The Most Important Game of My Life

It all started in November 2024. One Saturday morning, I noticed something was wrong: I coughed up blood. At first, I thought it was just a sore throat, but my doctor insisted I get an X-ray. That led to a CT scan, which revealed a six-centimeter mass in my left lung.

The diagnosis was devastating. I felt lost. I felt a sense of emptiness, of bewilderment, and a deep fear. My first thought was of my children. They had already lost their mother, and what scared me the most was having to tell them this news as well.

I was diagnosed in Perugia. Through a friend, I was put in touch with Dr. Vanesa Gregorc. I didn’t know her, but she had been recommended to me. Right from our first phone call, she inspired confidence in me and put my mind at ease. That’s when it all began.

It all happened very quickly: a week later, I met with her, and we mapped out the entire process, from the tests to the PET scan. That’s when the diagnosis was confirmed, but fortunately, there were no metastases. We started treatment, and then, in February, I had surgery.

The Procedure and Treatment Plan

The tumor had shrunk as a result of the treatment. Dr. Andrea Droghetti performed my surgery. I always say he has the golden touch—he was fantastic. He operated on me on February 24, and just one month later, I was already out for a walk.

There’s something special about Candiolo. I’ve seen firsthand how well-organized everything is and how quickly you can go through the treatment process. I’ve always felt supported. Even when I was in Perugia, I was in direct contact with them, and that gives you strength and confidence. When you’re dealing with an illness, you need to feel that the doctors are on your side.

Feeling at home

What impressed me the most was the medical staff. In Candiolo, you don’t feel like you’re in a hospital. You almost feel as if you’re at home, in a welcoming place.

The facility itself is incredible, too: it doesn’t feel like a hospital, and even though it might seem like a minor detail, it makes a huge difference emotionally. Whenever I talk about my experience, I always recommend Candiolo to everyone.

The Relationship with Sports

For me, sports have always been my life. Physically, I was able to walk, but mentally I was stuck. I was even afraid to take a few steps.

The thought of no longer being able to go to the gym, run, or play tennis made me feel lost. I felt like my life had changed. But then I accepted the situation and told myself , “My workout is my treatment now.”

Today I’m doing everything all over again. Maybe even too much: the gym, tennis, running. I’ve gotten my life back on track. I feel like a new person, because I know where I started and I know where I’ve ended up.

I’m glad with how I handled all of this. I want to thank the people who have always been there for me, because there were certainly some dark moments. At first, I even felt guilty toward my children. Sometimes it seemed like they believed in it more than I did. Dr. Droghetti, Dr. Gregorc, my children, and my family gave me the strength to keep going.

Inspections and the connection to Candiolo

Nowadays, I only come to Candiolo for any checkup. Every time I come back, I get emotional. I see everyone again; they greet me and give me a hug. It’s a place I now feel is my own.

Distance has never been a problem. Even though I was coming from Perugia, it was always worth it.

The Strength to Keep Going

I found the strength by thinking about my children. I thought about the moment when I would be able to hold them again, relive moments with them and my brother, and see all the people I needed to thank. That’s what drove me to keep going.

A Message for Those Coping with Illness

We are not alone. You are never alone.

A diagnosis can be scary, but science today is capable of extraordinary things. INOC is a cutting-edge institution, and we need to put our trust in centers like this one and the right people.

I’m proud to be able to mention the name Candiolo. I always say never to lose hope. In the toughest times, you can also find strength in the people around you. I needed it, and today I feel the desire to give it back to others.

How My Illness Has Changed Me

I’ve changed, but at the same time, I’m still the same person. I’m as positive as I’ve always been, but today I look at life from a different perspective.

I’m enjoying every moment. A minute spent with my children today is worth a month. A sunset shared with a loved one is worth a year.

Today, I appreciate the value and beauty of life even more.