Cancer Survivor: It's sickening when everyone says you'll get better. Defeating Cancer Is it possible to defeat cancer?

A terrible tumor is not something that people want to tell others about. Unfortunately, our society has acquired such a terrifying stereotype that it is generally impossible to cure cancer, and people who have already been diagnosed with it will simply die in 2-3 years. But everyone should understand that cancer is not a death sentence. It is not uncommon for an ordinary person to die because cancer was not treated in time, but now the stage is so advanced that nothing can be done. At the same time, the people around him (friends, relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, etc.) watch him suffer, and this does not always last for some short months. It also happened that patients with advanced stages of cancer lived for several years. At the same time, every day they became worse and worse, the doctors said that 2-3 months was their limit. But they didn't give up, they tried to fight. And they managed to resist this disease, because in fact, they could live no more than six months, but they extended their lives, although, of course, they suffered a lot. But if they had immediately consulted a doctor, even at the first signs of illness, they might have been included in our list called “People who have defeated cancer.” They could get rid of the disease, as the heroes of this article did, which you will learn about a little later.

Often people who have overcome cancer are those who immediately went to the hospital. These are those who discovered that they had a terrible disease, from which a large number of people have already died, even in its very early stages. But it is during this period that it is easiest to suppress a tumor in the body. Such people do not disclose information that they managed to defeat cancer, but it is simply impossible not to tell their family and friends about such a great achievement.

People who have overcome cancer

Some very famous people in the entertainment industry are also diagnosed with cancer. While an ordinary person will not want to disclose his illness, the world will learn about a celebrity’s tumor almost instantly. Apparently the walls really have ears. No one is immune from such a terrible disease; preventive measures simply do not exist. However, doctors never cease to convince people that cancer is not a death sentence. Anyone who really wants to and has the incentive to live can overcome this disease.

There are actually a lot of stars that have overcome the tumor. Those who overcome cancer are strong in spirit. We must respect those people who not only got rid of the disease, but also told their story to a huge number of ordinary residents. Now we will talk in more detail about celebrities, we will learn the stories of our pop stars who have overcome cancer, beloved by many singers, actors and writers.

Robert DeNiro

Robert De Niro was 60 years old when he learned that he had cancer. In mid-2003, the man, as usual, went for a preventive examination, since he always monitored his health very closely. The tumor had not yet developed, so the doctors did not doubt their predictions one bit and confidently declared that everything would be fine, that there was no danger to life. Doctors gave only the most optimistic forecasts, because the operation awaiting the man ahead was not very difficult.

Robert De Niro had a prostatectomy. This operation is one of the most radical in surgery, and the doctors performed it successfully. A 60-year-old man underwent the procedure, which is only performed on people with terrifying growths on the male prostate.

The recovery process itself was quite active, quickly and without any complications that could lead not only to the famous actor, but also, of course, to death. More than 12 years have passed since Robert de Niro overcame his illness, and the hero continues to act in films. Over such a decent period of time, viewers saw this actor in more than 25 films, where he played leading and supporting roles. Now Robert de Niro boldly declares that there is life after cancer.

Darya Dontsova

A very famous writer of detective stories, which, by the way, remain popular even though more than 10 years have passed since their publication, can also claim that she is very familiar with cancer. For the first time in her life, she encountered this disgusting disease a long time ago, more than 10 years ago. In 1998, Daria found out that she had cancer, but this was not the worst news for the writer, because a little later the doctors told her that she had the last (fourth) stage of cancer. This was proven by the words of one of the doctors: “No more than 3 months left...”

It is precisely because Daria finally overcame the fourth stage of the disease that people have been asking for many years how Dontsova beat cancer. The terrible breast tumor simply made the woman afraid... Afraid that she would die. At this time, Daria could not only think about her fatal illness, because at that time she already had several children, as well as an elderly mother who needed to be looked after, and, in the end, ordinary pets who also needed care. Because of this, Dontsova simply could not die; she began to fight, realizing that her path would not be the easiest. The woman coped with terrible cancer, she overcame it, and what helped her in this was that she started writing books. She found her favorite pastime - a hobby that she lives on to this day.

Angelina Jolie

This young and attractive girl has experienced a lot: more than 5 years ago (in 2007), Angelina Jolie forever parted with her beloved mother, whose name was Marcheline Bertrand. The actress's mother died of ovarian cancer. This disease came to the woman at the age of 57, when she was no longer physically able to overcome its causes. One of the most beautiful girls in Hollywood, Jolie, was very worried about the death of her mother, but it was too late to do anything. After the funeral, the famous lady thought about whether it was possible to defeat cancer at all?

But a few years ago, the Hollywood star told the public that she had undergone a very difficult operation - a mastectomy. When the lady was tested again (after the surgery was performed), the doctors informed her that her risk of the disease had decreased by more than 80%. Let us remember that previously the probability that Jolie would get cancer was almost 90%, that is, there was almost no chance of “bypassing” the disease.

Yuri Nikolaev

In mid-2007, the famous TV presenter in Russia, as well as the man who became the founder of the famous and beloved competition in all Slavic countries called “Morning Star,” learned the terrible news that he had cancer. Moreover, it was almost impossible to defeat.

This man didn’t even think about giving up; he fought the growing tumor for more than two years. After Yuri learned about his terrible fatal disease, as he himself says, the world instantly turned into something terrible. It was as if something colorful and bright had turned into gray-black.

The disease began to progress, time was short, but the man did not give up and continued to fight desperately. Yuri Nikolaev believed in God, he was not going to let cancer ruin his plans for the future. And he won, he overcame this disgusting disease. Now the TV presenter is absolutely healthy and does not need medical care, which could not be said then. Unlike other stars, Nikolaev does not trust European medicine, so he was treated in Moscow.

Kylie Minogue

This very famous young pop diva went on tour throughout Europe in 2005, where, in fact, she learned that she had a terrible, fatal disease - breast cancer. According to the girl, when the doctor told her that the ground simply began to disappear from under her feet. The girl instantly came to terms with her illness; she thought that she was already dying, but, thank God, she was wrong. The day after Kylie learned of her diagnosis, the girl canceled all subsequent planned trips and concerts, apologizing to her fans who had already purchased tickets to the show. Naturally, the lady had to tell the whole world: she was sick, she was terminally ill. They supported the pop star, wished her good luck, and most importantly, health. The girl, in turn, promised that she would defeat cancer and return to the big stage to delight her fans. In the end, she kept her promise. She overcame breast cancer and returned to the stage.

First, the girl underwent a lengthy operation to remove part of the mammary gland, and then endured several courses of radio and chemotherapy, after which, in fact, she returned to her work, informing everyone that she had gotten rid of a fatal illness.

Vladimir Pozner

Back in 1993, Vladimir Pozner, a famous correspondent from the Russian Federation, learned that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Medical workers convinced the man that in his particular case the disease did not pose any health hazard, since the cancer was detected at a very early stage. Therefore, we can say that Vladimir was lucky, because he did not need to undergo a course of expensive and painfully long chemotherapy. However, for some reason, the doctors urgently asked the journalist to agree to immediate surgery to remove the tumor.

