98.5% of blasts in Emilka's bone marrow❗The fight for life continues❗

A seemingly harmless infection

The beginning was inconspicuous. Infection, paleness, fatigue, lack of appetite. Symptoms that usually pass without major consequences in childhood. The blood count results changed everything. The parents were informed about very poor blood parameters and reported to the hospital in Opole on the same day. Her hemoglobin was falling, and a blood transfusion was necessary. The next day, the girl was transported by medical transport to the "Przylądek Nadziei" Children's Oncology Center in Wrocław.

Detailed diagnostics were started immediately. Bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid samples were taken, and imaging tests were performed. The result was clear: 98.5% of the bone marrow cells were blasts. The diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukemia type B.

Immediate implementation of therapy

There was no transition period or time to slowly come to terms with the diagnosis. On December 2, 2025 , a central femoral catheter was inserted, followed by long-term Broviac access under general anesthesia. An intensive treatment protocol was initiated. Emilka's body repeatedly required transfusions of red blood cell concentrate and platelets to maintain basic functions and continue therapy.

From the outset, the treatment was burdensome and demanding, with no concessions made for a six-year-old child.

Life-threatening complication

After the first month of intensive therapy , a serious drug-induced complication occurred. Acute pancreatitis with intestinal paralysis. A life-threatening condition.

Emilka spent many weeks in the Intensive Care Unit. She was fed parenterally, received oxygen and strong opioid drugs. For over two weeks, she had no bowel movements. In addition , she developed bone marrow failure, coagulation disorders, severe nausea and vomiting.
Leukemia treatment had to be suspended.
It was at this moment that her parents saw for the first time how thin the line between therapy and danger can be.

High risk and further treatment

Once Emilka's condition stabilized, treatment was resumed. A follow-up bone marrow puncture was performed, the results of which will determine the further course of therapy. The test revealed the presence of residual disease. The response to the first stage of treatment was insufficient. Emilka was classified as high risk.

This means a more intensive protocol, greater strain on the body, and a longer road to full remission. Extended consolidation has begun. Every day of this therapy brings new challenges.

Further complications

Emilka's body is responding to treatment in a difficult and unpredictable way. She has developed severe stomach and back pain, gag reflexes, loss of appetite, and changes in taste and smell. Hair loss has become noticeable. The mucous membranes in her mouth have been damaged by chemotherapy, causing painful mouth ulcers and difficulty eating.

Post-operative diabetes also occurred, with glucose levels reaching 380 mg/dl, requiring additional monitoring and treatment. However, the most serious problem remains bowel function.

She developed intestinal obstruction, and an ultrasound scan showed minimal peristalsis and large amounts of gas. Emilka had not had a bowel movement for several days. She is receiving strong opioid medications, which further slow down her bowel function. Today , the girl is struggling with pain that accompanies her almost constantly.

A family in a state of constant readiness

Mom stays with Emilka in the hospital every day. She is on sick leave because her daughter requires round-the-clock presence and care. Dad comes on weekends to replace her, then returns to work. Their previous life has been completely reorganized. The family moved out of their home near Opole. Both daughters now live with their grandmother in Opole. Everyday life has been divided into shifts, changes, commutes, and formalities.

One of the most difficult emotions parents face is feeling powerless in the face of their child's suffering.

Everyday life without childlike carefreeness

Emilka still enjoys painting and engaging in creative activities whenever her health allows. Her hospital bed has become a place of treatment, but also a space where she tries to preserve at least a fragment of her former world. Her parents have not lost hope. They know that the treatment will be long and demanding. Every day brings new decisions, new parameters to monitor, new challenges. They stand by their daughter with the belief that this path, though difficult, will lead to health.