“It then turned out that there were also some metastases to the liver”
When Eva asks Ronald how his wife, who has chronic breast cancer, is doing, he answers: “Pretty well.” He then explains the medical situation further: “Very briefly, breast cancer arose in 2010. It returned in 2018. Then in 2023, again.”
According to Ronald, the past period has been very difficult and exciting for the family. For example, he also missed a training of the Dutch national team last October due to her health situation. “Then she had treatment again and it turned out that there were also some metastases to the liver. That was very exciting, so we really had to keep our fingers crossed that the treatment would work.”
Fortunately, this treatment appears to have an effect. “Luckily it’s catching on,” he says. “She has now completed eleven chemo treatments. Every week.”
Although there is cautiously positive news, Bartina must continue with the treatments for the time being. “We are going on holiday. She can skip one, but will have to continue with this treatment for the time being.” Ronald emphasizes her resilience: “But she is incredibly strong and positive, so that is also very nice.”
Finally, Eva asks what it is like for Ronald to worry about his wife for so long. He indicates that this is very difficult for him and that it is logically a major concern within the family, with the children and grandchildren.
The disease also has an impact on his wife’s daily life. “She can’t do everything anymore. She gets tired a little earlier and she has to deal with side effects,” says Ronald. Yet they try to focus on what is possible. “We pick out the things that we find very important and that give her energy.”
RTL Boulevard spoke to Bartina earlier this year shortly after the news about the recurrence of her breast cancer:
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