A big role in Vladimir’s speedy recovery was played by his loved ones, who always tried to be there. The Posner family behaved as if everything was in perfect order, as if nothing had happened, and no one had heard of the disease at all. And what did Posner get in the end? Some people don’t know how to beat cancer, while others simply don’t think about it. But some people have to overcome a terrible disease, doing it in every possible way. And Posner was able to defeat cancer!

And for more than twenty years, Vladimir Pozner has been living peacefully. But he still undergoes examinations, because he understands that health is the main thing!

Charlotte Lewis

Charlotte was a young and charming girl at the time she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Looking at her, it was difficult to say that she was suffering from a terrible disease, which often leads to death. When the doctor first saw the actress with her previous diagnosis, he was surprised, because the lady looked very good. Therefore, the doctor decided that this was some kind of mistake, but still carried out an examination and tests.

Lung cancer is the disease that Charlotte defeated. More than thirty years have passed since getting rid of the terrible disease. But at one time she was not afraid to refuse chemotherapy. And this was, as we see, the right decision.

Lance Armstrong

This man can easily be called a legend because he is a seven-time winner of the famous competition in France called the Tour de France. Lance is one of those individuals who beat cancer, despite the fact that doctors did not give them a chance at all. Doctors diagnosed testicular cancer when the disease had already reached its final stage, which proved that there was simply no chance of winning.

Then, in 1996, the man gave his written consent to the use of a new, very risky method of treating genital cancer, which could easily lead to a variety of troubles and side effects. True, which, in fact, is inherent in a professional athlete, only helped Lance Armstrong win the most important victory in his life - the victory over cancer. Lance is the man who knows firsthand how to beat cancer.

Joseph Kobzon

The Russian pop singer also once overcame cancer, however, the treatment for such an elderly man did not go as smoothly as, of course, we would like. Exactly 10 years ago, in 2005, he learned that he was terminally ill. The doctors insisted on an immediate operation, so Kobzon himself went to Germany, where, in fact, he had the malignant tumor removed. But everything turned out to be much more complicated, because the surgical intervention, performed for good, entailed a number of completely different problems with the artist’s health. After the operation, the man’s immunity was so weakened that he could be infected by anything. It should also be noted that after treatment of the tumor, or rather, its removal, Joseph Kobzon developed a small blood clot in his lungs, and inflammation of the kidney tissue also occurred. Four years later, Kobzon underwent another operation. To this day, the famous Russian artist continues to undergo treatment, and so far, despite his age, he has managed to overcome the disease.

Laima Vaikule

The terrible disease has not spared one of the most famous Russian singers, Laima Vaikule. More than twenty years ago, in 1991, in the United States of America, doctors diagnosed the girl: This is, as you know, a very insidious disease that could easily lead to the death of the singer. Since the pathology was discovered by American doctors very late, Laima Vaikule simply had no chance of survival. The singer herself regarded this disease as something important, something more. She is sure that God thus gave her a small impetus to rethink the purpose of her life once and for all. A long and intensive treatment of the tumor followed, but Vaikule still beat the cancer, immediately after which she returned to her creative activity.

Having heard a shocking diagnosis of “cancer” from a doctor, the patient falls into a real stupor and the only question he asks the doctor is: “Doctor, how long will I live?” At such a critical moment, a person does not ask whether it is possible to defeat oncology or what to do to get rid of the tumor. He only cares about one question: “How much?”

Indeed, cancer has taught us that this disease is incurable, which means that all attempts to fight it are futile. And that is why the doctor’s diagnosis sounds like a death sentence for many. But is this really so and is there hope in the fight against this insidious cancer?

Of course, in the fight against cancer you can never be completely confident of success. Sometimes, a removed tumor delays a disappointing outcome for several months, in other cases it gives the body several years, and sometimes even allows you to live until old age, without remembering that the person once suffered cancer. And there are more and more cases of complete victory over oncology! Doctors in this case use the cautious term “remission,” allowing for the potential for the disease to return after the end of the favorable period. Moreover, in the medical community it is generally accepted that a patient who has lived 5 years after removal of a malignant neoplasm has a high chance of further life. Of course, a 5-year period of remission does not at all guarantee that the patient will not die from cancer in the coming years, but it is a good sign that gives hope.

Currently, doctors identify several types of cancer, in the fight against which significant progress has been made, which means actually defeating the disease. Let's get to know them.

1. Prostate cancer

As a rule, prostate cancer grows very slowly, or even does not grow at all. This allows you to identify the disease at an early stage and make the right decision on how to combat the tumor. Survival rate for 5 years after detection of cancer is almost 100%, and often the doctor chooses a wait-and-see strategy, which means he decides not to touch the tumor, constantly monitoring it and operating on the prostate only if the disease progresses.

At the same time, it should be noted that if metastases occur, prostate cancer is extremely difficult to treat. In such a situation, only 28% of cancer patients survive the 5-year mark. Fortunately, metastases in this type of oncology are quite rare, and regular examination allows you to “catch” the cancer at a time when it is still treatable.

Does testing help?
To promptly determine the appearance of prostate cancer, medicine offers 2 testing methods - a rectal examination by a proctologist, during which a specialist examines the prostate gland through the rectum, as well as a blood test for cancer cells (PSA test). By the way, the level of protein in a blood test, which shows the presence of cancer, can also increase in other diseases, which means that based on this examination alone it is impossible to make a conclusion about the presence of cancer.

2. Thyroid cancer

A very common type of cancer is thyroid cancer. There are several types of cancer of this small organ of the endocrine system, among which the most common is the papillary type. It develops very slowly and it is thanks to this that doctors are able to promptly identify and remove the tumor. Statistics confirm that early detection in 98% of cases ensures 5-year survival of patients. However, after part of the thyroid gland is removed, the patient is prescribed hormonal medications, which he will have to take for the rest of his life. But is this a reason for grief when lives are at stake?

It should be noted that not all types of thyroid cancer are so flexible. For example, anaplastic thyroid cancer develops rapidly and provokes the formation of metastases, which means it reduces the probability of survival within 5 years from the moment of detection of the disease to 7%.

Does testing help?
It is worth noting that screening tests that can detect thyroid cancer in the early stages simply do not exist. This means that the only way to detect a tumor early is to regularly visit an endocrinologist, who can detect cancer using palpation or ultrasound. The person himself should be attentive to his body and consult a doctor if he notices a nodule in the neck or encounters a problem with swallowing while eating.

