No parent can ever be fully prepared for the misfortunes that befall their child. When disaster strikes, they realize how strong they truly are. Though they may feel devastated, parents understand that the only thing that can help their child overcome illness is themselves.
Ms. Hạnh (Lâm Đồng) was worried when she saw her son Long experiencing leg pain for three months. Although the family thought the pain was due to sports, she was not at ease as Long's condition worsened, making him unable to walk on his own. She continuously urged Long to see a doctor, hoping to find the cause so he could return to normal life soon.
When she took Long to a nearby hospital, Ms. Hạnh hoped his pain was a minor issue, but the doctors there could not find the cause. Long was transferred to the provincial hospital and was found to have a serious bone problem.
When transferred to the central hospital, she received the diagnosis of sarcoma – bone cancer – one of the rare types of cancer (about 1%) in adolescents. The mother's heart seemed to stop, she was shocked and heartbroken to see her 18-year-old son suffering from such a terrible disease.
After a multidisciplinary consultation at Vinmec Hospital, the family was informed that the doctors had a 95% chance of preserving Long's leg, despite the risk of vascular and nerve damage due to the large tumor. Despite concerns about the remaining 5% risk, Ms. Hạnh and Long still trusted the Vinmec Bone Tumor Center medical team and were determined to "fight" against bone cancer. Long was admitted to the hospital awaiting surgery, while Ms. Hạnh visited a nearby church daily to pray for her son.
Then the day of the surgery arrived. Ms. Hạnh sat outside the waiting room, her heart heavy, worried about the 5% risk that lingered in her mind. Everything seemed to stop, each moment passing slowly. Then the overwhelming joy came when the doctor stepped out to announce the surgery was successful beyond imagination. Ms. Hạnh burst into tears, continuously thanking the doctors, her heart filled with gratitude and relief knowing her son had overcome the critical condition, especially that his legs were still INTACT.
Long's health progressed well after the surgery. He started walking again from the second day and was discharged on the fifth day. Long was prescribed to continue postoperative chemotherapy for about 4 months; if he responded well, Long could soon return to normal life.
Long's journey of treating bone cancer is not only a story of the resilience of an 18-year-old boy but also of a brave mother - a "warrior" who never gives up. Despite facing moments of despair, Ms. Hạnh remained steadfast, becoming Long's pillar of support. Her love gave him the strength to overcome the greatest challenge of his life.
"I had to find a place that could keep what my child had, just like when I gave birth to him..."
