We found out about the disease by accident. It all started with an ECG. The cardiologist, concerned about the results, referred me for an X-ray and then a CT scan. The result was devastating – a large, pathological mass measuring 80 × 110 × 118 mm covering the entire left lung.

In August I was admitted to the pulmonary ward. They performed a bronchoscopy and collected pleural fluid. After 14 days I received the result that broke my heart - small cell lung and bronchial cancer.

Treatment stages:

1. Chemotherapy
   In September I started treatment – 6 cycles of intensive chemotherapy (red), each time I spent two days in hospital. Unfortunately, I only made it to the fourth cycle. The cancer did not respond to the treatment, which required a transfusion of two units of blood. The next steps in the treatment are questionable. Doctors are considering radiotherapy.

2. Possibility of surgery
   The plan is to remove the lung along with the tumor. First, however, I must undergo thorough tests in a clinic in Warsaw, and then it is possible to travel abroad to continue treatment. We are currently urgently looking for an oncology specialist who will take on my case.

Financial challenges:

Medical costs are a huge obstacle to my health. They include:

• medicines (including specialist nutridrinks, tablets, appetite syrups),
• travel to clinics in other cities because there is a lack of suitable specialists locally,
• air purifier for bronchial asthma,
• an appropriate diet that I have been following for 8 years due to type 2 diabetes,
• sensors to monitor sugar levels, which help me avoid dangerous drops.

Additionally, I struggle with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, depression and the effects of a stroke, which limited the mobility of my left arm and leg.

Who am I:

I am not just a patient. I am a mother and grandmother who has always tried to support others and share what she had. Today, I am the one who needs help and support to continue being there for my loved ones.

My dream is the gift of life – to return to health and share every moment with my family.

Every help, every payment and every kind word is a huge hope and strength for me to continue fighting. I thank everyone who decides to support me on this difficult path.

With gratitude,

Marzenna