3. Testicular cancer

This not the most common type of cancer is quite successfully treated by removing the testicle on which the tumor has formed. With such an operation, the man is left with one testicle, which means his reproductive function is preserved and does not prevent him from having offspring. If testicular cancer is detected at later stages, surgical removal alone will not solve the problem. Chemotherapy or laser radiation will be required. In addition, 40 years ago scientists developed the drug Cisplatin, which today helps to successfully fight even the advanced form of this disease. It is the availability of methods to successfully combat cancer in the final stages that distinguishes testicular cancer from other types of cancer. Be that as it may, the 5-year survival rate if such a tumor is detected is at least 93%, and even fighting a severe form of testicular cancer gives 73% of patients a chance to live for 5 or more years.

Does testing help?
There are also no screening methods for diagnosing testicular cancer. In this case, every man should take care of his own health and consult a doctor if there are any tumor-like formations on the testicles, as well as if there is a suspicion that one testicle has become larger than the other.

4. Breast cancer

One of the most common types of cancer is breast cancer. And it is doubly gratifying that it was in the fight against it that doctors made the greatest progress. Scientists have made significant progress in studying the mechanisms of development of this disease and methods for diagnosing it. The numbers speak for themselves: early detection of cancer allows 89 out of 100 patients to live at least 5 years from the moment the disease is detected. However, it all depends on the degree of development of the tumor, which progresses quite quickly, as well as on the type of cancer, because some of them are more susceptible to treatment with drugs , than others. For example, tumors that are sensitive to estrogen levels are well suppressed by taking medications that reduce the level of this hormone, while “triple negative” cancer is considered an aggressive form of cancer that practically does not respond to targeted therapy.

Does testing help?
Of course, regularly visiting a mammologist and undergoing mammography and breast ultrasound are the most effective ways to detect the disease early. In general, women are recommended to undergo annual screening starting at age 40–45.

5. Melanoma

This type of cancer, which affects the skin and mucous membranes, is considered the most insidious tumor, which most often affects young people aged 15–25 years. Fortunately, modern medicine has achieved encouraging success in the fight against this type of oncology. Perhaps it's all about early detection of the disease, which is easy to notice on the skin with the naked eye. Thanks to this feature, detected melanoma gives a cancer patient a chance to live more than 5 years in 91% of cases. Moreover, for this, doctors resort to the usual removal of part of the skin affected by malignant cells.

The tricky thing about melanoma is that it develops very quickly. And if you don’t notice the tumor that has appeared or delay seeing a doctor, melanoma is more likely than other cancers to lead to death. As practice shows, only in 15% of cases a patient with melanoma that has spread to other organs survives the 5-year mark.

Does testing help?
As practice shows, melanoma is more often discovered by patients themselves, turning to doctors with questions about tumors or dark-colored tumors appearing on the skin that were not there before. Typically, melanoma appears on the scalp, back, scrotum, or between the fingers. With any neoplasm that makes you suspicious, you should consult a dermatologist. And if there have already been cases of skin cancer in your family, it makes sense to regularly check with a dermatologist.

The given figures are real statistics, behind which stand thousands and even millions of human lives. Just look at the public people who, at a certain period in their lives, were faced with this terrible disease.

Robert DeNiro
The famous actor learned about a deadly disease - prostate cancer, in 2003, when he was not even 60. The treatment was difficult; a prostatectomy was required, which completely saved the Hollywood star from the terrible disease. 13 years have passed since then, and Robert de Niro still delights us with his incredible acting, proving that life after cancer exists.

Angelina Jolie
Worries about the death of her mother, who also died of cancer, led the famous Hollywood actress to a terrible diagnosis - breast cancer. Fortunately, a timely mastectomy allowed the actress to get rid of mortal danger. Almost 10 years have passed since then, which means there is hope that the disease will never return.

Vladimir Pozner
The famous TV presenter learned about his diagnosis back in 1993. Fortunately, the cancerous tumor was discovered quite quickly, and the doctors managed to convince Posner of the need for surgery. The tumor was small in size, the intervention was successful without subsequent chemotherapy. The TV presenter’s family also played a huge role in the fight against the deadly disease, they were always there and behaved as if there was no trace of any threat to Vladimir Vladimirovich’s life.

Laima Vaikule
The famous pop singer received terrible news about breast cancer back in 1991. Moreover, the tumor progressed seriously, leaving virtually no chance for treatment. However, the singer did not give up; she regarded the illness that befell her as a sign from above, as an impetus to rethink her life. After intensive and long-term treatment, Vaikule fully recovered and returned to her favorite job. Already 26 years after this tragic moment, the singer lives a full life and delights us with her songs.

Lance Armstrong
The cycling legend, 7-time winner of the Tour de France also survived cancer, and in his case doctors did not give him a chance for further life. “Late stage testicular cancer” was the diagnosis given to the athlete. However, self-confidence and consent to undergo a new, not yet researched method of treating genital cancer made the impossible possible. The athlete recovered. It was 1996. All of Lance Armstrong's victories and world fame were yet to come.

This article provides only a few examples of successful cancer treatment. Moreover, one should not think that famous personalities managed to avoid mortal danger only thanks to money and connections. Cancer spares neither rich nor poor. The secret of their miraculous healing is the timely detection of the tumor and the incredible faith that the disease cannot defeat them! This means that every patient has a chance. Take care of yourself!

To be honest, I was intrigued: “I wonder what he wants to talk about? Meeting with aliens? Climbing Everest? Reuniting with a lost brother after 30 years?

We met the next day, and Marcel’s story struck a chord with me: he told me how he defeated stage 4 lymphatic cancer, although he was only expected to live for several months.

Three things immediately struck me. Firstly, his awareness. He is sure that cancer came into his life because he created it. Your attitude to life and behavior. Secondly, his optimism. He persistently calls himself and other cancer patients “sick.” “I sometimes get criticized for this word, but I use it to show that a person who has cancer is simply “sick.” This is a treatable disease like others. There is no need to give up on yourself. We must fight!”

Thirdly, the most important thing is his goal: “It is very important for me now to help other people. Almost all of them give up when they hear the word “cancer”! One thing needs to be conveyed: cancer is curable.”

In general, we had a conversation not about cancer at all, but about real values, the tireless struggle that each of us wages within ourselves, faith, love, the unbearable lightness of being and the laws of life.

Larisa Parfentyeva and Marcel Imangulov, - photo Larisa's Instagram

- Marcel, tell me how it all started?

I practically stopped sleeping and was itching all day long. The skin became rough and turtle-like, but the diagnosis remained unclear. I went to acupuncture, had rectal surgery, was stripped, examined dozens of times, swallowed tubes and tons of pills, went on diets, took hundreds of tests. Nothing helped.

By this time, I had already quit my job and went to the village to visit my grandparents. I was completely exhausted, could not eat, slept only a few minutes a day and constantly jumped up from a sharp itch. I was no longer able to wear clothes because my whole body had turned into an open wound. This hell lasted 11 months. It seems that then I almost lost my mind and, I admit, I almost resigned myself to the fact that I would soon die.

But my loved ones did not give up. One day, my aunt arrived with a professor from RBC, who was retired. I was itching for 11 months, and it took him five minutes to make a diagnosis. Just 5 minutes! The diagnosis was: lymphogranulomatosis, or cancer of the lymphatic system.

