Alexander Didn’t Surrender, but Instead Came for Melanoma Treatment in Israel

July 27, 2023

16 years ago, Alexander Bragilevsky received a devastating diagnosis of melanoma. He immediately underwent treatment in Russia, but the results were not encouraging. At a certain point, the doctors lost hope, discontinued Alexander’s treatment and left him with a prescription for strong painkillers. However, Alexander’s family and friends had not given up – and one person told him about Sheba Medical Center in Israel, where more advanced treatments were available. Alexander decided to travel for life-saving melanoma treatment in Israel.
Soon after his arrival at Sheba, Alexander noticed essential differences between the medical approaches in Russia versus in Israel. “The approach to cancer treatment in Israel is radically different; in Russia, you feel depressed, because there isn’t always access to the necessary help. But in Israel, everyone is very friendly, smiling, and trying to help in any way they can,” says Alexander.

Sheba’s doctors evaluated his condition thoroughly, and Alexander passed all the testing procedures. He met with the surgeon, and his operation was scheduled.

“I was operated on at 4pm, and the next morning at 6am, I was allowed to get up and take a shower. I was in total shock, because in Russia I had to lie in bed for two weeks after the surgery! It was impossible to touch anything, and I was still hooked up to many machines,” explains Alexander.
“After the doctor’s examination, I was discharged and told that I could go home. I had been in three leading medical centers in Russia, but I had never seen such advanced technologies and progressive approaches to treatment as I experienced in Israel.” After 10 days, Alexander’s stitches were removed and the doctors confirmed that the surgery was successful. Following his operation, Alexander received two courses of radiation at Sheba.

“I spent a lot of time in a patient hostel near Sheba Medical Center, and I even made friends with some of the other patients. Most of the people were from Russia and former CIS countries. Every day, I witnessed incredible events – children who underwent heart valve replacement procedures and were running and playing in the corridors only two days later!” he shares. “People from Russia who had lost hope of recovery regained it here in Israel.”

Alexander came for melanoma treatment in Israel and for 16 years, has not suffered a relapse. Now, he returns to Sheba every year for a routine follow-up examination.

“I would like to express my special, tremendous gratitude to Global Patient Services and my personal medical coordinators, Yana and Anat – they are genuine angels in human form. The Sheba staff is so humane and caring, I still feel like a member of their family and enjoy keeping in touch with everyone,” Alexander says. “Having had many years of experience with Sheba Medical Center, I’m pleased to recommend this outstanding hospital to all friends and acquaintances who need medical treatment”.

Published 2023, Sheba Online