As Tet approached, Thu's mother called daily to check on her, but Thu tried to avoid the calls, claiming she was "busy". Over two months since her diagnosis and beginning treatment, Thu had never felt as lonely as she did during the days leading up to Tet. She recalled last year's festive atmosphere, when her family gathered, cooked meals together, and visited relatives. "I feel even more heartbroken," the woman shared.

Unmarried, Thu lives alone in TP HCM. She had experienced swelling in her left jaw for over one year before being diagnosed with parotid gland cancer. By the time she was examined at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, the disease was in an advanced stage, having metastasized to the neck lymph nodes.

Professor, Doctor Tran Phan Chung Thuy, Director of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, performed Thu's surgery. He noted that the tumor had compressed and invaded nerve 7, clinging closely to the carotid artery. The surgery took over 3 hours to completely remove the tumor. After the operation, nerve 7 was preserved, but Thu requires ongoing radiation therapy and physical therapy to restore facial muscle movement. Fearing that any interruption to her treatment could worsen her condition, she decided to spend Tet away from her hometown.

Professor Chung Thuy (seated) used an artificial intelligence-powered microscope for Thu's surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Thu is currently battling cancer alone, keeping her condition hidden from friends and colleagues, and managing her own care. She organizes her examination and radiation therapy schedules, keeps track of each medication, monitors side effects, and prepares her own meals.

"Each time I met with the doctor and received positive treatment updates, I gained more motivation to fight," she recalled, adding that the encouragement from doctors and medical staff helped her overcome this challenging period.

According to Professor Chung Thuy, cancer patients greatly benefit from the companionship of family and loved ones for both physical and emotional support. However, many individuals are compelled to undergo treatment alone due to their circumstances. These patients face significantly greater pressure, requiring exceptional resilience and fortitude to combat the disease.

Doctor, Level 1 Specialist Nguyen Huy Loc, from the Radiation Oncology Department at the Oncology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, emphasized the critical role of continuity in cancer radiation therapy. Treatment must be administered regularly, with interruptions minimized as much as possible. If patients take extended Tet holidays or delay treatment for too long, the effectiveness of the therapy can be reduced.

Thu plans to return home for a delayed Tet celebration with her family once she completes her radiation therapy regimen, no longer hiding her illness. "As long as I have my health and recover, every day is Tet to me," she stated.

Uyen Trinh