I was hospitalized at the oncology clinic, where the diagnosis was confirmed: stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma.

- I can’t imagine how you survived all this for 11 months! How did you react when you found out you had cancer?

Now it will probably sound strange, but I was happy! “Hurray,” I thought, “I finally know my diagnosis!” It was a relief because it was clear what to fight.

The doctors said I had a few months left, but I believed that I could recover. Over the past 2.5 years, I have undergone eight rounds of chemotherapy and two rounds of radiation. I was treated in Israel twice. The money was collected by everyone. I worked as a bartender for six years, and the support of the Russian Bartender Association helped me a lot.

Six months ago I was told that I was in remission. In my case, this means that the foci of cancer that remain are “sleeping.” And I believe that I have a chance to live to be 80 years old.

Let's talk honestly about the causes of cancer and other diseases. For me, this is a rather controversial and unexplored topic. Most people who are authoritative for me say that all diseases are in our heads, and we largely create them ourselves. Well, plus, of course, external factors: nutrition, bad habits, ecology, and so on. I understand that it’s easy to be healthy and think that everything comes “from your head.”

But I wouldn’t have the courage and confidence to say to a cancer patient’s face a phrase like: “Listen, buddy, change your thoughts, your attitude towards life and the cancer will go away,” because any serious illness is a tragedy, and people in such a situation deserve compassion.

You know, I believe that I “created” cancer 90% myself. In my case, as you rightly said, it is a complex of factors: stress, resentment, self-flagellation, nutrition, improper daily routine, bad habits and the environment.

Let's start in order. Firstly, my younger brother died in 2011, and it was extremely stressful. I suffered from it for two years, and then I started itching.

Secondly, I had an incorrect value system that was imposed by society: “You should be cool, have a cool car, have your own business and earn a million by the age of 20.”

When it all started, I was 23, and I was literally eating myself up from the inside: “You are a loser! You’re already 23, and you don’t even have a car.” I looked around me, at all these fashionable people in nightclubs, at all this show, and I blamed myself for not being successful.

Thirdly, these are personal grievances. Under no circumstances should you keep grievances to yourself, because they corrode you from the inside.

Fourthly, one of the most important factors is the ecology of our region. We can also add here that, according to statistics, Russia consistently ranks at the top of the rankings for cancer diseases in the world.

Fifth, I worked as a bartender for six years. The daily routine was completely disrupted. When people went to work at 7 am, I was just returning from it. Plus poor nutrition and bad habits.

All these factors, to varying degrees - in my opinion - became the cause of my cancer.

- What about genetics?

I know my family for several generations in depth, and not one of them had cancer. If you dig even further, it is very difficult to understand, because cancer began to be diagnosed relatively recently.

- It's clear. Well, you talked to other cancer patients...

Yes, and they are all awesome!

- What do they say about their causes of cancer?

There are psychological support groups for cancer patients, where you come and tell your thoughts. The most important question they ask there is: “Why do you think you have cancer?”

It seems to me that people should be given a reminder at birth that says: “Remember, dissatisfaction with your life and a job you don’t like are the causes of serious illnesses.” And come on, to close this topic about the reasons, the most sensitive question is about sick children. Why do they have it, do you think?

Hard question. My opinion: ecology. Well, plus I recently read a theory that the karma of parents “works” on children.

Yes, there is such a version. One oncologist told me a story about a woman who gave birth to a child - for herself. And she had a “thing”: she was very authoritarian, domineering and constantly said that she wanted “the child to be with her all the time.” As a result, the girl was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 8. And even the doctor said sadly: “Well, I wanted the child to be constantly nearby - now you can’t even leave him for a second.”

You and I are not doctors (and I want to emphasize this), so, of course, we shouldn’t forget about the medical side either. But at the same time, it is very important to remember: what we ourselves do with our lives is perhaps the key reason not only for our illnesses, but also for the illnesses of our children.

Agree.

- Now your goal is to help people cope with this disease and learn not to be afraid?

In the consciousness of the whole country: oncology is an almost guaranteed death. Typically, those who say they have cancer are asked one question: “How long do you have left?” We must learn to perceive cancer as a difficult but surmountable stage.

I have observed so many times in the hospital a relic of the “Soviet” mentality: people who hear the diagnosis of cancer slide down the wall, become depressed and do not want to live. They immediately give up on themselves. This is very dangerous, so the attitude in treatment is very important. A person who has already written himself off can quickly “burn out.”

- What is the most important thing to know about cancer?

That it is not scary and can be cured.

- Who supported you during your illness?

My parents, my girlfriend and friends. I constantly thought that parents who had already lost one son in 2011 should see their grandchildren.

Love is a big motivator, right?

Very much! Moreover, love in the broad sense of the word: from loved ones, others and even strangers. I am very grateful to everyone who supported me! Their faith in me and warmth were powerfully charged. And my girlfriend and I recently broke up.

- And why?

I think there are two reasons for this. Firstly, she was under stress for a long time because of my illness and, I think, was very tired. Secondly, a man always wants to look strong in the eyes of his woman. And knowing that your girlfriend saw you as weak is very difficult. And it greatly corrodes from the inside. Well, there is one more reason: I am a catastrophically jealous owner.

Marcel after a course of chemotherapy, - from Marcel's Instagram

You are right, because a lot of couples break up after experiencing “tragedies”. People can't handle being seen by another person as lost, crushed, or weak. Moreover, these can be not only diseases, but also stages when one of the partners cannot realize himself for a long time and becomes angry and irritable.

Exactly, a lot of couples fall apart because of this.

- Why do you think cancer is considered almost a death sentence in our society?

This is a completely wrong idea! I have friends who a year ago were at the fourth stage of the disease, and today they already have families and children. Of course, many who were treated with me died, but a disproportionately larger number of those who recovered. In general, we all became very friendly. No one will understand you as well as someone who is going through the same thing.

- How should you behave if a loved one is diagnosed with cancer?

Firstly, do not feel sorry for him under any circumstances. Secondly, do not look at him with the eyes of a plaintive dog, do not show weakness, do not cry and do not hit the wall. Thirdly, you need to be confident in his recovery. If you are solid as a stone, then he himself will believe it.

- What do you advise healthy people?

First of all, don’t neglect your health. In Russia we have this mentality: until something starts to fall off, we don’t go to the hospital. Secondly, don’t push yourself too hard and don’t look for something that doesn’t exist. Some people who read my story about itching think they have cancer at the slightest scratch. Remember that itchy skin is a symptom of many diseases. Thirdly, all problems can be solved. There are no hopeless situations.

- What would you say to the sick, or rather, “sick”?

The most important thing is to believe in yourself and fight. Still be open to those who want to help. Many people immediately close themselves off and become hermits. You need to do everything not to think about the disease, to somehow be distracted. I found the ideal remedy for myself: I constantly communicated with different people.

- Now, several months later, do you think your illness gave you more or took away more?

Of course, she gave more.

