Privileged.

I'm very privileged. Perhaps that sounds a bit strange coming from someone who’s just been diagnosed with cancer. In the brain of all the places. But I am very privileged. I am fortunate to have been born in this time and era when cancer treatments are so advanced. I'm also extremely lucky to have been born in this part of the world.  Where I stand a chance of survival. I might actually survive, the odds of that were very slim last May. I'm able to hold on to my life thanks to the privileges that I have been born into. I was born with a golden ticket. The painful truth is that I am far from being alone to be diagnosed with this illness. One in three will face cancer during their lifetime. I happened to get it at a young age which is a bit lousy, but at the same time my body has been strong enough to fight through four brain surgeries and some intensive chemo and radio treatments.   I was born as a Swedish citizen. That too makes me very privileged. Sweden is year after year being ranked as being within the top 10 countries with the best healthcare system in the world. The hospital which I am being treated in (Akademiska sjukhuset) is recognised as having  some of the best neurosurgeons in the world. Throughout the time I’ve been sick I’ve received the best possible treatments and care and with top of the range equipment. Outside getting my treatments I also have access to dietitians, physio therapists and counseling and group therapy to name a few. In Sweden there is a max fee of approx. 120 euro that you can pay in one year regardless of your income and regardless if you need specialist care or not, anything after those 120 euro is for free. I don’t even have to pay for my transport to the hospital (70 km from my home.) A bus picks me up outside my door and brings me back to the same place. If you had to come to the hospital with an ambulance you and if you've been accompanied with anyone have the right to get a taxi for your journey home. I’ve been hospitalised a few times since I got sick and for that I’ve only got bills of less than 30 e. I‘ve only had private rooms.  I got to select my three course meals from an a la carte menu everyday. The food was tasty, organic and adjusted after my dietary preferences. I am privileged because I am being sick in luxury without having to worry about the costs.  There are so many people in this world who don’t even have access to clean water, never mind doctor care. They don’t even have a doctor to diagnose and inform them thay they're  sick. It’s such a heartbreaking reality and such an unfair world. I am so grateful and I am very aware of my privileges that has saved my life. I am forever, for as long as I’m alive going to work hard to pay taxes that avails this kind of care no matter of socal class.We are very lucky to have these health systems in Sweden and Ireland that provides for this human right to receive medical help. I am forever going to help and do whatever I can do for a better world. Going through this, and been given so much care has changed my perspective on life and this world. I will remember every nurse, every doctor and every encouraging word I have been told. I’m sleeping in a warm bed and I feel safe that nobody is going to bomb or break into my home. I’m more comfortable than the majority of humans in this world. I got the golden ticket. I thank my good forces every day. But it’s not easy. Nobody said it was going to be easy. Waking up. Must be about 4 am at this point.  Seeing strange men looking down at me, hearing them speaking. “Vanessa we are going to bring you to the hospital now”. I don't really understand what happened but something tells me it must have been bad when I look across the room and watch my father break down crying.No, nobody said it was going to be easy. Not even for the most privileged girl.