Mr. Jiang takes care of his seriously ill wife in the ward. Photo by South Metropolitan Daily reporter Sun Junbin.
South Metropolitan Daily report by Zhang Lipu and intern Wang Yan: Three years ago, a stomach cancer diagnosis didn't break their bond, and three years later, with his wife again diagnosed with cancer, leaving the family destitute from medical bills, her husband remains steadfastly by her side. "The most romantic thing I can imagine is growing old together with you." This touching lyric not only resonates deeply but also reflects the true story of a working couple in Guangzhou.
Wife Faces Cancer Twice in Three Years
At noon, in the oncology ward of the Shi Jing Oriental Hospital in Baiyun District, Jiang Meiyuan carefully helped his wife Guo Lijun rise from the bed. One hand held up the intravenous bottle while the other supported his frail wife as they slowly walked. The 10-meter journey to the restroom required multiple stops for rest, each standing moment exhausting for Guo Lijun.
In July this year, Guo Lijun, originally from Changde, Hunan, was diagnosed with malignant pelvic tumors (i.e., uterine cancer), which progressed rapidly. According to Jiang Meiyuan, his wife, who once weighed nearly 50 kilograms, now weighs less than 35 kilograms.
To care for his wife, Jiang Meiyuan stays by her bedside without fail. However, as an ordinary Hunan migrant worker, the daily treatment costs in the thousands have become unbearable. Jiang Meiyuan said he sold his house back home for a mere 50,000 yuan to treat his wife, and currently owes over 30,000 yuan in debt.
"Every day, food costs about 15 yuan. To let her eat something nutritious, I just eat steamed buns for breakfast and lunch," Jiang Meiyuan said, embarrassed and helpless, patting his pocket. "Now, I only have 100 yuan left for living expenses."
Loyal Husband Stands By Her Side
In 2004, both natives of Changde, Hunan, Jiang Meiyuan and Guo Lijun met while working in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, and soon fell in love. However, good times were short-lived. During the 2008 Spring Festival, Guo Lijun suddenly felt discomfort in her stomach, and after examination, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Following surgery to remove two-thirds of her cancerous stomach, her condition stabilized.
"My family all opposed it, but I thought our feelings were hard-won, and I wouldn't give up," Jiang Meiyuan said. On August 8, 2008, the 38-year-old Jiang Meiyuan married the 34-year-old Guo Lijun in their hometown.
Due to various reasons, their wedding had no rings, no wedding dress, and no banquet. But in Guo Lijun's heart, marrying Jiang Meiyuan has never been a regret. In her eyes, her husband, though not eloquent, never spoke sweet nothings in their eight years of love, and often forgot her birthday. "But he is sincere, and that's more important than any material conditions," Guo Lijun said.
"The doctor said chemotherapy might lead to infertility, which is my biggest regret," Guo Lijun tearfully said. But Jiang Meiyuan consoled his wife, saying, "Nothing matters. As long as your illness can be cured, I hope to keep accompanying you on this journey."
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