Oksana’s Fight Against Lung Cancer
Approaching her 70th birthday, Oksana faced a storm of uncertainty after an aggressive lung cancer misdiagnosis in Slovakia. Rejected by other hospitals and stalled by long waits, she left home for a second opinion at Sheba Medical Center in Israel.
After a bronchoscopy in Slovakia diagnosed her with small-cell carcinoma, Oksana grappled with confusing test results, scarce local treatment options, and overwhelming fear. European Union hospitals offered only endless delays, strict eligibility barriers, and no clear path forward, leaving her increasingly desperate.
Online research led her straight to Sheba’s Global Patient Services, who responded swiftly and invited her immediately for expert care.
Bold Steps Toward Healing
Oksana was forced to travel alone from Slovakia when her son was delayed by passport issues. She arrived at Sheba bolstered by fierce maternal love, “I came here alone,” she said, “because I want to live for my son, for the future. I love life very much.”
Though she arrived “without hope that she would survive,” Prof. Amir Onn’s reassurance that she would live and see everything changed transformed her. Oksans told us that from the moment she met with Prof. Onn, joy reignited and “began to notice that the birds are singing, that the flowers are blooming.”
Advanced Diagnostics and Expert Care
Sheba’s advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy, combined with precise imaging and pathology, revealed Oksana’s cancer to be a localized carcinoid tumor, far less aggressive than she was told in Slovakia. Targeted surgery revealed no metastasis and delivered an excellent prognosis.
Teary-eyed, Oksana reflected on the stakes: “If I had stayed at home, I would have undergone several courses of unnecessary chemotherapy. My diagnosis required immediate treatment; I could not have waited for two or three months for PET-CT treatment.
Beyond cutting-edge medicine, Sheba felt like home, making Oksana reluctant to leave Israel. The warm staff enveloped her and it was clear they cared about her.
Renewal & Gratitude
Now healthy, Oksana celebrates her renewal. She has a transformed outlook and is deeply grateful for her time with loved ones.
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