Spiritual 'medicine' from books, music and chess helps cancer patients become more optimistic

Sitting in the relaxation room, Ms. Pham Thi Thuy (60 years old, in Lam Dong) flipped through the pages of a book and recalled the first day she went to Military Hospital 175 just to have surgery for back pain, but unexpectedly discovered breast cancer.

"She had a lot of back pain and pain in both breasts, but after going to many places for examination, they all said there was no problem with her breasts. So after Tet, her back pain was so bad that she was admitted to Hospital 175 for back surgery. Unexpectedly, the doctor discovered that it was a complication of stage 4 breast cancer, not a bone or joint problem. From then on, in addition to chemotherapy, the 'spiritual medicine' and the care of doctors and nurses were always the motivation for her and other cancer patients to try to fight the disease," Ms. Thuy recounted.

Ms. Thuy is looking for books to read in the relaxation room.

PHOTO: LE CAM

In another corner, Mr. Phan Dinh Soan (66 years old, from Dak Lak ) picked up a broken guitar and played familiar melodies. He has esophageal cancer and has been hospitalized for treatment for 20 days now.

"When I play the guitar, I get lost in the music and feel happier. Sometimes I forget I'm in the hospital, forget I'm a cancer patient, just relax my mind," Uncle Soan shared.

Next to them are uncles and aunts, chess players, music listeners, and entertainment programs. This is the free relaxation and entertainment room for patients at the Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Military Hospital 175, which was officially put into operation on the afternoon of September 4.

Uncle Phan Dinh Soan plays the guitar

PHOTO: LE CAM

Empowering Cancer Patients

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Colonel, Professor - Doctor Nguyen Van Ba, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175 shared that for patients, especially cancer patients, mental strength is extremely important in the journey to overcome the disease. Stemming from that humanitarian spirit, the Social Work Department and the hospital staff have built and completed the Relaxation Room, with the desire to create a "little corner of love", where patients, relatives and the medical team can find peace, joy and new motivation.

Charitable gifts such as wigs, hats, and bras will also be on display to be given away free of charge to cancer patients.

PHOTO: LE CAM

"A relaxing space, a good book, a soothing piece of music or simply a shared smile... will give patients more strength, confidence and optimism during the treatment process," said Colonel Nguyen Van Ba.

The relaxation room is equipped with many rich and practical items such as bookshelves, computers, guitars, painting corners, chess boards, decorative plants, and charitable gifts such as wigs, hats, etc., free for cancer patients.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lieu-thuoc-tinh-than-tu-sach-nhac-va-co-giup-benh-nhan-ung-thu-lac-quan-hon-185250904202928396.htm