How Early Detection, Determination, and a Bold Treatment Approach Led to a Life-Saving Recovery

Viola, originally from Poland, had been living in Australia for 20 years. A mother of two, she led an active lifestyle filled with running, swimming, and outdoor adventures. She thrived on social interactions and never imagined that cancer would become part of her story.

For years, Viola experienced unexplained fatigue and occasional pain. Despite multiple doctor visits, blood tests, and scans, nothing seemed amiss. In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, Viola’s family fell ill with influenza. She too experienced severe weakness but assumed it was the same virus. However, her condition continued to worsen, prompting further investigations.
In April 2020, after persistent self-advocacy, she underwent an endoscopy. The initial test showed nothing, but a follow-up revealed the devastating truth—stage 4 stomach cancer. Hidden within the stomach wall, the disease had already spread to the peritoneal area, making it a critical case.

With limited time, Viola was placed on an aggressive chemotherapy regimen called FLOT. The treatment was harsh, but she refused to accept a grim prognosis. While her doctors were skeptical about surgery, she researched alternative options and discovered HIPEC—a heated chemotherapy procedure typically used for other cancers. Determined, she sought out a top specialist and was approved for the procedure.

In September 2020, she underwent a grueling 10-hour surgery, which removed her stomach, ovaries, gallbladder, and parts of her intestines. The HIPEC treatment followed, targeting any remaining cancer cells. Though the recovery was difficult, Viola’s resilience never wavered. She pushed herself to stay active, even walking and jumping on a trampoline during recovery.

By April 2021, complications with her intestines led to another major surgery. Weighing only 38 kilos and struggling with severe weight loss, she faced another life-threatening challenge. Yet, despite the odds, she pulled through. Her fighting spirit remained unbroken.

In December 2021, she made a bold decision to stop chemotherapy. Against all expectations, her scans showed no signs of cancer. Today, Viola continues to cherish life, proving that determination, research, and self-advocacy can make all the difference.