"The multi-page 'medicine'"
Diagnosed with lung cancer, this is the first time Mr. Ha Hai Phong (born in 1949, from Anh Son commune) has received treatment at the Nghe An Oncology Hospital. Unlike other patients, instead of looking at his phone or sitting alone, Mr. Phong spends his time reading books from the small bookshelf in the department.
The book he chose to read was "The 283rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade (1979-2003)". He turned each page as if reliving his own past. "Having been the Youth Union Secretary of the commune, I enlisted in the army and went to war. After returning, I continued to contribute to the local community as the Chairman of the Cooperative. So when I read these historical stories, I feel very nostalgic for my youth," Mr. Phong confided.
Reading has been Mr. Phong's passion for many years. For him, books contain knowledge, optimism, and life lessons. He believes that for patients, books are even more meaningful. He smiled gently: "Sometimes, when I read a good book, I forget everything, even the pain. The positive things in books help me have a better attitude towards life. When my mind is at ease, my body releases beneficial hormones, which helps reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. Who knows, maybe that will help my illness improve."
Mr. Phong also mentioned that the Anh Son Commune Health Center has a bookshelf with many excellent books. The "medicine" from these books has helped Mr. Phong remain the happiest and most relaxed among the other patients in the ward.
Unlike Mr. Phong, who is a frequent reader, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Vinh (born in 1957, Hai Chau commune) has spent most of his time reading books since being admitted to the Internal Medicine Department 1. “In a month at the hospital, I’ve read quite a few books. I’m currently reading ‘The Clay Pot’ by Bui Quang Lam, but what I enjoy most are reading the very touching poems and literary works in the Song Lam Magazine,” Mr. Vinh shared.
Observing Mr. Vinh reading, one can clearly see his passion. He seems to forget everything around him, even unaware that someone is taking his picture, completely absorbed in the world of the pages.
The bookshelf in Internal Medicine Department 1 is considered the most beautiful bookshelf at Nghe An Oncology Hospital, with two large cabinets filled with numerous books, alongside potted plants and eye-catching red flags. These small details make the reading corner full of life, a stark contrast to the usual atmosphere of a treatment area. Behind these little corners lies the dedication and concern of the medical staff here.
Behind the loving bookshelves
For Ms. Nguyen Thi To Uyen (Head Nurse of Internal Medicine Department 1), the event of writer Mai Hoa coming to donate books to the department was a beautiful memory and inspired many patients.
“Writer Mai Hoa was also a cancer patient treated at the hospital. What's special is that she overcame this deadly disease not only through medicine but also through mental strength. At the book donation event, she shared that besides having absolute faith in the doctor's treatment plan, patients need to believe in themselves and the miracle of life through spiritual values. Her story of overcoming illness has been written into a book and given to patients in the ward. Those pages have helped many people gain more faith to continue fighting the disease. The writer also dedicated all the proceeds from the book sales to gifts for the patients,” shared Ms. To Uyen.
Thanks to the attention of the hospital leadership, the goodwill of benefactors, and the conscientiousness of each medical staff member, the department's library is constantly expanding. For patients who frequently stay for months at a time for inpatient treatment, this library is even more meaningful. Ms. Uyen shared: “To date, we have maintained this library for six years thanks to the support of many organizations and individuals such as Quan Chieu Van, the Literature and Arts Association, and individual donors… Every year, the library is renewed and supplemented. Many patients, after reading here, have even composed meaningful poems to express their feelings and donated them to the department as keepsakes. We plan to build more small libraries in the wards so that everyone can conveniently read books anytime.”
Sharing the same perspective on the value that books bring, Dr. Vu Dinh Duong – Specialist in Radiation Therapy – said: “In treatment, besides medications for physical ailments, ‘medicine’ for the mind is equally important. This mental medicine is psychological comfort, timely care from doctors, family, and even from books. Many patients have confided in us that they feel healed and more at ease when reading. For patients who truly love a particular book, we are happy to give it to them as a gift.”
To maintain both the quality and quantity of the library, the medical staff at the hospital have been very creative in sourcing books. From actively campaigning and appealing to friends to sourcing through social media groups, they have managed to secure books not only from within the province but also from across the country or through book-related programs and projects. For example, the "Books for Smiles" project by the Phan Bookaholic Club, run by students from Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted, donated 130 books to the department.
For many years, journalist Pham Thuy Vinh, Editor-in-Chief of Song Lam Magazine, has been a "bridge" connecting thousands of books to cancer patients. She believes that stories of resilience, love, and people overcoming adversity help us forget our fears, make us smile, and give us faith that we are being supported and not alone. Books help transform moments of despair and sleepless nights into periods of reflection, allowing us to live more slowly and nurture our souls. We know that each book we read is a gentle reminder that a miraculous power lies within our will and heart. Therefore, we hope to continue building libraries for cancer patients.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/nhung-trang-thuoc-dac-biet-cho-benh-nhan-ung-thu-10333931.html
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