What happened, in summary

Li Zong sought medical attention for stomach pain, changing bowel habits, and persistent abdominal pain and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After an initial prognosis discussion, Li Zong sought a second opinion and became actively involved in treatment decisions.

Treatment began with partial colectomy. Chemotherapy, 4D radiotherapy, and targeted therapy followed, with changes made when some approaches did not work well or caused difficult side effects. At the latest update, Li Zong remained on chemotherapy and targeted therapy and used pain medication. Immunotherapy and cell therapy were also paid for out of pocket, along with radiotherapy and genetic testing.

The financial burden of treatment was substantial. Li Zong continued to hope for recovery while also preparing for the possibility of hospice and palliative care. Fear of recurrence, metastasis, pain, and suffering remained central concerns, and discussions with the medical team helped guide decisions about radiation and ongoing care.