When I was 26 and had just given birth to my first child, I began experiencing occasional migraines with aura and weakness. Eventually, I had a complete blood count done, which revealed an elevated platelet count. A search began to determine the cause of these abnormalities, and I was eventually referred to the Institute of Hematology in Kyiv, where I was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. polycythemia vera.

Over the past 12 years, I've gone through various stages of treatment. Initially, I was treated with short-acting interferons, which didn't achieve the desired bone marrow suppression. Next, I tried chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs, but I tolerated them very poorly. Later, I was introduced to long-acting interferons, which produced better results. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the lack of access to treatment, I was forced to leave the country. Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to benefit from state-of-the-art treatment methods, for which I am incredibly grateful to Polish doctors.

My disease is incurable, but with appropriate treatment, I hope to live a long, possibly normal life. The therapy is lifelong and requires regular monitoring of blood parameters. In addition to the reimbursed main medication, I regularly take other medications at my own expenseDue to the serious I also need a diagnosis and consultation with specialists such as a cardiologist, psychiatrist or endocrinologistwhich we cannot always afford because only the husband works in the family.

My children, husband, parents, and friends give me strength to live. Travel, even just for a day, helps me cope with my illness. I enjoy learning about the history of cities, visiting museums, and taking photos; it gives me energy and hope.

Thank you in advance for any support!