Katja's story
Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs at us when we least expect it. In my case, the shock came in the form of a cancer diagnosis. As I embarked on a new chapter of my life, pursuing a long-awaited education, I was suddenly faced with the daunting reality of ovarian cancer. The following blog recounts my experiences and the mental health journey that unfolded during this challenging period.
A diagnosis that altered my path
Just as I was finally able to pursue my educational aspirations, fate had a different plan in store for me. A routine checkup revealed a tumor that was rapidly growing, and the diagnosis was ovarian cancer. The news hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. However, amidst the initial shock, I knew I had to make a choice – either succumb to despair or face the challenge with positivity.
The waiting game
As I grappled with the news, another obstacle presented itself. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitals in Switzerland were overwhelmed, and I found myself placed on a waiting list for surgery. Weeks turned into months, and the uncertainty of not knowing when the surgery would take place only added to the mental and emotional strain. Balancing work commitments and attending classes on Fridays and Saturdays became an intricate juggling act, intensified by the need to undergo various tests.
During this challenging time, I made the conscious decision to keep my diagnosis mostly private, sharing the news only with my closest friends. Although it was tempting to confide in others, I wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy in my day-to-day life. However, this decision also meant carrying the weight of my illness alone, which posed its own set of challenges in terms of emotional support.
