Janek is fighting and asking for support❗Hodgkin's lymphoma❗

A birthday like no other

For a teenager, a birthday is more than just another date on the calendar. It is a turning point, a harbinger of adulthood, a feeling that the world is wide open. That was supposed to be the case on November 6, a day that Janek will remember forever for a completely different reason.

During his morning routine, his attention was drawn to a clearly enlarged lymph node above his collarbone. His surprise quickly gave way to concern. The celebrations had to be postponed. The decision to go immediately to the hospital emergency room was made without hesitation. No one could have imagined that on that day, there would be no return to the carefree atmosphere of the birthday party.

From the emergency room, Janek was immediately admitted to the Pediatric, Hematology, and Pediatric Oncology Ward in Szczecin. Urgent diagnostics the next morning led to a suspicion of lymphoma. A lymph node was removed, intravenous treatment was initiated, and tests were started, which very quickly dispelled any illusions.

A diagnosis that covered the entire body

The PET scan showed extensive lymph node involvement on both sides of the body. Lesions were present in the cervical, subclavian, and axillary lymph nodes, in the mediastinum, lungs, spleen, duodenum and colon, within the diaphragm, and in the iliac lymph nodes.

In addition , an enlarged liver was found, which was confirmed by extremely elevated liver enzymes, present even before the start of chemotherapy. Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed. Two weeks after the initial suspicion, Janek began cancer treatment, and doctors informed him that it would last at least six months.

Chemotherapy and initial complications

The first OEPA treatment protocol was applied . Five days of intensive chemotherapy, a break, followed by further doses and a waiting period. After the first cycle, Janek's immunity dropped dramatically. He developed a severe bacterial infection and sepsis, accompanied by severe abdominal and intestinal pain.

Intensive antibiotic treatment was implemented. Janek lost a lot of weight, and his body, weakened by chemotherapy and infection, struggled to maintain balance. He developed gastroenteritis, colitis, toxic liver damage, and painful stomatitis. The disease and the fight against it took one of the most severe courses possible.

Treatment that is only just gaining momentum

Janek has only completed the first stage of treatment. He still has five more chemotherapy protocols ahead of him. The next cycle will begin on Christmas Day. The only consolation at this time is that he will be able to spend Christmas Eve at home.

After the second protocol , a decision will be made as to whether the treatment will need to be extended to include radiotherapy. Each subsequent stage brings uncertainty, further tests, and waiting for the body's response, which has already been put to the ultimate test.

Between the hospital and home

Janek's treatment is proceeding according to the protocol. Two weeks in the hospital, two weeks at home, unless further complications arise. His mother is taking care of him and has switched to remote working, working from home, from the hospital, and from wherever her son's illness requires her to be.

Janek has two sisters, one two years older and one twelve years old, who are deeply affected by their brother's illness.It is an emotionally difficult situation that weighs heavily on their daily lives.

Daily challenges

The biggest challenge today is keeping an eye on Janek's weight and finding ways to get him to eat despite his lack of appetite and digestive problems. At the same time , it is necessary to adapt his room, including installing and repairing the heating system, to ensure safe conditions for him after his return from the hospital.

Every day is a matter of precise logistics. Shopping, preparing meals, caring for Janek in the hospital and for my daughters at home. Everything happens simultaneously, without a moment's rest and without the possibility of stopping.

Who is Janek beyond his illness?

His mother describes him simply by saying thatJanek likes to know how things work. DIY, LEGO bricks, electrical engineering, repairing devices, taking mechanisms apart, and an interest in automation and databases are his natural language for learning about the world.

Curiosity, determination, and inner passion are qualities that beautifully define a young man who today faces a challenge that no one should be ready for at the age of sixteen.

This family's situation is extremely difficult. Only the mother knows how much weight she is able to bear. Work, home, three children, and an illness that can break even the strongest. This family is doing everything it can to cope with what has befallen them, but they have reached a point where, despite their enormous efforts, they can no longer go on alone.