Dr Maria Vidal, oncologist and Olga’s doctor confesses that, "she arrived with the disease at a very advanced stage, but she was lucky that it was very localized”. These first months after the diagnosis were uncertain, and Olga had to undergo lots of tests, start chemotherapy and prepare for complex surgery, but one "with excellent results’”, recalls Dr Vidal.
The surgery was a success, but Olga then began a new phase of the fight to overcome this disease for once and for all: radiotherapy sessions. Radiotherapy is a procedure that consists of the use of using high-energy ionizing radiation, which blocks the cancer cells’ ability to divide. “I remember being happy to go for the treatment, because it meant that there was hope”, explains Olga, but she also confesses that she went through several emotional phases, “I was affected and needed the help of a psychology professional", she concludes.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Spain
It is estimated that one woman in eight will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide.
“Now Olga is free of the disease, she has check-ups, and we have to keep an eye on any side effects she might have”. This is how Dr Maria Vidal, from the Medical Oncology Service at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona and researcher at IDIBAPS defines Olga’s state of health, someone who has also become a close friend. Dr Vidal maintains that everyone receives the same treatment and the care they need, “as it couldn’t be any other way”, but confesses to having connected with Olga from a more personal perspective. When Dr met Olga, they were both at a similar stage in their lives; they had recently become mothers and this, she admits, helped them to connect.
