From a Cruise in Seattle to the Operating room at Hillel Yaffe

Tamar Vilk, 74, mother of four sons and grandmother of eight, lived a full and happy life. After recently feeling that her bladder had "dropped," she scheduled an appointment with Dr. Benny Feiner, Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Director at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. During the ultrasound examination, suspicious fluid was discovered in the uterine lining, and she was required to undergo a biopsy.

"I was about to go on a dream cruise from Seattle to Miami, 24 days at sea," Tamar said. “I decided to postpone the biopsy until I got back from the trip." When she got back, she underwent a biopsy that confirmed the suspicion – advanced metastatic cancer originating in the uterus. But Tamar, an experienced holistic therapist for over 20 years, remained composed. "I wasn't too upset by the news," she said simply. "When you treat people for so many years, you learn that the body is a complex system. I knew I needed to combine my knowledge with advanced medicine. I had full faith in the expert team at Hillel Yaffe and knew everything would work out for the best," Tamar stated.

Tamar made a daring decision – she postponed surgery for a month and treated herself while beginning medical treatment. "I started chemotherapy and biological therapy at Hillel Yaffe's Oncology Institute, once a week. The staff there is simply amazing – they gave me a feeling of caring, professionalism, and lots of guidance and support. Even today, when I go there, I feel at home."

The team of surgeons of the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Department together with Dr. Gotlieb during surgery at Hillel Yaffe

The next stage – innovative robotic surgery

After completing her first series of treatments, the PET CT scan showed that the tumor had shrunk significantly. The team of specialists from the Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology Department at Hillel Yaffe decided to perform advanced robotic surgery using innovative technology that enables maximum precision with minimum damage to surrounding organs.

"The surgery was a great success," Tamar said with excitement. "The anesthesia wasn't easy at my age, but I woke up pain free. Just two days later I was discharged home, and all that remained were five tiny incisions in my abdomen."

The surgery was performed by Professor Ilan Bruchim, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Department Director, and senior physicians Dr. Ariel Polansky and Dr. Guy Katz, accompanied by Prof. Walter Gotlieb, a world-renowned expert in robotic surgery, who guided and supervised the team.

"This was an innovative robotic surgery that lasted about four hours," said Professor Bruchim. "The surgery included complete removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes using advanced technology that ensures rapid recovery with minimal complications."

Today, several weeks after surgery, Tamar continues her planned course of treatment. "A few more chemotherapy and biological treatments," she said, "and then, once every three months I'll receive biological treatment intravenously. While I'm a bit weak, I’m very optimistic."

Center of excellence at Hillel Yaffe

Tamar's story reflects a real revolution in gynecologic cancer treatment in Israel. Hillel Yaffe Medical Center has become an international center of excellence and offers a fellowship program in gynecologic oncology recognized by the European Union, in collaboration with Rambam Hospital. The medical team is in direct and ongoing contact with world-renowned experts. As part of this, Professor Walter Gotlieb, one of the world's leading experts in robotic surgery, came to Hillel Yaffe to assist and guide the team in these complex surgeries.

"I received highly professional treatment," Tamar said. "The staff is amazing, the technology is advanced, and the emotional guidance and support I receive are simply outstanding."

The team of surgeons and Tamar Vilk at the Oncology Institute

A message of hope

At 74, Tamar Vilk proves that age is just a number. A combination of a wise approach, advanced medicine and a dedicated team can lead to amazing results even in complex cases. "My message to all woman going through anything similar," she said with a smile, "is to believe in your body, listen to the feelings and sensations it conveys to you, trust your medical team, and remember that today we have amazing tools to fight cancer."

Tamar continues her treatment at Hillel Yaffe's Oncology Institute, with full support from her large family and great hope for the future.