How can a breast cancer patient who has a history of heart problems and is paralyzed by worry about the adverse effects of chemotherapy get over that worry, Ms. Vu Thi Quy? Listen to her as she opens up about her feelings in a letter she wrote to the medical staff at Vinmec Times City International General Hospital's radiation therapy center.
Overcoming a compulsion for chemotherapy and radiation treatment
I had a lumpectomy two years ago after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the physician at K Hospital also recommended chemotherapy to stop the spread of cancer cells. But at that time, because my health had not yet recovered and because I had previously undergone surgery for heart disease, I worried, battled, and thought a lot because I had heard about and seen numerous examples. In the event that patients are unable to endure chemotherapy because of adverse effects such low resistance, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, anemia, increased liver enzymes, hair loss, and weight loss... and the program ran for a number of months. Additionally, I was not consulted regarding the treatments, they were time-consuming, and the department's patients were sitting and lounging around because they were uncomfortably uncomfortable. I was greatly disturbed and tortured by all of these things. It will influence my heart problems and could even be fatal, thus I discover that I cannot stand it.
I made the decision not to accept the doctor's advice and instead conducted research, read books, and asked friends about their experiences getting treated with herbal or oriental medicine. I visited numerous medical treatment facilities and utilized it for a considerable amount of time after hearing the advice, "If you have a disease, go to the four corners." However, I recently found a rapidly expanding growth next to my armpit, and I'm quite concerned about it. I made the decision to travel to the Oncology Department of Vinmec Times City Hospital in Hanoi for a checkup after coming to the conclusion that I could no longer treat this terminal sickness in a daring and careless manner. I had the good fortune to be checked and counseled by Dr. Doan Trung Hiep, Deputy Head of the Oncology Department, and at that time I also heard from Dr. Wen Son Hsieh, an oncologist (Singapore). For me to better comprehend the regimens and procedures that must be followed after doing the pertinent tests, Dr. Hiep carefully reviewed and discussed them. As a result, I am encouraged by Doctor Hiep to "follow" the advice and indications and feel extremely secure doing so. I feel quick, orderly, and thoughtful while doing tests at Vinmec Times City Hospital, and I always get a warm welcome from the staff, including the physicians, nurses, and technicians. As a result, I forget about exhaustion and worry and am more optimistic about the prognosis this time. My therapy then began after Dr. Hiep gave me two regimens with side effects so I could confidently discuss with them and make my decision.
Every time I mention chemotherapy, I tremble and wonder how I've managed to get through the days of acquiring veins, inserting needles, and lying down for nine to ten hours under the infusion tree. Then there are days when you are supported and cared for by your family, but you are unable to eat or drink and are instead only experiencing nausea and vomiting while you struggle and doze. My mental health is currently being severely affected by hair loss. I also had fatigue, weakness, anemia, a weight loss, an increase in white blood cells, elevated liver enzymes, a racing heart, and anemia. to the cessation of treatment. Will it therefore have any impact on the treatment plan? Are there any other diseases? .... How can you not be obsessed with all the nasty thoughts that go through your head? instead, give up all and accept fate. But fortunately, Dr. Hiep always greeted me with a grin and offered encouragement, making me feel better and giving me the strength to accept the next course of treatment, radiation therapy.
Yet this phobia is yet another terrible fear of the side effects and toxicity of radiation therapy, in addition to the benefits; What is radiation therapy that kills healthy cells nearby, causing skin damage, darkening, peeling skin, epithelial ulcers like burns, pain, and burning during 3–4 weeks, as well as nausea, loss of appetite, sleep less, body weakness, and fatigue. I have been experiencing the aforementioned adverse effects over the last six weeks of radiation therapy and now that it is over. I have also lost additional weight. However, I feel quite confident about continuing with this radiation therapy course every day because of the team of doctors, nurses, and engineers at the Radiation Center's excitement, consideration, and dedication. And eventually, after six months of treatment at the Department of Oncology, I am thrilled to have implemented and overcome my own obsessions with chemotherapy and radiation with faith and hope to defeat cancer. Radiation and Oncology Department, Vinmec Times City Hospital, Hanoi.
In order to express my sincere gratitude to Vinmec Hospital in general, the Oncology Department, the Radiation Therapy Center in particular, and especially Doctor Doan Trung Hiep for helping me get through this period of treatment, I had the honor of being the first person to beat three victory gongs at the Radiation Center. I'm hoping to continue getting care and guidance from Vinmec Hospital so I may always be healthy and have my own strength to live joyfully with my family and community.
Hanoi, 22 August 2017
Vu Thi Quy, 67, a resident of Hanoi
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