FIRST PERSON: From diagnosis to recovery, an expat's Czech healthcare journey with a charity

I knew something wasn’t quite right. Constantly tired, numbness in my fingers, dizzy spells and blood when going to the toilet. I convinced myself it was due to overworking, lack of sleep, or not drinking enough water—any excuse to avoid facing the possibility of something more serious.

I’m English and have lived in Prague for over 12 years with my Czech wife. This is how my cancer story in Prague began—and my experiences with the Czech healthcare system.

The time is February 2023. I went to see a doctor at the Military University Hospital in Prague 6, who suggested that I should have a colonoscopy after hearing my symptoms.

During the colonoscopy, I was talking to the doctor about what we could see on the screen. She found a polyp, which she removed. I initially thought that this was the cause of my problems, but I then watched the screen as the tumor appeared. It moved like a windsock at an airport, almost as if it were waving at me.

The doctor confirmed the presence of a tumor and outlined my treatment options: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. I was, of course, immediately in shock with so many thoughts coming at the same time.

Having recently lost a good friend in Prague to cancer, it was now my time to beat it. My journey with the Czech medical system had begun.

My MRI scan and CT scan were both, very impressively, scheduled within three weeks and I had the first meeting with my surgeon at the Military University Hospital. I was scheduled to have surgery in April 2023.

The timeline between diagnosis, having the scans and meeting my surgeon was just about six weeks—very fast and efficient. I was very thankful for this as I knew that the longer the tumor was there, the worse the prognosis could be.

About two weeks after my surgery, I met with the surgeon for a follow-up—I got good news and bad news. He told me that while the tumor had been removed, cancer cells were found in my lymph nodes, meaning I would need chemotherapy. 

For three months, I underwent chemotherapy treatment at Motol Hospital, taking pills and receiving infusions. The side effects were challenging at times.

What made things so much easier was the professionalism and efficiency of the hospital staff. The colonoscopy nurse and doctor at the Military Hospital were fantastic. The doctor visited me in the recovery room, giving me the confidence to begin my treatment. 

The MRI and CT scan teams at the Military Hospital were excellent, as were the professionals at the Motol CT scan department, who skillfully managed my vein issues.

My surgeon and oncologist both speak perfect English, as did the doctors and nurses in intensive care and on the surgical ward who treated me with great care.

When I thanked the nursing staff, my surgeon, and oncologist, they humbly replied that they were just doing their job. 

But I know the truth—my surgeon saved my life, and my oncologist provided the treatment that helped me beat the disease. I am sincerely grateful to every medical professional I encountered throughout my treatment.

My blood tests and CT scans are ongoing. I have been fortunate so far, and hope that this terrible illness stays away.

The physical symptoms, treatment, and side effects were difficult, but what went on in my mind was just as challenging. I wanted to talk about my cancer, but at the same time, I didn’t. 

I was hesitant to express my fears and anxiety, worried it might put additional pressure on my family.

That’s when I discovered Amelie, an English-friendly cancer charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families through this difficult journey. Amelie is an incredible organization, run by professionals and volunteers who genuinely want to make a difference; they are there for anyone affected by cancer and their loved ones. They have centers in Prague, Liberec, and Olomouc.

Amelie provides professional psychosocial support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Individual counselling, group activities and the opportunity to meet other patients are offered.

They offer a telephone and email advice service. Volunteers help patients with cancer in hospitals and Amelie centers; new volunteers are of course always welcome. Donations are also essential to help Amelie provide the help needed.

One in three people in the Czech Republic will get cancer at some point in their lives, and one in 13 people in Prague will encounter cancer (be affected by someone with it). Amelie helps all those who are affected.