Woman with cancer “goes upstream” to find life again

She once thought cancer was the end of her life, but when she woke up after surgery at Vinmec Can Tho International General Hospital, Ms. TH (49 years old, HCMC) realized that life is still there, warm and miraculous. Her journey "against the current" became a testament to the power of faith, medicine and compassion.

“I thought cancer was the end”

More than a month before being hospitalized, Ms. TH discovered a small tumor in her right breast. Thinking it was just a benign tumor, she still tried to endure it to maintain her daily work. But the tumor grew larger and larger, accompanied by dull pain, making her worried and she went to hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City for examination.

“When the doctor in Saigon said he suspected I had breast cancer, I was devastated. I underwent treatment for nearly a month but was not reassured, my spirit was increasingly exhausted so I decided to stop,” she recalled.

In the following days, fear haunted her every minute. Losing her appetite and sleep, she just sat there silently looking at her child and thinking about the worst that could happen.

“I used to think cancer was the end. But then I understood, I cannot give up when my children still need me, when my family still expects me to be strong again,” Ms. H. said.

During a conversation with relatives, she suddenly remembered Dr. Phan Hoang Nguyen, the person who saved her father's life more than 10 years ago when he had severe blood infection, multiple organ failure and had to undergo intensive care.

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

Upon arriving at Vinmec Can Tho, under the consultation of Dr. Nguyen, Ms. H. was given a comprehensive examination and all paraclinical tests were performed. The biopsy results confirmed that she had stage III right breast carcinoma.

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

“I got through it and I'm still beautiful in my own way”

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Quan, Head of the General Surgery Department - Vinmec Can Tho Hospital, said that Ms. H. came to the clinic when the tumor was large and had invaded the skin. This is a late stage, requiring a combination of many methods, in which surgery is 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 performed precisely, steadfastly and with dedication. After three hours, the surgery was successful. The good news from the operating room made the whole family burst into tears.

Close-up of radical tumor surgery

After the surgery, Ms. H. was cared for in a modern, safe, and compassionate medical environment. Each meal was brought to her bed, and each step was gently assisted.

“At Vinmec, I feel true dedication. Every doctor and nurse is gentle and caring. They not only treat illnesses, but also heal the spirit,” Ms. H. shared.

After a week of treatment, Ms. H. recovered well. On September 30, she was discharged from the hospital. On a follow-up visit on October 7, the surgical wound healed well, without swelling or pain, and without complications. She was then transferred to Vinmec Central Park (HCMC) for monitoring and multimodal treatment according to international standards.

“This is the second time my family has been grateful to Dr. Nguyen. I call it 'the fate of life'. Vinmec Can Tho has given me not only faith in medicine, but also faith in humanity,” Ms. H. said emotionally.

Now, looking back on her journey, Ms. H. smiles calmly at not only defeating her illness but also herself. Following the guidance of Vinmec doctors, she maintains the habit of light exercise, healthy eating, and staying optimistic.

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

Patients with confident smiles next to 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, compassionate doctors like at Vinmec.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nguoi-phu-nu-ung-thu-di-nguoc-dong-de-tim-lai-su-song-post820335.html