Triumph Over Adversity: Chau’s Inspiring Journey

One year later, Chau radiated happiness as she began her studies at Hanoi Foreign Trade University.

“At 19, I can proudly say that I overcame a brain tumor,” she shared.

Chau’s troubles began in April 2021 when she was studying at Hoang Van Thu High School for the Gifted in Hoa Binh. She experienced unusual symptoms that puzzled her.

She was excessively thirsty, drinking around 5-7 liters of water a day, and faced severe insomnia, managing only two hours of sleep over three nights. After a visit to the hospital yielded no serious findings, her concerns were initially dismissed.

By 2023, Chau experienced increasing weakness in her limbs. One night, after getting up for water, she collapsed and couldn’t stand up. The urgency of her condition necessitated her transport to a provincial hospital, followed by a transfer to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi.

As she was taken in the ambulance, Chau observed her mother and aunt with tear-filled eyes and her father massaging her legs, also shedding tears. It was only after receiving her diagnosis that the gravity of her situation sunk in.

“I found out I had thyroid cancer and Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a rare and aggressive illness,” Chau recounted.

In the days that followed, she remained bedridden, gazing out at the National Economics University, battling with the idea of potentially having to abandon her studies, which caused her deep sorrow.

A turning point came when she received a thoughtful gift from her literature teacher—a digital platform filled with messages from her classmates. The heartfelt words of encouragement rekindled her resolve.

“I knew I couldn’t give up. My teachers and friends cared for me greatly, and as my parents’ only child, I realized they couldn’t imagine life without me. This thought fueled my determination to fight the illness,” she reflected.

In May 2023, she underwent successful surgery for her thyroid, but recovery was challenging and required further medical attention. Just two days before her graduation exam, she asked the doctors to stitch her wounds so she could participate.

On exam day, Chau cleverly managed to write with one hand while holding her bandages with the other, proving her resilience. With impressive high school grades and an IELTS score of 7.5, she secured a place in the Business Administration Faculty at Hanoi Foreign Trade University.

The start of the new academic year coincided with her first chemotherapy session. Every Friday, she made her way to K Hospital for treatments.

Over four months, she endured 12 chemotherapy sessions divided into two phases, experiencing excruciating pain that felt like her body was aflame.

“During the pain, I would think about my parents and those who loved me, as well as my own goals. I worked hard to get into university, and it would be a shame to drop out now. Those thoughts powered my fight,” Chau expressed.

After her second consultation, the doctors delivered uplifting news: “The tumor is gone.” She couldn’t contain her joy, sharing the news with a fellow patient, “Sir, my tumor is gone!”

Overcome with emotion, she called her family, who reacted with shock and disbelief, while her grandmother was left speechless. During her taxi ride back to the dorm, she joyfully shared her news with the driver, who was so moved he gave her a free ride.

“The doctors warned that the tumor could return, and I must adhere to a medication regimen. I’m currently undergoing maintenance chemotherapy every three weeks for a year,” she stated. “Yet, I am overjoyed that the tumor has disappeared.”

Once inclined to negativity and easily distressed, Chau has since adopted a more optimistic outlook, cherishing every moment of life.

“Life is always beautiful,” she affirmed.