First day of surgery

There are about 30 team members from many states, MN, FL, Oregon, CA..
Viet duc is welcoming us and very good to work with.
Today is our first day of surgery, we were able to repair Dang van Kien's valve instead of replacement. This is very good news for Kien because he does not need to be on blood thinner forever.
Kien is doing very well and has been transferred out of ICU. See his picture & picture of his 2 brothers, it is not common for family to visit patient while he is still in Step down unit. I went to find his family and informed them about Kien, so they do not need to worry..
We were able to perform 2 heart surgeries, with this speed & without any complications, I hope we can perform about 16 patients.
Just want to let you all know, by the way today is my birthday.
Tien

October 31 in Hanoi with Tien: Cancer Mission accomplished, meeting the Cardiostart Team

Hi all,

Today I had a meeting with BS Duc Chinh in planning our next week surgery schedule.
Dang Van Kien was there, he is scheduled to have his surgery on Tuesday Nov 3. Dr. Aubyn Marath is carrying "tissue valve" to perform this heart surgery for Kien.
I am hoping we can start performing heart surgery on Tuesday. Each day we will try to perform at least one patient. Some of these patients were referring from East Meets West Foundation.
Viet Duc still has not get all of our medical equipments from Custom in Hai Phong, they told us they will get them hopefully by this week or next week. If we use our equipments & supplies, there will be no charge to patients.
Everyday we have more team members fly from many states come to Vietnam. Tonight Oct 31, I will say good bye to my colorectal team & welcome our Cardiostart mission team to Ha Noi.
Keep us in your thoughts & prayers.  Til next time,
Tien

Heading Home October 30 and 31

Tim and Pat left Hanoi on Friday night to head home to MN. Really looking forward to the marathon flights! Rick leaves on Sunday night November 1.

Good Bye Vietnam! Thank you for your warmth, welcome and generosity!

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 28, 29 and 30 Experiences

We had a wonderful break and took in Ha Long Bay, east of Hanoi on the Bay of Tonkin off the China Sea. This was an oasis of rest and relaxation. It was fun to travel with some new found forever friends, Reed and Ann Franklin.

Monday - Tuesday, October 26 and 27 Experiences

We started our second week a the Hanoi National Cancer Hospital. Rick and Pat went to surgery to observe a laparoscopic low anterior resection. Lots of practice differences here...we were quiet amazed at some of them. Tien and Tim taught staff about PICC placement along with Chen Chen the Bard Sales Manager for the region. We spent our last afternoon enjoying some social time with Chen Chen before we parted ways.

Sunday, October 25 Experiences

Church, Shopping and visiting an orphanage.

Saturday, October 24 Experiences

Today we headed to our northern destination, Hanoi. Our Hanoi hotel and Rick with Brad in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Unfortunately, it was closed due to Ho's body beautification project...