Now the beauty of the world is perceived much more sharply. Today I planted a tree in a country village, and then lay down on the grass and looked at the clear sky. I heard the leaves rustling, the wind blowing, I felt it all so deeply and so strongly. I didn't notice this before I got sick. I was so happy just lying on the grass and looking at the dandelions.

I stopped getting nervous over little things and became more tolerant. For example, before, if someone stepped on my foot, I could start to sort things out, but now I’m ready to be the first to apologize.

I also have iron patience. I've spent the last three years sitting in endless lines, so I've learned to take my time. I understood an important law of life: “No matter where you are, your turn will still come on time.”

And here's another. I began to prioritize differently. For example, in the past, if I was in a hurry to get to a meeting and encountered a woman with a stroller who needed help, I would pass by because I was in a hurry. And now I can't pass by. I’d rather be late for the meeting, but help the person.

Great! You know, Sonya Lyubomirskaya, a psychology professor at the University of California, conducted a study and found that helping other people cures depression. What are your plans for your future life?

Well, I already planted the tree. All that was left was a house and a son. I would also like to write a book that will help someone.

Photo from personal archive

- As for the book, I’ll tell you how it’s done. My book “100 Ways to Change Your Life” is coming out in June. And your story will be included in the second part of the book.

Even at the beginning you said that we live in a world of inverted values. How has your value system changed now?

People are ready to spend a lot of money on “wraparound”: a cool phone, a car, pretentious restaurants. At the same time, they sit on buckwheat and do not feel satisfied with life. We don’t notice the world around us, we don’t pay attention to people, we get angry. We are moving in the wrong direction.

I think that you need to invest in impressions, in travel, in the mountains, in nature. Just today I realized that I’m wearing torn sneakers, but I don’t care. I don’t have an iPhone or a car and, you know, I’m happy. Now I feel like I'm truly alive.

Oh, remember the movie “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”? The heroes, who had a couple of days left to live, escaped from the hospital to look at the sea, because they had never seen it...

Certainly! This is one of my favorite films. When I was sick, I also thought that I had never seen the sea in my life. But my dream, fortunately, came true during treatment in Israel. I even wrote a letter to Til Schweiger.

- What did you write about?

About living in his film.

- I can’t help but ask this question: is it scary that today could be the last day?

Each of us - both sick and healthy - today may be the last day of life. Of course, sometimes such thoughts pop up. No one is immune, but there is even some kind of romance in this, because this is what allows me to smile like crazy every day and love this world like the last time.

If you had the opportunity to live your life again...

- I would leave everything as it is.

Do you still think that your problems are unsolvable?

upd: The book “100 ways to change your life” is already on sale! It contains even more motivation and inspiration. Under the cover are new unpublished “methods”, a concentrate of 1000 books on self-development and dozens of real stories. Dream. Do it. Change.

Our heroines know the address of the Almaty Oncology Center (Utepova St., 3) firsthand. Many years have passed since they crossed the threshold of this institution for the first time. At our request, they remember what they have almost forgotten - they talk about cancer, how to fight it and how to defeat it.

Yesimbaeva Meiramgul, like many others, all I heard about cancer was that people die from it. Confronting him in 2004, she proved the opposite. And now, with a smile on his face, he recalls the events of bygone years:

– The first symptom for me was heavy menstruation. In this case, all women visit a gynecologist. I went to the local gynecologist. She suspected something was wrong and sent me to the oncology clinic. It was in Semipalatinsk, where I was born and lived at that time. I underwent a biopsy, after which I was told to urgently undergo surgery.

They didn’t tell me the diagnosis explicitly, they said: “You have cells found, you need urgent surgery and radiation therapy.” I immediately realized that I had cervical cancer. I was operated on and my lymph nodes were removed.

– The first thing I experienced was fear... And immediately I thought: “I haven’t done so much yet, the children are small!” I cried, but I didn’t show my tears to anyone. I have a daughter and a son; they were on vacation, so they found out only after the operation. Immediately after I came to my senses, I called my children and then told my relatives.

I was prescribed radiation therapy - 25 sessions of 5 minutes each. When I left the hospital, I went to the library. I found medical books and read everything. She was treated with herbs and traditional medicine.

But 5 years later the cancer returned:

“At night, I began to notice that my heartbeat was racing, and I began to wake up in the middle of the night. I turned to a therapist, he sent me for a cardiogram, and then an ultrasound with suspicion of a goiter. The doctors became wary and sent me to the oncology clinic for a biopsy, after which I was diagnosed with stage 3 thyroid cancer. Then I was no longer afraid, I immediately told my family. I was operated on and the right lobe of the thyroid gland was removed. There are no consequences as such, the only thing is that you need to take pills all your life due to a lack of hormones produced.

– I was born and raised in Semipalatinsk, they say that the root cause of all diseases is nuclear testing.

– I needed to live because I have children. I wasn’t particularly a believer, but when fate brought me together with this disease, I began to pray. I prayed, the words came out of me. My thinking and worldview changed 180 degrees after cancer. All this hectic life, quarrels - all this is secondary. There is a revaluation of values. I began to notice how birds sing, and people rush to and from work and miss these moments. All diseases begin with thoughts and emotions. Everything needs to be clear in your head, without negativity or aggression. Then there will be health. Here I am in front of you, I was diagnosed with cancer twice, both times of the third stage, and I am alive! Don't lose heart, you have to fight to the end!

Suleimenova Ainisa Also from Semipalatinsk, she, like Meiramgul, suggests that nuclear tests are a possible cause of cancer:

– It seems to me that this happened due to the fact that I was born in the Semipalatinsk region. At that time, tests were taking place. I grew up in a large family, there were 10 of us, and I was the only one who had cancer. This is my guess.

– In October 2007, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not long before, when I was on vacation in Issyk-Kul in the summer, I noticed a lump. Upon arrival, I couldn’t get myself together, but in September I finally went to the doctor. There was fear, I did not expect that this could happen to me. The doctors supported me and said that now this is all curable. They calmed me down, but nevertheless, I doubted it internally. I didn’t hide it from my family, I immediately told my husband. He was upset, but there was enormous support from him, as well as from his loved ones and children. But no one knows at work, I don’t want them to feel sorry for me, there’s no point.

“I was operated on four times, and after each operation I was prescribed chemotherapy. For the first time I went to a paid clinic. They say that I had the first stage, but initially a mistake was made, which led to the subsequent three operations. I was advised to get an implant, but it was wrong. I had two relapses, after which the implant was removed. I don’t know exactly what happened, but the implant was to blame. It could not be placed immediately after the operation, only after a year. The doctor who operated on me did not say this. He did not bear any responsibility. Afterwards I went to the state oncology clinic.

