Pancreatic Cancer Patient Declared Cancer-Free After Chemotherapy at Mandaya Royal Puri

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins with the abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas plays an important role in the body, including producing enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. One of the challenges in treating pancreatic cancer is that it often does not cause clear symptoms in its early stages, meaning it may not be detected when treatment outcomes may be more favorable.

This was also the experience of Bapak Iwan, who initially did not realize that changes in his body could be signs of pancreatic cancer. In June 2025, he noticed that his urine had become dark yellow. He initially thought this was simply because he was not drinking enough water. However, even after increasing his water intake, the color of his urine did not change. About a week later, he began experiencing nausea, which he initially thought was a common complaint caused by skipping meals or a digestive problem. Eventually, after undergoing further examinations, Bapak Iwan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

After undergoing one session of chemotherapy in Singapore, Bapak Iwan returned to Indonesia to continue his treatment at Mandaya Royal Puri. He was later declared cancer-free after undergoing a PET scan.

“Compared with my first chemotherapy session in Singapore, Mandaya was very different. The facilities at Mandaya were much better. Mandaya provides beds for patients during chemotherapy, whereas there, there were only chairs where you could rest. In my opinion, Mandaya is definitely more luxurious when it comes to cancer treatment,” said Bapak Iwan.

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The Symptoms Initially Did Not Seem Like Cancer

About a week after experiencing nausea, Bapak Iwan began noticing that his skin had turned yellow. He then underwent medical examinations because the condition was initially suspected to be related to hepatitis. However, the tests did not find any hepatitis virus.

Further examinations, including imaging, were then performed and revealed a tumor in the pancreas measuring approximately 3.5 cm. Before this, Bapak Iwan had not experienced any pain or specific symptoms that would have made him aware of a problem with his pancreas.

The yellowing of his skin, or jaundice, was found to be related to the tumor, which had grown larger and was pressing on the bile duct. This disrupted the flow of bile, causing bilirubin to build up in the body and making the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow.

Through this experience, Bapak Iwan learned that pancreatic cancer can develop without causing easily recognizable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already progressed and require further examination and treatment.

Underwent Cancer Treatment in Singapore Before Returning to Indonesia

After learning that he had pancreatic cancer, Bapak Iwan sought information about treatment options, including in Singapore. Based on the examinations performed at the time, his condition was still considered suitable for surgery to remove the tumor.

Bapak Iwan subsequently underwent surgery to remove the pancreatic cancer and received his first chemotherapy session in Singapore. After completing treatment there, he began looking for options to continue his chemotherapy in Indonesia.

Prof. DR. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP

He then consulted about treatment options that could be continued in Indonesia. During the consultation, Bapak Iwan received a recommendation for a doctor who could continue his chemotherapy treatment in Indonesia, namely Prof. DR. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP. Bapak Iwan then looked up Prof. Aru’s practice schedule and learned that he also practices at Mandaya Royal Puri.

Continued Chemotherapy Until Being Declared Cancer-Free

At Mandaya Royal Puri, Bapak Iwan continued chemotherapy under the care of Prof. Aru. In total, he underwent eight chemotherapy sessions, seven of which were performed at Mandaya after his first chemotherapy session in Singapore.

After completing his eighth chemotherapy session, Bapak Iwan underwent a PET scan to assess the condition of his cancer. The examination found no detectable signs of cancer, allowing him to temporarily stop chemotherapy.

For Bapak Iwan, the results were a relief after going through a lengthy course of treatment. His condition gradually improved, and he felt that he could return to his usual activities.

However, his treatment journey was not completely over. To continue monitoring his condition, Prof. Aru asked Bapak Iwan to undergo regular follow-up examinations, including DNA testing to help monitor for any possible remaining signs of cancer.

The subsequent DNA test also showed a negative result. Nevertheless, Bapak Iwan was advised to continue having regular check-ups approximately every three months to monitor his condition.

For Bapak Iwan, his treatment experience at Mandaya Royal Puri also left a lasting impression. During chemotherapy, he felt that the available facilities provided comfort, including a chemotherapy room equipped with beds that patients could use during treatment.

Bapak Iwan’s experience shows that pancreatic cancer can present with symptoms that initially appear to be common health complaints. Therefore, persistent changes in the body should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Once cancer has been diagnosed, further examinations and treatment can be provided according to each patient’s condition and may involve a team of doctors.

Be Aware of Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms That Often Go Undetected

Based on Bapak Iwan’s experience, pancreatic cancer generally does not cause clear signs or symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms often begin to appear when the tumor has already affected other organs in the digestive system. At this stage, pancreatic cancer may have already progressed further.

Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

Pain in the upper abdomen, middle of the back, or side of the body.
Signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Digestive problems and nausea.
Weight loss and loss of appetite.
Constipation and/or diarrhea.
Dark-colored urine and/or pale-colored stools.
Itchy skin.
Fatigue.

Meet Prof. Aru, a Hematology and Medical Oncology Consultant at Mandaya Royal Puri

Prof. Dr. dr. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP is an internal medicine specialist and a hematology and medical oncology consultant.

He completed his medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, followed by specialist training in Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia. He then completed his training as a Hematology and Medical Oncology Consultant at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, as well as a doctoral degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia.

In providing patient care, Prof. Dr. dr. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP provides various cancer treatment options, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR-T cell therapy.

Prof. Dr. dr. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP can be seen at Mandaya Royal Puri on:

Wednesday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB.

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter app, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store to help arrange your visit, check your queue number, and access other information.

*The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general guidance only and does not reflect all types of medical services that may be provided by each doctor. To ensure appropriate treatment based on your health condition, consultation with the relevant doctor is recommended.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.