Good news: Chemo treatment catches on with cyclist Jilke Michielsen (18)

After Jilke, a cycling talent, was hit by bone cancer in 2023, she fought for recovery. The young cycling champion jumped again on the bike this winter after a month -long bone cancer treatment. For example, for the first time in a long time, for the first time in a long time, hospital visits, irradiations and chemotherapy, but of training rides, sports nutrition and exercise tests. The ex-Belgian youth champion on the road, in time trial and on the slopes was again a rider. And she dreamed of her entrance exam for medicine. Until the doctor took her out of the waiting room. She had felt pain again when cycling and a control scan showed that the cancer was back. And this time forever.

But giving up is not in her dictionary. She is a fighter. And that fight is now bearing fruit, because the chemo treatment is catching on. She has to get up now. Because otherwise it might have been the end of story.

Read too. Promising cyclist was ready for spring, until Dr. got her « out of her dream »

If you hear her, you would not believe it is fighting a life -threatening disease. So positive. No complaining, no saws. Always with a smile.

Mental

However, she would have reason to occasionally let the arms hang. But she just doesn’t like each other. She has always been a fighter. « I have now received three courses from five days each. That means early in the morning from Oostduinkerke to the day clinic of the UZ in Ghent. Shortly after noon I usually return home. Sometimes I still follow online lessons, but that doesn’t always work. I am very tired at the end of the week and there are some side effects. »

It’s hard, she doesn’t deny that. Also mentally. But she remains positive despite everything. And she keeps laughing. And wait.

« Based on the results I received now, it was decided to start another three courses of five days each. In two months, new scans will follow to see how it all evolves. To see where we stand and hopefully to make new plans, » she says.

Read also. The cancer is back, and this time forever. Yet cycling champion Jilke (18) will soon enjoy the round

Because the chemo can only extend her life. It sounds hard, but unfortunately it is no different. « That one place on that scan has changed everything, » she says. That is why she tries to get as much out of life as much as possible. Hopefully for a long time.