Gisela Bentele umarmt einen Baum

Story

“There are no coincidences in life.”

Gisela Hahne Bentele has always taken her happiness into her own hands. When she was advised to be patient regarding a skin spot, she contacted the teledermatology consultation at the USZ instead. He diagnosed black skin cancer and was able to remove it quickly. Today she is perfectly healthy.

I’ve experienced a lot in my life – the revolution in Paraguay, for example, or building up several of my own businesses. I have always been a critical thinker and rely on my gut feeling. I question everything. So I didn’t let up when I was advised to wait and see about a skin spot.

"I felt like I was in good hands"

I did some research online and came across the teledermatology consultation at the USZ. Shortly after I uploaded a photo of the spot, I was contacted by the senior physician. I felt very well taken care of there. The doctor suspected black skin cancer, examined me and sent in a sample. Then it was time to wait for the results. When you’re in limbo like that and don’t know what to do next, it’s easy to despair. Instead, I said to my husband: “Let’s pack our bags and go away! I did a lot of sport, meditated and focused on things that were good for me.

Suspicion confirmed: Black skin cancer

When I came back, the suspicion of cancer was confirmed. But it had not yet penetrated very deeply. The stain could be removed and I did not have to undergo chemotherapy. I am very grateful that I found help so quickly and was taken seriously. Today, even after several follow-up checks, I am cancer-free and in perfect health. I wish more people, especially those my age, would take their health into their own hands. I take good care of myself, eat healthily and refrain from alcohol and cigarettes. And also include alternative healing methods.

"I still have a lot planned!"

I’ve lived a full life. And I still have a lot planned. I’m currently writing a family chronicle, getting to know lots of new people and learning exciting things about my ancestors. I love traveling and am often on the road. I was surprised that an illness came into my life so suddenly. But I try to take something positive from every situation and then think to myself: “What does this experience want to tell me?” Because I am convinced that there are no coincidences in life.