Michaela Žemberová is one of the well-known content creators on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Recently, she faced a difficult challenge — a battle with cancer. Despite the hardships, Michaela managed to document her journey on her profile, showing the raw and real side of the illness. We sat down with Michaela for an interview, where she shared more about this life-changing experience.
“I’M GLAD THAT THROUGH MY VIDEOS, I CAN GIVE OTHERS THE MOTIVATION AND STRENGTH TO FIGHT,” SAYS MICHAELA.
How did you find out about your illness? Why did you decide to see a doctor?
I started noticing some symptoms, but you don’t immediately think of the worst-case scenario. I was often tired, had lost weight rapidly—which I actually liked—but I had severe pain in my armpits and a persistent cough for six months straight. It only quieted down when I started chemotherapy.
There were other symptoms too, but I kind of rationalized them away. I thought I was just overworked or that it was a time when everyone seemed to be sick, and I believed those clichés. I never would have guessed it would turn out to be what it actually was.
I wouldn’t have gone to the doctor on my own, but I had an appointment for a breast ultrasound in January, thinking I’d be free from doctors for most of the year. How ironic. Instead, I ended up seeing doctors all year long.
During that check-up, they found some troubling findings in the lymph nodes and sent me for further tests. My blood work and X-rays didn’t come back well, so I had to go to hematology and get a CT scan. When the doctors started suspecting cancer, I had to undergo a biopsy, which ultimately confirmed it.
“MY WHOLE LIFE DRASTICALLY CHANGED WITHIN 2 WEEKS.” CLAIMS MICHAELA
Michaela, what was your initial emotion?
I was incredibly angry that this was happening to me. I kept asking why. You have to go through certain stages to process it all. This includes a phase where you reject the illness and blame everyone around you for why it had to happen to you.
I often wondered if I was such a bad person that life had to hit me with this lesson. Then came the fear of what was ahead, like the chemotherapy. Eventually, I came to terms with it. Now, a year after treatment and being in remission, I look back on the whole experience differently. I’m actually grateful for it. It changed how I see life, made me appreciate every day I wake up healthy, and enjoy the simple things, like eating without feeling sick or being able to go wherever I want and have the energy to do it. In the end, cancer gave me way more than it took away.
Does a person’s outlook on life change?
I was really afraid that over time, my perspective on life would slip back into old habits, that I’d stop being grateful and start taking everything for granted again. But I realized that it’s up to me how I see the world. Whenever I feel myself drifting in the wrong direction, I just stop and think about the old Miška—how she looked out the window, wishing it would all end so she could live normally again. I remember envying everyone who went to work, went out, and enjoyed every day. There were days when I could barely make it to the bathroom. Remembering what I went through last year fills me with immense gratitude for being able to live normally again.
Michaela, did people see you differently?
People definitely look at you differently when you’re sick. I felt like the world suddenly became a better place because everyone was so kind, smiling, and offering encouraging words. Even strangers, like people in stores, were supportive. It gave me incredible strength to keep fighting.
How did your treatment go?
It lasted six months, and it was like a rollercoaster. I gradually learned how my body worked—when the medication to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy would stop working and when my white blood cell count would be at its lowest, so my body needed rest.
I had two types of chemotherapy. The first was extremely strong, but after the CT scan, we found it had worked, so we switched to a milder one because I was worried my body couldn’t handle the aggressive treatment. With the milder ABVD chemotherapy, I was able to function relatively well—I could cook and occasionally tidy up, but I still spent a lot of time in bed. I wanted to give my body the rest it so desperately needed and deserved. Throughout the treatment, my boyfriend was there for me, giving me various injections for thinning my blood and boosting my white blood cells. I have to say, I couldn’t have done it without him.
What brought you the most joy and relief during your treatment?
We first decided with the doctors to start with a more aggressive chemotherapy called BEACOPP. It affects a lot of things, including fertility, and I had it for two months. Those were probably the hardest two months of my life. My body completely stopped functioning.
After two months, I was scheduled for a CT scan to see how the cancer was progressing and whether we needed to adjust the treatment. When I went a few days later for my chemotherapy at the hospital, the doctors already had the results. I remember the immense relief and joy I felt when the doctor told me that the chemotherapy had worked—really worked! My mom and I cried tears of joy. It was a huge boost. I went into the next round of chemotherapy with a smile and renewed determination.
“I LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT AND FIND JOY IN ALL THE LITTLE THINGS.” SAYS MICHAELA
What surprised you the most about this experience?
What surprised me the most was how I managed to face the illness itself. I’m still amazed and often find myself wondering where I found the strength to fight cancer while outwardly seeming like I just had a common cold. I’m incredibly proud of myself. I no longer plan things too far ahead because life can change unexpectedly. I have immense respect for the word “cancer” now. It truly turned my life upside down.
Michaela, what would you say to those going through the same struggle?
I know exactly how you’re feeling right now. Even with friends and family around, you can feel lonely and misunderstood. Hang in there and keep fighting—things will get better. I’m rooting for you and believe that fate will align with your hopes. It has to. Life is precious and worth every bit of effort.
