It all started in 2021 with an innocent cough. Nothing serious, it would seem… But Olena was to receive three false diagnoses, including treatment for non-existent tuberculosis. Time passed, and the real diagnosis – Hodgkin’s lymphoma – was made too late.

When she got to the National Cancer Institute, the disease had already relapsed. New courses of chemotherapy and an autologous bone marrow transplant at the NCRI’s Oncohematology and Clinical Oncology Clinic were ahead. All this difficult journey she went through under the careful supervision of doctors Nazar Shokun and Iryna Kryachok – with a team that not only treats, but supports, fights, and believes with the patient.

This time was not only a medical challenge for Olena, but also a period of deep transformation. She did not break down. She rethought her life and learned to appreciate every new breath.

Here are her words:

“At the beginning of my journey, I had three false diagnoses, even treated for non-existent tuberculosis. Then there was the lack of medicines, literalism, bribery, depression, despair and debts. But at the same time, I had the support of doctors, family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. I gave up more than once. I asked God to take me away, but the instinct to live is a very powerful thing. More powerful than cancer, death or despair. Psychotherapy helped me not to lose myself during treatment. And later, Gestalt therapy and metacognitive practices brought me back to life.”
“More than two years have passed since my transplant. I’m 29. I still don’t know what I want to become when I grow up and what the meaning of life is. But I can taste it again, see its beauty and breathe it in with a full chest. “
“From my experience, do you want some advice? Regardless of whether you have a diagnosis or not, don’t tolerate feeling bad. This applies to pain, toxic relationships, a job you hate, uncomfortable shoes, or whatever. You can change it!”

We are grateful to you, Olena, for this sincere, deep and strong story. You are an example of incredible courage. We bow our heads to your endurance. And we are extremely proud of every doctor and nurse who stand by the side of a patient every day in the most difficult moments of life.

The National Cancer Institute reminds you: do not put off taking care of yourself!

Regular preventive examinations, attention to changes in your health and a responsible attitude to your health can save the most valuable thing – your life.

Take care of yourself and those you love.

This time was not only a medical challenge for Olena, but also a period of deep transformation. She did not break down. She rethought her life and learned to appreciate every new breath.

Here are her words:

“At the beginning of my journey, I had three false diagnoses, even treated for non-existent tuberculosis. Then there was the lack of medicines, literalism, bribery, depression, despair and debts. But at the same time, I had the support of doctors, family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. I gave up more than once. I asked God to take me away, but the instinct to live is a very powerful thing. More powerful than cancer, death or despair. Psychotherapy helped me not to lose myself during treatment. And later, Gestalt therapy and metacognitive practices brought me back to life.”
“More than two years have passed since my transplant. I’m 29. I still don’t know what I want to become when I grow up and what the meaning of life is. But I can taste it again, see its beauty and breathe it in with a full chest. “
“From my experience, do you want some advice? Regardless of whether you have a diagnosis or not, don’t tolerate feeling bad. This applies to pain, toxic relationships, a job you hate, uncomfortable shoes, or whatever. You can change it!”

The National Cancer Institute reminds you: do not put off taking care of yourself!

Regular preventive examinations, attention to changes in your health and a responsible attitude to your health can save the most valuable thing – your life.

Take care of yourself and those you love.