In 2021, I underwent the first treatment of metastatic tumors to the brain, diagnosis and removal of the primary tumor - malignant transformation of a germ cell tumor (teratoma) from the mediastinum.
Treatment included surgery, radiosurgery, radiotherapy (head and chest) and chemotherapy.
Currently, after over 2.5 years of living with cancer and metastases to the CNS, the disease is unfortunately in its active phase again. In November 2023, I underwent my third cerebellar surgery and my functioning deteriorated significantly. I am currently under home hospice care and starting rehabilitation (at home, privately, I don't go outside yet). I will probably have to use a wheelchair, at least for some time. Life won't stand still, and as I raise two preschoolers, I have to somehow cope and improve as much as possible.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with a germ cell cancer called teratoma with malignant transformation of the intestinal type. It hit with a vengeance, revealing itself in April with the first metastasis to the cerebellum, two months later two more tumors were removed (in the cerebellum and a new one in the frontal lobe), and in September an entire teratoma from the anterior mediastinum with a residual thymus and fragments of the phrenic nerve and pleura. I underwent radiotherapy of the postoperative site in the cerebellum, synchronized radiotherapy of the postoperative site in the mediastinum, mono-chemotherapy and additionally several chemotherapy sessions. The situation was brought under control for some time.
Due to the significant deterioration of my health situation, I obtained a certificate of moderate disability and, taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in a program for professional activation of disabled people, I attempted to retrain, completing an archival and clerical course and completing a three-month internship at the secretariat of a state institution. I was hoping that the cancer would go away and I would start a completely new chapter, returning to work not only after the illness, but also after a long period of caring for two toddlers whom I raise alone.
Unfortunately, the teratoma turned out to be stubborn and returned for the third time, forming a tumor in the cerebellum, the last MRI also showed a lesion in the frontal lobe, and the radiologist describing the CT scan results indicated three potentially metastatic lesions in the lungs. The tumor in the cerebellum was treated with single-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy two weeks ago. I am now waiting for the PET result and further treatment decisions.
At the moment, it is extremely important for me to take care of my regeneration, immunity, physical and mental condition. The two-week period of caution following head radiotherapy has now passed and I can now look for controlled physical activity that is appropriate for me. All together, these are big expenses that I couldn't afford without the help of kind people.
I believe that I am not in a bad position in this next battle with cancer, even though the diagnosis of brain metastases often results in poor prognosis. Two years of treatment are already behind me and I intend to consistently fight cancer. Thank you in advance for all your support.
Agnieszka can also be supported by bank transfer:
Foundation account number:
52 1050 1025 1000 0090 3010 4252
Deposits in foreign currencies
USD:
PL54 1050 1025 1000 0090 8058 1367
EUR:
PL32 1050 1025 1000 0090 8058 1375
GBP:
PL76 1050 1025 1000 0090 8058 1359
Transfer title:
Agnieszka Kaszkur
The recipient's details:
Rakiety Oncological Foundation, al. Rzeczypospolitej 2/U-2, Warsaw
1,5%
National Court Register:
0000414091
Specific goal:
Agnieszka Kaszkur
