PHAM DUC VIEN, a 56-year-old from Hanoi, Vietnam, was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer in December 2022. In 2023, PHAM DUC VIEN underwent two interventional treatments and one microwave ablation at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. Before treatment, the tumor was 24.25 mm. After treatment, the tumor shrank to 9.59 mm, a reduction of 70%. He has now regained a normal diet and his health. He is gradually improving, and life is becoming more hopeful! 

(PHAM DUC VIEN)

When disease struck me, it’s as unreal as a dream

During we learning about the diagnosis experience, he said, "Every time I recall to that day of diagnosis, it feels like a dream, very unreal." One day in December 2022, I was sitting at home as usual when suddenly I felt sick to my stomach. I experienced some discomfort, followed by symptoms of vomiting with ominous premonition ermerged in my heart. Therefore, I decided to go to Hanoi Cancer Hospital for an examination immediately. Then I was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer. After returning home from the hospital, I still cannot help to believe that I had cancer. However, I felt uncomfortable, couldn't eat normally, and experienced a series of other symptoms that pushed me to accept the reality. I felt unprecedented panic and uneasiness and didn't know what to do. Later, with the encouragement of my family, I began my search to treat esophageal cancer. 

Due to limited medical resources in Vietnam, I chose to go abroad for treatment.

When asked how he found our hospital, PHAM DUC VIEN said, "After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, my family accompanied me to a well-known local cancer hospital in Vietnam for examination. The hospital provided a treatment plan, but we were not really satisfied with the overall environment, services, and treatment technology. Therefore, my family and I decided to withdraw from treatment in Vietnam and opt for more professional cancer hospitals abroad." Later, we sought advice from several consulting companies, and eventually discovered the International Service Center in Hanoi. With the assistance of their staff, I got to know St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. Before deciding to come to China for treatment, the staff at the Hanoi International Service Center helped me connect with the experts from St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou for an online consultation. 

After evaluate my condition in detail, the experts informed me that I could seek minimally invasive treatment at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. Because minimally invasive treatment has no damage for normal tissue cells in the human body and few side effects. Moreover, the recovery is fast, and the treatment period is short. The experts' patient and professional answers convinced me to seek treatment in Guangzhou, and my family also encouraged me to come to China for treatment.

(PHAM DUC VIEN and his wife)

Overcoming many difficulties, minimally invasive treatment brings me a second life

When asked about the difficulties he encountered in the cross-border fight against cancer, PHAM DUC VIEN said: "The biggest challenge is the visa. Because I was not fully prepared when applying for the visa the first time, I had to reapply. Therefore, I submitted my visa application twice before it was successfully processed. It took a lot of time to Guangzhou."

After the examination at the hospital, the doctor formulated a treatment plan for me based on my personal physical condition, which included interventional therapy + microwave ablation. Then he explained the treatment plan to me in detail and informed me that interventional treatment only requires a small 2mm incision. The drug is directly infused into the tumor through arterial perfusion. The drug concentration of interventional treatment is 2-8 times higher than that of systemic chemotherapy. , can kill cancer cells more effectively. In microwave ablation treatment, only needles (with a diameter of no more than 2mm) are used to penetrate the tumor under the guidance of imaging equipment. The skin has only a needle hole of less than 3mm, no scars, no sutures, and avoids major surgery that damages the "vital energy" of the whole body. These two techniques not only have a short treatment process and quick results, but also do not damage the surrounding normal human cells and tissues. Additionally, the recovery speed after surgery is very fast. To be honest, I was a little uneasy and nervous about the treatment plan at the beginning. After all, these two technologies are not yet available in Vietnam, but after the doctor's professional and detailed answers, I became more confident in this treatment.

(Before treatment)

(after treatment)

After receiving two interventional treatments and one microwave ablation, I felt that my dysphagia had significantly improved. The doctor also informed me, "The treatment effect is very good. "After microwave treatment, the previously swollen lymph nodes reduced in size, and the esophageal tumor shrank by 70%." After hearing the news, my family and I finally couldn't help but cry.

Thanks to Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou for allowing me to chase the future live bravely!

During the treatment, as my health gradually improved, I also participated in the Dragon Boat Festival organized by the hospital. I was very happy and grateful to all the medical staff, translators, and the staff at the Hanoi International Service Center of St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. The most gratifying aspect is my family, who has always been by my side. Now I can eat and live normally. My health is gradually improving, and I feel that my future life is full of hope!

Finally, I would like to thank the doctors of St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou once again. Their professionalism has given me a new life. At the same time, I also want to encourage other cancer patients not to be afraid, to pursue active treatment, and to believe that life will be better in the future!