At Askletion, we often receive complex and heartbreaking medical cases — and we are proud to provide patients with real hope and a second chance at life.

This is the story of Ksenia, a young mother from Karaganda, who faced a long and difficult road to recovery.

Every time we hear stories like this, it’s hard to accept that in some places, patients are still told to just “wait until the tumor grows again — then come back.”

After giving birth, Ksenia was diagnosed with a posterior mediastinal tumor. Doctors classified it as a benign ganglioneuroma and decided to leave it untreated. They told Ksenia it posed no danger to her life — and left her alone with the diagnosis.

But as time passed, the tumor began to grow. It started pressing on her spine, heart, and a major artery.
As a new mother, Ksenia lived in fear — not for herself, but for her baby.

She was terrified of suddenly losing the ability to walk. Her biggest fear was collapsing in public and traumatizing her child with a moment of helplessness.

In such moments, your thoughts become your worst enemy — day and night.

Ksenia found the strength to search for a clinic that would help her.

But in her home country, treatment was not an option. She reached out to clinics in Korea, Israel, and Turkey — but very few were willing to take her on due to the complexity of her condition.

Dr. Sarp explains how nearly all surgeons refused the case

When Ksenia found Askletion, she had no doubts. She made a firm decision — she would be treated with us.

Why do we always say that time is the greatest asset? Because in just a few months of searching for a clinic, her “benign” tumor had grown significantly and was now life-threatening.

Upon Ksenia’s arrival in Turkey, we organized a full medical board consultation. After careful consideration, our doctors took her case — despite the risks.

It was one of the most complex and delicate surgeries we’ve faced. The tumor had to be separated from the spine, the main artery, and the heart. There were serious risks — potential bleeding, or even paralysis of the lower limbs.

But we succeeded.

Once again, Turkish surgeons demonstrated world-class skill and precision, and Ksenia returned home — free from the fear that once dominated her life.