London woman overcomes stage three thymoma cancer

Mikaela Rajli, a 34-year-old woman from London, has been declared cancer-free five years after being diagnosed with stage three thymoma, a rare cancer affecting the thymus gland in the chest.

Initially attributing a persistent cough and breathing difficulties to COVID-19, Rajli sought emergency medical attention when symptoms worsened. Doctors discovered a 6.4-centimeter tumor located near her heart and major blood vessels. Her treatment included 21 cycles of chemotherapy to shrink the mass, followed by a complex five-hour surgery at Guy’s Hospital in September 2021. During the procedure, surgeons removed the tumor and reconstructed parts of her blood vessels and pericardium.

Following her recovery, Rajli became a mother to a daughter, having previously frozen her eggs to preserve fertility before starting chemotherapy. She is sharing her story to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, particularly when symptoms persist or intensify after a viral infection.