visits to specialists, tests, travel, specialist diet, non-reimbursed treatment

In September 2023, pain appeared in the upper abdomen and on the left side of the abdomen. Diagnostics were started at the turn of September and October 2023. Test results showed elevated ESR and CRP. Ultrasound revealed disturbing changes in the spleen and pancreas, which were confirmed by computed tomography.

Further consultations and diagnostics (ultrasound, EUS) conducted at the Military Medical Institute at ul. Szaserów, as part of the DILO card, confirmed the presence of a pancreatic tumor with invasion of the splenic hilum.

Based on the above diagnosis, I was qualified for surgery. On December 21, 2023, a classic circumferential pancreatic resection with splenectomy was performed (the tail of the pancreas was removed along with the spleen). The histopathological result showed pancreatic ductal carcinoma G2. The tumor with the largest dimension of 10.5 cm extensively infiltrated the spleen. Diagnosis: malignant pancreatic tumor.

At the turn of January and February 2024, I started six months of chemotherapy according to the mFOLFIRINOX regimen. I learned that it was palliative chemotherapy. The main side effects included neuropathy and damage to the nerve endings of the hands and feet. After completing chemotherapy, follow-up tests revealed a recurrence in the liver, which forced me to start another chemotherapy, which I started in November 2024 and am still continuing.

At the moment, the treatment offered by the National Health Fund includes the continuation of the current drug program. After several private consultations and genetic tests, new possibilities have appeared, such as participation in clinical research programmes and paid treatment outside the National Health Fund.

I want to use every available alternative, even those that go beyond the standard schemes available in the National Health Fund. This involves additional costs related to visits to specialists, tests, travel, a specialist diet and treatment. These costs are a big burden on our household budget, which is already severely strained by expenses related to the disease.

From the available information, it appears that pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. Statistics indicate that most patients die within a year of diagnosis. I would like to be an exception and tip the scales of this unequal fight, proving that pancreatic cancer does not have to be a one-year sentence.

What motivates me?

This is my family – my wife, children, friends and acquaintances who give me faith and strength, confirming my belief that they need me.

It's travel – both small and large.

This is my job, which gives me satisfaction and the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of colleagues.

This is my passion and hobby – sports shooting, which teaches concentration, perseverance, consistency, systematics and setting and achieving goals, both short-term and long-term. It is also a field for further development as an instructor and judge, a social activist supporting the activities of the Sports Club and promoting this discipline among people of all ages.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support 💙

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