7 years of dramatic struggle❗Gracjan lives in the shadow of a brain tumor❗

The body began sending signals

Gracjan was only two years old when his parents noticed his eye twitching. It was not yet a moment of paralyzing fear, but rather a time of searching for answers and hoping that everything could be explained in a simple way. A visit to the ophthalmologist did not provide any explanations, and the lack of a specific diagnosis forced the family to continue their search.
The next step was a visit to the hospital and a head CT scan. The examination revealed the presence of three cysts and indicated the need for hospitalization. However, there was no room for Gracjan. His parents were told they had to wait. Months passed, and the boy's condition worsened day by day. Their anxiety grew until it finally turned into fear, which made it impossible to wait any longer. His parents decided to seek help at another facility.

A dramatic diagnosis

The persistence and determination of his parents led to further diagnostic tests. An MRI scan provided the answer. There was a brain tumor in the boy's head, pressing on his optic nerve. The documentation was sent to Katowice, where, after consultation, a date for the operation was set.
The procedure was performed two weeks later. Due to the child's age and the location of the lesion, the tumor could only be partially removed. The consequences were dramatic. Gracjan lost his sight and developed left-sided paresis. Intensive rehabilitation began almost immediately, which brought about an improvement in motor skills, but the damage could not be reversed.

Resume

Two years passed. The family thought that the worst was behind them. Follow-up tests brutally took away that hope. The tumor began to grow again. Chemotherapy was recommended, which Gracjan began in Wrocław. The fight for stability lasted four and a half years. During this time , the change gradually receded, giving rise to very cautious hope.
This fragile peace did not last long. The disease reared its head again. The tumor began to grow again, and another round of chemotherapy had no effect. Consultations in Katowice and Warsaw led to the decision to perform another operation. During the second procedure, a valve was inserted into the peritoneum and part of the tumor was removed, which again could not be completely excised. The family was back to square one.

Further operations and fading opportunities

Overthe next two and a half years, the results were relatively stable. Gracjan briefly returned to school, and his parents were able to catch their breath.However, this cycle came to an end once again. Another deterioration occurred , followed by another round of chemotherapy, which brought only temporary stabilization.
Severe, recurring headaches appeared. Initial tests suggested bleeding from the tumor, but a consultation in Katowice revealed a problem with the valve and fluid accumulation. Another life-saving operation was necessary. Although his health improved and the pain subsided, the family faced a prognosis that pushed them to the limits of their emotional endurance and took away the last remnants of their sense of security.

Hospice and the new reality

After years of treatment, surgery, and renewed hope , the doctors had to say what no one wanted to hear. This tumor can no longer be treated. All that can be done is to improve Gracjan's quality of life. The only possible form of care became home hospice.

A family torn apart by treatment

This drama has been going on for seven years. Each passing year has robbed the family of their strength, health, and emotional balance. Gracjan's mother has been struggling with depression for a long time. It is impossible to remain strong indefinitely when you see your own child suffering every day.

Today, the family lives in a rhythm of round-the-clock care for their son, who requires constant presence and support.There is also an older brother who also feels the burden of this situation. Attempts to restore normality often lose out to the emotions that fill the house every day.

We fight for quality of life

We want to help this family ensure that Gracjan has the best possible quality of life. That's all, and that's a lot. We can't change the diagnosis, but we can make his days calmer and less painful.