“The Medical Center - University of Freiburg saved my life and I can never thank Prof. Dr. Thimme and Prof. Dr. Fichtner-Feigl enough for giving me a second chance at life.”
Agnė Valatkaitė, 30 years old, Lithuania
Diagnosis: cholangiocarcinoma
In January 2023, at the age of 29, Agnė Valatkaitė received the life-changing diagnosis of liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). This shocking news left her in complete disbelief and denial, feeling completely hopeless. Hearing of a possible diagnosis in Denmark, seeking a second opinion and treatment options in Lithuania, she still felt there was something more she could do to fight this disease.
“After carefully researching clinics,” says Agnė, “my family brought the Medical Center - University of Freiburg to my attention, and after reading more, we unanimously decided to travel to Germany and see if I could possibly be treated there. It was an easy process to schedule the first visits with the doctors - they took me for all the blood tests, scans and consultations within the first week of contacting them. I vividly remember my first day at the clinic, right before my appointments with Prof. Thimme and Prof. Fichtner-Feigl, I was so scared that all I could do was cry uncontrollably. Little did I know that the consultation with the professors would completely change my attitude within the first few minutes, all my questions were answered and all possible treatment options were explained to me. The level of comfort that the professors and their teams gave me convinced me to undergo treatment at the Medical Center.
The surgery was scheduled within ten days, giving me plenty of time to prepare. The day before the surgery, the surgeon and his team explained the entire process, including anesthesia, the surgery itself, recovery, and what to expect after the surgery. The care I received on the day of surgery and throughout my hospital stay was indescribable. The medical team not only took care of my physical needs, but also provided critical psychological support. Professors visited constantly to explain further treatment options, while nurses provided both emotional support and moments of lightheartedness.
Returning to my daily life after treatment was not as easy as I expected. Although the cancer was officially out of my body, new pain and lingering questions remained. My communication with the German doctors became a lifeline, and they responded to my numerous emails with an incredible level of detail, care, and sympathy.
The Medical Center - University of Freiburg saved my life and I can never thank Prof. Dr. Thimme and Prof. Dr. Fichtner-Feigl enough for giving me a second chance at life.”