– After the operation, they prescribed treatment, which, as it turned out later, did not work on me. It turns out that I drank antibiotics in vain and simply poisoned my body. After consulting with a professor from the oncology clinic, I was given another appointment. Cancer treatment is expensive, the first time I paid 350 thousand tenge, the second - 250 thousand. In a private clinic it was not cheap, but in a public hospital it was already free. The only thing was that I had to buy very expensive medications. Each course of drug treatment cost almost 30 thousand tenge. 6–10 such courses were needed. You know, despite everything, I think everything is fine.

Ainisa Safargalievna admits that she is an optimist in life:

– I don’t like to return to the past, my doors lead me to the future. I realized this after fighting cancer. The doors to the past are closed. This experience changed me for the better. You need to be positive. I realized that I need to wake up with a feeling of gratitude: “Oh, I’m alive and well, thank you!” Previously, I was more careless about this.

I was horrified by how many people got cancer. Until you experience it, you don't know it. A man is walking down the street, and “I have cancer” is not written on his forehead, and yet there are many such people, and many cases are fatal.

This struggle for life helped me rethink what was happening: I became less nervous and calmer. If something didn’t work out, okay, it will work out tomorrow. And before, I was tearing my hair out, because today I was supposed to succeed.

Galia Mukasheva She never went to the hospital and didn’t even suspect her diagnosis; it all started when she independently discovered a lump in the chest area. At that time, cancer was an incurable disease for her and meant death:

– This was in 2009. My daughter gave birth to a child and was a nursing mother. I gave her a massage, and when I came home, I did it for myself at the same time. And one day I found a lump. I immediately did a test, after which they announced to me: “You know, you have cancer.” They simply said it right off the bat. It was a shock for me. I don’t remember how I got into the car and drove home. I cried for a long time and asked: “Lord, why is this to me? I didn’t offend anyone, I didn’t steal, I didn’t kill.”

– We always think that when others get sick, it’s normal. But we won’t get sick, we’re cute and fluffy. It turns out that this can happen to anyone, I realized that we are not immune from anything. I didn’t believe it until the last moment, I hoped for a miracle, but the diagnosis was made – early stage breast cancer. At home, I didn’t hide it, I immediately reported it.

– I was operated on, everything went well. Now I say that everything is fine, but then it was scary. After the operation, they prescribed chemotherapy and said that my hair would fall out. I couldn't imagine this. I cried and asked the doctors to give me chemotherapy, just to leave my hair. I will never forget what the head of the chemotherapy department told me: “Why do you need bad hair? Yes, let them all fall out, but you will be healthy! I went through six chemotherapy treatments. This is scary. You vomit, you turn blue, then pale. But I’ve already forgotten about it, I don’t have time to think about it. There is no time to cry about what happened and passed.

“I had to go through this, that’s my lot.” Was there cancer? I sometimes ask myself this question. My life has changed dramatically, my character has changed, my attitude towards people and, especially, towards myself. I used to approach life more simply, but now it’s more meaningful. This is life: today there is, but tomorrow there is no. There were many who were diagnosed with cancer with me, many of them were buried. We think that we will live forever, but life turns out to be short! I didn’t think that one day I would turn 57, I always thought that I would be 35–37. Fighting cancer put me in my place.

During her battle with cancer, Galia found faith in God:

“One day my relatives came to me and said: “Let us pray for you.” I was not a follower of any particular religion, but I agreed. It gave me such hope, such inspiration. I remembered these prayers after the operation, and they helped me. Faith in God, medications, chemotherapy and an active lifestyle are the key to a successful fight against the disease. I have no time to mope, not even a minute. My children support me very much, my daughters are my closest people, they are my friends, my partners. I already have grandchildren. And now God is with me, and there will be no relapse!

Irina Savelyeva considers stress to be the cause of most cancers; her work is, in some sense, associated with stress. Irina is an editor at a news agency:

– Six years ago, in the winter of 2008, I was diagnosed. I found out by chance, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t visited doctors before. I had mastopathy, so every six months I had an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that everything was normal - this is already a question for domestic diagnostics. In January 2008, a colleague asked me to go with her to the city oncology clinic for company. They examined her and gave her a direction. There they also offered me an examination. The doctor examined me and said: “I think you have cancer.” Can you imagine how to say something like that to someone’s face?! Here, after all, the work of a journalist, somewhat cynical, helped, so I didn’t faint, I wasn’t surprised. I smiled and didn't take it seriously. There are no prerequisites, and here you have such a diagnosis. I had a biopsy and had to wait three days for the results. The place where all these tests take place is depressing, even a healthy person will get sick there. I was nervous all three days. When I received the result, I read: breast carcinoma. For those who don't know, it's cancer. The doctor advised sending this test to St. Petersburg to clarify chemotherapy.

“At that time I was quitting smoking, and I had been smoking for more than twenty years. After I found out the diagnosis, I bought a pack of cigarettes at the bus stop and immediately smoked three of them.

It was not the consciousness that I was sick, I did not ask myself questions: why me? for what? Only one thought beat loudly in my temples: “If I die, how will my children get back on their feet? How will my thirteen-year-old son grow up? I saw people who will live tomorrow, but I won’t. I was hysterical, I cried non-stop. I took a taxi and went home. The taxi driver drove in silence all the way, seeing my condition. Maybe I'm not the only one who leaves that stop in the same state (laughs). There was no fear, there was regret, pity, concern for the children, specifically for the son. My daughter was 26 years old, my husband could marry again. Who will raise a teenage son? I arrived at work, locked myself in my office and cried until the evening. This state of impasse lasted for two days until I saw my husband, a strong man, crying. At that moment I told myself – stop. I reassured him and assured him that everything would be fine. He and I decided not to tell anyone. We told the children later, because you can’t hide the consequences of chemotherapy - it changes a person so much, you become just a lump of biological mass. My daughter cried, and my son asked me: “You’re not going to die, are you?” I told him that I wouldn't die. At work, they didn’t learn about the diagnosis from me, it just happened that way. I don't know if I would have said it myself or not. The reaction can be different, not just pity. There was about ten percent sincere support, the rest was like: “It’s good that this didn’t happen to me...”. You can feel it on your skin. They put a cross on a person. When your life is at stake, work is the last thing on your mind. Although work became my salvation, it took everything.

– I had the second stage with metastases to the axillary lymph nodes. Metastases complicated the matter; this means that shoots began to form from the tumor. Before the operation, a mammogram showed that the tumor had resolved after chemotherapy. I was happy, I thought that they would not operate, they would leave the breast. Even if you understand that life is at stake, a woman at any age remains a woman. It was difficult psychologically. The doctors explained why surgery was needed - because of metastases. The doctor told me that there is no need to worry, I can get an implant later. Although there were conversations that horrified me, that it was profitable for doctors to put the disease on hold and then send everyone to plastic surgery.

The most important thing is the correct chemotherapy. This is a separate layer for cancer patients. People usually die from the consequences of chemotherapy. Now science is creating medicines that are more gentle, but we have the old-fashioned medicines that are based on poisons. The little red riding hood I was injected with causes alopecia (hair loss. - Editor's note) , bone problems. These are side effects. Chemotherapy strips your body, destroying both cancer cells and healthy cells. After it it’s very bad - terrible pain, depression, nausea. My bones hurt, I couldn’t walk, I moved on all fours. Due to the nature of the drugs, my veins were burned. Therefore, after the operation, instead of dripping, I was prescribed medications. There were also side effects.

