Juliana's Journey: A Triumph Over Advanced Rectosigmoid Cancer with ECCT

When 53-year-old Juliana Asfalinda from Malaysia was first diagnosed with advanced rectosigmoid cancer in April 2025, her life changed almost overnight. What began as a tumor measuring 3.8 × 2.2 cm soon revealed itself to be more aggressive than expected. It had invaded surrounding tissues and spread to nearby lymph nodes, with 4 out of 11 nodes testing positive.

She underwent surgery in May 2025 to remove the tumor. At that point, there was hope. However, due to a delay in starting chemotherapy, things quickly took a turn. Within just two months, she began experiencing persistent abdominal pain. At first, she thought it was something minor, “just gas,” but the discomfort worsened.

Further investigations in October 2025 confirmed what no patient wants to hear: the cancer had returned and spread. Scans showed active disease in the bowel, lymph nodes, and even nodules in the abdominal wall.

Before ECCT: Weak, In Pain, and Losing Weight

By the time Juliana started treatment again in October 2025, her condition had significantly declined. She was dealing with constant abdominal pain, described as a pulling, tightening sensation. Along with bloating, vomiting, and a severely reduced appetite, eating became difficult. She relied on liquid nutrition just to get through the day and lost about 5 kg in a short period.

Physically, she was weak and lethargic. Juliana often needed to lie down during consultations. Even basic daily activities felt exhausting.

Starting Treatment: Combining Chemotherapy with ECCT

Determined to fight back, Juliana began chemotherapy on 6 October 2025. Initially, she was on Xeloda, later transitioning to Oxaliplatin-based regimens. At the same time, she started ECCT on 10 October 2025.

The early phase was not easy. Like many patients undergoing chemotherapy, she experienced side effects such as insomnia, poor appetite, cold sensitivity, and fatigue. There were also episodes of severe abdominal pain and weakness. But gradually, something began to change.

Signs of Improvement: Tumor Markers and Scan Results

One of the clearest signs of improvement came from her tumor marker (CEA), which steadily decreased after starting treatment:

• From 21 (April 2025)

• Down to 10.7 in early October

• Further reduced to 9.4, then 6.4

• And eventually reaching 2.9 by March 2026

  
  

This consistent downward trend into near-normal levels suggested a meaningful reduction in tumor activity.

Follow-up CT scans in February 2026 brought more encouraging news. The previously suspicious thickening in the bowel area became less visible, and importantly, there were no new tumors detected. Existing nodules and lymph nodes remained stable, showing that the disease was under control rather than progressing.

Blood Tests and Internal Recovery

There were challenges along the way. Her liver function became affected, most likely due to chemotherapy, and she experienced episodes of low white blood cells and platelets. However, with adjustments to her treatment, including modifying the ECCT regime to improve her liver, kidney, and bone marrow, her condition stabilized. Liver function showed signs of improvement over time, especially her liver marker, and her kidney function remained normal throughout.

Feeling the Difference: Physical and Symptom Improvement

The biggest change wasn’t just in the numbers; it was how Juliana felt. Over time, her symptoms began to fade:

• The abdominal pain and bloating resolved

• Her appetite improved

• Bowel movements returned to normal

• Back pain and gastric discomfort disappeared

  
  

By early 2026, she was no longer the weak, fatigued patient from months before. She was sitting upright, alert, and visibly stronger. She shared that while chemotherapy still made her feel unwell for a few days after each cycle, she recovered much faster. She felt that ECCT helped her bounce back more quickly.

Getting Her Life Back

Perhaps the most meaningful part of her recovery is what it allowed her to do. Juliana was able to travel again. She drove herself on a trip to Penang, something that would have been unimaginable just a few months earlier. She resumed her daily routines, including fasting, and regained a sense of independence. These are not just small milestones; they represent a return to normalcy and dignity in daily life.

Where She Is Today

As of the latest follow-up:

• Her disease remains stable on imaging

• Tumor markers are within normal range

• Liver function, while previously affected, is improving

• She remains physically well, active, and independent

  
  

There are ongoing considerations, including monitoring thyroid nodules and continued follow-up scans, but overall, her condition is stable and controlled.

A Journey of Measurable Progress

Juliana’s journey reflects more than just clinical improvement. It shows how a patient who started off weak, in pain, and facing disease progression can regain strength, stability, and quality of life. With a combination of chemotherapy and ECCT, her case demonstrates:

• Reduction in tumor activity (CEA improvement)

• Stabilization of disease on imaging

• Recovery of physical strength

• Improved tolerance to treatment

• Restoration of daily function and independence

  
  

Today, she is not just continuing treatment; she is living her life again.

In conclusion, Juliana's story is a testament to the potential of combining traditional treatments with innovative therapies like ECCT. For those exploring options, it emphasizes the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

This case describes an individual’s documented journey and is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or standard-of-care treatment. Individual outcomes may vary, and this case should not be interpreted as a guarantee or indication that any particular outcome, response, improvement, or result will occur in another individual.