non-reimbursed medicines, doctor visits, travel to treatment

My name is Kasia, I am 41 years old. I am a mother of 11-year-old Borys – an exceptional boy struggling with autism spectrum disorder, who requires constant therapy – and a wife of a loving husband Tomek.

In April 2024, I was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer. The diagnosis was a huge shock for me and my family, especially since I had never been sick – I was strong, athletic, took care of my diet and health. My case was supposed to be curable in 100%: a small tumor, detected early, ultrasound did not show metastases to the lymph nodes or lungs. The prognosis was very good. After consulting the surgeon, I waited a little calmer for the operation.

After a left mastectomy with simultaneous reconstruction, I received an unexpected blow – however, tests showed metastases to all sentinel lymph nodes. Further tests were performed, including tomography and scintigraphy. The results showed suspected metastases to the eye and left rib. My world collapsed again.

On July 15, I underwent surgery to remove all the lymph nodes under my left armpit. It turned out that 33 lymph nodes were affected by disease. They were greatly enlarged, which surprised the doctors and completely devastated me – such numerous metastases usually mean progressive development of the disease. I was offered radical, intensive treatment – chemotherapy (including the so-called “red”) and radiotherapy. I underwent all cycles of chemo and radiation.

I had further tests that ruled out bone metastases. During that time I also received complementary treatment. I felt good, although the results of the imaging tests were still ambiguous – constant suspicion of further metastases, and what followed: stress, crying, mental breakdowns. There were also other suspicions, this time concerning the spine, which were fortunately ruled out in the second scintigraphy. Unfortunately, the current PET results still do not provide a clear answer. There is a suspicion of disease recurrence in the area of the operated breast.

All our savings have already been spent on the treatment so far. The funds from the fundraiser are also running out, and I am still fighting the disease. I believe that everything I have done so far has brought results - I do not have metastases to other organs, which in my case, with such a large number of affected nodes, was very likely. I know and feel that I should continue the chosen method of treatment. Unfortunately, it costs money.

I am asking for support to continue the therapy. Daily support of the immune system, deacidification of the body, vitamin infusions, work on the psyche, comprehensive treatment - all this requires a huge expenditure of strength and financial resources. I would also like to undergo innovative tests, such as determining the number of circulating cancer cells, including stem cells. The cost of one test is about PLN 5,000 - it should be performed regularly to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. Advanced liquid biopsy tests, which allow for testing the chemosensitivity of a given type of cancer, are even more expensive - their cost exceeds PLN 10,000. Fortunately, they can be performed in Poland.

I would like to finally start living normally – for myself and my family. My son, who requires a lot of care himself, looks at me with concern every day, and I try to be the mother I used to be – strong, smiling, present. But it is getting harder and harder.

Every złoty means a lot and really brings me closer to health. I am grateful for every form of support – financial, prayers, kind words.

Health is the greatest gift one can enjoy. I would like to enjoy it for a long time – together with my family

 

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