Is the Story of Xiong Dun and Her Doctor Truly Based on Reality?

The story between Xiong Dun and her doctor is a blend of real-life experience and artistic creation—neither entirely factual nor purely fictional.

At its core, the narrative has solid real foundations. Xiong Dun was a real cartoonist who fought lymphoma, documenting her medical journey and interactions with doctors in her graphic memoir *Go Away, Mr. Tumor!*. These moments of consultation, comfort, and frustration are rooted in her actual struggles, giving the doctor-patient dynamic an authentic core. However, the specific doctor character in adaptations like the film (portrayed by Daniel Wu) is not a single real individual; instead, he is a composite of several doctors she encountered, condensed into one figure to craft a focused, emotionally resonant narrative.

Verifying every detail’s truthfulness presents unique challenges. Xiong Dun’s memoir uses creative license—she may have exaggerated or fictionalized small moments to convey humor or emotion, as personal storytelling often does. Medical privacy laws also bar the disclosure of real doctors’ identities without consent, making it impossible to confirm which specific individuals inspired the character. Additionally, adaptations add dramatic elements (like subtle romantic undertones) to engage audiences, further blurring the line between reality and fiction.

The reasons for this blend are clear: the story aims to honor Xiong Dun’s real experience while functioning as a compelling tale. The core of her interaction with medical professionals is genuine, but the specific character and some plot points are artistic choices to amplify emotional impact and narrative coherence.

In the end, the story captures the essence of Xiong Dun’s real journey—the support, hope, and humanity she found in doctors—even as it shapes those experiences into a fictionalized tribute. It balances truth with the power of storytelling to celebrate her life.