Tang San
Tang San Pre-operation Story  |  |
In May 2007 Tang San had a fall and hurt his leg. His family used traditional medicine and the pain went away, but he still had a lump on his leg. The lump has progressively gotten bigger and it causes him discomfort and pain. They went to the camp clinic one month ago (12/08) and they have not received any other treatment. He says he feels pain in his leg when he is sleeping and when he walks. It is hard for him to work sometimes and he cannot work because of the pain. It is very difficult for them in the camp. They have no money and as they are newly arrived they are not registered and so do not get any food off the camp administrators, they have to get their own food. Tang San’s sister is very stressed as she is looking after the two boys herself. Tang San says he would like to get better so that he can continue his education and become a doctor so that he can help his community, and also help treat people who are ill like him. He also says that he would like to play ping pong with his friends. He says that since he got the lump in his leg it is difficult for him to play.
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Tang San received treatment at Chiang Mai Hospital in February, 2009. He had an operation on his left leg to remove a tumour. Tang San says he felt overwhelmed at the hospital because he could not speak the language. However, he says he felt everything was good at the patient house and with BCMF staff who helped him. He says they were very supportive. He felt very happy in Chiang Mai because the staff at the hospital were very helpful. He says that he also made a very good friend at the safe house.
Tang San looks much better, he looks younger than when we first met him. He says he feels better and he does not worry anymore. He also is no longer in pain. Tang San says that before he got sick he liked to play a lot. After the operation, he can play again and he is very happy. He says that he is back in school and is also learning English in the refugee camp. He has missed one year of school because of his condition and because he fled Burma to come to the camp. He says he likes learning English at school and hopes one day to speak it very well.
Tang San says his family were happy because he got the treatment he needed. His family in Burma know that he is better and they are relieved that he is ok - they do not have to worry about his health anymore. His brother and sister, who are with him in the camp, are also relieved that he is ok and they do not have to worry about his health anymore. They are happy that he can return to school and get an education.
Tang San says that he wants to be a doctor when he is older to help his community. He says that he will attend high school and try to do well. He and his brother and sister are still not registered in Umpiem refugee camp and as such they still do not receive any food rations. His brother and sister work in order to support the three of them. They are waiting in the camp for resettlement and hope that they can eventually go to a third country.
Tang San’s brother says that he would like to thank the donors who helped his brother very much. Tang San would also like to thank the donors for helping him, and says “Thank you” to us in English.
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