– I need to understand what is happening, how the drugs work. I was interested in treatment a lot, asked doctors. Doctors really don't like being asked questions. But I trust them, but I just want to understand.

At that time, we, people diagnosed with cancer, had to find answers to many questions on our own. We, those who were in the same room, shared it among ourselves. This way I learned how to get rid of bone pain. The body restores proper nutrition, you need to exclude a lot from the diet, you need to eat meat, although it goes very poorly, you need proteins. To restore immunity, it is important to drink green leaf tea because it removes toxins. Rose hips, buckwheat, lentils are the basis of nutrition. But it doesn't stop there. To restore blood, you need red and black caviar, fruits, and real red wine. This is necessary to restore blood components. At that time we were paying the mortgage, I was not working. It was difficult financially. People who were not my friends helped me; we just crossed paths at work. I will not name the names of those who chipped in for me then, for only one reason - I don’t know how these people will react to the publication of their names. But I remember them all. My family remembers them all. Remembers and wishes you health and all the best.

– Oncology is an epidemic. Six years ago I did not expect to see 20 people a day coming for a biopsy! That is, these are those who already have a serious suspicion of cancer.

We paid, even though everything was free and no one demanded money from us. They put money into the doctor’s card, but no one returned it. It was such an unfixed rate.

For Irina, faith became the core:

– Inside I know that I am following the path of faith, this does not mean obligatory observance of all rituals, no, this is something else that is difficult to explain.

I went to the village church and told the priest about my diagnosis. He replied: “Calm down, you have to trust doctors. They were sent by God to help us.” He not only reassured me, he warned me that physical death does not end our life. This meant finishing many things: forgiving, forgetting, completing important things. It was psychotherapy. We are all mortals, no one knows when he will die or how he will die. The church prayed for me. There was such a feeling of serenity. There was a click. Everything will be fine, I didn’t just believe it, I knew it. This did not mean that I would definitely survive, it meant that no matter what the outcome, everything would be fine.

I began to perceive myself not as a sick person who wants to get better. I began to perceive myself as a healthy person who is defending himself from a disease that wants to destroy him. It seems to be the same thing, but these are different understandings. And what’s interesting is that over the past three years I haven’t been sick at all. And I’m going to live one hundred and twenty years!

If you met in life Egizbaevu Zhursyn, you would never say that this cheerful and energetic woman is 60 years old! Meanwhile, life tested her strength more than once:

– I am the eldest in the family, I also have three younger brothers and a sister. I always helped them and was their support. I raised the children myself - my husband died in 1990, I was left with my two-month-old daughter and eldest son. Over the years, life began to improve: the son got married, the daughter grew up.

For Zhursyn it all started in 2006:

– In 2006, I decided to get examined because menopause had arrived, and went to see a gynecologist. I had an ultrasound and everything was fine. Then they suggested checking my breasts. I agreed, although there was no pain, but sometimes I felt a burning sensation. I was sent for an ultrasound, then a mammogram. Then I was told that I had cancer. They told you straight up that you have cancer and sent you for a biopsy.

I’m a doctor myself, you can’t do that. The patient needs to be prepared before talking about such a terrible diagnosis. Naturally, the first thoughts were that life was over, since such a diagnosis was made. I was in shock, I didn’t know where to go. After leaving the building, I sat on a bench and began to sob. I was offended in my soul - there was still so much to do!

“Then I needed to get myself together.” I called a friend, she had breast cancer. She immediately came to me, understanding the state I was in now. Together we went to the Oncology Institute to find out for sure. There they checked me and confirmed that a biopsy and puncture (puncture of the breast) were necessary. The tumor was benign. I had a lump removed, everything was fine. I was discharged a week later. 10 days later the biopsy results came back. I was informed that cancer cells had spread throughout my incision. There was no time to hesitate. I urgently went into surgery. Within a few days I was operated on and my breasts were removed. I remember telling the doctor that I don’t need the breast, so you can remove the second one at the same time. The oncologist answered me: “What are you talking about?! You are still young, you will still need breasts, do not lose heart. Everything will be fine".

I wasn’t worried about my breasts, I was worried about my health, about my life. Then I said to myself: “Why am I so worried?” I pulled myself together, because healthy people leave the house, get into an accident and die! What about me? Well, they made a diagnosis, and okay, people live. Maybe I wasn’t worried about my breasts because there wasn’t a man nearby? I didn’t worry about how I would look without breasts; at that moment I could easily part with the second one. Then I met my future husband, and that’s when I thought about breasts. At first I didn’t tell him, I thought about how best to do it. I decided to tell him anyway, and then let him decide for himself. We met, talked, and now we are together.

– I went through 4 chemotherapy treatments and had a very hard time with them. I was in a broken state, I didn’t want to eat, I didn’t want anything. From one procedure to the next, I barely came to life, came to my senses. Then she underwent radiation. I was prescribed the drug Oxyphen, but I had an adverse reaction from it. The nails began to turn black, itching, and the skin began to peel. I stopped taking this drug. I don't take medications now.

In the fight against such a disease, not only medications are important, but the support of relatives is important. The son reacted like an adult, and the daughter cried a lot, hugged me and said: “Mommy, we are with you, everything will be fine with you.” The children are great, I’m without a husband, they supported me, my whole family. Support during this period is very important. In the hospital, I saw how some children were brazen and rude to their sick mothers. God forbid that children should be like this. My sister looked after me day and night, fed me, took care of me. My friends also supported me and cried with me. I actually have a lot of friends! In Remizovka, where I live, everyone knows each other. Visitors came to the hospital from morning to evening, all the nurses were surprised.

Zhursyn works for the Healthy Asia Foundation, she has a medical education and experience in cancer treatment, she travels in an intensive care vehicle and helps children with cancer:

– I understand them, I went through it myself. The child and his parents need support, primarily psychological support. An adult struggles with this disease, but now imagine what it’s like for a child. In Almaty, 175 children have cancer, but this is far from complete data. Many are not registered, some clinics do not report sick children so as not to spoil the positive statistics of the area, we still do not know about many children.

As for me, after defeating cancer, my life changed for the better. Now I live my life to the fullest, I am a cheerful person. I have a husband, a house, children. You need to love life, love children. Loving them gave me strength. Now I already have grandchildren. And life continues in them - in children, grandchildren.

Founder of the Healthy Asia Foundation Nagima of the Bad survived a heart attack and overcame cancer. These events inspired her to create a foundation that would help everyone who found themselves in a similar situation:

– My life has always been very good, I never complained about it. There were difficult moments, but during such periods I did not get lost. Two children, a family - I was always busy with something. Even when everything fell apart in the 90s, people were left without work, I found my niche. It became psychology. I began to study the psychology of unemployed people and social projects. Then I wrote a development program for the National Lottery of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and with this program the TV Bingo lottery was launched. There wasn't a day when I didn't do anything. If I had free time, I read, studied, wrote teaching aids. It was enjoyable.

