The story of 33-year-old Victoria, a mother of two sons and a wife, is a vivid example of the importance of self-observation, timely treatment and a positive attitude in the fight against the disease.

In October 2023, Victoria, a massage therapist by profession, felt chest pain, which she initially attributed to work overload. However, the painful lump found during a self-examination raised alarm bells. After visiting a local ultrasound specialist in Bakhmach, she sought a second opinion from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) despite the doctor’s reassuring words. After a thorough examination, she was diagnosed with breast cancer (carcinoma), which was shocking. She faced a terrible reality filled with uncertainty and fear.

However, Victoria did not give up. The support of her family and the professionalism of the medical staff became her support and inspiration! Ivan Smolanka, Head of the Department of Breast Tumors and Reconstructive Surgery at the NIR, successfully performed surgery to remove the tumor, preserving the breast. Timely treatment prevented metastasis and significantly increased the chances of recovery.

Victoria gratefully recalls her attending physician Olga Fedorovna Lyhyrda and the entire medical staff for their kindness and professionalism and is surprised that all treatment was free of charge. Among other things, the delicious hospital food was a pleasant surprise, which was radically different from her expectations.

After a seven-day hospital stay, Victoria underwent a lengthy rehabilitation: a month of daily dressings, fluid removal, drainage and constant ultrasound monitoring. The next crucial stage was a course of radiation therapy (25 treatments). This time, Victoria was supported by the head of the remote radiation therapy department, Oksana Yuriyivna Stoliarova, who dispelled her doubts and gave her confidence. In March 2024, this stage of treatment was also completed.

Currently, Victoria is undergoing a five-year course of hormone therapy, receiving free medications at the Institute. The last important examinations (CT scans) in the fall of 2024 showed no relapse or progression of the disease – this is great news and we are sincerely happy for Victoria and congratulate her!

She is now actively adapting to her new life. Victoria could not return to work as a masseuse, but she realized her dream by completing acupuncture courses and opening her own practice.

Her story is not only a victory over the disease, but also a source of hope for others. Viktoriia calls for self-examination, preventive examinations and timely visits to doctors. An important component of a positive emotional state during treatment is the support of a professional psychologist, which she advises not to neglect.

We thank Victoria for her frankness and wish her good health, happiness and long life. The National Cancer Institute will continue to support her on the path to full recovery.

She is now actively adapting to her new life. Victoria could not return to work as a masseuse, but she realized her dream by completing acupuncture courses and opening her own practice.

We thank Victoria for her frankness and wish her good health, happiness and long life. The National Cancer Institute will continue to support her on the path to full recovery.