Recovering from Breast Cancer: A Patient's Journey with PET-CT Therapy

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The journey of fighting cancer is full of ups and downs during treatment. This was the experience of Askarina, a breast cancer survivor who successfully underwent a comprehensive therapy programme at the Oncology Center of Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan (MHJS), including a PET-CT Scan at the hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Clinic. The scan was able to detect the spread (metastasis) of cancer to the bones and liver, supporting Askarina’s therapy to proceed precisely and measurably.

For Askarina, the experience of undergoing a PET-CT Scan at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan left a distinct impression.

"The examination process was straightforward and quick, because everything was clearly explained from the start," Askarina said, quoted on Friday (19/6/2026).

According to her, the journey of fighting cancer was not just about therapy, but a meaningful experience through a close relationship with her attending physician, dr. Martha Iskandar, Sp.PD, KHOM.

"Doctor Martha was truly always there for me. If there was bad news, she delivered it wholeheartedly so I wouldn’t be shocked. When I was stressed, she came to comfort me, and when there was good news, she was just as happy as I was," Askarina recounted.

She also admitted feeling calmer before the examination thanks to the support of the nursing team at MHJS.

"I was amazed when I was in the waiting room after being injected with FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose radioactive substance). A nurse helped turn off the room lights, so I could truly relax, and the doctors could read the examination results more clearly because the brain was more relaxed," Askarina explained.

As the doctor who accompanied Askarina for approximately two years of therapy, dr. Martha Iskandar, Sp.PD, KHOM revealed that Askarina was a patient who initially came in a fragile state, and is now very healthy and living a normal life.

"In modern cancer management for Mrs Askarina, evaluation with PET-CT is an important part of ensuring optimal therapy, including detecting the possibility of cancer spread (metastasis)," she explained.

The PET-CT examination that Askarina underwent is a supporting therapy involving coordination with a team of relevant specialist doctors. In this regard, dr. Yustia Tuti, Sp.KN from Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan explained that PET-CT in Nuclear Medicine is a nuclear-based imaging technology capable of detecting abnormalities at the molecular level. Thus, changes in the metabolism of cancer cells in the body can be found earlier than morphological or anatomical changes.

"For cancer patients like Askarina, PET-CT examination provides peace of mind thanks to data accuracy that helps patients understand their condition, and undergo clearer treatment, with the support of a team of doctors until recovery," she said.

Comprehensive care like that undergone by Askarina is often sought by people abroad. However, this service can be fulfilled domestically, at the Oncology Center of Mayapada Hospital, including PET-CT Scan and SPECT-CT Scan available at the Nuclear Medicine Clinic of Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan (MHJS).

PET-CT Scan and SPECT-CT Scan services are still very limited in Indonesia, available in fewer than 10 hospitals. The presence of this service provides an important alternative for patients who previously had to seek similar examinations abroad.

At MHJS, the PET-CT and SPECT-CT technology offers sharper whole-body imaging, faster examination times, and lower radiation exposure compared to similar technologies currently available in Indonesia.

With a Comprehensive Cancer Care approach, the Oncology Center at Mayapada Hospital handles various tumour and cancer cases sustainably, supported by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, an active Tumour Board that provides appropriate treatment plans, and Patient Navigators consisting of doctors and nurses to accompany patients during treatment.

For cancer examinations and evaluations with PET-CT Scan and SPECT-CT Scan, patients can consult through the Call Center at 150770 or the MyCare application, as well as access Mayapada Hospital’s emergency services through the Call Center at 150990 or the emergency call button on MyCare if an emergency occurs during cancer treatment.

Health information from Mayapada Hospital doctors can be accessed through the MyCare application on the Health Articles and Tips feature. Additionally, you can monitor your fitness through the Personal Health feature to calculate heart rate, steps, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).