Quynh Nga, United States

As a young, healthy woman with a busy college and work schedule, I felt like nothing could hold me back. However, I began experiencing severe attacks of pain on the left side of my chest. They would come and go quickly, lasting about a minute, but the pain was so intense that I couldn't talk, move, or do anything. It would take me five to ten minutes to recover after each attack.

I saw many doctors from New York to Los Angeles. Often, by the time I sat down with a physician, I felt fine because the pain was intermittent. But from 2020 to 2022, the left side of my chest became visibly larger than the right, and I could feel a mass inside when I touched it.

In September 2022, after many visits and scans, my family doctor confirmed me it was bone cancer. Looking back, I don’t know how I found the strength to process it. I went to another hospital to re-verify everything before I could truly accept the truth: I had Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

The tumor was malignant and growing rapidly. While the financial team needed two weeks to discuss my situation regarding the major surgery, which involved removing five ribs, my surgeon urged them to move faster, stating that I couldn't wait more than six weeks.

"Bone cancer? Chondrosarcoma? Six weeks?" Those were the only words in my mind. I cried so much, I couldn't even say the word "cancer" out loud because my emotions were so frantic. After several days of darkness, I asked myself: "What should I do?" I looked back and realized I had lived a good life. I was a good student, had a great career, started my own business at a young age, and traveled the world. I was even pursuing my MBA with a 4.0 GPA. It was a beautiful life.

I realized I had to learn to accept it. But after acceptance, what comes next? What should I do with my "six weeks" before a surgery which I don’t know how it could be.

People often say, "If I were a millionaire, I would do this or that." I realized that even if you aren't a millionaire, you should do what you want to do now.

After countless tests and scans, my arms were covered in bruises. I love my body so much, and I felt so sorry that it had to carry this much pain. Because I didn't know what my body would look like after surgery, I decided to do a nude photo shoot. I saw it as art, a way to capture my body as it was. I am so thankful for the friends who helped me find a professional female photographer to make that happen.

I also knew that I might lose my hair during treatment, so I chose to donate it to be made into wigs for children. My hair was very short afterward, but I loved it. I spent those six weeks doing as much as I could for my friends and family. I don't know what tomorrow holds, so I focus on today, staying happy and enjoying life as long as I am not in pain, I am fine.

The doctors needed to perform surgery to remove a tumor located on three of my ribs on the left side of my chest. While the tumor was initially measured at 7.8 cm, on the day of my successful surgery, the thoracic surgeon confirmed he had to remove five ribs because the tumor had grown to 9.5 cm. I was expected to stay in the hospital for ten days post-operation, but I recovered very quickly, thanks to the incredible team of doctors and nurses who helped me.

After the surgery, my doctors recommended chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from returning, as this type is extremely rare and has a high chance of recurrence. However, I faced financial difficulties and struggled with the fact that no one could guarantee 100% that the chemo would work. Consequently, I chose not to undergo chemotherapy in January 2023. My oncologist continued to monitor me closely, and in July 2023, after many months of scans, I was confirmed to be cancer-free.

Time flies, and I was happy to finish my MBA and find a great job. I also fell in love with a wonderful man who loves me and embraces my journey. He understands that I do not want to have children in the future, and he is ready to take care of me despite the risks of me getting sick again. He is my best friend, my fiancé, my husband, my everything. The best people really do come into your life unexpectedly.

However, nearly two years after being declared cancer-free, the pain returned. This time, I felt an uncomfortable sensation in the middle of my chest. In the last week of March 2025, I found out the cancer had returned for a second time. The tumor had moved to my pancreas, but it was still the same Chondrosarcoma. On April 1, 2025, I had a successful surgery to remove half of my pancreas and my entire spleen. Because it was now Stage 4 Chondrosarcoma, I accepted chemotherapy. From April 2025 until now, January 2026, I have undergone 14 cycles of treatment. It has been chaotic with many ups and downs, multiple ER visits, and many side effects. However, I am happy to share that my Stage 4 Chondrosarcoma is now in remission.

I have learned that the most important acceptance must come from within myself. Once I accepted that cancer was a part of my journey, I opened myself up more. I began to connect with people around me who were willing to listen and offer their support.

My Godmother from church was my greatest support during my first battle with cancer, she supported me both emotionally and physically. Not only her, but also the entire church community surrounded me with love, making me feel cared for by everyone and by God. I am blessed with so many good friends and family members who gave me love and care. Even during my hardest times and when I was in pain, I lived surrounded by happiness. Positive relationships keep me happier and healthier.

Facing cancer for the second time, I can strongly confirm that love and happiness are saving my life. My partner has always been there for me, and his parents have been there for me as well. My chemotherapy schedule was five days a week, eight hours a day, every three weeks for 14 cycles, that need a lot of love and effort to help me. The love and kindness from everyone have healed me from the inside out. I have dedicated my time to feeling love and finding that happiness is here and now, things I often overlooked in my previously busy lifestyle. I truly appreciate every moment.

I want to give a shout-out to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the #1 hospital in California. Their research and their listening ears made me feel safe. I’ve learned that communication between doctors and patients is vital. Once, at a different ER, poor communication left me feeling stressed and vulnerable. We must take patient communication seriously because, in those moments, we are at our most fragile.

I know cancer is hard, but please know that you are stronger than you ever imagined. Keep fighting, keep hoping, and lean on the people around you. You are not alone.

'When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it also helps us develop inner happiness and peace.' — The Dalai Lama.