– In 2003, after my illness, the Healthy Asia Foundation was created. People who find themselves in such a situation need support: medical, psychological, any... After a mastectomy (removal of the mammary gland), women are left without breasts, for them it is very difficult mentally. I remember from myself how difficult it is. I tormented my doctor who operated on me. I then told him: “Until you find me a prosthesis, I will not leave the department.” Psychologically, I understood that I had to return home with a prosthesis. I don't know where he found it, but he brought me a prosthetic. For me it was happiness. I remember how I came home, tried it on, and showed it to all my family. Then I realized how serious this problem is. In 2005, we began purchasing prosthetics.

The disease is aggressive, sometimes we lose our friends: some are carried away by cancer, others are spared. Cancer loves sad, angry, touchy people. Where there is positivity, smiling and laughter, he has nothing to do. My work helps me, it is related to cancer. There is an opinion that the more you say it, the less of it you have left. Therefore, the more we talk about the disease, the less of it remains in you. We are fighting this.

– I would never have known about my diagnosis if I had not ended up in the cardiology department with a heart attack in 2002. Just before discharge, the cardiologist examined my mammary glands and referred me to a mammologist. At that time I didn’t even know what kind of doctor he was or what he treated. I checked out, ignoring this direction. Six months later, I felt discomfort and pain in my chest. Then I started looking for a mammologist, it was difficult to find one. When I found a doctor, it turned out that I had cancer and needed surgery.

“The doctor may have been afraid to present this diagnosis, but I wasn’t afraid. After the heart attack, I somehow stopped being afraid. For a very long time the doctor himself could not tell me about my diagnosis, but I took everything calmly. Afterwards I started looking for information about what cancer is and how to treat it.

There was shock and there were tears, but I cried so that no one could see. When you cry in public, everyone starts crying. I didn’t want this, the children were small, my son was a student, I didn’t want to scare them. Although my husband cried more, hid from me and cried. He was afraid for me. I accidentally caught him several times and asked him why he was crying? He replied that something had gotten into his eye. I, of course, understood and told him: “No need to cry, I will live.” For myself, I decided that everything is in my head, and how positively you react to it, the more successful your fight against cancer will be. I was determined that I would defeat him.

Only my youngest daughter didn’t know, we spared her, she was little then. And the son was already working, immediately took responsibility, talked with doctors like an adult. Negotiated the operations. I was the first to see the smiling faces of my son and husband when I came to my senses after resuscitation. They usually don’t allow people into the intensive care unit, but they somehow made their way there. When I saw their smiles behind the glass, I realized: “I will live!”

– I only accepted surgical treatment. Due to the fact that I suffered a heart attack and had a bad heart, the operation was complicated. I was given more heart medications than anesthesia. I lay in the ward until my heart got stronger. Because of this, I refused chemotherapy and radiation therapy, although the doctor suggested it to me. Since it was the left side, it was impossible to irradiate. An alternative for me was immunotherapy, immunomodulating drugs, which I selected for myself. Over the years, I still maintain my immunity. In my case, I think there will be no relapse, 12 years have passed. Relapse usually appears within 5–6 years.

Nerve cells do not recover - this is not said in vain. We get nervous, the cell dies. What kind of cell is this? This is a cancer cell. Cancer is a gall disease. The more positivity and good deeds, the healthier you will be. A positive mood helps a lot in the fight against cancer.

– Once you find yourself on the verge of life and death, you begin to appreciate life. I had moments when I thought that I would leave now and never come back. And when you return, you understand that you have to live, and you live. Our foundation is a family. I want to live a long time, 115 years! I’ll live for a hundred years, I’ll write a book for 15 years!

According to statistics, about 145,000 people are registered with dispensaries in Kazakhstan. This figure is growing every year. Contrary to popular belief, cancer is a curable disease. The key to success in the fight against this terrible disease is early diagnosis.

The floor goes to our expert, surgeon-oncologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor Vyacheslav Egorov .

Anyone diagnosed with a malignant tumor needs to take five life-saving steps.

Step one.

Find out and write down an accurate diagnosis, and then collect all the information about your disease: full name and stage of the disease; type, grade of malignancy and location of the tumor; the meaning of all medical terms related to diagnosis and treatment; results of blood tests, tumor microscopy, examinations - ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET.

Step two.

Gather all the information about treatment options for your tumor type and stage.

Namely about:

• What is included in the “gold standard” of her chemotherapy and surgical treatment?
• How effective are modern methods of treating your disease and have new ones appeared, and are they currently undergoing clinical trials in our country?

Step three.

Look for a “second opinion”. Be sure to consult with another doctor you trust.

To make the doctor’s opinion objective, provide him with all the information about your illness. After studying the recommendations of both specialists, you will be able to evaluate the treatment method proposed to you more carefully.

Step four.

Choose (if possible) a medical facility where treatment is provided in strict accordance with international recommendations.

If there are clinical trials of new drugs for the treatment of your tumor type, try to take part in them.

If you need surgery, choose your surgeon carefully! Surgeries for cancerous tumors are usually complex and lengthy - they often involve complete or partial removal of any organs (for example, the pancreas or stomach), as well as lymph nodes. The result of surgery depends on the doctor's experience in this field.

Step five.

Stay positive!

Do what makes you happy: watch good films and plays, play different games, walk in beautiful places, draw, sing songs, go to the cinema and stadiums, learn what you have long dreamed of learning... An activity that will lift your spirits, there will definitely be one! Fight for yourself! Knowledge, optimism, the will to win and the support of loved ones are the right path to recovery.

By the way

There is a chance to recover even at stage IV cancer. An example of this is the story of the American Richard Bloch. In 1978, he was informed: you have the last stage of lung cancer, you have three months to live. The patient and his relatives began to fight with all their might... Two years later, not even traces of a malignant tumor were found in Bloch’s body. After his recovery, Richard and his wife Annette dedicated themselves to saving cancer patients and founded a foundation to help patients with cancer. When Richard passed away in 2004 (not because of cancer, but because of heart failure), Annette took over the foundation. In the USA, in the city of Minneapolis, there is a park that was once created by Annette and Richard. As you walk along it, you can read survival instructions for patients diagnosed with cancer. They were compiled by Richard Bloch himself based on his own experience of defeating a terrible disease.

Another American Lance Armstrong He won the most famous cycling race on the planet - the Tour de France - 7 times. No one has yet been able to repeat this record. In 1996, the athlete, who was only 25 years old, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, with metastases to the lungs, abdominal cavity and brain. There was a 20% chance of life. The patient underwent several operations, decided to test a new chemotherapy method on himself and... recovered. And then he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help those with cancer and returned to sports. A little later, Lance won the first of seven victories in the world's main cycling races.