Locked in solitary confinement after bone marrow transplant - Jacek fights for life❗

Hemoglobin too low. Too high a rate

Until recently, Jacek regularly donated blood as an honorary donor. It was one of the routine laboratory checks that first raised concern - his hemoglobin level had fallen significantly below normal. Vitamin B12 and iron supplementation were recommended, and the first measures were only symptomatic. Despite the passage of weeks, the condition did not improve. When doubts began to grow, the decision was made to perform a bone marrow biopsy. The test was conducted at the University Hospital in Bydgoszcz. It was it that dispelled all illusions - acute myeloid leukemia was confirmed.

A series of blows - one after the other

Soon after the diagnosis, treatment began. Two cycles of chemotherapy were scheduled, but the disease was not going to spare the body. Already the first cycle proved to be extremely debilitating. Jacek endured it very badly.

There were complications, rapid weight loss (by as much as 34 kg) and complete emaciation. Doctors did not hide the seriousness of the situation. Diagnoses included sepsis, pneumonia, and roseola, which almost led to the amputation of a limb. There were moments when the patient himself lost touch with reality. Catheterized, unaware, he was going through the hardest moment of his life.

Fear of another chemo treatment

After a month of convalescence at home and regaining some of his strength, Jacek undertook a second cycle of chemotherapy. This stage, though equally serious, was somewhat milder in its effects.

After transplant - the struggle for survival

On July 3, 2025 in Katowice, Poland, Jacek underwent a bone marrow transplant. Although the procedure represented the hope of curbing the disease, his body had not yet begun its own production of blood cells. Symptoms of complications appeared, including the most dangerous one - the risk of rejection, which spawned the need for transfusions of blood products. Platelets and white blood cells were transfused to reduce the risk of infections and hemorrhages. Hemoglobin was dropping dramatically - below the 7.8 g/dl level - requiring immediate transfusions. This is a typical but very difficult post-transplant period, when the patient's immune system is almost completely shut down and every day becomes a test of survival.

In isolation, away from loved ones

After the transplant, Jacek remains in complete isolation. Due to the risk of infection, no one from his family can visit him. Contact with loved ones has been brutally interrupted. Jacek is accompanied only by medical staff and the silence of the hospital room. This disease affects not only the body, but also relationships. Jack's two teenage sons and wife are greatly affected by the separation and uncertainty. They are all receiving psychological care.