Lymphoblastic leukemia. Tosia at high risk ALL❗ HELP❗.

When the smile disappears...

A pretty five-year-old with luscious curls and a warm outlook, with which she had not long ago infected everyone around her, slowly began to fade before the eyes of those closest to her. Recurring infections were nothing new, but what happened in late April sowed real concern. There were pains in the hip, difficulties with movement, and the hip arthritis found, was supposed to explain the source of this suffering. Unfortunately, improvement was not forthcoming.

Antosia was taken to a rheumatology ward in Poznań, where, despite detailed tests, no diagnosis could be made. Discharged home, she continued to struggle with pain. The antibiotics administered brought no relief, and her CRP index remained alarmingly high.

Antosia was becoming lethargic and weakened. Complaining increasingly of stomach pains, she was losing her appetite day by day. An unnerving picture was emerging from behavior that had previously been considered psychosomatic. Parents watched in horror as strength drained from their beloved child.

Hospital again

On Children's Day, Antosia began complaining of severe headache and neck pain. The symptoms were joined by a fever reaching 38-39 degrees, sweats and chills. Antipyretics and painkillers brought no relief.
Two days later, an ambulance called by her mother took Antosia to a hospital in Krotoszyn. Due to the child's deteriorating condition and limited diagnostic capabilities, the decision was made to urgently transport her to Wroclaw - to the infectious disease ward of a children's clinic. There, for the next two days, intensive diagnostics were carried out, which ruled out Lyme disease and other zoonotic diseases.

Ward change and diagnosis

Concern, however, was raised by the results of blood tests. With a suspected proliferative disease, Antosia was immediately transported to a specialized hospital in the pediatric hematology department. The girl underwent an MRI, a bone marrow puncture and a cerebrospinal fluid study. Transfusions were required - both blood and platelets. Three days later, the diagnosis was made: acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Drama and inner screaming

The tenth of June, when the diagnosis was made, was a day of unimaginable despair. For a long time Antosia's dad couldn't get the words out of his mouth to tell his wife. The concern for her was special, because at that very moment she was carrying their child under her heart. Every word, every shadow of anxiety could reflect not only on her, but also on the tiny life that was yet to be born. He stifled his despair, trying to be a rock for his daughter in the hospital room. He didn't cry, though tears pressed to his eyes. He didn't scream, though he felt like banging his head against the wall.

At the same time, Antosia's mother, racked with anxiety, was losing her strength. The pregnancy, which was supposed to be a time of peace and joy, was overshadowed by anxiety. The son was born on June 18 - at a time when the older sister was already fighting the most difficult of battles.

Antosia at high risk of ALL

Antosia is already after her first cycle of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, from the very beginning she was classified as high-risk. She was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the presence of hypodiploidy. This is a serious genetic abnormality involving a reduced number of chromosomes in cancer cells. In children with leukemia, this means a much worse prognosis and a higher risk of relapse.
Ahead of Antosia are more cycles of intensive treatment and a bone marrow transplant. The fight for life is just beginning.

Longing and strength

Antosia dreamed of having a sibling and was happily awaiting the birth of her baby brother. Unfortunately, just before that important day she was hospitalized, and the separation from her family proved long and painful. She misses her little sister and brother very much, whom she was only able to see during a brief visit to Cape Hope. Despite her illness and the hardships of treatment, she still manages to smile - giving her loved ones hope and strength. Her biggest dream is to go to the sea together - together.