Fertility Preservation for Young Cancer Patients

One of the most emotional and difficult challenges we face in life is the loss of a loved one. We know it can feel impossible to overcome these emotions and everyone reacts differently to the devasting impact during the grieving process. Therefore, it’s important that a professional person with the experience and knowledge about palliative care explains what is happening and how to navigate this difficult time.

Ms S was a 60 years-old ovarian cancer patient (stage 4, with metastasis of pancreas, lung and colon) and diagnosed in 2021. She had been receiving chemotherapy and targeted therapy until January 2023, when oncologist informed her all of those treatments were no longer effective.

Ms S lost working ability due to the cancer, she was also lack of family support but she had some close friends who were able to take care of her. In the beginning, our case manager mainly supported Ms S for Relief Fund application when she just started treatment and without income.

After settling her main financial burden, case manager focused on facilitating her acceptance of cancer, life reviewing and preparing for advanced care plan via phone counselling sessions. We also explored different possibilities with her and encouraged her to visit her mother when the condition was allowed.  

During the process, our case manager invited Ms S to join EOL programmes such as online festival visit and Capturing Precious Moments Photography, she shared her last wish to case manager and caregiver that she hoped to deliver some photo memorial booklets to her loved family and friends in her funeral.

Ms S caregiver and family members much appreciated the support from HKCF. One of caregivers told us that she would like to become our volunteer in the future. She found that it is very meaningful and important to company with patients at their last stage of life. 

From April 2022 to March 2023, Hong Kong Cancer Fund has provided 84 programmes to serve 832 cancer patients and their caregivers. These programmes were conducted by the multidisciplinary care team comprising an oncology nurse, a dietitian, a social worker and a counselor. These programmes were delivered to explain end-of-life care including palliative services in Hong Kong, topics of symptom management and adjustment methods.

We receive no funding from the Government or the Community Chest and we rely on friends like you who share our vision and commitment so we can offer free professional services in this extremely challenging environment.