Ágnes, Hungary
It all started with a sudden and overwhelming physical weakness that left me feeling completely drained of my usual strength. Simple everyday tasks became immense challenges, which was the first clear sign that something was seriously wrong. Receiving the diagnosis was a shock that turned my world upside down. In those early stages, I felt that my emotional well-being and personal struggle were often overlooked behind clinical protocols. This sense of being just 'another case' in a fast-paced system is what eventually inspired me to write my book and become an advocate for person-centered care, helping others find their inner strength when their bodies and worlds feel fractured.
The greatest challenge was the profound emotional strain and the feeling of becoming 'invisible' within a complex healthcare system. Beyond the physical toll of the treatments, it was incredibly difficult to navigate an environment where I often felt like just another medical record rather than a person with fears and a unique story. This sense of isolation, combined with the uncertainty of the future, was a constant burden that tested my inner strength every single day.
The most transformative support came from a profound shift in my own mindset and the practice of conscious presence. I realized that while I couldn't control the diagnosis, I could control my reaction to it. I began to view my treatments—which I called my 'pink drops'—not as enemies, but as powerful allies. I used visualization to see the medicine as disciplined soldiers protecting my body, which shifted my state from fear to active cooperation. Additionally, creative self-expression and writing became my lifeline; they allowed me to process my emotions and find a 'quiet power' within. This combination of mental resilience, the support of my loved ones, and reclaiming my own narrative was what truly sustained my mental and emotional well-being during the darkest dawns.
My experience with the healthcare system was a mixture of professional excellence and human disconnection. While I am deeply grateful for the life-saving expertise of the medical staff, I often felt like a passenger on a fast-moving conveyor belt. There were many moments when the clinical protocol took precedence over my individual needs, leaving me feeling like an object to be 'fixed' rather than a person to be heard. What went well was the technical execution of the treatment, but what could have been better was the integration of emotional and psychological support into the primary care. I truly felt empowered only when I took the initiative to reclaim my own agency—creating my own rituals during treatments and finding my voice. My goal as an advocate is to help bridge this gap, ensuring that the 'human' side is never lost in the 'medical' process
To the person facing cancer today, my message is: You are not a diagnosis, and you are not a victim. Even when you feel broken, you remain whole and incredibly valuable. Learn to see your treatment as an ally—my 'pink drops'—and reclaim your power through conscious presence. Remember: Tomorrow does not hold fear for you, but opportunity.
As a holistic mentor, I believe the healthcare system needs a heart-centered shift. My mission is also shared in my book titled 'Csendes erő – Így gyógyultam ki a rákból' (Quiet Power – How I Recovered from Cancer). I advocate for integrated support where the patient's voice is truly heard. Let us build a future where person-centered care is the standard, and no one feels invisible in the dark.