At 84 years old, Dukhi Hong never imagined she would still be here, let alone celebrating a major milestone in her battle against cancer.
“It feels unreal,” Dukhi shared in Korean, reflecting on her journey at Utah Cancer Specialists, where she recently received her 100th dose of immunotherapy—a feat that has astonished her doctors.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Back in June 2019, Dukhi’s life took a dramatic turn when she suffered a seizure. Her family rushed her to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had small cell lung cancer—a particularly aggressive form of the disease known for rapidly spreading throughout the body. By the time it was detected, it had already reached her brain.
Doctors gave her a grim prognosis, estimating she had only six to nine months to live. However, nearly six years later, Dukhi has defied those expectations.
A Life of Strength and Resilience
Dukhi’s story is one of resilience. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, she moved to Utah in 1965, following her then-husband to a new country where she didn’t speak the language.
“I only knew the ABCs,” Dukhi recalled.
She was pregnant at the time, and after seven years, she found herself raising four children alone as a single mother. Life was tough, but she pressed on, determined to provide for her children.
“She’s our hero,” said her daughter, Mitzi Maughan, who has been by her side every step of the way.
Finding Joy in the Battle
Cancer treatments became a part of their routine, with immunotherapy sessions every three to four weeks. What started as an emotionally draining process evolved into a family tradition—a time when loved ones gathered to support Dukhi, turning the visits into joyous events filled with laughter, balloons, and celebration.
“We make it an outing,” Mitzi explained. “Each treatment gives us more time with her, and that’s what matters most.”
Even Dr. Stephan Kendall, her oncologist, is in awe of her progress.
“I’ve never had a patient reach 100 doses of any treatment,” he said, calling her response to immunotherapy remarkable.
A Medical Mystery and a Victory
Dukhi’s latest scans showed no signs of cancer in her lungs, though some cancerous cells in her brain have reappeared at a minimal stage.
“We don’t fully understand why she’s responded so well,” Dr. Kendall admitted, speculating that her immune system may have played a significant role.
Although small cell lung cancer is notorious for returning, Dukhi remains upbeat. She left her latest appointment with a smile and a spring in her step, surrounded by loved ones who cherish every extra moment they have with her.
For now, her fight continues—but so does her unwavering spirit .
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