Agnieszka Brania
I have breast cancer with bone metastases. The drug, which is the only one that brings treatment results, is very expensive and our family cannot afford it. For this reason, I have not taken the recommended dose for two months, which inevitably leads to the loss of my health.
Collection for:
Non-reimbursed drug
26,607.42 PLN from PLN 100,000.00
Date of publication of the collection
08-12-2023
It remained on the subaccount
10724,85 zł
Reimbursed expenses
15882,57 zł
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My history
Updates:
Updated on 24/07/2025
Fortunately, the chemotherapy and medications are still working reasonably well – I've already completed my 49th treatment. My health is very unstable. I have a fractured collarbone that, unfortunately, will never heal. A recent CT scan also revealed a ruptured implant. After consulting with an oncological surgeon, I was told that I was a palliative patient and no longer qualified for surgery.Additionally, microcalcifications have appeared, which are a cause for concern. It's difficult to find a private clinic willing to undertake treatment – and if they do, the costs are enormous.
I also have a prolapsed uterus, an attached bladder and intestine, and endometriosis. Tests are underway to rule out metastasis. Surgery in my case carries a very high risk – it could damage my intestine and bladder, which would require a urostomy and colostomy (meaning having to live with two bags). I have to be very careful with my bones – they can spontaneously rupture. After chemotherapy, I'm also struggling with serious skin problems – I have frequent, painful rashes and spots.
I'm scheduled for further tests in September, so we'll see what happens next. I'm under the constant care of a pain management clinic and take strong painkillers—some days it's really hard to get out of bed. I'm also seeing a psycho-oncologist.
My family's situation is also very difficult. My husband is struggling mentally, suffering from depression, and has a disability. Our son, Leo (12), also has a disability – he has Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, and asthma. He is homeschooled and takes psychotropic medications. My treatment and my son's private therapy are very expensive. We survive on benefits.
If it weren't for the foundation's fundraising efforts and the ability to receive invoice refunds, there would be days when we wouldn't even have enough to buy bread. This is our daily life—briefly, but honestly.
Thank you for your support!
Dream:
My name is Agnieszka and I am 53 years old. I am a mother of two wonderful children. In 2016, I received the diagnosis breast cancer. At first I was in shock and couldn't believe what was happening. I had thousands of unanswered questions in my head. A week after the diagnosis, my son died, which caused even more suffering.
However, I decided to fight. Shortly thereafter, I underwent mastectomy and hormone therapy. The test results showed that I was healthy. Unfortunately, in 2019 I started having terrible bone pain. Based on an X-ray of the spine, three orthopedists and a doctor agreed that it was a spinal hernia and I was recommended rehabilitation. However, I did an MRI on my own. Then my world collapsed again - numerous problems appeared bone metastases.
After many tearful days, I knew I had to break this terrible news to my family once again. I was most afraid for my husband, who had a heart attack 3 months earlier. My family supported me a lot during this difficult time. I gained new motivation to get better.
I quickly organized an appointment at the oncology clinic. During the consultation, the doctor told me words that I remember to this day: "You have 3-6 months left to live. What are you counting on? Please write your will." Fortunately, another doctor gave me hope and started treating me. After some time, it stopped working because - as it turned out - I have a rare mutation of the PIK3CA gene, which excludes me from many therapies. An opportunity for me was a non-reimbursed medicine that cost PLN 9,000. euro per month. We sold everything our family owned and bought one package of medicine. Thanks to clinical trials conducted in Warsaw, I received subsequent doses for free for 8 months. After this time, the drug stopped working again. More metastases appeared to previously uninvolved bones, bringing with them unimaginable pain.
I was offered a new line of treatment as part of the drug program. After 3 months of therapy, I received wonderful news - the pleural tumors disappeared and the bones began to calcify. This news gave me wings. I am currently waiting for the results of a computed tomography scan, which will show whether the treatment is still effective.
I have good days and bad days, but I still fight for my children and husband. They are my driving force. However, our financial situation makes it impossible to continue treatment. The drug program under which I received medicine to maintain good bone condition was closed. Therefore, its price will almost double from January 2024 and will amount to PLN 1,600 per month. In addition, there are the costs of other medications. We have PLN 1,400 left to support our family. My son has asthma and ADHD and requires special care and home schooling.
We often have to choose whether to buy medicines, fuel or food. For this reason, I have not taken the recommended dose of the drug since November. If I don't take further doses, it will cost me the rest of my health.
I have always tried to help others - today I need help myself. I am begging for support and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
