A previous ultrasound had concluded that the lump in her breast was benign. “I’m still young, how could it be cancer?” she had thought. But the biopsy results revealed breast carcinoma.
At 28, with her career and family life in their prime, Anh became a stage 2a cancer patient and was faced with a treatment regimen of 16 rounds of chemotherapy. She was told the disease had a high recurrence rate. She says: “The bad news came crashing down on me, leaving me devastated. I lost all will to live.”
Minh Anh with her husband and son. Photo courtesy of Minh Anh |
A nine-month study of 264 patients at Military Hospital 103 revealed a grim reality: nearly 58% of cancer patients fall into clinical depression.
The sudden physical changes make them feel a loss of control over their lives, sinking them into anxiety about death and uncertainty about the future.
Anh was no exception. On days when her body was ravaged by chemicals, she would lie flat in bed, consumed by the thought that she was a burden to her family.
But she says the physical pain paled in comparison with the moments her 15-month-old son cried to be held and she dared not touch him. “For the first 72 hours after chemotherapy, I had to limit holding my son because the chemicals are excreted through the skin. I couldn’t bear it when he rushed toward me. Watching him sob made my heart ache.”
By early July, after 10 rounds of chemotherapy, the long, smooth black hair that was once Anh’s pride had fallen out completely.
Instead of wallowing in sadness, she decided to capture the moment. Wearing light makeup and using her best friend’s phone, she looked straight into the camera and smiled radiantly. When shared on social media, the photos garnered thousands of compliments on her confidence and optimism.
In early December, Minh Anh completed chemotherapy and began the radiation therapy phase. Her health is stabilizing, and fuzz is beginning to sprout on her head. The unwavering companionship of her husband, son, and extended family has fueled her energy.
The young mother’s optimistic attitude aligns with recommendations from medical psychology experts: facing the truth and seeking positive experiences are crucial “mental medicines” that must accompany surgery and radiation.
Furthermore, this brush with mortality has forged her character. From a perfectionist who was easily stressed by trivial pressures, Minh Anh now lives with the serenity of someone who has weathered the storm. She has started an online business to share the financial burden with her husband.Beyond the viral photoshoot, Minh Anh frequently shares positive messages on her personal page, hoping to empower other women in similar situations. For her, happiness now is simply having the health to continue living alongside her loved ones.
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Minh Anh in the photoshoot captured by her best friend. Photo courtesy of Minh Anh |
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), breast cancer has surpassed liver cancer to become the most common newly diagnosed cancer in Vietnam. The disease accounts for nearly 29% of all cancers in women, meaning that for every three women diagnosed with cancer, one has breast cancer. The number of cases detected at early stages is increasing, while the age of onset is trending younger.
The Ministry of Health recommends that women perform monthly breast self-exams (5-7 days after their menstrual cycle), undergo regular clinical exams, and get mammograms at the appropriate age. The low-risk group (ages 20-40) should self-exam monthly and have a clinical exam every 1-3 years; those aged 40 and above should have a clinical exam and mammogram annually. The high-risk group needs to begin screening at age 25, with monthly self-exams, clinical exams every 6-12 months, and periodic annual mammograms.
Experts advise that cancer patients can overcome psychological crises by looking at reality objectively, expressing emotions to trusted loved ones, seeking support communities, participating in appropriate physical activities, or trying relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, or yoga.
As in the case of Minh Anh, after accepting her reality, she fought resiliently while finding meaning in life by spreading positivity.
“Although there are still many difficulties at present, I always feel lucky. I hope the road ahead will be gentler. For me, that is more than enough,” she expressed.
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