Looking at the films and examination reports brought back by the hiccuping patient, Liu Banxia sighed inwardly. He had overestimated; it wasn't stage II.
He had just been telling the interns to practice their communication with patients and families, yet now he found himself at a loss for words.
"Doctor, just tell me. I can take it," the patient said, speaking first.
"The pancreatic tumor is quite large. Based on the current test results, it may have progressed to stage III. At this stage, even with surgery, the prognosis isn't very good," Liu Banxia said, choosing his words carefully.
"Hic... Doctor, how long can I live if I don't have surgery?" the patient asked.
"Maybe just three or four months. After surgery and chemotherapy, the two-year survival rate is around 40%, and the five-year survival rate will be lower," Liu Banxia replied.
