Zbigniew Ziobro, a prominent Polish politician and former Minister of Justice, recently opened up about his battle with cancer in a heartfelt post following a challenging surgery. His words shed light on his immense struggle and the profound gratitude he holds for the support he’s received.
The politician revealed that he was diagnosed with malignant esophageal cancer on November 13, the day of the swearing-in of newly elected members of the Polish parliament. Despite the shocking diagnosis, Ziobro was determined to fight. He recounted his initial reactions upon receiving the news, expressing his thoughts of concern for his family and loved ones and the daunting realization of the tough battle ahead.
“I couldn’t prepare for this. In that room, I thought about my family, my wife, my children, all the people close to me, and the future. I looked at the statistics again. And I called a friend, asking him to print out everything possible from the internet about this type of cancer. You have to know your enemy,” Ziobro shared in his post.
Despite the urgency of his medical situation, Ziobro felt compelled to fulfill his duties in the ministry and the prosecutor’s office before undergoing treatment. He decided to delay hospitalization until after completing his governmental responsibilities, demonstrating his commitment to his professional obligations even in the face of personal adversity.
Following the diagnosis, Ziobro underwent intensive treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, culminating in a challenging surgery that targeted various areas of his body, including the chest, abdomen, and neck. Despite the grueling ordeal, he expressed gratitude for the exceptional medical care he received and singled out the late Professor Elżbieta Starosławska for her invaluable contribution to his treatment.
The post concluded with Ziobro expressing his determination to persevere, emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight against cancer. Despite the lingering pain and challenges in speaking and breathing, he found solace in the fact that he is alive and the surgery, though difficult, was deemed successful by his medical team.