Woman with cancer “goes upstream” to find life again

"I used to think cancer was the end."

More than a month before being hospitalized, Ms. TH discovered a small lump in her right breast. Thinking it was just a benign tumor, she tried to endure it to maintain her daily work. But the lump grew larger, accompanied by persistent pain, causing her to worry and seek medical attention at hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City.

"When the doctor in Saigon said they suspected I had breast cancer, I felt devastated. I underwent treatment for almost a month, but I wasn't reassured, and my spirits were increasingly low, so I decided to stop," she recalled.

In the days that followed, fear gripped her every minute. Losing her appetite and sleep, she just sat silently, watching her child and thinking about the worst that could happen.

"I used to think cancer was the end. But then I understood that I couldn't give up when my children still needed me, when my family was still waiting for me to come back strong," Ms. H. recounted.

During a conversation with relatives, she suddenly remembered Dr. Phan Hoang Nguyen, a specialist in internal medicine, who had saved her father's life more than 10 years ago when he suffered from severe blood infection, multiple organ failure, and required intensive care with dialysis.

“When I learned that Dr. Nguyen is currently the Director of Vinmec Can Tho International General Hospital, it felt like I had found a pillar of support. I believe that if anyone can help me, it is Dr. Nguyen,” she recounted emotionally.

Upon arriving at Vinmec Can Tho, under the guidance of Dr. Nguyen, Ms. H. underwent a comprehensive examination and all necessary clinical tests. The biopsy results confirmed that she had stage III adenocarcinoma of the right breast.

Dr. Nguyen consulted with the Vinmec Can Tho team and agreed on a surgical plan involving a mastectomy of the right breast combined with axillary lymph node dissection for radical treatment, while also implementing comprehensive medical support measures to minimize the risk of complications.

"I've gotten through it, and I'm still beautiful in my own way."

According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Quan, Head of the General Surgery Department at Vinmec Can Tho Hospital, Ms. H. came for examination when the tumor had grown large and invaded the skin. This is a late stage, requiring a combination of methods, with surgery being the key step to control the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence.

On the afternoon of September 23, 2025, the surgery was performed. In the operating room, every step of the team was carried out precisely, steadily, and with utmost dedication. After three hours, the surgery was successfully completed. The good news from the operating room brought tears to the eyes of the entire family.

Anh 1 (1).jpg — A close-up view of the surgical procedure to completely remove the tumor.

After the surgery, Ms. H. received care in a modern, safe, and humane medical environment. Meals were brought to her bedside, and she was gently assisted with every step.

“At Vinmec, I felt genuine dedication. Every doctor and nurse was gentle and caring. They not only treated illnesses but also healed our spirits,” Ms. H shared.

After a week of treatment, Ms. H. recovered well. On September 30th, she was discharged from the hospital. At her follow-up appointment on October 7th, the surgical wound had healed well, with no swelling, pain, or complications. She was then transferred to Vinmec Central Park (Ho Chi Minh City) for further monitoring and multidisciplinary treatment according to international standard protocols.

“This is the second time my family has been indebted to Dr. Nguyen. I call it ‘a stroke of luck that saved lives.’ Vinmec Can Tho has given me not only faith in medicine, but also faith in humanity,” Ms. H. said emotionally.

Looking back on her journey, Ms. H. smiles calmly, having not only overcome her illness but also triumphed over herself. Following the guidance of Vinmec doctors, she maintains a habit of light exercise, healthy eating, and a positive attitude.

“Waking up after the surgery, I knew I had just been given another chance to live. This time, I live not only for myself but also to spread hope to other women like me,” Ms. H. expressed her determination.

Anh 2 (1).jpg — Patients with confident smiles alongside Vinmec doctors.

"I fought, I overcame, and I am still beautiful in my own way" - Ms. H's sharing is not only a message for herself, but also an encouragement for thousands of women facing illness: when you dare to believe, dare to live, and dare to love life once again - that is the greatest victory.

That belief is further strengthened by the support of modern medicine and the companionship of dedicated and compassionate doctors and medical staff like those at Vinmec.

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