Meet Iva, a 20-year-old survivor from Skopje, Macedonia. Her experience has been a mix of ups, downs, and unforgettable moments. Iva’s story is about strength, finding your people, and embracing the good things life has to offer.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Iva, I am 20 years old and I live in Skopje, Macedonia.
What was your diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with grade 2 chondrosarcoma.
Can you tell us how and when you found out about your diagnosis?
My first symptoms started when I was 14 years old. I started having constant pain in my left upper arm but I ignored it for a couple of months. I was practicing karate and taekwondo so I thought that the pain was from a bad hit or overusing my arm. Then on my summer vacation I noticed a lump right where the pain was the worst and as soon as I got back home my parents scheduled a doctor’s appointment. It took us a couple of different doctors and a lot of appointments to confirm the diagnosis.
What motivated you to become a part of EU-CAYAS-NET, and what does it mean to you?
When I found out about EU-CAYAS-NET I couldn’t believe that this kind of organization existed. I was so excited to meet people who share similar experiences, to be able to relate to someone but most importantly to learn about aftercare and transitioning into “normal” life.
How has cancer changed your perspective on life?
There are many ways cancer has changed my life, some good and some bad. It made me realize how much people cared about me, how important health is, and why you shouldn’t take it for granted. But it also made me more careful, even scared, in certain situations regarding my health.
I remember going to an amusement park with my mom a couple of months after my last operation and looking at a rollercoaster. My mom asked if I was too scared to get on, and I just laughed and said, “I survived cancer, this has nothing on me.”
What helped you during the treatment process?
Ever since I got my diagnosis, everyone around me showed me so much love and support, and I am forever thankful for that. My family never left my side. They came to every appointment, collected everything we needed for my last operation in Austria, and sacrificed their careers to stay with me for a couple of months. My friends did everything they could to make me happy. My best friend and sister even cut their hair with me when the doctors said the treatment would make mine fall out.
How has your life shifted since your diagnosis?
I still struggle with acute pain, and my strength isn’t what it used to be, but I am grateful for the experience. Everything I went through shaped me into the person I am today. It made me fall in love with medicine, and I hope to one day be able to diagnose and help others like me. I also like to believe it made me a genuine and considerate person who is focused on the right path in life.
If you could go back to the day you were diagnosed, what would you say to yourself then?
I would tell little Iva not to worry, and also to stop joking about the diagnosis because people are genuinely worried about her. On a serious note, I think all that information is a lot for a kid whose only concern should be starting high school. She should try to focus on the good things and the amazing new people she’ll meet.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about being a young cancer survivor?
People should realize that young cancer survivors are still just young people trying to live their lives like everyone else. Some of us don’t like to talk about our experiences because it makes people see us differently, as fragile.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Besides going out with friends and making my parents worry about whether I’ll show up on time, I love reading and hiking. I try to be more active in the community and recently started volunteering.
If you could learn something new instantly, what would you want a crash course in?
I would love to learn to play an instrument. A friend of mine tried to teach me to play the guitar but after 20 min the only thing I learned was how to annoy her.
Do you have a life motto? What quote or saying inspires you the most?
There is a saying in my language that translates to “It would scare a bear, but not me.” I changed it to “It would scare a bear, and me twice as much.” It started as a funny thing to say, but now it reminds me that fear is normal and that I should push through it.
What’s on your bucket list? Is there something you’re dreaming of doing or accomplishing?
This year I started traveling, and I hope to continue seeing different places, meeting new people, and experiencing other cultures. I’m also planning to go to a Formula One race, which has been a big item on my bucket list for a long time.
What personal goal are you working towards next?
My next goal is to finish my degree. I am starting my final year of my undergraduate degree in bioengineering and I hope to finish it on time.
How do you cope when things get tough?
I try to think about the good things in life, happy memories, and genuine people. After a short meltdown, I focus on finding solutions to make the situation better. I write down a plan and try to check off every box.
What app do you use the most on your phone?
Like everyone else, I can’t stop scrolling through Instagram, but recently I’ve become obsessed with the Health app and the step counter, and I’m trying to be more active day by day.
What’s a book, movie, or song you’d recommend to everyone?
When I learned my diagnosis I started watching and reading all the hospital rom-coms for some kind of comfort and the book Five feet apart always made me smile.
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