Diem has faced many challenges in his life, from becoming a refugee with his young family, to adjusting to life in a new country. So, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, the one constant throughout his life, his family, became both his strength and his motivation to keep going.
Diem shares his story in his own words...
The doctors would say to me ‘smoking is the cause of lung cancer’. But, for me, I smoked, but a long time ago.
I smoked when I was very young – less than 21 years old – and I only smoked for about three years during my time in the army. After that I quit, and I never smoked again.
For help quitting smoking contact Quitline on 13 7848 or go to the website.
I escaped from Vietnam in 1981 and spent nearly three years in the refugee camp in Thailand with my wife, Nancy (Nanh), and our two children.
When we escaped my daughter was only a one-year-old, and my son was just 30 days old. It was a big journey for us.
We resettled in Australia in 1984 and eventually made a home for ourselves in Coburg. Nancy worked in manufacturing, while I learned English and then studied for an electronic communication course. I worked in the communication industry for four decades until I retired three years ago.
Putting my faith in the doctors, the nurses, and my treatment
In March 2023, Nancy and I went on a cruise to New Zealand. The fun had only just ended when I began to have symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, and loss of appetite. I felt like I had no energy and was very tired.
We caught the tram back home from Port Melbourne where the cruise liner docked. Even though the tram stop was less than five minutes’ walk from my home, I found it really hard to make it. I couldn’t breathe and felt exhausted.
I went to the doctor who scheduled an x-ray and CT scan – they showed a small tumour in my lungs.
After being diagnosed with cancer, I felt panicked, as heaven and Earth seemed to turn upside down. I felt like I was about to leave everyone I love.
The doctors and nurses explained to me about cancer and symptoms and treatment. They gave me a lot of information before my operation. And a lot of booklets explaining the type of cancer I had.
Cancer Council Victoria has helpful cancer information and resources in other languages to support multicultural communities. Find support in your language.
After nearly a year of treatment, I have come to believe in today’s advanced medicine. Anyone who is unlucky enough to suffer from this terrible disease should not despair. They gave me chemotherapy and finally I had the operation to cut a part of my lungs as well.
The chemotherapy was a hard time, but the surgery was even harder. It was very painful. There was a lot of disadvantage for me at that time.
I went to rehab for nearly six months after that. Now I can exercise again. I can swim and ride a bicycle.
I feel very confident now and I believe that modern medicine in Australia can save people with cancer.
Advances in cancer treatment are saving more lives than ever before. Research is the key to this, and we fund more than anyone else in Victoria, aside from the government. Help keep cancer research going.
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Những tiến bộ trong điều trị ung thư đang cứu sống nhiều người hơn bao giờ hết. Nghiên cứu là chìa khóa cho điều này, và chúng tôi tài trợ nhiều hơn bất kỳ tổ chức nào khác ở Victoria, ngoài chính phủ. Hãy giúp duy trì nghiên cứu ung thư.
Quyên góp ngay hôm nay
Love was my motivation
The hardest thing about having lung cancer was simply breathing … and the exhaustion. I was always very tired.
During that time, I often prayed. I would also meditate to cope with my difficult circumstances.
I’d lie down on the bed, flow air from my nose up to the belly, in and out. If I had a lot of worry, I’d keep counting one, two, three, four, up to ten and back down until I felt peace of mind.
My wife and children became more attached to me. Everyone’s love was a strong motivation and I’d tell myself; ‘I have to live. I cannot leave this lovely and worthy life’. I told myself I had to live to love everyone and be loved by everyone.
Nancy said that ‘love is the weapon to overcome everything’. After being together for nearly 50 years, she was very worried when I got sick. I am fortunate to have had her devotedly take care of me. It was a hard time for both of us.
Our 13 11 20 support line is there for everyone affected by cancer, including carers. If you need an interpreter call 13 14 50 and ask the interpreter to contact Cancer Council Victoria on 13 11 20
Đường dây hỗ trợ 13 11 20 của chúng tôi dành cho tất cả những ai bị ảnh hưởng bởi ung thư, bao gồm cả những người chăm sóc. Nếu bạn cần một thông dịch viên, hãy gọi 13 14 50 và yêu cầu thông dịch viên liên hệ với Hội Đồng Ung Thư Victoria qua số 13 11 20
I feel like I love people more truly now. My loved-ones pay more attention to me. My children and grandchildren often came to my bedside to help and comfort me.
I had friends who would visit and encourage me too. I felt this was very important, just to talk, so I didn’t feel lonely.
After surviving cancer, my children and grandchildren visit me often. More often than before. And when they can’t come, they call me, they just ring up and ask me how I’m going.
It has definitely brought us all a lot closer together.
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Quyên góp ngay hôm nay
If you or your loved one needs support contact our 13 11 20 cancer information and support line.
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