his wife carry a heavy financial burden for the faint hope of hope. This ambivalence has created an invisible barrier between the two.
Experimental treatment means going into uncharted territory. On the one hand, some patients have tried new treatments to control their condition and even miracles of recovery, and on the other hand, such treatments often come with higher risks and uncertainties. According to statistics, less than 20% of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer are effective in trying new treatments. Palliative therapy, on the other hand, focuses more on alleviating the patient's pain and improving their quality of life, although it no longer pursues healing, but allows the patient to have more family companionship and spiritual comfort in a limited time.
Li Hua and Wang Li had many in-depth and difficult conversations on this issue. They consulted different doctors in the hope of getting some guidance from professionals. Although the doctors' answers were different, they all emphasized a common point: the most important thing in the face of advanced cancer is to respect the patient's wishes and choices.
After a long inner struggle, Li Hua and Wang Li began to re-examine their choices. They took into account that even if the experimental treatment was successful, Li Hua's life could only be extended by a few months, during which time he would have to endure the side effects and physical pain of the treatment. Choosing palliative care means they have more time, albeit at the cost of forgoing treatment.
Wang Li began to slowly understand her husband's thoughts. She realized that sometimes, giving up is not a failure, but a deep understanding and respect for life. What she thinks about is no longer how to make Li Hua live longer, but how to make him live with more dignity and happiness. Li Hua, on the other hand, found the courage and peace to face the illness with the support and understanding of his wife.
As time passed, Li Hua's condition tended to deteriorate, and Wang Li became more and more tormented by the entanglement of emotions and reason. Faced with the high cost of treatment, she stood in front of the only house several times, and her heart fluctuated. It's not just a property, it's a testament to their years of married life, with deep memories in every corner.
One day, Wang Li took Li Hua to the hospital again, and she needed a clear answer: should she continue the treatment, or should she choose to give up? The doctor was silent for a moment in the face of the couple. He knew that every word he said would affect their choices and their future.
"Li Hua's cancer has reached an advanced stage," the doctor said slowly, "Although the current medical progress is remarkable, there is still very little we can do for such advanced diseases. ”
Wang Li held Li Hua's hand tightly, her eyes full of anticipation and uneasiness: "So, is there any hope for healing?"
The doctor sighed and said cautiously: "We can try some new treatment options, but frankly, the chances of success are not high." According to statistics, the 5-year survival rate for similar cases is less than 10%. ”
This number hit Wang Li in the heart like a hammer. She looked helplessly at Li Hua, whose eyes also showed struggle.
The doctor continued, "In such cases, palliative care is more recommended to maintain quality of life and reduce pain. After all, the last days of life are just as important as the company of family and peace of mind. ”
Wang Li's eyes moistened. She knew that the doctor's words, although heavy, were the most sincere and realistic advice.
On the way home, the couple was silent. The setting sun shines through the car window, shining on their old but still clasped hands. At that moment, Wang Li seemed to have made a decision.
In the evening, Wang Li and Li Hua sat in the living room full of memories. Wang Li said softly: "Hua, I think, we won't sell the house anymore." Let's cherish the rest of the time and spend every ordinary but precious day together. ”
Li Hua hugged Wang Li tightly, and there was both sadness and relief in the eyes of the two. Yes, life is impermanent, and all they can do is to feel and pass on love as much as possible in a limited number of days.
In the days that followed, Wang Li insisted on cooking nutritious meals for Li Hua, taking him for a walk, and listening to his stories. They look at old photos together and reminisce about the past. Although Li Hua's body was getting weaker and weaker, his eyes were full of gratitude and peace.
This decision is not only an acceptance of reality, but also a deep understanding of the value of life. At the end of your life, instead of struggling in the hospital and in pain, you should spend time at home with your loved ones.
Life is not about length, but about depth. Li Hua and Wang Li's choice, although difficult, reflects deep love and the dignity of life. Although there are no miracles in their stories, they are the truest and warmest portrayals of life.